University of Stirling: Guide and Scholarships 2025

Often described as one of the most beautiful campuses in the UK, the University of Stirling Scotland has been regarded highly by students and scholars across the world. With notable alumni, such as Man United’s former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson and Jackie Kay, Scottish poet laureate, you are sure to interact with excellence if you get the chance to study at Stirling University. This blog will cover all the basics of all that you need to know about Stirling University Scotland.

About Stirling University, Scotland

The University of Stirling Scotland in Stirling, was founded in 1967 and became the first new university to be constructed in Scotland in 400 years! The entire campus is spread over an area of 360 acres or 1.5 km, with an emphasized focus on student housing and sports facilities. One reason why the university is so popular is because of its affordability and scholarships. Do you want to know more about pocket-friendly universities? You can read our latest blog on “20 affordable universities in UK for international students 2023”.

The university lies in the footsteps of the Ochi Hills and has been ranked number 1 for its student study environments by a lot of studies and rankings conducted throughout the UK. Located 2 miles from the Stirling city center, the university location is in the Airthrey Estate, which is basically a castle! As a student at Stirling, you would be traveling to and studying at a castle every day; how cool is that?

Why Should You Apply to the University of Stirling?

Did we mention that Stirling University Scotland is located within a castle? The University of Stirling courses are some of the best in the world. In addition, the University of Stirling location is scenic. If that isn’t enough, we will tell you everything that will convince you to study at this castle campus. 

1. The University of Stirling location is one of the prettiest universities in the world!

2. The University of Stirling boasts a competitive acceptance rate of 20%, making it a prestigious institution for aspiring students.

3. The sports facilities provided are world-class. Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence in 2023 by QS World University Rankings.

4. The courses have been awarded 5 stars for teaching, employability, research, facilities, and inclusiveness. Therefore, it emerges as an ideal university for your international study.

5. Stirling’s multidisciplinary approach to studying and small class sizes mean an increased focus on your quality education.

6. 94.3% of Stirling University students gain employment or pursue further studies within 15 months of graduation!

7. You would be studying in the most affordable city in Scotland!

Stirling University Scotland offers students 170 undergraduate course combinations and about 90 postgrad course combinations. At Stirling, you would be interacting with 17,000 students coming from diverse backgrounds, 140+ nationalities to be precise. Therefore you would be sure to find your own tribe with the first-rate education that the University of Stirling courses have on offer.

Top Undergrad Courses at the University of Stirling

The picturesque setting of Stirling University provides excellent educational prospects. Explore tailored Stirling University graduation 2023 designed to elevate your academic journey and career prospects. Here are some of the top undergraduate courses at Stirling University for 2023 graduates-

1. Marketing and Public Relations: 2nd in the UK according to The Guardian University Guide 2023
2. Economics: 6th in the UK according to The Guardian University Guide 2023
3. Mathematics: 10th in the UK according to The Guardian University Guide 2023
4. Marketing and Public Relations: 2nd in the UK according to The Guardian University Guide 2023
5. Journalism: Top 10 in the UK according to The Guardian University Guide 2023
6. Biology: 25th in the UK according to The Guardian University Guide 2023
7. Computer Science and Information Systems: Top 10 in the UK according to The Guardian University Guide 2023

Top Postgraduate Courses at the University of Stirling

Discover the finest postgraduate opportunities with Stirling University's diverse range of programs. Stirling University postgraduate courses encompass various disciplines, ensuring a suitable path for every aspiring scholar.

1. Business and Management: 50th in the UK according to The Guardian University Guide 2023
2. Human Resource Management: N/A
3. Finance and Risk Management: 62nd in the UK
4. English Language and Linguistics: 40th in the UK
5. Marketing and Brand Management: 2nd in the UK
6. Digital Media and Communication: 8th in the UK
7. Social Work Studies: 42nd in the world

How to Apply at the University of Stirling?

For 2024 entry, students can apply right now, keeping in mind that the University of Stirling application date 2024 is 31st January 2024. Curious about how to apply to the and confused about the University of Stirling acceptance rate? Follow these steps and pave the way for your time at Stirling:

1. Do your research and select the course you wish to pursue. 

2. Go to the UCAS website and create an account there. For more information on UCAS, check out our detailed guide for UCAS application for 2024.

3. After creating your account, enter the year you want to begin your education in and also select the option that says “Undergraduate” level.

4. Go to the UCAS Hub dashboard, where you can see a title titled “Your Application”.

5. Click “Start” and fill out your application. 

Well, applying for the Stirling University postgraduate courses can be a little different. Here are the following steps one needs to follow:

1. Do your research and select the course you wish to pursue. Each course has a different set of qualifications and entry requirements, so ensure that you qualify for them. 

2. For most postgraduate courses, you won’t have to head to external sources such as UCAS to complete your application. You can apply directly at the University’s website and fill out your application.

3. Head over to the course of your choice and fill out your application.

4. There are no time limits for postgraduate courses at the University of Stirling Scotland, and you can even apply up to two years in advance. However, you have to apply for a student visa up to eight weeks before you join.

University of Stirling: Education Costs

The University of Stirling offers world-class education and an enriching experience. However, it's crucial to understand the costs associated with studying here. Here is a breakdown-

Scholarships at the University of Stirling

Explore the abundance of scholarships. Their commitment to fostering academic excellence and diversity is reflected in various scholarships that support students pursuing higher education. Here is a list-

1. Postgraduate International Excellence Scholarship 

Award Value: £7,000 tuition fee

Duration: First year of a Master's program

This scholarship entails a £7,000 tuition fee reduction and is exclusively available to full-time, self-funding students classified as International for tuition fee purposes during their first year of a Master's program.

