Best Universities in Scotland 2024

Known as Scotland’s oldest university, the University of St Andrews was founded in 1414. The university is home to many traditions which continue year after year, from the May Dip, to each student having an academic ‘parent’. Many know that Prince William attended university here, only adding to its strong reputation. 

There are just over 10,000 students enrolled at St Andrews, making it a smaller academic community when compared to other institutions around the country. Students here enjoy socialising through over 55 sports clubs and 140 student societies run by the university and students’ association - there really is something for everyone. Located on the east coast of Scotland, it is perfect for beach walks on days off or enjoying a quaint coffee shop.

With over 25,000 students, the University of Glasgow is spread across 3 campuses. It is one of two Russell Group universities in Scotland, making it a hub for research and academia. Students at the university can choose from over 300 clubs and societies. From gaming to wine and cheese, there is a group everyone can call home. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to explore a range of subjects before deciding on their specialism - from arts to science, this allows students to find their study niche. 

Glasgow itself is a thriving city, full of museums, live music and culture. With there being multiple universities in the city, it is perfect for meeting like-minded students from a range of backgrounds.

Situated in the heart of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde is a lively university with over 30,000 students. The university has a strong reputation for both engineering and business management, with a triple accredited business school. Strathclyde’s facilities include a sports centre, library and even a laundrette on campus! In reviews, students have praised the university staff as being friendly and welcoming. 

There are students here from over 140 countries worldwide, making it a fantastic place to meet people from a variety of cultures. For those looking for global opportunities, Strathclyde is a perfect choice, with a plethora of study abroad options and work placements available to all students.

Combining ancient traditions with modern teaching and facilities, the University of Aberdeen’s medieval campus has helped shape the modern world and now sits at the centre of global energy transition. A short distance away, the Foresterhill campus provides preventive healthcare solutions that push the boundaries of healing research. Both campuses are located less than 3 miles from Aberdeen beach and the lively city centre. 

Aberdeen is located on the North East coast of Scotland, nearby to the Cairngorms National Park - ideal for both seaside and countryside loving students. There are over 400 different courses at the University of Aberdeen, with option to study joint honours, integrate a year abroad or work placements.

Jumping up the league table from #8 to #5 this year, Robert Gordon University is clearly loved by its students! Commonly known as RGU, the university prides itself on developing highly sought after graduates. Students are taught industry standard skills across all courses, meaning that when they finish university, they are employable. 

RGU has 11 academic schools based just outside Aberdeen city centre on its riverside campus. From its excellent careers service to RGU union, students here receive support for all of their needs. There are a variety of sports clubs at RGU, including climbing, golf, table tennis and weightlifting. Or if sports aren’t for you, there are many societies such as Kpop, drama, faith groups and subject specific networks.

With a strong reputation for academic excellence and world-leading research, the University of Edinburgh is a fantastic institution located in Scotland’s capital city. Being situated in one of the most picturesque cities in the UK, the University of Edinburgh delivers an excellent student experience, both within teaching and outside of university term time. 

Students here have access to academic support and study skills workshops throughout their degree, ensuring all are confident in their assignments and work. As you’d expect from a world-class university, Edinburgh has a strong track record in graduate employability, with 96% of graduates finding employment or postgraduate study within 6 months of graduation. To help with this, the careers service advertises over 9,000 vacancies a year.

Founded in 1881 and established in 1967, the University of Dundee is on the east coast of Scotland situated next to the estuary of the River Tay. The university campus is on the edge of Dundee city centre, with support services, academic departments, the students’ association, libraries and accommodation all together in one hub. In reviews, students have mentioned how walkable Dundee and the university campus are - perfect for hopping between lectures or meeting friends in the city centre. 

Notable alumni at the university include the founder of Forbes Magazine, B.C.Forbes and Sir Robert Alexander Watson-Watt, the pioneer of radar technology. As an added bonus, students get free access to the Botanical Gardens!

Offering more than 100 degree courses designed to push students to think creatively and prepare them for working in industry, Glasgow Caledonian University is a supportive city-centre institution. Many courses have accreditation from professional bodies, with opportunities for work placements or studying for a year abroad. GCU, as it is also known, is one of the largest providers of NHS healthcare graduates in Scotland, particularly in nursing. 

Over 22,000 students from nearly 120 countries study at GCU - contributing to Glasgow’s high student population. Student life in Glasgow is exciting, with thousands of students from a variety of backgrounds all living in one city. In reviews, students talk about the excellent city-centre location of the campus.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is a creative hub for performing arts courses - offering everything from film to drama to dance and music. Students benefit from being surrounded by like minded performers and creatives - ideal for collaborating, starting projects or just meeting amazing friends. Many of the teaching staff at RCS combine their role with professional industry work, meaning they always have knowledge of industry practice and standards. 

This is implemented into the courses, so students leave RCS highly skilled in their performance specialism. The university is located in Glasgow city centre, spread across two buildings with almost 100 practice rooms and rehearsal studios available for students to use for their work.

With campuses in Edinburgh, Orkney and the Scottish borders, Heriot-Watt University is dotted around Scotland, but also with some campuses worldwide. Due to its multicultural staff and student body, Heriot-Watt University is excellent at preparing students for global careers and employability. 

The university is particularly renowned for its research in business, design, science and technology. Students at Heriot-Watt also have access to the students’ union, including the many clubs, societies and events on offer. Groups include robotics, brewing, debating, fashion, languages and jazz! In reviews, students share how professional and helpful the teaching staff are, as well as praising the campus culture and facilities. It’s no wonder Heriot-Watt has made it into the top 10!