Question 1

Do Scottish students pay tuition fees at Scottish universities?

Accepted Answer

No. Scottish-domiciled students studying undergraduate degrees at Scottish universities pay no tuition fees. The Scottish Government funds their place through SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland). Students must apply to SAAS each year to confirm their funding entitlement.

Question 2

What is SAAS and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) provides student funding for eligible Scottish-domiciled undergraduates. It covers tuition fees in full and provides bursaries and loans for living costs — up to £9,000 per year depending on household income. Applications open in January for the following academic year, with a deadline typically in June.

Question 3

How many Highers do you need for university in Scotland?

Accepted Answer

Most Scottish university courses require four or five Highers at grades C or above. Competitive courses such as Medicine, Law at Edinburgh, and Veterinary Medicine require five Highers at predominantly A and B grades, ideally completed by the end of S5. Some courses accept a mix of S5 and S6 Highers for less competitive entry.

Question 4

Can students from England, Wales or Northern Ireland study free in Scotland?

Accepted Answer

No. Free tuition applies only to Scottish-domiciled students (and EU students who qualify under relevant regulations). Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland pay fees up to £9,790 per year. Students from outside the UK pay international fees. Domicile is determined by where you have lived, not where you were born.

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