Inverness · Founded 2011
Modern UniversityUniversity of the Highlands and Islands
A modern Scottish university in Inverness. 9,000 students. Free tuition for eligible Scotland-domiciled undergraduates via SAAS.
Rankings
- Guardian
- 100
- Times
- 111
- Student satisfaction (NSS)
- 82%
Cost of living
- Rent (halls)
- £500/mo
- Rent (private)
- £450/mo
- Other costs
- £620/mo
Known for
- • Marine Biology
- • Archaeology
- • Gaelic Studies
- • Sustainable Rural Development
SAAS tuition — what you’ll actually pay
If you’re a Scotland-domiciled undergraduate, SAAS pays University of the Highlands and Islands’s tuition fee (£1,820/year) directly to the university — you pay nothing. The SAAS code for applications is U80. For your maintenance loan and bursary estimate, use our SAAS calculator.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions about UHI
What is University of the Highlands and Islands ranked?
University of the Highlands and Islands is ranked 100 in the Guardian University Guide and 111 in The Times Good University Guide. Student satisfaction (from the National Student Survey) sits at 82%. Rankings shift annually — always check the latest published tables before relying on a specific position.
Is University of the Highlands and Islands a Russell Group university?
No. University of the Highlands and Islands is not a Russell Group member. In Scotland, only Edinburgh and Glasgow are in the Russell Group. However, non-Russell-Group Scottish universities — including St Andrews (consistently top 5 in the UK), Strathclyde (one of the UK's top engineering schools) and others — are widely respected. Russell Group membership is not a reliable quality indicator on its own.
How much is student rent at University of the Highlands and Islands?
Average monthly rent in Inverness for UHI students is approximately £500 in university halls and £450 in private rented accommodation. Other living costs (food, transport, utilities, social) add roughly £620 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.
Do I have to pay tuition at University of the Highlands and Islands?
If you're a Scotland-domiciled undergraduate studying at University of the Highlands and Islands, SAAS pays the tuition fee (£1,820 per year) directly to the university — you pay nothing. The SAAS institution code for UHI is U80. Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland pay a different fee set by the university. International students pay a higher fee again. Apply for SAAS at saas.gov.uk before the recommended deadline of 30 June.
What is University of the Highlands and Islands known for?
University of the Highlands and Islands's strongest subject areas include Marine Biology, Archaeology, Gaelic Studies, Sustainable Rural Development. These are the departments most commonly cited in league tables and by employers. UHI 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 the Highlands and Islands?
University of the Highlands and Islands is a modern Scottish university with a strong emphasis on applied teaching and research with industry links.
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. Always confirm current prices with UHIbefore committing. See our editorial policy for how we source and update this data.