University of Aberdeen

Established in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is a distinguished public research university located in the vibrant city of Aberdeen, Scotland. As the third-oldest university in Scotland and the fifth-oldest in the English-speaking world, it boasts a rich heritage that spans over 527 years. The university has played a pivotal role in critical historical movements, including the Scottish Reformation, the Enlightenment, and the Renaissance. Renowned for its academic excellence, the University of Aberdeen continues to foster innovation and critical thinking, making it a leading choice for students from around the globe.

Things To Consider Before Applying

The starting point to applying to your favourable university is not just understanding the finances but also the documents required for admission, qualification for the course of your choice, eligibility and selection criteria. Read more about this below:

Entry Requirements

Aberdeen University entry requirements for international students are they must meet specific entry requirements that vary depending on the level of study and the chosen programme. They are:

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

• A-Levels: AAB-ABB
• International Baccalaureate: 32-30 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3

For Indian students:

• Standard XII: 75% overall for Arts, 75% overall including 75% in 2 sciences/Maths & science for Science, 80% overall including 80% in 2 sciences/Maths & science for Biomedical Sciences, 75% overall including 75% in Maths & Physics for Engineering. 80% in English or meet English language requirements.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

• Recognised bachelor's degree: 2:1 (60-69%) or 2:2 (50-59%) depending on programme
• English language: IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component or equivalent

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL iBT: 78 overall, with 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 21 in Writing
• PTE Academic: 59 overall, with 59 in each component
• Cambridge English: 169 overall, with 162 in each component

Additional Requirements

• Personal statement
• References
• Portfolios/interviews may be required for some programmes

The university also offers pathway programmes through the International Study Centre for students without direct entry requirements. Advanced entry may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications. To learn more about the entry requirements for Aberdeen University, you can contact the experts at UniScholars. 

Documents

Understanding required Aberdeen University documents before applying is crucial for an easier application process, ensuring success, and hassle-free onboarding into the university. The list below contains every document you must have for eligibility.

Undergraduate Applicants

• Academic transcripts: Official transcripts from previous educational institutions, including Class 12 or equivalent.
• English language proficiency: Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL scores). The minimum IELTS score is usually 6.0.
• Personal statement: A statement outlining your motivations, experiences, and reasons for choosing the programme.
• References: Letters of recommendation from teachers or professionals who can attest to your academic abilities.

Postgraduate Applicants

• Academic transcripts: Official transcripts from previous educational institutions, including bachelor's degrees.
• English language proficiency: Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL scores). The minimum IELTS score is usually 6.5.
• Personal statement: A statement outlining your motivations, experiences, and reasons for choosing the programme.
• References: Two letters of recommendation from teachers or professionals who can attest to your academic abilities.
• Curriculum vitae (CV)/Resume: A current CV detailing your educational background and work experience.

How To Apply At Aberdeen University?

When it comes to executing, the first step of achieving your dreams is about how to apply at Aberdeen University. The process may vary based on your programme and intake. However, the general process remains consistent. Follow the below steps for a successful application.

Undergraduate Applicants

1. Choose Your Course: Select the undergraduate programme you wish to apply for.
2. Apply Through UCAS: Applications for full-time undergraduate programmes must be submitted via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply for up to five courses.
3. Complete the Application: Fill out the online application form on the UCAS website, providing your personal details, academic qualifications, and your preferred course(s). Students can also take the help of UniScholars to start their application and finish the process without any hassle! 
4. Submit Supporting Documents: Include necessary documents such as academic transcripts, English language proficiency test scores, a personal statement, and references.
5. Pay the Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of £27.50 is required for the UCAS application.
6. Wait for a Decision: After submission, you'll receive an acknowledgement email. The university will review your application and notify you of the outcome.

Postgraduate Applicants

1. Choose Your Programme: Select the postgraduate course you wish to pursue.
2. Apply Online: Submit your application using the University’s Postgraduate Applicant Portal.
3. Prepare Supporting Documents: Upload the required documents, including your academic transcripts, personal statement, CV/resume, and references.
4. No Application Fee: There is no application fee for postgraduate programmes.
5. Wait for a Decision: You will receive an acknowledgement email, and the admissions team will assess your application and inform you of the outcome.

