University of Aberdeen Scholarships: Funding Your Studies

Studying in the UK is a major investment, and finding suitable financial support can make your plans easier to manage. The University of Aberdeen scholarships offer opportunities for eligible students to reduce some of their study costs through tuition fee awards and other funding schemes. 

This guide explains the main funding options, eligibility considerations and application process for undergraduate and postgraduate students, including applicants from Bangladesh.

1. Understanding University of Aberdeen Scholarships and Funding

The University of Aberdeen offers different scholarship and funding opportunities to support students throughout their academic journey. These opportunities are designed for different study levels, academic backgrounds and student circumstances.

Financial support may come in several forms:

• Scholarships: Awards that recognise academic achievement or meet specific eligibility conditions.

• Tuition fee discounts: Reductions applied directly to eligible students' tuition fees.

• Bursaries: Financial assistance provided to students who meet particular financial or personal criteria.

• Research funding: Funding opportunities connected to eligible postgraduate research programmes.

• External funding: Scholarships and grants provided by organisations outside the university.

The University's official scholarship database brings together different funding opportunities. Students can search according to their study level, domicile, subject and scholarship category.

It is important to understand that not every funding opportunity is available to international students. Some awards are designed specifically for students from Scotland or other parts of the UK.

Why Financial Planning Matters for International Students

For Bangladeshi students, studying in Scotland involves more than paying tuition fees. You also need to prepare for accommodation, food, transport and other daily expenses.

A scholarship may reduce your tuition fee, but it does not automatically cover all your living costs.

Before applying, calculate:

• Your total tuition fees.

• Any available scholarship or fee reduction.

• Accommodation expenses.

• Food and daily living costs.

• Travel and transportation.

• Visa and other essential expenses.

• Emergency savings.

A realistic financial plan should cover both tuition fees and living expenses, even if you expect to receive a scholarship.

2. Main Types of Scholarships at Aberdeen University

The University of Aberdeen provides funding opportunities for different levels of study. The available awards may change depending on the academic year, student category and programme.

Undergraduate Scholarships

International undergraduate students can explore scholarships that reduce their tuition fees throughout their degree.

One important opportunity is the Aberdeen Global Scholarship - Undergraduate and PGDE.

For students starting in the 2026/27 and 2027/28 academic years, the university publishes the following award:

The scholarship is available to eligible students with international fee status who register for full-time, on-campus undergraduate study at the Aberdeen campus.

Bangladesh is included in the university's eligible country list.

However, some programmes are excluded, including Dentistry, Medicine and DPLP.

Students do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. The award is automatically applied to eligible students and reflected on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Postgraduate Scholarships

Students planning to study a master's degree can also explore postgraduate funding opportunities.

The Aberdeen Global Scholarship - Postgraduate is an important option for international applicants.

For students starting in 2026/27 and 2027/28, the university publishes the following details:

Bangladesh is included in the eligible country list for this scholarship.

Students must meet the international fee status and other eligibility conditions. Fully sponsored students and students receiving certain other fully funded scholarships are not eligible.

The award excludes DPLP, PGDE and Dentistry.

Like the undergraduate award, eligible students do not need to make a separate application. The scholarship is automatically applied and reflected in the CAS.

Important: These award values apply to the stated academic years. Students should check the latest university information before planning their finances.

International Student Scholarship Opportunities

International students should not assume that every scholarship has the same eligibility conditions.

The University of Aberdeen funding database allows applicants to explore opportunities based on their country or domicile, study level and subject.

When searching, consider:

• Whether the award accepts international applicants.

• Whether Bangladesh is included in the eligible country list.

• Whether your chosen course qualifies.

• Whether the award applies to undergraduate or postgraduate study.

• Whether you must be self-funded.

• Whether the scholarship requires a separate application.

For more detailed information about available awards, eligibility and opportunities for overseas applicants, read our supporting guide:

University of Aberdeen Scholarships for International Students

Merit-Based and Other Funding Opportunities

Some scholarships are connected to academic performance, while others consider specific achievements, subjects or personal circumstances.

Depending on the available funding scheme, selection may consider:

• Previous academic results.

• Relevant qualifications.

• Research interests and academic potential.

• Programme or subject requirements.

• Nationality or country of residence.

• Other award-specific conditions.

Not every scholarship requires a separate competitive application. As the Aberdeen Global Scholarships demonstrate, some awards are automatically applied when students meet the eligibility conditions.

Students should read each scholarship's individual terms rather than assuming all awards follow the same selection process.

3. University of Aberdeen Bursaries and Financial Support

Scholarships are not the only way to explore University of Aberdeen financial support. The university's funding database also includes bursaries, research funding and other financial opportunities.

Understanding University Bursaries

A bursary is financial assistance offered to eligible students under particular conditions.

Unlike some academic scholarships, bursaries may focus on financial circumstances or specific student groups.

However, eligibility can vary considerably.

Some bursaries are intended for students who meet Scottish or UK residency requirements. International students should therefore check the eligibility conditions before including a bursary in their financial plans.

