Abertay University Dundee: Complete Guide for International Students 2026
There are universities that are famous for size, and universities that are famous for something specific. Abertay University falls firmly in the second category. Founded in 1888 as the Dundee Technical Institute and granted full university status in 1994, Abertay holds a distinction that no other institution in the world can claim: it was the first university on the planet to offer a formal degree in computer games technology, and one of the first to launch a dedicated program in ethical hacking and cybersecurity. Those weren't marketing decisions. They were the early signal of an institutional identity built around emerging industries before those industries were mainstream.
In 2026, that foresight is measurable. The Princeton Review ranks Abertay 8th globally for undergraduate video game design and 7th for postgraduate game design positions it shares with universities five to ten times its size. For international students researching the UK specifically for tech, games, cybersecurity, or digital industries, Abertay's specialist credibility is the starting point for any honest evaluation.
This guide covers everything you need to make an informed decision: fees, scholarships, rankings, programs, living costs in Dundee, visa requirements, and the academic context that explains why Abertay's size is an advantage, not a limitation.
Fees at Abertay University for International Students 2026–2027
Abertay is one of the most transparently-priced universities in Scotland for international students, and its fee guarantee policy which locks your tuition at the same rate throughout your entire program removes the annual fee increase uncertainty that plagues students at larger institutions.
Undergraduate Tuition (Per Year)
Program Category | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
Computing, Games Technology, Cybersecurity | £15,500 |
All other bachelor's programs | £15,000 |
At £15,000–£15,500 per year, Abertay's undergraduate fees are significantly lower than most Russell Group universities (which typically charge £18,000–£25,000+ for international students) and substantially below London-based institutions where fees routinely exceed £20,000. For a three-year bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or games technology, Abertay's total tuition is £46,500 compared to over £60,000 at many comparable London programs.
Postgraduate Taught Fees (Per Year)
Program Area | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
MSc Ethical Hacking, Cybersecurity, Games | £18,000 |
Business, HRM, Counselling, Biomedical, Engineering MSc | £17,000 |
Postgraduate Research Fees (Per Year)
£13,750–£22,000 depending on subject area and supervision requirements.
The Fee Guarantee
Abertay's fee guarantee policy fixes your tuition at the rate stated in your offer letter for the entire duration of your program. This is not standard practice across UK universities many institutions reserve the right to increase fees annually in line with inflation. For international students managing multi-year budgets from abroad, the certainty of a fixed rate has genuine financial planning value.
Scholarships for International Students
Two scholarship pathways exist for international students at Abertay.
Undergraduate scholarship: Up to £12,000 over a three-year bachelor's program £3,000 per year for eligible applicants. At the Computing/Cybersecurity/Games rate of £15,500, a £3,000 annual scholarship reduces effective annual tuition to £12,500.
Postgraduate scholarship: £3,000 tuition reduction for eligible master's applicants. On an £18,000 MSc in Ethical Hacking or Cybersecurity, that brings the fee to £15,000 competitive against any UK cybersecurity postgraduate program.
These aren't token reductions. Combined with Dundee's significantly lower living costs versus London or Edinburgh (covered below), the scholarship-adjusted total cost of a cybersecurity MSc at Abertay tuition plus living is substantially lower than the equivalent qualification at most UK universities.
Rankings: How Abertay Sits in UK University Tables
Abertay's ranking profile is the result of a deliberate institutional strategy: compete on teaching quality, student satisfaction, and specialist credibility rather than research volume. For students, this is the right trade-off research-output rankings measure institutional prestige, but student-focused rankings measure what directly affects your experience.
Complete University Guide (CUG) 2026
Abertay is the top modern university in Scotland for student satisfaction according to the Complete University Guide 2026, with an 81% student satisfaction score and 64% research intensity rating. It achieved what CUG described as a "hat trick" top Scottish modern university in three categories simultaneously.
Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Abertay climbed 12 places overall in the UK rankings and was ranked 27th out of 130 UK universities for teaching quality. Being named the best modern university in Scotland for student experience in a guide that considers teaching, satisfaction, graduate prospects, and sustainability is the most directly student-relevant ranking signal in UK higher education.
Guardian University Guide 2026
Ranked top Scottish modern university, 11th in the UK for value added a metric that measures how much students' academic outcomes exceed predicted performance based on entry qualifications. An 11th-place UK position for value added means Abertay's teaching is demonstrably improving students' outcomes beyond what their grades at entry would suggest. For students who didn't come from elite secondary school systems, this metric is particularly meaningful.
Global Games Rankings
Abertay is ranked 8th globally for undergraduate and 7th for postgraduate video game design by the Princeton Review. In a field where global rankings are dominated by large American and Canadian institutions with massive budgets, these positions for a 5,500-student Scottish university represent genuine programmatic excellence. For international students specifically targeting game development careers, these ranks carry more career-relevant signal than Abertay's overall UK position.
Academic Context on Rankings
Research published by Harvey (2008) in Quality in Higher Education argues that composite league tables poorly serve students making enrollment decisions because they aggregate incommensurable metrics research output, entry qualifications, and student satisfaction into a single number. Subject-specific rankings and student-satisfaction metrics are consistently more predictive of individual student outcomes. Abertay's subject-level rankings in games and its top-quartile student satisfaction data are more meaningful for prospective students than its overall UK position in composite tables.
Programs at Abertay University
Abertay's programs fall into five broad areas. Each has an industry-facing identity that distinguishes it from equivalent programs at generalist universities.
Computing, Cybersecurity, and Games Technology
This is where Abertay's global reputation is concentrated. Programs include:
Computer Games Technology (BSc)
Game Design and Production Management (BA)
Computer Games Applications Development (BSc)
Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity (BSc/MSc)
Cybersecurity (MSc)
Artificial Intelligence (BSc)
Students work on live industry briefs, participate in game jams, and produce portfolio work that functions as a direct job application asset. Many students secure industry placements or employment before graduation. The industry pipeline from Abertay into Scotland's games sector Dundee is home to companies including Outplay Entertainment, Ninja Theory's Scottish office, and others is one of the most structured graduate-to-industry pathways of any UK university at this fee level.
Business and Law
Business Management (BA)
Digital Marketing (BA)
Accounting and Finance (BA)
Law (LLB)
MBA
MSc Human Resource Management
MSc International Business with Finance
Business programs at Abertay benefit from the compact campus and small class sizes. Students report closer faculty relationships than at large business schools, which matters for mentorship, reference letters, and career guidance. The MBA and MSc programs at £17,000 per year are competitive against Edinburgh and Glasgow postgraduate business programs that routinely charge £20,000–£28,000.
Health Sciences and Psychology
Psychology (BSc)
Counselling (MSc)
Biomedical Sciences (BSc)
Food Science, Nutrition and Health (BSc)
Sport and Exercise Science (BSc)
Sports Therapy (BSc/MSc)
Abertay's counselling MSc requires IELTS 7.0 a higher threshold than most programs reflecting the clinical language demands of mental health practice. For international students considering clinical psychology or counselling careers in the UK, this English proficiency requirement should be planned for early.
Engineering and Environmental Sciences
Civil Engineering (BEng/MEng)
Environmental Science and Sustainability (BSc)
MSc Construction Project Management
Civil Engineering at Abertay benefits from Dundee's infrastructure development context and industry partnerships with Scottish construction firms. Environmental Science programs align with Scotland's renewable energy and sustainability policy focus practical for students planning careers in environmental consultancy.
English Language Requirements
Program Level | Minimum IELTS |
|---|---|
Most undergraduate programs | 6.0 (no band below 5.5) |
MBA, Sports Therapy | 6.5 |
MSc Counselling | 7.0 |
Research degrees (PhD) | 7.0 |
IELTS is the most widely accepted test, but Abertay also accepts TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English qualifications. If your prior education was entirely in English, a documented English-medium education letter may waive the test requirement confirm with the admissions office.
