If you’re an international student looking to study in the UK, especially at a university that offers practical programs and a manageable cost-of-living, Abertay University in Dundee — Scotland — is a strong contender. To support international students, Abertay offers the “Abertay International Scholarship,” among several other awards, which can reduce your cost and make UK study more accessible.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the 2026/27 scholarship: eligibility, benefits, how it works, how to apply, related scholarships, pros & cons, and strategic tips if you decide to go for it.
What is the Abertay International Scholarship?
The Abertay International Scholarship is an institutional scholarship awarded to new international fee-status students (undergraduate or taught postgraduate) at Abertay University.
- Value: up to £3,000 per year, for a maximum of four years.
- Applies to: full-time on-campus undergraduate or post-graduate taught degrees.
- How it’s awarded: as a tuition fee reduction — the award amount is deducted from your tuition fees.
- No separate application: if you meet all eligibility requirements, the scholarship is assessed automatically when you apply to study at Abertay.
In simple terms: if you’re an eligible international student, accepted to a qualifying program, the scholarship will likely be granted — you don’t need to fill out extra forms.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Abertay International Scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Have international (overseas) fee status at Abertay University.
- Be admitted to, and accepted, a full-time on-campus undergraduate or postgraduate taught degree.
- Meet all the academic conditions associated with your offer (transcripts, prerequisites, English language requirements if applicable).
- For postgraduate taught degrees: hold a qualifying Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 (or as specified) for your intended program.
- Note for undergraduates: even if you enter via advanced entry into Year 2 or above (e.g. due to transfer credits), you can still be eligible if you meet the above conditions.
Important conditions to be aware of:
- The scholarship applies only to new entrants; it is not awarded retrospectively to current students.
- Students must be studying on campus in Dundee — it doesn’t apply to distance/online courses.
- The award value is fixed and does not increase annually (i.e. inflation or fee increases do not change the scholarship amount).
- The scholarship will not cover years spent away from campus — for example, if you do a study-abroad year or industry placement, those years may be excluded.
Additional Opportunities
While the Abertay International Scholarship is the baseline, the university offers several other scholarships for international students. This matters because — depending on your profile — you could qualify for a higher-value award. Some of the main alternatives or complements to the International Scholarship include:
- Principal’s Excellence Scholarship – Global: worth up to £7,000 per year for up to four years.
- Abertay IB30+ Scholarship: for students coming through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) with 30 or more points; award value can be up to £7,000 per year (when combined with the International Scholarship).
- Dean’s Scholarship: roughly £5,000 per year for up to four years, for those with strong academic or extra-curricular background.
- Principal’s Excellence Scholarship: undergraduate and postgraduate award of up to £5,000 per year, for up to a maximum of four years.
Because Abertay’s policy is that only the single highest-value scholarship will be awarded per student (even if you are eligible for more than one), you’ll effectively receive the maximum possible award for which you qualify.
How to Apply
One of the advantages of Abertay’s scholarship system — especially for the International Scholarship — is the simplicity of the application process.
1. Apply for Admission to Abertay
Apply to your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate taught programme at Abertay University (on campus, full-time). Ensure you meet entrance requirements (academic, English language where required).
2. Receive Offer of Admission
Once your application is reviewed and processed, if you qualify, you’ll receive an offer of admission (conditional or unconditional).
3. Automatic Scholarship Assessment
You do not need to submit a separate scholarship application form. Once you are offered admission and meet the eligibility criteria (international fee status, full-time on-campus study), the scholarship is assessed automatically.
4. Notification & Acceptance
If awarded the scholarship, Abertay will notify you by email — typically within 10 working days of issuing your study offer.
You must accept the scholarship via “My Abertay” portal within four weeks.
5. Tuition Fee Payment / Visa Application
After scholarship deduction, you’ll need to pay 50% of the net tuition fee (after discount) as a deposit before Abertay issues your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) — required for your UK Student Visa application.
The remaining net fee is payable in instalments or as per the university’s payment schedule.
