International Study Centre

Students in a science lab

Start your journey with us

The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre is located in the heart of campus at the University of Aberdeen, offering programmes designed to prepare you for a successful study abroad experience. 

Aberdeen is all about community. When you start at the International Study Centre, you will be a part of this from day one. The support of your tutors and classmates, as well as University staff and other students, ensure you will feel right at home in Aberdeen.

The pathway programmes at the University of Aberdeen International Study Centre are run by Study Group, in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen. Study Group is a world leader in education and training for international students.

The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre is your first step to achieving your degree from one of the UK’s oldest universities. 

As an International Study Centre student, you will be based with us to develop the skills you need to progress to degree level study. You will be living and learning with other international students, discovering university and UK life together.

If you are on one of our undergraduate pathways, you will spend the first or the second year of your degree with us before transitioning to the University for the remainder of your degree. Those on a postgraduate pathway will spend twelve weeks at the International Study Centre before beginning their Masters degree.

Student support

During your time at the International Study Centre, we help and support you in a variety of different ways:

We know how challenging it can be to study at a university when you aren’t used to the local education system. At the International Study Centre, we provide specially designed pathway programmes taught by expert staff, ensuring you build the language, academic and study skills you’ll need at the University of Aberdeen.

Our support includes:

  • Courses designed in collaboration with the University
  • Academic guidance from tutors who are experts in international education
  • Study plans to keep you on track to reach your goals
  • Time to adapt to the complexities of the Scottish university system.

Studying in a new country can be a big adjustment. Our staff are here to help you settle in to UK life and to help you enjoy your time in Aberdeen. Our Student Experience team are always available if you need it.

You will start to gain the skills for career success at the International Study Centre. Career-focussed activities are built into your pathway programme, and we will help you to expand upon your teamwork, problem-solving and communication abilities, which will help you at university and in your career.

Your wellbeing matters

We’re committed to supporting your positive wellbeing and mental health both prior to your enrolment and whilst you are studying with us. For that reason, we offer a free Student Assistance Programme (SAP) to help you deal with any personal or student related problems that might be affecting your studies or day-to-day life.

Provided by Health Assured and Endsleigh Insurance, the Student Assistance Programme is designed to help you manage and enhance your mental health and overall wellbeing through two main features including:

Wellbeing connected

A unique counsellor-led service available 24 hours a day. 7 days a week, ready to respond to any need for emotional or practical support from international students.

Health hub

The health hub includes a range of ways to help you keep track of different aspects of your health and fitness such as water intake and sleep. There’s also a range of healthy, easy-to-make recipes to give inspiration as well as access to loads of articles, podcasts and videos.

You will receive more information about how to access this service, once you have confirmed your place. 

Hear from Trish, the Head of Curriculum & Progression at the International Study Centre, about how we support international students

97%

of students who completed their preparation programme at the International Study Centre were offered a place to study their degree at the University of Aberdeen in 2023.

University of Aberdeen International Study Centre

Studying at the International Study Centre

Mohamad from Syria

I wanted to go to the International Study Centre before going to the university because it prepared me for the lifestyle of the student and to the transition that I needed in order to proceed into my university studies later on. What helped me the most when I transitioned from the International Study Centre to the University is that here they taught me how to write essays perfectly and how to reference."

Mohamad from Syria
Undergraduate Foundation Programme
BSc Biomedical Sciences – Physiology

Join us today

Our student enrolment advisors are available to answer your questions and help you with your application. We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Aberdeen family.