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University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 14,400
  • Tuition Fee From£ 16,200
  • Country Rank#33
  • Batch Strength13,107
  • Global Diversity26.3%
  • Gender Ratio48 : 52

Overview

About

An ancient university established in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is a public research university located in the city of Aberdeen in Scotland in the United Kingdom. Tracing its roots 527 years ago, the university is the third-oldest university in Scotland and the fifth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. Initially, the university was just established as King’s College and went on to become the University of Aberdeen as a merger between King’s College and Marischal College in 1860. The university has been among the most prominent structures in Scottish history and has played a significant role in the Scottish Reformation, Scottish Enlightenment and the Scottish Renaissance. 

 

The university is divided into 12 schools along with housing multi-disciplinary institutes and research centres. They offer a wide range of courses within a broad range of disciplines. It offers around 650 undergraduate programmes along with a large number of postgraduate and doctoral/research programmes. 

 

  • School of Divinity, History and Philosophy
  • School of Education
  • School of Language, Literature, Visual Culture and Music
  • School of Law
  • School of Social Science
  • University of Aberdeen Business School
  • School of Biological Sciences
  • School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition
  • School of Psychology
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Geosciences
  • School of Natural and Computing Sciences
  • Postgraduate Research School

 

The university’s academic affiliations include Aurora, the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), Universities Scotland, Universities UK (UUK), University of the Arctic (UArctic), and the European University Association (EUA).  

University Name University of Aberdeen
Official Website http://abdn.ac.uk/
Year of Establishment 1495
Average Living Cost £14,050 - £14,550
Total International Students 16,565
Country Rank 30
University Type Public
For Study Abroad Counselling Click Here

Ranking

The University of Aberdeen, a prestigious institution in Aberdeen, Scotland, renowned for programmes like medicine, engineering, law, and environmental sciences, has experienced some fluctuations in global rankings recently. In 2025, it ranks 236th in the QS World University Rankings and 40th in The Complete University Guide for UK universities. The 2024 rankings show varied results: 208th globally in QS, 367th in US News & World Report, 201st in Times Higher Education, and a strong 12th in The Guardian's UK rankings. Looking back to 2023, Aberdeen placed 220th in QS, 277th in US News, 192nd in THE, and 13th in The Guardian's UK list. Despite some declines in global rankings, the university maintains a solid position, particularly in UK-specific assessments.
 

University of Aberdeen - QS Ranking 2025

In the QS World University Rankings for 2025, the University of Aberdeen is positioned at 236th globally. This marks a slight decline from its 2024 ranking of 208th. In 2023, the university was ranked 220th in the world.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Europe

-

86

-

World University

220

208

236

 

University of Aberdeen - US News & World Report Ranking

In the US News & World Report Global Universities Rankings for 2024, the University of Aberdeen is ranked 367th. This reflects a drop from its 2023 position of 277th and a further decline from its 2022 ranking of 253rd.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Global Universities

253

277

367

 

University of Aberdeen - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2024, the University of Aberdeen is ranked 201st. This follows its 2023 ranking of 192nd and a position of 158th in 2022.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

158

192

201

 

University of Aberdeen - The Guardian Ranking 2024

In The Guardian University Rankings for 2024, the University of Aberdeen is ranked 12th. This represents an improvement from its 2023 position of 13th and its 2022 ranking of 20th.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

20

13

12

 

Learn More About: University of Aberdeen Admissions

 

University of Aberdeen - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

In The Complete University Guide Rankings for 2025, the University of Aberdeen is ranked 40th among UK universities. This is a slight drop from its 2024 position of 35th and its 2023 ranking of 37th.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

UK University

37

35

40

 

University of Aberdeen - QS Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Accounting and Finance

201

251

-

Biological Sciences

151

201

-

Engineering and Technology

383

352

-

Law and Legal Studies

151

201

-

Mathematics

451

451

-

Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

451

401

-

Medicine

151

170

-

Pharmacy and Pharmacology

151

151

-

Physics and Astronomy

551

551

-

Sociology

201

301

-

 

University of Aberdeen - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Arts and Humanities

151

201

201

Clinical and Health

126

126

176

Engineering

301

301

251

Law

99

151

176

Life Sciences

95

101

101

PG Business and Economics

251

176

201

PG Computer Science

401

401

301

Psychology

301

301

201

 

University of Aberdeen - The Guardian Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Accounting and Finance

21

2

7

Business and Management

46

11

11

Chemical Engineering

15

3

10

Economics

23

16

21

Law

12

11

16

Mechanical Engineering

39

-

-

Medicine

2

2

1

Physics

6

6

6

Politics

19

8

9

Sociology and Social Policy

10

24

14

 

University of Aberdeen - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Accounting and Finance

