Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is the fifth oldest university in the English-speaking world. Situated in the stunning historic neighbourhood of Old Aberdeen, the University is today known as a centre of excellence in the Humanities, Law, Energy, Health Sciences and Environmental Studies.
Undergraduate students enrolled at a recognised international college or university can spend a semester or year at the University of Aberdeen. With 60 undergraduate subject areas on offer across the University, you will find a great choice of classes to take at Aberdeen and will be able to tailor your selection to suit your individual requirements.
The University of Aberdeen operates via terms, which means you can study at Aberdeen for the fall term (September-December), spring term (January-May) or a full academic year. However you choose to study, our dedicated Go Abroad team will assist you through the entire process.
- Information Sheet
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2024/2025
View our European Exchange Information Sheet 2024-2025 with all our most pertinent facts and figures.
2025/2026
View our European Exchange Information Sheet 2025-2026 with all our most pertinent facts and figures.
- Application Information
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Entry Requirements
To study at Aberdeen as a European exchange student, the University requires:
- 60 ECTS passed at point of commencement of study
- An official academic transcript
- Evidence of English language proficiency for non-native English speakers
How to Apply
If you are a student from a partner university, you will be provided a link to our online application form after you have been nominated by your home university. If your home university does not have an agreement with the University of Aberdeen, please consult our International Exchange and Study Abroad page for more information.
The deadlines for receipt of completed applications are as follows:
- Academic Year: (September - May) 15 May
- First Term: (September - December) 15 May
- Second Term: (January - May) 15 October
Course Selection Guide
Before submitting an application, students are encouraged to consult our Course Selection Guide for assistance on how to submit their provisional course selection.
- Course Availability / Restrictions
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Course Requirements / Credits
As a European exchange student you must select 60 Aberdeen credits per semester, with at least 50% of these from the School of the Inter-Institutional Agreement between your home institution and University of Aberdeen (see list below). You may choose the remainder from our wide range of courses, subject to previous experience, availability and timetabling.
Our current courses can be found on our course catalogue. Most semester courses are 15 credits, which equates to 7.5 ECTS. Please note that the University of Aberdeen uses a credit system which is double the ECTS system e.g. 5 Aberdeen credit points = 2.5 ECTS. Study Abroad and exchange students are examined alongside our full time degree-seeking students. Most classes are examined through a combination of continuous assessment, mid-term assignments and an end of semester examination.
Course restrictions
While we accept students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, study abroad and exchange students are not permitted to take the following courses:
- Level 5 (postgraduate) courses.
- Level 4 English or Linguistics courses.
- Clinical Medicine and Dentistry courses.
- Diploma in Legal Practice (DLP) courses, as identified by a 'D' in the second-to-last digit of the course code (e.g., LS55DA).
- Dissertation, Project or Professional Practice courses (unless these are specifically listed as open to non-graduating students, eg HI304J/CM4032)
- Education Courses with in-school placements.
- JB, JC, QB, QC, QI and QL coded courses
Additionally, students only studying in Semester 1 cannot take Level 4 courses from the School of Medical Sciences, unless given prior approval, as these are usually assessed in May.
Limited Course Availability
Please note, some course options, particularly at honours (level 3 and 4) have limited availability. The following courses do not represent an exhaustive list of capped courses, but are intended to highlight disciplines that are often close to capacity.
- Ethnology and Folklore (EF) courses
- Field courses (these will only be available to students, space permitting, where the course is mandatory for their degree)
- Level 3 English courses
- Sixth Century (SX) courses
Subject areas by School
Biological Sciences
Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Plant Science, Zoology Business
Accountancy, Business Management, Economics, Finance, Real Estate Divinity, History, Philosophy and History of Art
Divinity & Religious Studies, History, History of Art, Latin, Philosophy Education
Counselling Skills, Education Engineering
Engineering Geosciences
Archaeology, Geography, Geology & Petroleum Geology, Marine & Coastal Resource Management Law
Law Language, Literature, Visual Culture & Music
Arabic, Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies, English, Ethnology & Folklore, Film & Visual Culture, French, Gaelic, German, Hispanic Studies & Spanish, Language & Linguistics, Mandarin, Music Medical Sciences
Anatomy, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Health Sciences, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Medical Sciences, Sports Science Natural & Computing Sciences
Chemistry, Computing Science, Mathematical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics Psychology
Psychology Social Science
Anthropology, Politics & International Relations, Sociology Independent and Interdisciplinary subjects
History & Philosophy of Science, Professional Development, Sixth Century Courses, Statistics - Associated Costs
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Tuition
Students from universities which have an exchange agreement with the University of Aberdeen will not be charged tuition fees. Otherwise, students should consult our International Exchange & Study Abroad page for the latest tuition fee rates.
Living Costs
UK Visas and Immigration indicate that students spending the academic year should have a minimum of £1136 for each month that they will spend in the United Kingdom. Although no official advice is given for students only spending one term, we would also suggest that they budget for a minimum of £1136 per month for living expenses. A further breakdown of estimated costs can be found below (for illustrative purposes only):
Costs
Monthly £
Rent*
412-712
Mobile
40
Food
300
Travel Expenses
60
Personal
220
Books / Computer Equipment / Printing**
50
Total
1082-1382
* Based on available University of Aberdeen accommodation
** Subject to requirements of discipline
- University Accommodation
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Student Housing
All incoming exchange and study abroad students are guaranteed a place in student accommodation. Students will be emailed information on how to apply once they are accepted in to the programme.
Most exchange and study abroad students are housed in our Hillhead Student Village. Our accommodation is self-catered and normally consists of single study bedrooms, with common areas which are shared with roommates.
You can find more information on University of Aberdeen housing here
- Term Dates
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Academic Calendar
The University of Aberdeen's Academic Calendar, including term dates and exclusions, can be found here.
- Contact Us
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Go Abroad Team
University of Aberdeen
University Office (Room 16)
Regent Walk
Aberdeen, AB24 3FX
T: +44 (0)1224 272041 or +44 (0)1224 272625
E: goabroad.incoming@abdn.ac.uk