University of Stirling

Why Stirling for international study?

Our inclusive, multi-cultural environment offers you a welcoming and supportive space for you to learn. Join the University of Stirling and we’ll prepare you for a lifetime of achievement alongside fellow students from more than 120 countries.

Whatever you choose to study, you’ll benefit from our high-quality teaching and internationally-recognised research. Studying at Stirling can broaden your horizons and open up global opportunities. You’ll be able to make friends from across the world and learn from different cultures and perspectives.

Clean, green, small and safe

tirling is a small city framed by beautiful natural environments and green space. Our 330-acre campus places picture-postcard landscapes right on your doorstep and gives you room to ease into University life.

Stirling has been rated as the safest student city in the UK, and our concern for your wellbeing extends to the range of measures we’re putting in place to help support the sustained decline of Coronavirus cases in Scotland.

Learn more about how we’ll prioritise your health when term starts and see how our Campus Commitment mirrors the Scottish Government’s phased roadmap to reopen the country safely.

More reasons to study at Stirling

1. World-class reputation
   We’re a globally connected University. 87% of the University’s research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society (REF 2021).We’ve been awarded 5 Stars in the QS Stars University Ratings 2021 for our teaching, employability, research, internationalisation, facilities and inclusiveness. Our small class sizes help to ensure you benefit from world-class teaching from our leading academics.
2. Global student community
   Join our truly global community. With over 135 nationalities on campus, we offer a diverse and multi-cultural student experience. 31% of our students are from overseas and we have partnerships in 65+ countries. The thriving International Society means you can make friends easily. We’re also 1st in the UK and 5th in the World for campus environment (UK International Student Barometer (ISB) Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018). After you graduate, you’ll join our 82,000+ alumni in more than 160 countries.
3. Career prospects
   We have excellent ratings for graduate employability – we’re ranked 1st in Scotland and Top 5 in the UK for our careers services (UK International Student Barometer (ISB) Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018). All our courses strive to improve your employable skills, as well as giving you an internationally recognised qualification. We’re committed to equipping you with life-long career management skills. Many of our courses offer hands-on experience and unique opportunities to work with industries across the globe.
4. A stunning campus
   A Hollywood worthy setting, our beautiful 330-acre campus has acted as the backdrop to major films and television series. It’s one of the most scenic campuses in the UK, with its own loch and plentiful green spaces. You’ll enjoy studying and living here. There’s a wide range of accommodation and everything you need is a few minutes’ walk – from food outlets and sports facilities, to our on-campus theatre and cinema.
5. Small class sizes
   Our class sizes are often smaller than what you’ll find at other UK universities. This can make it easier for you to participate in classes and contribute your ideas, than in larger groups. It will give you confidence in your studies and help you build relationships with your teachers at the University. We offer a supportive environment for you to achieve your potential.
6. An affordable city in a great location
   The city of Stirling is in central Scotland, with great transport links to the rest of the country. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow are only 45 minutes away by road or rail.Find out more about what Scotland has to offer. Living costs in Stirling are also relatively affordable compared to other cities in Scotland and the UK.
7. Excellence in sport
   If you have a passion for sport, choose Stirling. We’re The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide’s Sports University of the Year 2020, and we’re 2nd in Scotland and 5th in the UK for sports facilities (UK International Student Barometer Benchmark 2018). Our excellent facilities include an Olympic swimming pool, tennis courts and gym. We’re home to the National Tennis Centre and National Swimming Academy. If you’re looking to improve your fitness or simply have fun, we have a variety of recreational sports clubs you can get involved with.
8. Flexible courses
   Flexibility is built into our curriculum. For many undergraduate degrees in Years 1 and 2, you’ll be able to study a range of subjects across a variety of disciplines. This means you can study the things you’re passionate about or try a completely new subject that complements your main degree. Whatever you choose to study, it all counts towards your final degree.At the University of Stirling we want you to continue to expand your knowledge in areas that interest you. For entry onto most of our Masters courses, you could have studied a completely unrelated undergraduate degree. This allows you to develop your education and career in a new direction.

At the University of Stirling, being the difference is in our DNA – providing education with a purpose and carrying out research that helps to shape society.

We are an international university with pioneering spirit and a global reputation for high-quality teaching and research. We are passionate about creating impact in everything we do.

Stirling is a place where ability – not background – is valued.

Careers, employability and advice

Our students gain more than a degree. From internships to help finding a job, the Careers and Employability Service gives you the support and advice you need to plan your career, develop your employability or think about further study.

We’re ranked 1st in Scotland and Top 5 in the UK for our careers services (UK International Student Barometer (ISB) Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018).

What’s life like in Stirling for students?
Peaceful, yet lively. Cultured, yet youthful. Connected, yet affordable. Stirling has the vibrant energy that comes with a large student community, but with a peaceful environment to help you focus on your studies.

• It’s the ideal base to explore Scotland – the world’s most beautiful country (Rough Guides ‘Most Beautiful Countries in the World’ 2019).
• It’s not only one of the most affordable UK cities (Halifax ‘UK’s Most Affordable Cities’ 2021), it’s also one of the happiest (Rightmove Happy at Home Index 2021).
• It’s the training base of champions. Leading athletes in golf, netball, football and triathlon racing, as well as medal-winning Olympic and Paralympic athletes in swimming and curling, have all thrived here.

What types of scholarship are available?

International Foundation Scholarship

International Diploma Scholarship

Graduate Diploma Scholarship

1. QS excellence award for teaching, employability, internationalisation, facilities, and inclusiveness (QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS)
2. 100s of undergraduate degree combinations combine subjects that interest you (DEPENDING ON CHOSEN CAREER ROUTE)
3. 2 of the UK’s top 3 student cities are located in Scotland, with quick rail links from Stirling (QS BEST STUDENT CITIES 2022)
4. 100% overall student satisfaction rate (INTO ANNUAL STUDENT EXPERIENCE SURVEY 2022)

Key rankings

Where will I live at the University of Stirling?
You’ll live in on-campus accommodation at the University of Stirling. The student residences are on the other side of the lake (loch) to your classes. Just a five-minute walk from the INTO Center, you’ll access:

• a private bedroom with private shower facilities
• a shared kitchen and living room
• laundry facilities just a two-minute walk from your accommodation
• free membership to the Sports Center during your INTO program.