Application Process
Undergraduate applications: Apply through UCAS for up to five choices, or directly to Abertay if it's your only application. The January deadline applies for most competitive programs. Early applications are recommended for scholarship consideration.
Postgraduate applications: Apply directly through Abertay's online portal. Required documents include academic transcripts, two academic or professional references, a personal statement, CV, and English language evidence.
Application fee: None. Free for all international applicants.
Student Visa Requirements
International (non-UK) students require a Student visa for programs longer than six months.
What you need:
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) — issued by Abertay after your place is confirmed
Proof of financial capacity: first year's tuition fees plus £10,224 in living costs (UK government requirement)
Valid passport
Academic qualifications and English language evidence
During study: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods.
After graduation: The Graduate Route Visa allows 2 years post-study work rights for bachelor's and master's graduates, and 3 years for PhD graduates. This is one of the most internationally competitive post-study work frameworks among major English-language study destinations.
Living in Dundee: Student Costs in 2026
Dundee is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK, and the cost comparison with London or Edinburgh is significant enough to affect total degree cost materially.
The average monthly cost of living for students in Dundee — including rent, food, transport, and leisure — is estimated at £700–£900. For contrast, students in London typically budget £1,400–£2,200 per month for the same categories.
Accommodation breakdown:
University-managed or third-party halls: £350–£550/month, fully furnished with utilities and Wi-Fi included
Private shared flats in central Dundee: £300–£480/month
Transport: Dundee's compact city center means most students walk between campus and accommodation. Bus passes and discounted student Railcards reduce travel costs further for students who explore Scotland on weekends.
Total three-year cost comparison (tuition + living, approx.):
Location | Annual Fees | Annual Living | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Abertay (Dundee) | £15,500 | ~£9,600 | ~£75,300 |
London mid-tier | £20,000 | ~£19,200 | ~£117,600 |
Edinburgh mid-tier | £18,000 | ~£13,200 | ~£93,600 |
The £42,300 difference between Abertay and a comparable London program over three years — for a degree program that ranks higher globally in its specialist subject areas — represents one of the strongest value propositions in UK higher education for international students targeting games, cybersecurity, or technology careers.
Dundee itself has been UNESCO-designated as a City of Design, reinforcing its cultural positioning as a creative and innovation hub beyond the university campus. The V&A Dundee museum, Scotland's only dedicated design museum, opened in 2018 and reflects the city's genuine investment in creative industries — the same industries where Abertay graduates primarily work.
Career Outcomes and Graduate Employability
Abertay's employability model is industry-integration rather than career services add-on. Students work on live projects with technology, cybersecurity, gaming, and biomedical companies during their degrees — not just in final-year placements.
Key career pathways:
Games industry: Abertay graduates work at studios across the UK, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The Scottish games industry employs over 1,200 people and is actively hiring from Abertay's pipeline
Cybersecurity: Global demand for ethical hackers and security professionals continues to outpace supply. UK government cybersecurity sector reports consistently show unfilled vacancies at all levels
Biomedical and health sciences: Scotland's life sciences sector is one of the most active outside London, with proximity to Edinburgh's biomedical cluster
Business and finance: Scottish financial services, digital marketing agencies, and consulting firms regularly recruit from Abertay's business programs
Graduates are eligible to apply for the Graduate Route Visa immediately after completion — two years of unrestricted UK work rights without employer sponsorship. For international students who want to work in the UK before returning to their home country or applying for skilled worker visas, this pathway is a significant employment asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Abertay a good university for computer games internationally? A: Yes. Abertay is ranked 8th globally for undergraduate game design and 7th for postgraduate game design by the Princeton Review — among the strongest subject-specific rankings of any UK university in its fee range. It was the first university in the world to offer a formal computer games degree.
