A new International Study Centre (ISC) which will help overseas students assimilate to life and higher education in Scotland has been launched by the University of Aberdeen.
The centre, which will be based at the heart of the University’s historic King’s Campus, will help to prepare international students for both undergraduate and post-graduate study.
It will provide a new pathway for overseas students who wish to embark on degree level study in Scotland but require some additional support to meet entry requirements or adjust to studying and living in the UK.
University of Aberdeen Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor George Boyne said providing new routes for international students to come to the University further underlines the institution’s commitment to its founding principle to be ‘open to all’.
“The University is striving to increase access to higher education among our home students and has pledged to double the number of students it recruits from disadvantaged areas.
“We have also recognised the need to provide alternative pathways to University and work closely with further education providers, including North East Scotland College, to enable home students to join our degree programmes following foundation study with other approved providers or through the University on programmes such as our innovative Gateway to Medicine course and summer schools.
“It is important that we also provide additional routes to study for international students who can demonstrate an aptitude for study at degree level but whose previous education does not sufficiently prepare them with the English language, study and research skills needed to enter straight into our courses.”
The ISC will be managed by Study Group, an Office for Students (OfS) registered pathway provider with global experience in preparing students for university study.
It will offer international students the chance to progress on to a wide range of degree courses at the University, including specialist degrees in energy related programmes, business, law, sciences and humanities.
James Pitman, Managing Director for the UK and Europe at Study Group, said: “We’re delighted to partner with the University of Aberdeen. We know from years in the market that Scottish universities are held in high esteem by international students, and therefore we’re sure that the International Study Centre at the University of Aberdeen will be a great success
“The University of Aberdeen is a world-leader in teaching and research, and 95.8% of graduates are in a job or further study six months after graduating. Aberdeen is also one of the safest and most affordable study destinations in the UK, with strong links to business and industry. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of international students to Scotland.”
Professor Boyne said that attracting additional international students would bring benefits not just to the University community but to north-east Scotland.
“The University of Aberdeen is already home to more than 2,100 international students of 130 different nationalities. They play a big part in making the University a culturally diverse community.
“The University, the city and the region benefit from this cultural exchange as well as from the economic contribution made not only by the students but by all those who come to visit and return to their home countries having sampled what Scotland has to offer.
“This region has a huge amount to offer students from all over the world from our stunning scenery and coastline to our vibrant, creative and ambitious city – Europe’s Energy Capital - known for its historic charm and cosmopolitan community.
“We look forward to welcoming international students embarking on this new pathway to higher education to north-east Scotland.”
The new International Study Centre will open in the summer.