Everyone just loves Scotland. First off, the Scottish accent of the nationals is somewhat warm, welcoming, and friendly. Secondly, the nation has beautiful geography, complete with fascinating mountains, interesting wildlife, and generally beautiful and picturesque scenery.
Then again, there is this medieval splash of history splattered all over Scotland in form of architecture, views, and gardens, and to balance it, you can’t help but marvel at the elegance of modern creativity that paints the nation.
Now, apart from the general attractive attributes of the nation, certain features make Scotland an excellent choice, if you’re looking to study overseas, and these features compel international students from all over the globe to make Scotland one of their top choices for studies.
In this article, we’ll present five perfect reasons to study in Scotland. Here, they are:
1. The country is home to world-class universities.
Scotland has four universities ranking in the top 200 in the world (Times Higher Education World Rankings 2020) and they include, in no particular order: the University of Edinburgh, University of Aberdeen, University of Glasgow, and University of St Andrews. In addition to these institutions, other notable ones are the University of Dundee, University of Stirling, Abertay University, University of Strathclyde.
Since the 15th century, Scottish universities have been particularly relevant in the educational sector. A number of the world’s oldest universities are in Scotland, and Scottish institutions have a reputation for being the pacesetters and leaders in academics (learning, teaching, and research).
Some of the groundbreaking research and innovative developments are done by Scottish universities include the Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) scanner and the keyhole surgery. Apart from these, notable research has been carried out in Scottish universities in medicine, healthcare, engineering, etc. In essence, Scottish universities are the leaders in research.
The rankings of the Scottish institutions also say a lot of positive things about the educational system in Scotland. You can be assured that studying in Scotland will give you access to high-quality education as well as a certificate that will be globally recognized.
2. The country has a rich cultural history.
Study in Scotland and see for yourself, a country with a cultural history that has lasted for over a millennium. There are castles, sights, monuments, and battlegrounds you can visit in the country and you can learn more about the rich history associated with them.
This will help you appreciate human civilization better. Some of the must-see places in Scotland are The Edinburgh Castle, Skye, The Urquhart Castle, The Rosslyn Chapel, Mull of Galloway, and Luskentyre Beach.
You can also spend some time in the art galleries and museums, and learn a lot about Scotland. These art galleries and museums have a mountain of knowledge ready to be explored by anyone.
One of the wonderful things about Scotland is this: in your free time, you can move around the country and explore the beautiful nature and culture of the land. You will find very interesting places and people. Plus, the nationals will be more than willing to educate you about their beloved land.
You can visit intriguing Edinburgh and visit Forth Bridge, A UNESCO World Heritage Site you’ll find interesting. There’s also the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St. Giles Cathedral, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the Royal Mile, and the National Museum of Scotland.
If you go to Aberdeen(usually called “The Flower of Scotland”), be sure to visit the historic St. Machar’s Cathedral, the University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum, cross Brig o’Balgownie, which is Scotland’s oldest bridge, and visit the Tolbooth Museum, which is Aberdeen’s most haunted building.
Scotland is filled with wonderful sites and sights. This is one thing international students love about the country.
3. Affordable living costs are also a reason anyone should study in Scotland.
In the United Kingdom, Scotland appears to be one of the most affordable places to live, making it a popular choice among international students. Although the total cost of living for a student living in Scotland depends greatly on the choice of accommodation as well as other lifestyle preferences, the cost of living in Scotland is generally affordable.
However, larger cities in Scotland, such as Glasgow, can be more expensive, you can find relatively cheaper options. Generally, a student’s cost of living in Scotland can be between 700 – 1,100 GBP/month.
4. The student-friendly social environment will allure you.
To start with, Scottish people are known to be one of the friendliest people on Earth. They make their hospitality a priority and they are always willing to give directions or recommendations to strangers. If you need some help around town, a Scottish person will readily give it to you.
About 21% of the student population in Scottish institutions is made up of non-Scottish learners. The cultural diversity present in Scottish institutions as a result of the welcoming atmosphere testifies that Scotland is a top choice for international students looking to study in the United Kingdom.
While the cultural diversity presents you with an opportunity to expand your social and professional horizon, interact with people from other societal and cultural backgrounds, learn about other peoples and cultures, you can also be assured of a very high likelihood of seeing someone of your nationality, so you don’t feel strange and foreign in a new land.
There are also a large number of student organizations that can help you adjust, socialize and learn about the country. The cultural variety in Scottish institutions is a feature to take advantage of.
5. There are tons of scholarships for you to apply for.
Quality education does not usually come very cheap. As a student, you will most likely appreciate some help with paying bills, especially tuition fees. Fortunately, there are several scholarship options to choose from, and as long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for your preferred option.
Conclusion
What you can enjoy by studying in Scotland is a blend of academic benefits and social/cultural benefits. On one side, you are getting quality education from a country known for top-notch education, and on the other side, you get to experience Scotland in a way that will leave positive, lasting memories in your heart.