Exchanges

How Do I Study for a Short Time at Aberdeen?

  • Exchange Programme
  • Student Life  
  • Fees & Cost of Living 
  • Student Accommodation
  • Study Abroad Term Dates
  • Course Information
  • How to Apply
  • VISA Information
  • Contact Us

Exchange Programme

Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is one of the UK's most internationally distinguished universities.  It has a student population of around 16,000 and a large international community of students and staff drawn from over 120 countries.   The University is situated within the attractive, prosperous and friendly city of Aberdeen, which has a population of around 220,000 people. Aberdeen is a student friendly city and a perfect base for exploring the rest of the UK and Europe. Aberdeen enjoys good rail links with the rest of the UK, and Aberdeen's International Airport has direct links with British and European cities, including London, Dublin, Paris and Amsterdam to name a few. 

We have been welcoming visiting study abroad students for over four decades. Our students either come to us through their home institution, through a third-party programme, or through direct enrolment. Students can study at Aberdeen for the fall semester, spring semester or a full year. With over 600 degree programmes at Aberdeen, students have a wide range of choice including our cross-disciplinary 6th Century Courses. The variety and flexibility offered by Aberdeen combined with its unique location make it an attractive and distinctive study abroad destination. While University is the third oldest educational institution in Scotland and one of the world’s ancient universities, Aberdeen continues to lead in the 21st century. Participating in the study abroad programme provides you the opportunity to experience 'The Difference' at Aberdeen.

Exchange Partners

The University of Aberdeen has exchange partnerships with the following institutions:

Canada
China
Hong Kong
Japan
singapore


United States of America

If you are a student at an exchange partner institution, please contact the Exchange Office at your home institution.  If you do not attend one of our partner institutions, you can still study as a visiting student at the University of Aberdeen through our Study Abroad Programme.

Student Life at the University of Aberdeen

Once here, you will be wholly integrated into Aberdeen student life. You will join the same classes, live in the same halls of residence, and have the same access to sports and recreational facilities as all Aberdeen students. You also have the same access to all the Student Support Services available at the University of Aberdeen, including international student support, counselling, chaplaincy services and disability provisions. You will have the added support of the International Office as well as a dedicated academic advisor. Your academic advisor will be familiar with international student needs and will be a resource to help you during your studies at Aberdeen.

During your time at Aberdeen you have the opportunity to join the Students' Association and any of the student societies or sports clubs on offer at the University. The Students' Association offers excellent social opportunities as well as the chance to explore your interests.

There are also many opportunities to volunteer in Aberdeen. Please check out our Volunteering Centre to find out how you can get involved in the community.

Fees & Cost of Living

Tuition Fees 2013-2014

Students who are nominated through their Home University with an exchange partnership with the University of Aberdeen are not required to pay tuition fees.

In addition to tuition fees, students will require approximately a further £800 per month (minimum) to cover additional costs. Please visit our International webpages for further information on the estimated Cost of Living.

Check the current equivalent to your local currency using the Universal Currency Converter.

Student Accommodation

Study abroad students are guaranteed a place in student accommodation. Study abroad students are integrated in the halls with all the other Aberdeen students, so you will have the opportunity to meet local students as well as other international students. Self-catered accommodation is the most popular choice and is located at Hillhead Halls. Catered accommodation is located at Crombie Johnston, and consists of a hall of single bedrooms with a large shared bathroom (like a typical dormitory). Self-catered accommodation does not include a meal plan, and consists of 4-6 single bedrooms in a flat (apartment) with a shared kitchen and bathroom. Visit the Student Accommodation website for more details about the accommodation available.

*Self-catered accommodation remains open throughout the academic year, while catered accommodation closes during two weeks of the Christmas break. Students in catered accommodation will be required to find alternate lodging during the two weeks their accommodation is closed over Christmas.

Study Abroad Term Dates

1st Semester, September – January

2013 / 2014

Move-in Weekend

Saturday 21 or Sunday 22 September

Orientation

Monday 23 September

Registration/Freshers' Week

Monday 23-Thursday 27 September

Classes Begin

Monday 30 September

Classes End*

Friday 20 December

Beginning of Christmas Vacation

Saturday 21 December

End of Christmas Vacation

Sunday 12 January

Revision Week Begins

Monday 13 January

First Written Examination

Saturday 18 January

Students Free to Depart

Saturday 1 February

Student Accommodation Contract Ends

Saturday 1 February

*Students who come for the Fall Term only, and whose second semester at their home institution begins before the end of January, may leave after classes end in December and are not required to return to Aberdeen in January. Instead, you will make arrangements to do extra work before you leave in lieu of taking exams in January. This must be approved by your home university during the application stage.

