University of Aberdeen
Study in Castle Country at one of the Six Ancient Universities of Britain, founded in 1495!
Nestled between coastline and mountains, Aberdeen is ideally located for both the outdoor enthusiast and the history buff. With cheap and regular air, rail and bus connections it's easy to explore Scotland, the UK and Europe in no time. Walk to the sandy beaches after class for surfing or dolphin watching, or head to the mountains for skiing, hiking or cycling. Aberdeen is everything a student city should be and more! Historic, international, fashionable and friendly, Aberdeen is the perfect place to live and study. The University of Aberdeen is one of the UK's most internationally distinguished universities and has been home to five Nobel Prize Winners.
In 2025, the University of Aberdeen is also offering unique summer school programming. Topics include Archeology, Philosophy, Bioscience, and History.
Key information
Student experience
Submitted for the 2013 International Video Contest by Anjali Karuvelil. #ChangeHowUCYourWorld
Program details
The information below was last updated in 2024
Areas of Study:
With over 600 degree programs, you can easily find courses at Aberdeen that match your academic interests:
Anthropology, archaeology, art history, biomedical science, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, botany, business, chemistry, computer science, economics, English, environmental science, European studies, film studies, forestry, gender studies, geography, geology & petroleum geology, human anatomy, history, international relations, law, linguistics, math, music, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, religious studies, sociology, sports science, statistics, water management, zoology.
Languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), German, Latin, Spanish and Swedish.
Aberdeen also offers special future focused, interdisciplinary courses to address 21st century issues.
For more information check Aberdeen's online course catalogue.
Closed Programs: Exchange students are not permitted to take Level 4 English, Linguistics, or Engineering courses.
Course Information:
Students must take a minimum of 48 and a maximum of 75 Aberdeen points/credits per semester. One UCalgary half course equivalent = 12 Aberdeen points.
The academic year is divided into semesters or "half-sessions" which are very similar to semester dates at the University of Calgary. The first semester runs from early September to late December and the second semester runs from mid-January to late May.
There is also a summer program available at University of Aberdeen.
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
Aberdeen estimates that students should budget for £1015/month in living expenses above tuition and transportation to Aberdeen. Aberdeen’s bustling economy means that there are part time or holiday work opportunities for students (on a tier 4 visa only). See cost breakdowns here.
Aberdeen cost comparison vs. Calgary: Click Here
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange? Since you remain a degree-seeking student at UCalgary while studying abroad, you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are otherwise eligible to receive from the university, as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund and the Global Learning Award. Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
Exchange students are guaranteed accommodation if they apply by our deadline. You can choose to live in one of Aberdeen's halls of residence, and choose from catered (dormitory style with a meal plan) and self-catered (apartment-style with a shared kitchen) accommodation. Facilities for students with disabilities are available.
Most incoming students opt to live in Hillhead Student Village, which is self-catered accommodation. Students may also apply to live in Adam Smith House, which has catered options. Updated costs for semester and year-long accommodation contracts are emailed to students at the point of acceptance
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at the University of Calgary, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B).
Students apply to UCalgary first, then we nominate accepted students who have met the minimum requirements to our partners. Once you have been nominated to Aberdeen, you will then apply directly to their exchange program.
Students traveling on passports from countries that don't have English as a first language must prove their English proficiency if they want to study at Aberdeen for the full academic year. For more information about Aberdeen's requirements click here.
Why Aberdeen?
- Study at an Ancient university. The University of Aberdeen is more than 500 years old!
- Experience one of the UK's "Top Ten Most Beautiful Historic Universities"
- Do your homework in one of the world's "20 most spellbinding university libraries"
- Work out in Aberdeen's new Olympic standard Sports Village and Aquatics Centre.
- Enjoy living in Scotland's safest university city.
- Travel easily around the UK and Europe courtesy of Aberdeen's excellent (and cheap) air, rail and bus links
Student Support
Exchange students will receive comprehensive advice and support from Aberdeen's International Student Support Team. This includes airport pick-up, orientation, resident assistants and international student advisors.
Students are given a one-day orientation on the Monday after arrival weekend. This is then followed by a week of registration and induction where students will meet with their Go Abroad tutor (academic advisor) to finalise their curriculum, complete their registration and acquaint themselves with campus and the city.
Students with disabilities can consult with a "disability support advisor" at Aberdeen.
The UK has laws protecting LGBT people from discrimination and is a marriage equality country.
Have questions?
The advisor for the program is: Veronica V. Cardoso
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains instructions to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We strongly recommend applying to your top three programs, as placement may be competitive. Your applications will be assessed in the order that you rank (first, second, third choice).
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary, so check each program web page and make sure you're aware of any differences! Pay attention to the eligibility requirements and whether supporting documents are needed.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that are not found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, accessibility issues, or demands on the physical and mental self, which may challenge you when away from your usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative to evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual condition against the rigours of your desired global program. If you are unsure whether this program is a good fit for you, or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment and participation, please contact us. Our global experience advisors are happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arranging any supports necessary for your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your global experience advisor to ensure that the program you are seeking can support your needs. Additional considerations can be found on our Identities Abroad resources.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.