About Scotland
Scotland, which is located in Europe, is not only celebrated for its fortresses and rich history but also for the exceptional hospitality of its inhabitants. Scotland is a constituent of the United Kingdom, which also includes England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This fact is not widely recognized. It is situated in the northern third of Great Britain and is home to nearly 800 small islands, such as the Hebrides, Arran, Skye, and the northern isles of Shetland and Orkney. It is situated in a strategic location, just a stone’s toss from our destinations within Europe.
Facts about Scotland
Scotland is a dynamic, compact country, spanning an area of just over 30,000 square miles, which is approximately one-third of the total landmass of the United Kingdom. Their population comprises only approximately 10% of the United Kingdom’s total. The most recent population estimate for Scotland, as reported by the Scottish government in 2010, is 5,222,100. This is the most significant figure in more than three decades, with a total of over 2 million individuals. The country is divided into three regions: The Highlands & Islands, The Central Lowlands, and The Upper Lowlands. Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and Stirling are the only six officially recognized communities in Scotland. Edinburgh serves as the nation’s capital. While many are aware that Scotland is renowned as the “Home of Golf,” they may not be aware that it is also home to one of the earliest universities in the world, the University of St. Andrews, which was established in 1410.
Universities in Scotland
Scotland boasts the highest number of world-class universities per capita in the globe.
For instance, they include:
- University of Glasgow
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Aberdeen
- University of Dundee
- Heriot-Watt University
- University of St. Andrews
& Many More…
Why study there?
The recent increase in the number of students opting to study in Scotland can be attributed to a variety of factors. Among them are:
Scotland is an internationally recognized center of world-class higher education. The nation boasts five universities ranked in the top 200 (THE Rankings 2015) and has established a global reputation for distinction in university-level education.
International students are permitted to work for a minimum of 20 hours per week during the duration of their studies and after graduation, as long as they are eligible to do so under a student visa. International graduates who qualify for a valid General visa or Graduate Entrepreneur visa may also pursue post-study employment opportunities. This is certainly a benefit for students who desire to earn an additional allowance while continuing their education.
Scotland’s graduates are consistently successful in securing superior employment, as evidenced by the low unemployment rate (4%) and the consistently high rate of positive graduate destinations that involve employment or further study within six months (91%). The highest beginning salaries in the UK are also earned by graduates from Scotland’s universities. The most significant aspect is that numerous universities in Scotland have a network of professional careers staff who provide support and guidance to their students from the moment they enroll until they graduate and beyond.
Universities in Scotland are renowned for integrating a “research-based” approach into their programs, which is why students are immersed in a world-leading research environment. In reality, the research conducted in Scotland’s universities has driven numerous innovations and discoveries that have had a profound impact on the world. This is the reason why students are instructed in an environment that is shared by academics who are challenging the boundaries of their respective disciplines.
The diversity of Scotland’s higher education is characterized by its course offerings. Scotland’s higher education sector is capable of providing over 4,500 courses in more than 150 subject groups at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The fact that no two degree courses are identical is due to the fact that each university has a robust infrastructure, staff-led research propensities, and student body activity and input.
Scotland is highly recommended by international students, which is a critical factor for those who aspire to pursue their education in Scotland. In comparison to the UK (90%) and global (89%) averages, the ISB survey of international students recently revealed that 94% of students believed their university in Scotland was a positive place to be. Additionally, the proportion of Scottish students who would recommend their institution is slightly higher (85%) than that of the UK (84%) and the global (82%) averages.