Eligibility: 

Students must- 

1. Have received a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible postgraduate taught program at the university before the scholarship deadline.

2. Commence your studies at the university in either September 2024 or January 2025.

3. Be classified as an International student for tuition fee purposes.

4. Be self-funded; students receiving external sponsorship or other scholarships are not eligible.

5. Enroll directly in a full-time postgraduate program at the University’s Stirling campus.

2. Honors Year Scholarship 

Award Value: £9,250 per year tuition fees for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

Duration: Students successfully completed Years 1-3 at the University of Stirling

No application is necessary; these Honors Scholarships will be automatically applied during your fourth year. Additionally, students commencing in September 2024 or January 2025 and benefiting from this scholarship will qualify for the Stirling Welcome Scholarship, entailing a £1,000 cash award in Year 1.

Eligibility:

Additionally, students from Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man are eligible for this scholarship opportunity.

3. Postgraduate Merit Scholarship 

Award Value: £2,000 tuition fees

Duration: First-class Honors degree (or equivalent) 

The scholarship offers the Postgraduate Merit Scholarship to UK and Republic of Ireland postgraduate students who have obtained a first-class Honors degree (or equivalent) and are enrolled in a qualifying program. This scholarship, with any remaining funds provided to the student in cash during the first month.

Eligibility:

1. Exclusively for self-funded students paying tuition fees to the University of Stirling. 

2. Limited to courses conducted entirely on campus. 

3. Ineligible for students pursuing postgraduate certificates, diplomas, or modules. 

4. Also, not applicable for those enrolled in MSc Sport Nutrition, MSc Housing (Dissertation only), and MSc Social Work Studies.

4. Undergraduate Choice Scholarship

Award Value: £3,000 tuition fee

Duration: First year of a Master's program

The Undergraduate Merit Scholarship is awarded to all undergraduate students coming to the University of Stirling from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with a minimum of AAB performance at A-level or equivalent. Students starting in September 2024 or January 2025 who receive this scholarship are also eligible for the Stirling Welcome Scholarship, which is a £1,000 cash award in Year 1.

Eligibility:

This scholarship exclusively applies to full-time students studying at our Stirling campus and requires you to take up your place and enroll in your chosen course at the University.

5. EU Postgraduate Scholarship 

Award Value: 40% or £5,000 tuition fee discount depending on your start date

EU students, now designated as International students for tuition fees in the UK, will receive support from the University of Stirling during this transition. For qualifying EU students commencing their on-campus postgraduate taught program in September 2023 or January 2024, a 40% tuition fee reduction will be granted. For those starting in September 2024 or January 2025, a £5,000 tuition fee discount will apply.

Eligibility:

1. Students from the Republic of Ireland can access England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland scholarships. 

2. If awarded multiple scholarships, the highest-value one prevails. 

3. This scholarship can be combined solely with the University of Stirling's Sports scholarships and is applicable to students enrolling directly in a full-time postgraduate program at the Stirling campus.

6. Postgraduate India Scholarship 

Award Value: £4,000 tuition fee

Duration: Post Graduation program

With a rich tradition of aiding global learners in their journey towards becoming accomplished global professionals, this scholarship grants a £4,000 tuition fee deduction and is accessible to applicants residing in India at the time of applying.

Eligibility:

To qualify for scholarships, you need an offer for an eligible postgraduate course starting from September 2023 to January 2025, be an International student for tuition fees, reside in India during the application, enroll full-time at the Stirling campus, and cannot combine this scholarship with others; the highest value award prevails if multiple are offered.

7. International Undergraduate Scholarship 

Award Value: £2,000 per year tuition fee (£8,000 over four years)

The University of Stirling embraces students globally and extends its International Undergraduate Scholarship. Students seeking a visa must still pay the International Tuition Fee Deposit as standard during admissions.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the scholarships, you must have received a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible undergraduate program at the University commencing in September 2023, January 2024, September 2024, or January 2025. 

8. Postgraduate Pakistan Scholarship 

Award Value: £4,000 tuition fee

With a rich tradition of assisting global students in becoming international professionals with thriving careers across the globe, this scholarship amounts to a £4,000 reduction in tuition fees, and is accessible to individuals residing in Pakistan during the application.

Eligibility:

To qualify for University of Stirling scholarships, you must have received a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible postgraduate taught course at the University, commencing in September 2023, January 2024, September 2024, or January 2025. 

There are many more scholarships you can avail of at the University of Stirling Scotland, and waive some amounts or even all of your tuition fees. 

Notable Alumni

The University of Stirling has a proud tradition of producing accomplished individuals who have significantly contributed to various fields. The University of  notable alumni serve as inspirations, showcasing the remarkable achievements fostered within our academic community. Here are some of them:

1. Iain Banks - Scottish writer

2. Sir Alex Ferguson - Scottish football manager

3. Grace Dent - English columnist

4. Jackie Kay - Scottish poet

5. Tommy Sheridan - Scottish politician

Is Stirling a Good University, and Is It Difficult to Get in?

University of Stirling Scotland is one of the premier universities of Scotland, and any student would be honored to study here. With their focus on multidisciplinary studies and small class sizes, a quality education with their well-qualified faculty is bound to make anyone happy. One of the main reasons behind the high Stirling University world ranking is its seriousness towards offering an excellent level of education. The University of Stirling's acceptance rate is around 62%, making it a little difficult to get admission. However, with a strong application and qualifications, you can rest assured.  

Now that you know all the prerequisites before joining the University of Stirling courses, go out there and pursue your dreams. At amber, we understand your problems regarding finding suitable student accommodation, and hence, we provide some amazing student accommodation in Scotland to make your path less stressful.