Student support
During your time at the International Study Centre, we help and support you in a variety of different ways:
International Study Centre
Start your journey with confidence
Starting university abroad is an exciting step, but success takes more than meeting the entry requirements. Building confidence, being prepared and getting the right support from day one allows you to thrive at university and beyond.
Located in the heart of the University of Aberdeen campus, the International Study Centre gives you a strong start to your university journey. You'll develop the academic knowledge, English language and study skills you need to progress to your degree, while building the confidence and independence to succeed in a new country and university environment.
Aberdeen is all about community, and you'll be part of it from day one. You'll learn alongside students from around the world, make new friends and become familiar with university life. With support from your tutors, classmates and International Study Centre staff, you'll have people around you to help you settle in, stay on track and make the most of your experience.
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.
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.
Hear from Trish, the Head of Curriculum & Progression at the International Study Centre, about how we support international students
100%
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 2025.
University of Aberdeen International Study Centre
Studying at the International Study Centre
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