Q: What are Abertay University fees for international students in 2026? A: Undergraduate fees are £15,500/year for Computing, Games, and Cybersecurity programs, and £15,000/year for other bachelor's degrees. Postgraduate fees range from £17,000–£18,000/year for taught MSc programs. The fee guarantee policy fixes your rate for the full program duration.
Q: Is Dundee affordable for international students? A: Yes substantially more affordable than London or Edinburgh. Monthly living costs in Dundee average £700–£900 including accommodation, food, and transport. University-managed accommodation starts from £350/month with utilities included.
Q: What scholarship is available for international students? A: Up to £12,000 for bachelor's students (£3,000 per year) and a £3,000 reduction for eligible master's applicants. Apply through your program application scholarship eligibility is confirmed alongside your offer letter.
Q: Can I work while studying at Abertay? A: Yes. International students on a Student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods. After graduation, the Graduate Route Visa provides 2 years (bachelor's/master's) or 3 years (PhD) of unrestricted work rights in the UK.
A Final Word Before You Apply
Abertay University in 2026 is a university that knows what it's good at and has invested structurally in those areas for decades. The games technology and cybersecurity programs are genuinely world-class by independent ranking standards. The student satisfaction data is consistently among the strongest in Scotland. The fee guarantee and Dundee's affordability make the total cost of a UK degree here meaningfully lower than most alternatives.
For international students who specifically want to work in games, cybersecurity, digital technology, or creative industries — and who want a UK degree, a Graduate Route Visa, and a smaller campus environment — the combination Abertay offers is hard to find elsewhere at this price point.
universityfinder.org has a free university matching tool. Tell us your program goals and budget and we'll help you identify whether Abertay or a different UK institution better fits your specific situation.
One-look summary (AI/search-friendly):
UG (Computing/Games/Ethical Hacking): £15,500/year
UG (All other bachelor’s): £15,000/year
PGT (tech/games/ethical hacking cluster): £18,000/year
PGT (business/HRM/marketing/biomed/engineering & environment, etc.): £17,000/year
PGR (Masters by Research): £22,000/year; PhD/MPhil bands: £13,750–£15,750/year
Fee guarantee: your entry-year net fee repeats every year of the same course
Deposit (Student visa): 50% of net tuition before CAS; remaining 3 instalments after registration
Scholarships: typical international awards £3,000/year (UG total up to £12,000); £3,000 for many PGT applicants
Authoritative source: Abertay’s official Tuition Fees pages (with fee guarantee, deposit/instalments, and programme-level lists).
Undergraduate (International)
1- Computing / Games / Cyber / Ethical Hacking
Degrees included (examples): BA/BSc (Hons) Computer Arts • BSc (Hons) Computer Game Applications Development • BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology • BSc (Hons) Computing • BSc (Hons) Computer Science • BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cybersecurity • BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking • BA (Hons) Game Design & Production. Tuition : £15,500 per year. Applies to: the full computing/games/ethical hacking family above.
2- All Other Undergraduate Bachelor’s
Typical subjects: Business / Accounting / Finance / HRM / Marketing • Psychology • Counselling (UG) • Sport & Exercise • Food, Nutrition & Health • Biomedical & Environmental Sciences • Civil Engineering • Criminology, etc. Tuition : £15,000 per year (unless a course is explicitly listed in Cluster A).
International Undergraduate Scholarships
Abertay International Scholarship (UG): up to £12,000 total (typically £3,000 per year for up to 4 years), deducted from tuition if awarded. Check eligibility and conditions.
Postgraduate Taught (International)
Headline: most Abertay master’s programmes for international students are £17,000 or £18,000 , depending on subject.
£18,000 per year
MSc Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity
MSc Applied AI & User Experience
MProf Games Development
MSc Computer Games Technology
MA/MSc Technical Art & Visual Effects (Programme names appear exactly as listed on the fee table.)