Other Financial Support Opportunities

The university also provides information about different funding sources through its official database.

These may include:

• Subject-specific funding.

• Research studentships.

• Postgraduate research opportunities.

• Donor-funded awards.

• External scholarships.

• Additional student support schemes.

Students experiencing financial difficulties should also explore the university's student support services to understand what assistance may be available to their particular circumstances.

Do not assume that emergency or hardship funding is available to every international student. Check the relevant eligibility requirements and application arrangements.

For a closer explanation of bursaries, financial assistance and other support options, read our second supporting article:

University of Aberdeen Student Funding and Financial Support

4. Scholarship Eligibility and Application Process

Understanding the eligibility requirements is one of the most important parts of applying for University of Aberdeen scholarships.

Common Eligibility Considerations

Each scholarship has its own conditions, but students should check the following areas before applying:

For Bangladeshi applicants, checking international fee status and country eligibility is particularly important.

Meeting the general entry requirements for a course does not automatically mean you qualify for every scholarship.

How to Find and Apply for Scholarships

The University of Aberdeen provides an online scholarship database where students can search for available funding.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose your study level

Identify whether you are applying for an undergraduate, postgraduate taught or postgraduate research programme.

Step 2: Search the funding database

Use the university's scholarship search system to explore relevant awards.

Step 3: Check your eligibility

Review nationality, fee status, academic conditions and course requirements.

Step 4: Read the application instructions

Some scholarships require a separate application, while others are automatically assessed.

Step 5: Prepare the required documents

Follow the instructions provided for the specific award.

Step 6: Submit your application

Complete any required forms before the stated deadline.

Step 7: Monitor your application

Check your email and university application account for updates or requests for additional information.

Documents Students May Need

The documents required depend on the scholarship.

However, students may need to prepare:

• Academic certificates.

• Academic transcripts.

• University offer letter.

• Personal statement, where requested.

• Reference letters, where requested.

• Passport information.

• Research proposal for relevant research funding.

• Financial documents for means-tested funding.

Not every scholarship requires all these documents. For example, the Aberdeen Global Scholarships do not require a separate scholarship application.

5. Scholarship Deadlines and Financial Planning

When Should You Apply?

Students should begin researching funding opportunities well before their intended intake.

Some scholarships have fixed application deadlines, while others are automatically awarded to eligible students.

The Aberdeen Global Scholarships for 2026/27 and 2027/28 are listed as available until further notice on the university's official pages.

This does not mean every other scholarship has an open-ended deadline.

Always check the individual award information for:

• Application opening dates.

• Submission deadlines.

• Course start dates.

• Award announcement dates.

• Any additional requirements.

For Bangladeshi students, beginning the process early can also help with admission documents, financial preparation and visa planning.

Planning Tuition Fees and Living Costs

Scholarships can reduce the amount you need to pay towards tuition fees, but students should calculate their remaining expenses carefully.

For example, an £8,000 postgraduate tuition fee reduction does not mean that the university will pay your accommodation or everyday living expenses.

Use this simple budgeting approach:

Do not make financial commitments based on a scholarship you have not yet been awarded or confirmed as eligible to receive.

Tips for Finding Suitable University Funding

Finding the right scholarship requires research and careful planning.

Here are some practical tips:

1. Start early: Explore funding opportunities before your intended intake.

2. Check official information: Use the university's scholarship database as your main reference.

3. Compare eligibility: Make sure your nationality, course and study level match the award conditions.

4. Understand the award value: Check whether funding covers tuition fees, living expenses or both.

5. Check application requirements: Do not miss a separate scholarship application if one is required.

6. Prepare documents: Keep your academic certificates and transcripts organised.

7. Explore multiple opportunities: Look for relevant university, research and external funding.

8. Keep a backup budget: Prepare for the possibility of studying without additional funding.

ScholarshipPortal provides a searchable directory of scholarship opportunities for students considering international education.
You can use it for wider funding research, but always verify individual awards with the official university.

Explore ScholarshipPortal

Plan Your Studies with SGE

Finding suitable funding is an important part of preparing for higher education in Scotland. Shabuj Global Education (SGE) supports Bangladeshi students who want to study in the UK.

Our guidance includes:

• Expert university guidance: Understand suitable courses and entry requirements.

• Application assistance: Get help with document checks and application preparation.

• Scholarship guidance: Understand available funding opportunities and their eligibility conditions.

• Visa and pre-departure support: Prepare for the important steps before travelling to the UK.

• Ongoing guidance: Receive support throughout your study abroad journey.

Our team can help you understand your options and prepare a more informed application.

Start Planning Your Aberdeen Journey

The University of Aberdeen offers different scholarships and funding opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Aberdeen Global Scholarships provide published tuition fee reductions for eligible international applicants, while the university's wider funding database helps students explore other opportunities.

Planning to study at the University of Aberdeen? Contact Shabuj Global Education for guidance on your university application, scholarship options and UK study preparation.

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Apply for expert guidance.