International Exchange & Study Abroad

Entry Requirements

To study at Aberdeen as a visiting study abroad or exchange student, the University requires:

• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent (on a 4.0 scale) or better
• An official academic transcript
• Evidence of English language proficiency for non-native English speakers

How to Apply

To apply, you simply need to complete our online exchange and study abroad application form. If you are a student from a partner university, you will be provided with a link to the online application form after your home university nominates you to us. If your home university does not have an agreement with the University of Aberdeen, please email goabroad.incoming@abdn.ac.uk and you will be provided with the link.

The deadlines for receipt of completed applications are as follows:

• First Semester: (September - December) 15 May
• Second Semester: (January - May) 15 October
• Academic Year: (September - May) 15 May
  

Most of our undergraduate courses are available to incoming study abroad and exchange students. As a large research-intensive university with over 600 degree programmes, students easily find courses that match their academic interests and fulfil requirements of their home university.

Particular strengths are the University's undergraduate courses in medical sciences and engineering. Study abroad and exchange students may also conduct research in history and/or chemistry while at Aberdeen.

Current courses can be found on our course catalogue. Additionally, the course guides/syllabi for our undergraduate courses in the School of Medical Sciences, Medicine and Nutrition can be found here.

Most semester courses are 15 credits, which equates to 3-4 US credit hours, depending on your home university. The normal course load is 60 credits per semester, or approximately 15 US credit hours. Study Abroad and exchange students are examined alongside our full time degree-seeking students. Most classes are examined through a combination of continuous assessment, mid-term assignments and an end of semester examination.

Course restrictions

While we accept students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, study abroad and exchange students are not permitted to take the following courses:

• Any level 5 courses.
• Courses in Clinical Medicine and Dentistry.
• Level 4 English or Linguistics courses.
• Level 3 Creative Writing Courses
• BM4501 - Biomedical Science Honours Project
• Engineering Project Courses (e.g., EG4578, ED251A)
• JB, JC, QB, QC, QI and QL coded courses
• Diploma in Legal Practice (DLP) courses, as identified by a 'D' in the second-to-last digit of the course code (e.g., LS55DA).

Additionally, students coming for Semester 1 only cannot take any Level 4 courses from the School of Medical Sciences (see list below for subjects covered), as these are all assessed in May.

Limited Course Availability

Please note that the following courses also have very limited availability, and so will be allocated via an electronic lottery system.

• Sixth Century courses
• Education courses
• Level 3 English courses - See here for available options
• Level 3 Linguistics courses
• Field courses (these will only be available to students, space permitting, where the course is mandatory for their degree)

Subject areas by School

Student Housing

University accommodation is provided to exchange and study abroad students as long as they apply by the stated deadline. Students will be emailed information on how to apply and the deadline for applications once they are accepted in to the programme.

Most exchange and study abroad students opt to live in Hillhead Student Village, which is mainly self-catered accommodation (ie no meal plan). Adam Smith House has catered options, but students should be aware that these may not be as extensive as their own university's meal plans. Therefore, we recommend that students opt for self-catered accommodation. Accommodation normally consists of single study bedrooms with common areas which are shared with roommates.

You can find more information on University of Aberdeen housing here

Tuition and Costs for 2024/25 and 2025/26

Semester: £10,400
Full year: £20,800

Fee paying study abroad students may be eligible for the Aberdeen Global Scholarship which is worth £3000 a semester! 

Students from universities which have an exchange agreement with the University of Aberdeen will not be charged tuition fees.

Living Costs

UK Visas and Immigration indicate that students spending the academic year should have a minimum of £1023 for each month that they will spend in the United Kingdom. Although no official advice is given for students only spending one semester, we suggest that semester students also budget for a minimum of £1023 per month for living expenses. A further breakdown of estimated costs can be found below:

* Based on available University of Aberdeen accommodation

** Subject to requirements of discipline

The McNeil Scholarship (Drexel University Students)

Students from Drexel University who wish to spend the academic year on exchange at the University of Aberdeen are eligible for the McNeil Scholarship. Please contact Drexel's Education Abroad office for further details.

The BUTEX Scholarship (North American Students)

BUTEX (British Transatlantic Exchange Association) offers scholarships worth £500 to undergraduate students at US or Canadian institutions studying short term programmes in the UK. Please refer to the BUTEX website for further details or email butex_enquiries@msn.com

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Programme

The Gilman International Scholarship Program offers scholarships for U.S. students studying abroad. This program is aimed at students of limited financial means and includes awards of up to $5,000.

Academic Calendar

The University of Aberdeen's Academic Calendar, including term dates and exclusions, can be found here.

2024/2025

View our handy 2024/2025 Information Sheet with all our most pertinent facts and figures here.

2025/2026

View our International Exchange and Study Abroad Information Sheet 2025-2026 with all our most pertinent facts and figures.

Are you looking to stand out from the crowd? Start your college journey with an unforgettable experience by spending your freshman year at the University of Aberdeen!

Located in a historic yet dynamic city in northern Scotland, Aberdeen offers world-class academics in a close-knit, internationally diverse community. With its stunning medieval campus, proximity to breath-taking coastlines, and easy access to the rest of Europe, Aberdeen is the perfect blend of tradition and adventure.

By studying here, you’ll gain a global perspective, develop independence, and stand out in future job markets—all while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t settle for ordinary—be bold, discover the extraordinary, and make Aberdeen your first step into the world! 

A freshman semester or year abroad exposes you to new cultures, ideas, and ways of thinking, helping you develop a global perspective that will set you apart in an increasingly interconnected world. You’ll have the chance to explore iconic destinations, learn alongside international peers, and immerse yourself in a different way of life—all while earning credits toward your degree.

As a freshman abroad, you would have a wide variety of courses open to you to experience. It can be a flexible option for testing the water on a degree abroad; if you enjoy a freshman semester or year abroad there are pathways to transfer fully. If you’re happy with your short stay, an official academic transcript from an accredited institution makes it easy to transfer credits back to your home college and continue.

A freshman year abroad fosters independence, adaptability, and confidence, giving you skills which can positively influence the decisions you may make about the remainder of your college career! Starting your college experience abroad can put you on the map!

Entry Requirements

• For the Freshman Year Abroad, students must meet the same academic requirements as for undergraduate study. Please check our listing of academic requirements by country.
• We accept a range of official certificates and high school qualifications to evidence English language requirements, issued within two years prior to planned commencement at University of Aberdeen.
• Please note, students must be 18 years or older by the programme start date and should be willing to take on the excitement and challenge of living abroad in a new cultural context.

Application Deadlines

• Term 1/Fall Term/Full Year (September entry) - 15 May
• Term 2/Spring Term/Calendar Year (January entry) - 15 October

Tuition Cost:

• Semester: £10,400*
• Full year: £20,800*

*Check if you are eligible for our Aberdeen Global Scholarship, which is worth £3000 per semester!

Apply Now

Go Abroad Team

University of Aberdeen
University Office (Room 16)
Regent Walk
Aberdeen, AB24 3FX

T: +44 (0)1224 272041 or +44 (0)1224 272625
E: goabroad.incoming@abdn.ac.uk