6. Maintain Eligibility Through Study
To keep the scholarship each year, you must:
- Remain enrolled full-time on-campus
- Meet academic standards (satisfy programme progression)
- Not switch to part-time or distance study
If you violate conditions (withdraw, repeat, go on leave), the scholarship can be terminated.
7. If Admitted with Advanced Entry (Year 2+)
If you join via advanced entry (e.g. you already have credits and start in Year 2 or higher), you’re still eligible — the scholarship applies for the remaining years.
Advantages & Limitations
Pros
- Simple and automatic: no separate application; less paperwork.
- Multi-year support: up to 4 years, giving longer-term financial relief.
- Combined with stronger awards: if eligible for other scholarships (IB30+, Dean’s, Partner Excellence), you could get larger fee reductions.
- Flexibility for undergraduates and postgraduates: both bachelor’s and taught master’s students can benefit (provided eligibility).
- Tuition fee guarantee: Abertay publishes fixed international fee rates for your entry year, and fees won’t increase across your degree.
- Reasonable UK location: Dundee has lower cost of living compared to major UK cities, which helps make finances manageable.
Cons
- Only tuition fees: the scholarship does not cover living costs, accommodation, visa fees, travel, or personal expenses. You still need to budget for those.
- Fixed amount: £3,000/year is helpful but may not fully offset international tuition + living costs.
- Not stackable beyond highest award: you can’t combine multiple full scholarships; only the highest-value one applies.
- Visa deposit still required: despite the fee reduction, you must pay 50% of net tuition fee before you receive your CAS for visa.
- No support for non-qualifying years: years spent studying abroad, on industrial placements, or away from campus may not be covered.
- Competition and discretion: even though automatic, awards are subject to eligibility and may depend on supply and university discretion.
How to Maximize Your Chances & Budget Well
If you’re thinking about using the Abertay International Scholarship (or possible higher-value alternatives), here are some strategic recommendations:
- Apply early and prepare a strong application: Ensure your academic credentials, transcripts, English proficiency, passport/visa, and admission requirements are solid. Since scholarship approval is tied to acceptance, clean, complete documentation reduces risk.
- Check for other scholarships first: If eligible for other higher-value scholarships (IB30+, Partner Excellence, Dean’s), those may give more benefit. Compare carefully.
- Plan living costs realistically: Use the scholarship as tuition help, but budget separately for housing, food, transport, visa renewal, and personal expenses. Dundee is more affordable than London or southern UK cities, which works in your favor.
- Prepare deposit and visa funding early: Remember you’ll need to pay 50% of net tuition as deposit before CAS issue — ensure you have funds upfront.
- Maintain full-time enrollment and academic progress: Scholarship renewal depends on compliance; avoid gaps, drops, or switching to part-time without checking with international office.
- Avoid stacking with incompatible fees/discounts: If eligible for multiple scholarships/discounts, only the highest applies. Make informed choices.
- Have a backup plan: Scholarship helps, but is unlikely to cover 100% of all costs (tuition + living). Explore part-time work, external grants, home country loans/savings, or budget living carefully.
Official Links & Resources
- Abertay International Scholarship page
- Abertay Scholarships & Bursaries main page (list of all awards)
- International undergraduate fees & funding information: helps you see standard tuition and how scholarship reduces it
- Tuition & visa deposit rules (overseas pre-arrival guide): important for planning visa, fees, and budget
Conclusion
If you’re an international student eyeing UK universities, and you want a more affordable entry without sacrificing quality, the Abertay International Scholarship offers:
- A recurring tuition discount over the length of your degree (up to 4 years)
- A simple, automatic application process — no extra forms needed
- Flexibility — applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate taught courses (if eligible)
- Potential to qualify for higher-value scholarships if you meet other criteria (IB, partner institution, strong background)
However, don’t expect a blanket “free ride.” Living costs, visa expenses, travel, and personal expenses remain your responsibility. The scholarship helps — but you still need good planning, budgeting, and possibly external support (savings, part-time work, home country support, etc.) to make your time in Dundee manageable and successful.
