International Student Support at the University of Aberdeen

Apply for a UK Scholarship with Expert Guidance:Contact SGE Today

Starting university in another country can bring new opportunities and challenges. International Student Support at the University of Aberdeen helps students understand where to seek advice about immigration, academic concerns, personal wellbeing and other issues during their studies.

For students moving to Scotland, knowing which university services are available can make it easier to ask for help when needed. The University of Aberdeen provides support and advice services for students with different academic, personal and practical needs.

International Advice and Student Guidance

International students may have questions about immigration rules, university procedures or adjusting to life in Scotland. The University of Aberdeen has specialist advisers and general student support services to help students understand their options.

International student advisers and immigration advice

Immigration requirements can be complex, especially when your circumstances change during your studies. The university's international advice service can help students understand relevant immigration matters.

According to the university's published guidance, International Student Advisers provide advice on immigration issues, including Student visa extensions and questions about dependants. Students should contact the appropriate university team to confirm the current scope of its advice.

International students should seek guidance when they have questions about:

• Student visa responsibilities: Understanding the conditions that apply to their immigration permission.

• Visa extensions: Finding out what to consider if their current permission may expire before their plans are complete.

• Dependants: Seeking guidance about relevant immigration questions concerning family members.

• Changes in circumstances: Checking whether a change could affect their immigration responsibilities.

Do not wait until a deadline is close before asking for help. Contact the relevant university team early and explain your situation clearly.

Remember that university guidance does not guarantee a visa outcome. Students must follow the applicable immigration rules and instructions.

General student advice and support

Not every student's concern involves immigration. You might have questions about university procedures, financial difficulties or a personal issue affecting your studies.

The university's Student Advice and Support service provides advice on a range of matters, including finance, disability-related needs and general student welfare.

This service can help you understand what assistance may be available and identify the appropriate next step. If another university team is better placed to handle your concern, ask where you should direct your enquiry.

Useful approach: Explain your concern clearly, include relevant information and ask what action you should take next. This makes it easier to identify the type of assistance you need.

Academic Guidance, Wellbeing and Counselling

University life involves more than attending lectures and completing assignments. Students may also need help with academic decisions, emotional challenges or personal circumstances that affect their learning.

The University of Aberdeen has different services for these needs. Understanding their roles can help you find suitable assistance instead of trying to manage every problem alone.

Academic guidance and university procedures

If you are struggling with your studies, start by identifying the nature of the problem. You may need help understanding an assignment, discussing your academic progress or finding out which university procedure applies to your situation.

Your academic department and relevant academic contacts can provide guidance about your programme. Depending on your course and circumstances, you may be able to approach a tutor, course coordinator or school administration team.

For academic concerns, consider these steps:

1. Identify the specific issue affecting your studies.

2. Review the instructions or information already provided by your school.

3. Contact the appropriate academic staff member if you need clarification.

4. Ask about the available options and any relevant deadlines.

5. Seek additional student advice if your concern involves university procedures or personal difficulties.

If you are worried about an academic decision, do not assume that ignoring the issue will make it disappear. Ask for clarification and find out which process applies.

The university's Students' Association also provides advice and support for students dealing with matters such as academic appeals, complaints and misconduct allegations.

Mental health and wellbeing support

Moving abroad, living away from family and adjusting to a new academic environment can be demanding. Some students may experience stress, loneliness or emotional difficulties while adapting to university life.

Seeking support early can help you understand what assistance is available. You do not need to wait until a problem seriously affects your studies before asking for guidance.

The University of Aberdeen's support services include a Counselling Service for students who need help with personal, social or emotional concerns. The university also provides information about mental health and wellbeing support through its student services.

You may wish to seek support if you are experiencing:

• Ongoing stress related to academic work or personal circumstances.

• Difficulty adjusting to life away from home.

• Emotional concerns that affect your daily routine.

• Personal problems that make it harder to concentrate on your studies.

• A need to understand what wellbeing services are available.

Counselling and general student advice serve different purposes, so explain your needs when contacting the university. Staff can help you understand which service may be suitable.

External wellbeing resource

Mental Health America provides general educational information about mental health, recognising common concerns and finding ways to seek support.

Resource:Mental Health America offers general mental health information and resources. It is not a substitute for university support or professional advice appropriate to your circumstances.

