University in Scotland
Scotland has 19 universities — from St Andrews (1413) to the University of the Highlands and Islands (2011). Scottish-domiciled students pay no tuition fees. SAAS funds living costs up to £9,000 a year. Here is how to navigate entry, finance, and the choice between degree and apprenticeship.
19
Scottish universities and colleges
Free
Tuition for eligible Scottish students
Up to £9,000
SAAS bursary + loan per year
4 years
Standard Scottish honours degree
Tools for university planning
How Scottish universities differ from England
No tuition fees
Scottish-domiciled students pay nothing. SAAS covers the £9,250 fee directly — it never appears on your account.
4-year honours degree
The standard Scottish degree takes 4 years (with a broad first year). English 3-year degrees apply when an English student studies at a Scottish university.
SAAS, not Student Finance England
Applications go to SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland), not SFE. Deadline is 30 June for guaranteed funding before term.
Plan 4 loan repayment
Scottish graduates repay via Plan 4 (threshold £31,395 from April 2026, 9% above that) — not Plan 5 or Plan 2 which English students use.
Browse all 19 Scottish universities
Entry requirements by course, monthly living costs, Guardian ranking, student satisfaction, and editorial verdicts on who each university is best for.
Browse universities