2nd Semester, January - June

2014

Arrive by

Thursday 30 January

Orientation and Registration

Friday 31 January

Classes Begin

Monday 3 February

Beginning of Easter Vacation

Saturday 29 March

End of Easter Vacation

Sunday 20 April

Revision Week Begins

Monday 19 May

First Written Examination

Saturday 24 May

Students Free to Depart

Saturday 14 June

Student Accommodation Contract Ends

Friday 20 June

Course Information

Most of our courses are available to visiting study abroad students.  With over 600 degree programmes, students easily find courses that match their academic interests and fulfil requirements of their home university. Everything from Anthropology to Zoology is available along with our cross-disciplinary 6th Century Courses. 

You can find a listing of courses in our online Course Catalogue. You are welcome to choose courses across the whole curriculum at Aberdeen, with a few exceptions. See our Guidance on  Choosing Courses including prerequisites and restricted courses for more information.

Courses range between 10-30 credit points each, so students take a variable number of courses per semester, usually between two and four courses. Our year is divided into semesters with exams at the end of each semester. Your workload will be measured in credit points. 60-70 credits per semester make up a full academic load. We strongly encourage students not to take more than 75 credits per semester as this may hinder their comprehensive study abroad experience. After the completion of your studies, your home university will be issued a transcript with a suggested conversion scale.

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

To study at Aberdeen as a visiting study abroad or exchange student. The University requires:

  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent (on a 4.0 scale) or better.
  • An academic letter of reference from your home institution.
  • An academic transcript.
  • A personal statement of 500 words explaining why you would like to study at the University of Aberdeen.
  • If English is not your first language we will require an English Language test.  Please see our pages on English Requirements for details.
Application Deadlines

Please make sure you check your home institution's deadlines for applications also.

Full Year

1 July

First Semester

1 July 

Second Semester

1 November
Application Procedure

Please read the guidance notes provided below to complete the PDF application. Applications are accepted electronically, with supporting documents at studyabroad@abdn.ac.uk. 

  1. Please read our Study Abroad and Exchange Application Guideon how to apply for the Study Abroad and Exchange programme.  Follow the instructions fully when completing your application. 
  2. Browse the course catalogue for the courses available.
  3. Complete our Study Abroad and Exchange Application and return by post or electronically to studyabroad@abdn.ac.uk with your supporting documents to include:
  • Completed application form including:

     Course Choices in section 9 of your application. Please review the Guidance on Course Selection.
     A personal statement of 500 words explaining why you would like to study at the University of Aberdeen included in Section 12.

  • Academic reference, to be sent by your Home University
  • Academic transcript. This must be sent by your home university if submitting electronically to studyabroad@abdn.ac.uk
  • A copy of the photo page of your passport. 
  • An English Language test if required.  An English Language test is required if you are NOT a national of one of the following countries - 

    Antigua and Barbuda
    Australia
    The Bahamas
    Barbados
    Belize
    Canada 
    Dominica 
    Grenada 
    Guyana 
    Jamaica
    New Zealand 
    St Kitts and Nevis 
    St Lucia 
    St Vincent and the Grenadines 
    Trinidad and Tobago
    United States of America

VISA Information

All international (except European Economic Area and Swiss nationals) students will be required to apply for entry clearance to the UK. If you are studying for less than 6 months you can apply for 'Tier 4' full student visa. Students are also able to apply for ‘Student Visitor’ entry clearance which is aimed at those short term students who wish to undertake a short course of up to six months and have no interest in full student visa entitlements, i.e. the ability to work, extend stay whilst in the UK, or the opportunity for multiple entry.  UK immigration regulations change frequently. Please carefully  and regularly check the eligibility and restrictions on the UK Border Agency website.

Contact Us

If you would like to know more about our International Exchange Programme, please e-mail us directly with your questions at studyabroad@abdn.ac.uk

University of Aberdeen
Student Recruitment and Admissions Service
International Exchange & Study Abroad Programme
King’s College
Aberdeen
United Kingdom
AB24 3FX
Phone: +44 (0)1224 27 2026       
Fax: +44 (0)1224 27 2576