31

24

23

Biological Sciences

38

35

39

Business and Management Studies UK

36

32

33

Chemical Engineering

19

22

24

Civil Engineering

32

36

31

Computer Science

29

43

38

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

38

32

29

Law

26

19

17

Mechanical Engineering

26

34

32

Medicine

20

18

19

Physics and Astronomy

31

44

40

Psychology

37

33

41

Sociology

30

24

26

 

Course Ranking

 

B.A.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

10

24

14

The Guardian - Politics

19

8

9

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

30

24

 

B.E. / B.Tech

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

39

-

-

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

-

38

32

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

-

26

34

The Complete University Guide - Chemical Engineering

-

19

22

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

-

32

36

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

-

29

43

The Guardian - Chemical Engineering

15

3

10

 

B.Sc.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

-

38

35

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

37

33

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

31

44

The Guardian - Physics

6

6

6

 

BBA

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Business and Management

46

11

11

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

21

2

7

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

-

31

24

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

-

36

32

The Guardian - Economics

23

16

21

 

Learn More About: University of Aberdeen Courses

 

LL.B.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Law

12

11

16

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

26

19

 

LL.M.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Law and Legal Studies

151

151

201

THE (Times Higher Education) - Law

99

151

176

 

M.A.

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Sociology

-

251

201

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

151

201

301

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

151

-

-

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

-

151

201

 

MBBS

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Medicine

2

2

1

The Complete University Guide - Medicine

-

20

18

 

MIM

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Accounting and Finance

201

201

251

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

251

176

201

 

MS

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

551

551

QS - Pharmacy and Pharmacology

-

151

151

QS - Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

-

451

451

QS - Mathematics

-

351

451

QS - Biological Sciences

-

151

151

QS - Engineering and Technology

-

366

383

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

201

201

301

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

-

95

101

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

-

301

301

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

-

401

401

 

Others PG

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Medicine

101

151

170

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

301

301

201

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

126

126

176

 

Accounting & Commerce

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Accounting and Finance

201

201

251

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

21

2

7

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

-

31

24

 

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

151

201

201

 

Business & Management Studies

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Business and Management

46

11

11

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

-

36

32

The Guardian - Economics

23

16

21

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

251

176

201

 

Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

451

451

401

QS - Engineering and Technology

366

383

352

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

301

301

251

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

401

401

301

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

39

-

-

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

-

38

32

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

-

26

34

The Complete University Guide - Chemical Engineering

-

19

22

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

-

32

36

The Guardian - Chemical Engineering

15

3

10

 

Humanities & Social Sciences

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Sociology

-

251

201

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

151

201

301

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

151

-

-

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

-

37

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

-

301

301

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

-

10

24

The Guardian - Politics

-

19

8

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

-

30

 

Law

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Law and Legal Studies

151

151

201

The Guardian - Law

12

11

16

THE (Times Higher Education) - Law

99

151

176

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

26

19

 

Medicine & Health Sciences

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Pharmacy and Pharmacology

151

151

151

QS - Medicine

101

151

170

The Guardian - Medicine

2

2

1

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

126

126

176

The Complete University Guide - Medicine

-

20

18

 

Science

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

551

551

QS - Mathematics

-

351

451

QS - Biological Sciences

-

151

151

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

201

201

301

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

-

-

38

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

-

31

The Guardian - Physics

-

6

6

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

-

95

101

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

-

-

29

 

Biology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Biological Sciences

151

151

201

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

-

38

35

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

95

101

101

 

Business Economics

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Economics

23

16

21

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

251

176

201

 

Chemical Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Chemical Engineering

-

19

22

The Guardian - Chemical Engineering

15

3

10

 

Civil Engineering

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

32

36

31

 

Computer Science

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

29

43

38

 

Computer Science Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

401

401

301

 

Electrical Engineering

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

38

32

29

 

Mathematics

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Mathematics

-

351

451

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

201

201

301

 

Mechanical Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

451

451

401

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

39

-

-

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

-

26

34

 

Physics

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Physics and Astronomy

551

551

551

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

31

44

The Guardian - Physics

6

6

6

 

Politics

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Politics

19

8

9

 

Accounting

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Accounting and Finance

201

201

251

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

21

2

7

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

-

31

24

 

Pharmacy

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Pharmacy and Pharmacology

151

151

151

 

Political Science

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

151

201

301

The Guardian - Politics

-

19

8

 

Psychology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

37

33

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

301

301

201

 

Sociology

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Sociology

-

251

201

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

151

-

-

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

-

10

24

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

-

3

 

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

#220

#277

2022

#205

#277

2021

#205

#253

Facilities

The university has its main/central campus at King’s College situated in Old Aberdeen. Its second campus is located at Foresterhill out of which the School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition operates. It is also the largest hospital complex in Europe. The university also has a new campus in the capital of Qatar, Doha which opened in 2017. It is known as the AFG College with the University of Aberdeen which operates in partnership with the Al Faleh Group for Educational and Academic Services (AFG). 