£17,000 per year
MSc Counselling †
MSc Accounting & Finance (CIMA Gateway) (+ CIMA registration c. £750)
MSc Digital Marketing & e-Commerce
MSc Biomedical Sciences (+ with Industrial Practise)
MSc Civil Engineering (+ with Industrial Practise)
MSc Construction & Project Management
MSc Environment & Business; MSc Environment & Energy (+ with Industrial Practise)
MSc FinTech
MSc Food Quality, Safety & Innovation (+ with Industrial Practise)
MSc Human Resource Management; MSc International HRM
MSc International Management
MSc Geotechnical Engineering (+ with Industrial Practise)
MSc Research Methods in Psychology
MSc Sports Therapy
MSc Structural Engineering (+ with Industrial Practise)
MSc Water & Environmental Management (+ with Industrial Practise)
Global MBA (listed at £17,000) († Counselling fee is charged on a pro-rata basis across 180 credits.)
Completion window / extras: The fee page notes possible additional charges where an MSc is not completed within 18 months (FTE), and explains pro-rata rules if you study fewer than 180 credits in a year. Always read footnotes on your specific programme’s fee line.
Postgraduate Taught (International), Scholarships
International Postgraduate Abertay Scholarship: typical award £3,000 (tuition deduction) for eligible new international PGT students. Check the individual programme’s scholarship section for the current cycle.
Postgraduate Research (International)
Masters by Research (all subjects): £22,000 per year
PhD/MPhil (per academic year):
Food, Environment, Engineering, Science, Sport: £15,750
Computing, Computer Games, Computer Arts, Ethical Hacking: £14,750
Counselling, Psychology, Sociology, Management, Marketing, Business, Accountancy, Economics, Mental Health Nursing: £13,750
Continuation fees: £150 (Masters by Research extra 2 months) • £500 (PhD/MPhil extra year).
Payment Rules, Deposits, Instalments (International)
Deposit for Student visa (UG & PGT): You must pay 50% of your net tuition (i.e., after any Abertay scholarship is deducted) before Abertay issues your CAS.
Instalments after registration: remaining balance is split into three equal instalments on fixed dates (e.g., 1 Nov / 1 Jan / 1 Mar for September starts; alternative schedule for January starters).
Fee guarantee: Abertay operates a fee-guarantee—your entry-year net fee repeats each academic year of the same programme (no annual increase).
Sponsor funding: if your sponsor appears on Abertay’s approved list, they can be invoiced after registration; otherwise, sponsorship must be paid in full before you can register. (Exact schedules and examples are provided on the official page.)
Quick reference (structured)
UG International, Cluster A (Computing/Games/Cyber/Ethical Hacking): £15,500/year.
UG International, Cluster B (All other bachelor’s): £15,000/year.
PGT International, £18,000: EH&C; Applied AI & UX; MProf Games; Computer Games Tech; Technical Art & VFX.
PGT International, £17,000: Business/HRM/Marketing; Biomedical; Engineering & Environment suite; FinTech; Food programs; Psychology (Research Methods); Sports Therapy; Global MBA; International Management; Counselling (pro-rata).
PGR International: Masters by Research £22,000; PhD/MPhil £13,750–£15,750 (discipline-based bands).
Scholarships (International): UG up to £12,000 total (£3,000/year) ; PGT £3,000 typical.
Deposit & instalments (visa): 50% net pre-CAS + 3 instalments post-registration. Fee guarantee applies.
Overview: Abertay University has shown a strong upward trajectory in the UK university league tables, regularly recognised for its teaching quality, student experience, and value added performance. While modern universities often appear less in global research-intensive rankings, Abertay stands out nationally for areas that matter most to students—how well the teaching transforms outcomes, how satisfied students are with their experience, and the investment the university makes in its facilities.
Guardian University Guide 2026
Abertay rose 24 places overall in the 2026 Guardian rankings.
It was ranked the top modern university in Scotland.
For “value added” which measures the difference between students’ entry grades and their degree outcomes, Abertay was 11th in the UK, highlighting its ability to help students outperform expectations.