Disability Support, Financial Advice and Practical Help

International students may have additional support needs relating to disability, long-term health conditions, learning differences or financial difficulties. The university's support services can help students understand relevant procedures and discuss their circumstances.

Disability and accessibility support

The University of Aberdeen has Disability Advisers who provide information, advice and support to students and applicants with different needs.

The university's published guidance identifies support for people with physical or mobility difficulties, visual or hearing impairments, medical conditions, specific learning differences and mental health conditions.

Support arrangements depend on the student's circumstances and the evidence or information required by the university.

If you think you may need disability-related support, consider contacting the relevant team as early as possible. This allows time to discuss your needs and understand the next steps.

You may need to:

• Explain how your condition or learning difference affects your studies.

• Provide relevant supporting evidence where required.

• Discuss possible adjustments with the appropriate adviser.

• Follow the university's process for requesting and reviewing support arrangements.

For example, some students may need adjustments relating to learning materials, teaching activities or assessments. The appropriate arrangements depend on individual needs and the university's assessment of the request.

You should not assume that every adjustment is automatic. Contact the university to discuss your circumstances and find out what evidence and procedures apply.

Financial guidance and practical assistance

Managing money while studying abroad can be challenging. Unexpected expenses, changes in personal circumstances or uncertainty about university procedures may create additional pressure.

The university's Student Advice and Support service provides advice about financial matters and student welfare. Students who face financial difficulties should contact the relevant team to understand what guidance or assistance may be available.

When discussing a financial concern, prepare a clear explanation of your situation. You may also wish to gather information about your regular expenses, outstanding payments and any relevant university correspondence.

Remember that financial advice does not mean that funding will automatically be provided. Eligibility for financial assistance depends on the particular scheme, its conditions and your circumstances.

If you need help, ask the university which options are relevant to you and whether any deadlines or supporting documents apply.

Where can you find the right support?

Different concerns may require different university contacts. The following table provides a starting point based on the services described in the university's published guidance.

The correct contact and process may depend on the issue. Check the university's current support directory before submitting personal information or relying on older contact details.

How to Request Support Successfully

Knowing that a service exists is useful, but knowing how to approach it can make the process easier.

If you need help, follow these practical steps:

1. Identify your main concern. Explain whether you need immigration advice, academic guidance, wellbeing support or help with a university procedure.

2. Find the appropriate contact. Use the university's official student support information to identify the relevant team.

3. Prepare the necessary information. Include your student details when appropriate and provide documents relevant to your enquiry. Avoid sending unnecessary sensitive information.

4. Explain the issue clearly. Briefly describe what has happened, how it affects you and what guidance you need.

5. Check deadlines and follow-up instructions. If the matter involves a visa, academic decision or financial issue, ask whether you need to act by a particular date.

If you contact the wrong department, ask which service can help rather than assuming your enquiry cannot be addressed.

Where to find official university contacts

The most reliable starting point is the University of Aberdeen's official student support directory. It provides information about the university's support and wellbeing services.

You can also use the relevant service's contact details to ask questions about eligibility, appointment arrangements, supporting documents and current procedures.

Keep copies of important emails and any instructions you receive. This can help you track your enquiry and follow the correct process.

How Shabuj Global Education Can Help

For Bangladeshi students planning to study in Scotland, understanding university requirements and preparing for an international move can take time.

Shabuj Global Education (SGE) provides study-abroad guidance to help students understand their options and prepare for the application process.

Our guidance may include:

• Course selection: Exploring programmes that match your academic background and future goals.

• Application preparation: Understanding document requirements and application procedures.

• Scholarship guidance: Reviewing funding opportunities and their eligibility conditions.

• Visa preparation: Understanding the steps and documents involved in a UK Student visa application.

• Pre-departure preparation: Planning important tasks before travelling to the UK.

SGE can help you prepare and understand the process, but university support services remain the appropriate source for current university procedures and student-specific assistance.

For more information about admission planning, course selection, fees and preparation, read our parent guide: International Students at Aberdeen: Essential Information.

Get the Support You Need

International Student Support at the University of Aberdeen covers different areas, including immigration advice, academic guidance, counselling, disability support and financial advice. Knowing where to seek assistance can help you respond to problems early and make informed decisions during your studies.

Ready to plan your UK study journey?Contact Shabuj Global Education to discuss your university options and prepare for the next steps.