Deadlines

It is essential to follow the admission procedure as instructed by the university. Similarly, the Aberdeen University deadlines are crucial and particular. Refer to the following pointers to find the critical events and their respective dates for undergraduate applicants in the fall and spring semesters.

Undergraduate Deadlines

• UCAS Application Deadline: The last Wednesday in January for most courses, except those with a 15 October deadline.
• 15 October Deadline: For medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, veterinary science courses, and all courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Postgraduate Deadlines

• January Intake: The application deadline is 26 November. 
• September Intake: For international students, there may be a deadline of approximately ten weeks before the commencement date of the programme. Any application received after the deadline will be considered for the next available intake.
• Research Programmes: There is no deadline for application to Research programmes as research students can apply and begin their studies at a time agreed with the relevant College. 

It's important to note that for most taught programmes, there is no deadline for those students classified as UK/EU or RUK for tuition fee purposes. Still, applicants should allow sufficient time for their application to be processed (approximately three weeks) and to make arrangements to come to Aberdeen in time for the start of the session.

Decision Dates

University of Aberdeen decision dates are within 21 working days after submitting a complete application with all required supporting documents. Once the admissions team reviews the application, successful candidates will receive an email notification detailing their Offer of Admission, which may include specific academic and English language conditions that must be met before registration.

Decision dates align with application deadlines for specific programmes, such as postgraduate courses. For example, the application deadline for the January 2025 intake for various programmes is 26 November 2024, and applicants should anticipate a decision shortly after that.

Aberdeen University Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for the University of Aberdeen focus on a comprehensive evaluation of each applicant, emphasising academic and non-academic attributes. Critical elements considered in the selection process include:

• Academic Potential: Applicants are expected to demonstrate excellent academic achievements, including relevant qualifications that meet the specific entry requirements for their chosen programme.
• Personal Statement: This document is crucial as it allows applicants to express their motivations, aspirations, and commitment to their chosen field of study.
• References: The university requires a referee report, which provides insight into the applicant's character and academic abilities.
• Work Experience: Relevant professional experience, particularly for postgraduate programmes like the MBA, is considered.
• Aptitude Tests: For specific programmes, scores from relevant aptitude tests may be considered.
• Interviews or Auditions: Some courses may require applicants to participate in interviews or auditions, particularly in creative fields.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements, providing evidence of their proficiency.
• Holistic Review: The selection process is merit-based and considers the applicant's overall profile, including their potential to benefit from the academic programme and any unique circumstances that may apply, such as educational disruption or hardship.

The University of Aberdeen is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and promoting a diverse student body. It evaluates all applications without regard to inappropriate distinctions such as ethnicity, nationality, or socio-economic background.

Aberdeen University Acceptance Rate

The University of Aberdeen’s acceptance rate is approximately 78%, which indicates that admissions are slightly selective. This rate reflects the university's commitment to maintaining academic standards while welcoming diverse applicants. The university employs specific selection criteria based on a merit basis, considering factors such as:

• Excellent academic potential
• The ability and future career aspirations of each applicant
• Academic achievements
• Personal statement
• Reference report
• Aptitude test scores
• Meeting minimum academic and English language requirements
• Potential to benefit from the applied academic programme
• Relevant work experience in professional courses

Overall, the University of Aberdeen aims to attract motivated and talented individuals from various backgrounds, ensuring a vibrant student community.

Fees

University of Aberdeen fees vary significantly based on the level of study and the student's residency status. International students face higher fees, ranging from £15,900 to £23,000 annually. Postgraduate tuition fees for international doctoral students incur costs similar to those for undergraduates, ranging from £15,900 to £23,000 per year. 

It's important to note that these figures do not include additional expenses such as accommodation, textbooks, or living costs, which can average around £1,023 per month. The University of Aberdeen also offers various financial aid programmes and scholarships to help alleviate the financial burden on students.