At subject level, Marketing was ranked #1 in the UK for value added in 2026. This reinforced Abertay’s strength in delivering tangible results for students.
Complete University Guide (CUG) 2026
Abertay achieved a “hat trick” in the 2026 CUG by being the top Scottish modern university in three categories:
Student satisfaction
Research intensity
Facilities investment
According to the CUG’s published metrics, Abertay recorded an 81% student satisfaction score and a 64% research intensity rating, strong results compared to its peer group.
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Abertay was named the top modern university in Scotland for student experience.
It climbed 12 places overall in the UK rankings.
It was ranked 27th out of 130 UK universities for teaching quality.
The Good University Guide methodology considers teaching, satisfaction, graduate prospects, and sustainability—areas where Abertay has made visible progress.
Times Higher Education (THE) Profile
Abertay University has a profile with Times Higher Education, which notes its modern university status (full university recognition in 1994, with origins going back to 1888 as the Dundee Institute of Technology).
Like many modern UK institutions, Abertay is stronger in national teaching-focused rankings than in THE’s global research tables, which prioritise citation impact and large-scale international research.
This highlights Abertay’s distinctive role: a teaching-led, industry-focused university rather than a research giant.
Guardian Context
In the Guardian University Guide 2025, Abertay was already highlighted for its teaching quality and student experience.
These results paved the way for the significant jump seen in the 2026 rankings, showing consistent year-on-year improvement.
Key Takeaway
Across all major UK ranking systems—Guardian 2026, Complete University Guide 2026, and the Times & Sunday Times 2026, Abertay University consistently scores highly in student experience, teaching quality, facilities investment, and value added outcomes. For prospective students, especially international applicants, this means Abertay offers one of the strongest teaching environments among modern universities in Scotland. While it may not feature prominently in global research-heavy tables, its practical, industry-aligned curriculum and proven ability to boost student achievement make it a standout choice in the UK higher education sector.
Abertay University structures its teaching and research around two main faculties plus a dedicated Graduate School. Each faculty has its own focus areas, flagship subjects, and a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. This compact organisation allows Abertay to concentrate resources in its specialist areas cybersecurity, games, computing, business, psychology, sport, and applied sciences while supporting postgraduate researchers through the Graduate School.
Faculty of Design, Informatics and Business
This faculty is internationally recognised for its pioneering role in cybersecurity and computer games education, alongside a strong portfolio of computing, digital business, and management programmes.
Flagship Areas
Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity: Abertay was the first university in the world to launch an undergraduate ethical hacking degree. Its flagship MSc Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity is certified by the UK’s NCSC/GCHQ, cementing its reputation as a global leader in this field.
Computer Games : Covering the full pipeline: game design, development, production, technical art, and VFX. Abertay has been consistently recognised as one of the top places to study games in Europe.
Computing & Computer Science: Specialisations include artificial intelligence (AI), user experience (UX), software engineering, cybersecurity, and digital forensics.
Business & Management: Offering traditional and modern business pathways, including the Global MBA, Accounting & Finance, HRM and International HRM, Digital Marketing & e-Commerce, and FinTech.
Representative Undergraduate Programmes
BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking
BSc (Hons) Computing
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (with Cybersecurity)
BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology
BA (Hons) Game Design & Production
BA (Hons) Computer Arts
BA (Hons) Business Management
BA (Hons) Marketing & Business
BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance
Representative Postgraduate Taught Programmes
MSc Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity
MSc Computer Games Technology
MProf Games Development
MSc Applied AI & User Experience
MSc Technical Art & VFX
MSc Digital Marketing & e-Commerce
MSc Accounting & Finance (CIMA Gateway)
Global MBA
Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences
This faculty combines psychology, sport, health sciences, food and nutrition, engineering, and criminology, producing graduates with both academic knowledge and practical, vocational skills.
Flagship Areas
Psychology & Counselling: Accredited pathways in psychology and applied counselling, with strong employability outcomes.