 

Some of the University of Aberdeen facilities are listed down below. 

  • The Queen Mother Library
  • The Sir Duncan Rice Library
  • Zoology Museum among several other museums and galleries
  • Taylor Library and European Documentation Centre
  • Medical Library
  • the Divinity Library

 

Some other facilities include the following.

  • Aberdeen Sports Village
  • Science Teaching Hub which includes a number of laboratories housing high-tech equipment. 
  • Aquatics Centre
  • Special Collections and Museums
  • Students’ Union Building

Notable Alumni

John Abercrombie
John Abercrombie
Scottish physician
John Abercrombie
John Abercrombie
Scottish physician
Jamie Bennett
Jamie Bennett
businessman
Jamie Bennett
Jamie Bennett
businessman
Andrew Bowie
Andrew Bowie
politician
Andrew Bowie
Andrew Bowie
politician

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

University of Aberdeen's acceptance rate is 39%. The university currently houses around 17,000 students studying at undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral levels hailing from over 150 countries across the globe. The university’s admissions policy is regarded as pretty fair as applicants have a fair chance of gaining admission to the university provided they meet the basic entry requirements.

 

Entry Requirements

The university’s acceptance rate points to a fairly lenient admissions policy that gives all its applicants a fair chance to gain admission. A certain set of eligibility criteria determine if a candidate is eligible for admission to the university which takes into account their past academic records, results and scores. The University of Aberdeen's entry requirements differs from course to course. Below detailed are the entry requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions to the university. 

 

Application

  • UG: UCAS
  • PG: University Portal

Documents Needed

  • All academic records/transcripts
  • 2-3 LORs
  • SOP
  • CV/Resume
  • Financial Records

 

Fees

The tuition fees for an institute of higher education have a number of determinants. The primary determinants are the course one wishes to study and the level one wishes to pursue the said course. Another significant determinant of tuition fees is whether the student is a home student (belonging to the UK) or an international student. The fees for international students are comparatively higher than their home counterparts.  Tuition fees are just one component of the fee structure at the university with personal expenses, travel allowance, books and supplies, and non-refundable application/admission fees being the other components. The University of Aberdeen fees further vary from course to course both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. They are detailed further below. 

  • M.B.A - £27,000 /Yr
  • M.Sc Artificial Intelligence - £27,000 /Yr
  • M.Sc Information Technology - £27,000 /Yr
  • M.B.A Energy Management - £27,000 /Yr
  • M.B.B.S - £20,800 /Yr
  • M.P.H - £27,000 /Yr

 

Placements

The Careers and Employability Services look into the University of Aberdeen placements. Professionals and counsellors at the department not only help students with employment after graduation but also help them with internships, summer jobs and training programmes while still enrolled at the university. Their strategic alliances and partnerships with some of the biggest organisations in the United Kingdom as well as in other parts of the world, help students engage with the right employers. These services are tailored to help students land employment opportunities that match their goals, qualifications, aptitudes and interests. Some of the average salaries for university graduates are listed below. 

  • Financial Services: £94,000 annually
  • Engineering: £68,000 annually
  • Business Development: £61,000 annually
  • Project Management: £78,000 annually
  • Information Technology and Software Development: £56,000 annually

Scholarship

Name Of The Scholarship

Eligibility

Grant

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

Available to students from select countries

£1,116 monthly

Scotland's Saltire Scholarships

Open to students from India, Pakistan, and other countries

£8,000 annually

Global Scholarships

Targeting lower-middle-income countries

£2,000

Scholarships for Indian Students

For undergraduate and graduate programmes

£5,000

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the University of Aberdeen. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student accommodations in Aberdeen near University of Aberdeen that are fully equipped for your needs. Student accommodation near University Of Aberdeen offers a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from an array of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are inexpensive and fully furnished with 24/7 staff support.

Cost of Living

Oklahoma City is located in the state of Oklahoma in the United States and is known for its affordable cost of living compared to many other major cities in the country. However, it's important to note that the cost of living can still vary depending on your lifestyle and needs.

According to MERIC's 2022 Cost of Living Index, Oklahoma has the third-lowest cost of living in the US, behind only Kansas and Mississippi. Homes in Oklahoma are cheaper than in the rest of the country, and they also fare better in terms of price appreciation. Oklahoma also has the lowest food and beverage costs of any state in the country, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ latest personal consumption expenditures data. 

Therefore, the cost of living is significantly lower in the city, as compared to most in the United States. However, it is important to note that certain utilities such as health insurance, healthcare and medicines may be slightly expensive.

 

Item

Cost (Per Month)

Off-Campus Accommodation

£553

On-Campus Accommodation

£680

Transportation

£76

Food 

£359

Entertainment

£30

Groceries

£112

Clothes

£70

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

£1,446

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

£1,573

Annual Cost of Living

£17,352

FAQs