Stirling · Founded 1967
Modern UniversityUniversity of Stirling
Scotland's campus university — a single 330-acre parkland site with its own loch, set beneath the Wallace Monument. Stirling's sports studies programme is one of the best in the UK, supported by national training facilities on campus. The university is also the UK leader in aquaculture research. The town itself is small but well-connected, sitting between Edinburgh and Glasgow on the main rail line.
Rankings
- Guardian
- 50+104
- Times
- 50+55
- Student satisfaction
- 77%
Cost of Living
- Rent (halls)
- £560/mo
- Rent (private)
- £520/mo
- Other costs
- £680/mo
Stirling is one of Scotland's most affordable university towns. The self-contained campus means many students live on site, keeping transport costs near zero.
Known For
Students
17,000
Location
Stirling
SAAS code
S75
Entry requirements for Scottish students
Typical Higher offers for 2026 entry. Always check with Stirling directly.
Sports Studies
PE or Biology recommended
Education (BA Primary)
English required
PVG check + interview
Aquaculture
Biology recommended
Film & Media
No specific subjects
Psychology
No specific subjects
Business
No specific subjects
Entry requirements sourced from University of Stirling prospectus, April 2026. Competitive courses may ask for higher grades.
What it actually costs per month
Realistic monthly budget for a student living in Stirling, 2026.
The SAAS gap at Stirling
- SAAS gives you (max, monthly)
- £950/mo
- Your costs (est.)
- £970/mo
Stirling's self-contained campus and affordable rents mean SAAS support covers almost all typical living costs — the shortfall is minimal, usually under £25 per month. Many students need little or no part-time work in term time.
Calculate your exact SAAS packageSAAS tuition — what you’ll actually pay
If you’re a Scotland-domiciled undergraduate, SAAS pays University of Stirling’s tuition fee (£1,820/year) directly — you pay nothing. The SAAS code is S75.
Open days 2026
Confirmed 2026 open day dates for Stirling. Always book a place directly via the university website.
19 Sep 2026
Campus
7 Oct 2026
Virtual
24 Oct 2026
Campus
Dates sourced from Stirling’s official open days page, checked April 2026. Confirm current details before travelling.
Scholarships & bursaries
Verified funding available to Scottish-domiciled students at Stirling. Always check the university website for current eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Robertson Trust Scholarship
Up to £4,250/yr
Scottish-resident undergraduates facing barriers such as care experience, poverty, estrangement, or homelessness; university nominates students
Apply / find out moreReid Family Scholarship (Widening Participation)
£9,000–£21,525 total
First-generation Scottish undergraduates who meet widening participation criteria; covers living costs over duration of degree
Apply / find out moreCare Experienced Bursary
£500/yr + £150 graduation grant
Scottish undergraduates with documented care experience; registered with Stirling's Point of Contact scheme
Apply / find out moreWho is Stirling best for?
Stirling is the most beautiful campus in Scotland — a single 330-acre site with its own loch, beneath the Wallace Monument. Sports studies is genuinely one of the best in the UK with national-level training facilities on campus, and the aquaculture programme is the UK leader. Right pick for students who want a self-contained, parkland-campus experience without the crush of a big city. Stirling town is small but on the main rail line, so Edinburgh is around 40 minutes and Glasgow 35 minutes by train. Rent is mid-priced and the campus has plentiful on-site accommodation. Student satisfaction (79%) is consistently solid.
Student life at a glance
Students’ union
University of Stirling Students’ Union — campus-based with a strong sports culture. 100+ societies. The Atrium and Studio venues host most social events.
Social scene
Campus has shops, gym, sports centre, lochside cafe — almost everything you need. Town centre is a 15-minute walk; Edinburgh and Glasgow are 45 minutes by train.
Graduate prospects
Education graduates are heavily recruited by Scottish councils. Sports studies pipelines into NHS, sportscotland, and professional clubs. Strong public-sector recruitment more broadly.
Considering Stirling? Also look at
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Frequently asked questions about Stirling
What is University of Stirling ranked?
University of Stirling is ranked 104 in the Guardian University Guide and 55 in The Times Good University Guide. Student satisfaction (from the National Student Survey) sits at 77%. Rankings shift annually — always check the latest published tables before relying on a specific position.
How much is student rent at University of Stirling?
Average monthly rent in Stirling for Stirling students is approximately £560 in university halls and £520 in private rented accommodation. Other living costs (food, transport, utilities, social) add roughly £680 per month on top. These are indicative averages — actual costs depend on the specific hall or flat. Always check the university's accommodation pages for the latest prices.
What is University of Stirling known for?
University of Stirling's strongest subject areas include Sports Studies, Aquaculture, Education, Film. These are the departments most commonly cited in league tables and by employers. Stirling also has strong graduate employment in these areas — check the university's own graduate outcomes data for the most current figures.
What type of university is University of Stirling?
University of Stirling is a modern Scottish university with a strong emphasis on applied teaching and research with industry links.
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Browse options →Rankings, rent, and living-cost figures checked April 2026.
Rankings source: Guardian University Guide and The Times Good University Guide. Rent figures are indicative averages from council and university accommodation pages. Entry requirements sourced from Stirling prospectus 2026 entry. Always confirm current prices and requirements directly with Stirling. See our editorial policy for how we source and update this data.