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University of the Highlands and Islands

Inverness, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 15,204
  • Tuition Fee From£ 4,320
  • Country Rank#108
  • Batch Strength7,139
  • Global Diversity-
  • Gender Ratio60 : 40

Overview

About

The University of the Highlands and Islands is a multi-campus university located in Scotland, UK. It is the only university based in the Highlands and Islands region of Scotland and serves a large geographic area, with campuses and learning centres throughout the region. The University was formed in 2011 by the merger of 13 colleges and research institutions. The oldest of UHI's 12 colleges and research institutions was formed in the 19th century, despite the fact that it is Scotland's newest university. The network has a distinctive structure and is a multi-campus institution. 

 

There are over 70 local learning centres, 13 colleges, and research facilities present at Dornoch, Fort William, Elgin, Argyll, Perth, Shetland, Thurso, Orkney and Inverness.

 

Students are free to choose any campus out of all the available sites according to their convenience. Through these UHI offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, as well as research opportunities, in a variety of subject areas, including:

 

Business and management, Creative industries, Education, Engineering, Environment and rural studies, Health, Humanities and Science and technology

Ranking

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is a distinctive institution spread across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, with its main administrative center in Inverness. It's a partnership of 13 independent colleges and research institutions, offering both further and higher education through innovative distance and blended learning approaches. Popular courses at UHI include Marine Science, Archaeology, Gaelic Language and Culture, Adventure Tourism Management, Sustainable Rural Development, Renewable Energy Engineering, Environmental Science, Nursing, Business and Management, and Computing. Due to its unique structure and regional focus, UHI isn't always included in major ranking systems and is often evaluated differently from traditional universities. For the most current information about UHI's performance and standing, it's best to consult the university's official website or recent publications from Scottish higher education authorities.

 

University of the Highlands and Islands - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Accounting and Finance

102

-

-

Art and Design

79

82

83

Business and Management Studies UK

117

112

109

Computer Science

102

-

-

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

71

-

-

Nursing

78

80

81

Psychology

-

114

116

Sociology

47

-

-

 

Course Ranking

B.A.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

47

-

-

The Complete University Guide - Art and Design

79

82

83

 

B.E. / B.Tech

Ranked by

2023

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

71

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

102

 

Learn More About: University of the Highlands and Islands Courses

 

B.Sc.

Ranked by

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

114

116

 

BBA

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

102

-

-

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

117

112

109

 

BSN

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

78

80

81

 

Accounting & Commerce

Ranked by

2023

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

102

 

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Art and Design

79

82

83

 

Business & Management Studies

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

117

112

109

 

Engineering

Ranked by

2023

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

71

 

Humanities & Social Sciences

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

114

116

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

47

-

-

 

Nursing

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

78

80

81

 

Science

Ranked by

2023

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

102

 

Computer Science

Ranked by

2023

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

102

 

Electrical Engineering

Ranked by

2023

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

71

 

Accounting

 

Ranked by

2023

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

102

 

Psychology

Ranked by

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

114

116

 

Sociology

Ranked by

2023

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

47
 

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

-

-

2022

-

-

2021

-

-

Facilities

The University of the Highlands and Islands facilities are distinct as they vary from place to place wherever UHI’s colleges are located. Overall, The University of the Highlands and Islands offers a wide range of facilities for students, including libraries, computer labs, and study spaces. Additionally, it also offers sports facilities such as gyms, fitness classes, and sports fields. The university also has a variety of student services, including counselling, career advice, and financial aid. Some UHI campuses may have additional facilities such as marine labs, art studios, and business incubation centres. It is best to check the university website or contact them directly for more specific information about the facilities available at the particular campus students are interested in.

Notable Alumni

Julie Fowlis
Julie Fowlis
Scottish folk singer
Joe FitzPatrick
Joe FitzPatrick
Scottish politician
James Ellsmoor
James Ellsmoor
Writer,entreprenueur and sustainability expert

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

University of Highlands and Islands Acceptance Rate is 83%. The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) offers admission to a diverse student body comprising undergraduate and postgraduate students. This acceptance rate equates to a total of 31,000 students enrolled across various academic programmes offered by the university. UHI's admissions process reflects its commitment to providing accessible higher education opportunities to a broad spectrum of individuals seeking to pursue their academic and professional aspirations in the unique and vibrant setting of the Highlands and Islands region. 

 

Entry Requirements

Students applying here should procure good grades all through their semesters at high school or college. Along with the grades UHI’s admission committee will also go through students’ extracurriculars and volunteering activities in NGOs. In general, the process includes submitting an application, providing transcripts and other required documents, and possibly an interview or entrance exam. It is recommended that international students have a look at the university’s website for further details about document submission deadlines. The University of Highlands and Islands entry requirements for undergraduate and graduate are given in detail below: 

 

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

  • Official Academic Transcripts of High School
  • Letter (s) of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of financial support
  • Passport
  • Two passport-sized photographs

 

Graduate Admission Requirements

  • Official Academic Transcripts of College
  • Letter (s) of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of financial support
  • Passport
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • CAS statement
  • Test scores or GRE/ GMAT if asked by the university
  • Resume or CV showing work experience 

 

English Language Requirements

University of Highlands and Islands mandate English proficiency at undergraduate as well as postgraduate levels. If you are an international student, given below are the eligible tests and scores accepted at the University of Highland and Islands. 

 

Eligible Tests

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

IELTS

6.0

6.5

TOEFL

80

92

 

Fees

University of Highlands and Islands Fees structure is varied for several of its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered here. Given below is information regarding the fees of some prominent programmes: 

  • BA (Hons) Geography - £ 6,480/Yr
  • BA (Hons) Theological Studies - £ 13,020/Yr
  • BA (Hons) Geography, Culture and Heritage - £ 13,020/Yr
  • BA (Hons) Geography and Politics - £ 13,020/Yr
  • BA (Hons) Geography and History - £ 13,020/Yr
  • BA (Hons) Geography and Criminology - £ 13,020/Yr

 

Placements

The University of Highlands and Islands Placements take place in all of its 12 colleges through their Career Services. Placement is an important part of providing students with several opportunities to relate to theory, increase knowledge and gain valuable skills to work in various professional spaces.  

 

Scholarship

Given below are some prestigious scholarships at the University of Highlands and Islands: 

 

Scholarship Name

Eligibility Criteria

Benefits

Drummond Foundation Scholarship

 

For students specialising in Health and Social Care and demonstrating a specific focus on providing care for individuals affected by dementia.

Two awards of £500

South Asia Scholarship

All prospective undergraduate programme applicants, with a minimum programme duration of one year, who permanently reside in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, or Sri Lanka.

10% tuition fee discount

Snowdon Masters Scholarships

Disabled students, both national and international, who are applying for a master's programme at any institution in the UK.

Up to a maximum of £30,000

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. 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 housing options available for students planning to attend the University of the Highlands and Islands. You may select from 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 in 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 a wide range of available student accommodation near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

 

Cost of Living

Inverness is a city in the Scottish Highlands. It is the administrative centre of the Highland Council area and is regarded as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Inverness is located at the mouth of the River Ness and is the most populous city in the Highland Council area. The city has a population of around 80,000 and is a popular tourist destination, known for its castle, cathedral, and picturesque setting. Inverness is also an important centre for business and commerce and has a growing population of students due to the presence of the University of the Highlands and Islands. 


 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

£ 572

On-Campus Accommodation

£ 700

Transportation

£ 47

Food Cost

£ 420

Entertainment

£ 38

Groceries

£ 120

Clothes

£ 70

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

£ 1267

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

£ 1395

Annual Cost of Living

£ 15204

FAQs