Sport & Exercise: Degrees in sport and fitness sciences, preparing students for professional practice and sports performance careers.
Food, Nutrition & Health; Biomedical & Environmental Sciences: Covering nutrition, biomedicine, and environmental protection, often with links to industry practice.
Civil Engineering & Construction: Professional preparation in civil engineering, construction, and project management.
Criminology & Sociology: Applied social science degrees focused on contemporary issues of crime, justice, and society.
Representative Undergraduate Programmes
BSc (Hons) Psychology
BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition & Health
BSc (Hons) Fitness, Nutrition & Health
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
BEng/BSc Civil Engineering
BA (Hons) Criminology
BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science
Representative Postgraduate Taught Programmes
MSc Counselling
MSc Biomedical Sciences (+ with Industrial Practice)
MSc Civil Engineering
MSc Construction & Project Management
MSc Environment & Business
MSc Environment & Energy
MSc Human Resource Management / International HRM
MSc Water & Environmental Management
MSc Food Quality, Safety & Innovation (+ with Industrial Practice)
Graduate School
The Graduate School at Abertay is a cross-disciplinary hub designed to support postgraduate researchers (PhD, MPhil, and Masters by Research students). It provides:
Training in research methodologies, academic writing, and project management.
Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities across faculties.
A dedicated research community space that fosters networking, workshops, and seminars.
The Graduate School ensures that Abertay’s postgraduate students receive not only academic supervision but also structured professional development, preparing them for both academic and industry careers.
International students applying to Abertay University will find the admissions process straightforward, but it’s important to meet the deadlines, provide the correct documents, and satisfy English language and UK visa requirements. Below is a full guide for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research applicants.
How to Apply, Undergraduate (International Students)
Application routes:
Apply through UCAS (you can select up to five course choices).
If you are applying only to Abertay, you may submit a direct application to the university.
Deadlines:
The UCAS main deadline normally falls in mid-to-late January
Abertay may consider applications after this date, but early application is strongly recommended to allow time for visa processing and accommodation.
Country-specific entry requirements:
Abertay provides Entry Requirements by Country, which detail the standard qualifications accepted from different education systems worldwide. International students should review these before applying.
How to Apply, Postgraduate Taught
Applications for master’s programmes are made directly through Abertay’s online application portal (via the course webpage).
Applicants should prepare:
Degree transcripts and certificates
References (some courses require one or two)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or accepted equivalent)
CV or personal statement, depending on the programme
English Language Requirements
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they are exempt (for example, if their previous education was in English or they are from a majority English-speaking country).
Standard requirement:
IELTS 6.0 overall (no band lower than 5.5) or an accepted equivalent.
Higher requirements for specific courses:
BSc Mental Health Nursing: IELTS 7.0
MSc Counselling: IELTS 7.0
Sports Therapy (UG/PG): IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
Global MBA: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
Research programmes (PhD/MPhil):
Typically require IELTS 7.0 overall, with no band lower than 6.5.
Abertay accepts a wide list of recognised English tests (e.g. TOEFL, Pearson PTE, Trinity) and may grant exemptions where appropriate.
Student Visa Requirements (International Students)
Most non-UK students studying a course longer than six months require a UK Student visa.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):
Issued by Abertay once you have accepted your offer and paid the required deposit.
Points-based system: You must score 70 points in total:
50 points for a valid CAS (proof of an unconditional offer of study)
10 points for finance (ability to pay tuition and living expenses)
10 points for English language ability
Financial requirement:
Proof that you can pay your first year’s tuition fees
Plus £10,224 for living expenses (9 months @ £1,134/month outside London).
Note: Abertay’s guidance previously referenced £1,334/month students should always check the latest UK Home Office requirements via gov.uk before applying.
Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa):
After graduation, students may apply for the Graduate Route, which allows:
2 years of post-study work for bachelor’s or master’s graduates
3 years for PhD graduates
Typical Documents Required (International Applications)
The exact list may vary by programme and study level, but in most cases international students should prepare the following:
Valid passport
Academic qualifications:
High school certificate (for undergraduate applicants)
Bachelor’s degree certificate (for master’s applicants)
Official transcripts of grades
English-language test certificate (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or equivalent), unless exempt
Personal statement or motivation letter (UG & PG)
Curriculum Vitae (CV) (PG applicants, and some UG courses)
References (mandatory for most PG, sometimes required for UG)
Portfolio (if applying to creative/game art or design programmes)
Financial evidence for Student visa purposes (bank statements, sponsorship letters) — submitted after CAS is issued
Country-specific documents listed in Abertay’s Entry Requirements by Country
Is Abertay a public university? Where is it? Yes. It’s a public university in Dundee, Scotland, with a compact, city-centre campus.
What is Abertay best known for? Abertay is highly regarded for ethical hacking/cybersecurity and computer games, as well as business, marketing, psychology, food & environmental sciences, sport & health, and civil engineering.
What are the international undergraduate tuition fees?
£15,500 per year for computing/games/ethical hacking degrees.
£15,000 per year for all other undergraduate degrees. (2024/25; fee guarantee applies.)
What scholarships can international undergrads get? The Abertay International Scholarship offers up to £12,000 total (typically £3,000/year for up to 4 years), deducted from tuition.
How much are international taught master’s fees? Most MSc degrees cost £17,000–£18,000 per year. For instance, MSc Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity is £18,000; Global MBA is £17,000.
Do postgraduates have scholarships? Yes, International Postgraduate Abertay Scholarship worth £3,000 (eligibility applies; deducted from tuition).
What are international PhD/MPhil fees? They vary by subject: approx £13,750 to £22,000 per year depending on discipline.
How is Abertay ranked in the UK? Strong results in recent years: Guardian 2026 top Scottish modern, 11th in UK for value added; CUG 2026 top Scottish modern for student satisfaction, research intensity, facilities; Times/Sunday Times 2026 top Scottish modern for student experience, significant rise overall.
What does “value added” mean in the Guardian rankings? It compares degree outcomes vs entry grades to gauge how effectively teaching helps students exceed expectations; Abertay scored #11 in the UK in 2026.
Which faculty teaches Ethical Hacking and Games? Faculty of Design, Informatics and Business, through departments like Cybersecurity & Computing and Games & Arts.
What English score do I need? Most UG/PG taught courses: IELTS 6.0 (no band < 5.5); some require 6.5 or 7.0; PhD/MPhil usually IELTS 7.0 (no band < 6.5). Abertay accepts many equivalent tests and qualifications.
Can I apply after the UCAS January deadline? International applicants are often considered after January, but you should apply early to allow visa and accommodation arrangements.
Can I apply directly without UCAS? Yes, if you’re an international applicant applying only to Abertay, you can apply direct.
What documents are required for admission? Passport, academic transcripts/certificates, English test (unless exempt), personal statement/CV, reference(s) (especially for PG), and any course-specific items (e.g., portfolio).
What are the Student visa requirements? CAS from Abertay, proof of funds for first-year tuition + living costs (Abertay page references £10,224 for nine months; always verify the current UKVI figure), and CEFR B2 English. The Graduate Route allows 2 years post-study work (3 years for PhD).
When should I apply for my visa? Up to 6 months before your course starts from outside the UK; typical decision time around 3 weeks (check UKVI).
Does Abertay have GCHQ/NCSC-recognised cybersecurity courses? Yes, the MSc Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity is NCSC (part of GCHQ) certified.
What makes Abertay’s teaching stand out? Consistently strong student experience and teaching quality metrics; practical, industry-embedded learning with measurable value added.
Are there instalment plans for fees? For students not requiring a visa, instalment plans are available during online registration; Student-visa students pay in full before completing registration.
Where can I confirm the exact fee for my course and year? On Abertay’s official Tuition Fees page, which lists UG and detailed PG fees (by named programme), payment rules, and the fee guarantee.
