If studying in the United Kingdom has been on your mind but the cost has been stopping you, this article is going to be very useful to you. Abertay University, located in the heart of Dundee, Scotland, is offering scholarships for international students in 2026 that can significantly reduce the financial pressure of studying abroad. Whether you are planning to pursue an undergraduate degree, a Master’s program, or a PhD, there are multiple funding options available at Abertay University that you should know about before you apply.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Abertay University Scholarships 2026: what scholarships are available, how much money you can get, who qualifies, what documents you need, and how to apply step by step. We will also tell you about the university itself so you understand exactly what kind of institution you are applying to and why it could be a great fit for you.
About Abertay University
Before getting into the scholarships, it helps to understand what Abertay University actually is. Abertay University is a public research university located in Dundee, Scotland. It was originally established in 1888 as the Dundee Technical Institute and was granted full university status in 1994. It may be one of the smaller universities in Scotland, with around 4,500 to 5,500 students enrolled at any given time, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in reputation and specialization.
Abertay holds some genuinely impressive distinctions that you will not find anywhere else. It was the first university in the world to offer a degree in computer games technology, which it launched back in 1997. It was also the first university in the UK to offer a degree in Ethical Hacking. Today, it is ranked number one in Europe for video games courses by the Princeton Review 2025 and is recognized as the Top Modern University in Scotland by the Guardian University Guide 2026.
The university holds a Gold Award as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education, a designation officially recognized by the NCSC, which is part of GCHQ. Beyond games and cybersecurity, Abertay is well respected for programs in biomedical science, forensic science, food science, environmental science, psychology, law, business management, and sport and exercise sciences.
Dundee itself is an affordable, safe, and student-friendly city. It is a coastal city with a population of around 160,000 people and is widely considered a UK hub for digital and creative industries. The city is home to approximately 40,000 students during term time, making it a vibrant and welcoming place to live and study. Because all of Abertay’s buildings are within a quarter of a mile of each other, the campus experience is compact and easy to navigate. You are also just a short walk from the city’s bus and train stations.
Around 16 percent of Abertay’s student body comes from outside the UK, with over 60 nationalities represented on campus. This gives the university a genuinely international and inclusive feel, which many students find makes it much easier to settle in when arriving from abroad.
Abertay University Scholarships 2026: Quick Overview
Below is a summary table of the main scholarship programs available at Abertay University in 2026 for international and domestic students. This gives you a snapshot of what is available before we go into the full details of each program.
| Scholarship Name | Level | Award Value | Open To | Duration | Application Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abertay International Scholarship | Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught | Up to £12,000 (£3,000 per year) | All international (overseas) students except UK nationals | Up to 4 years | No (automatic consideration) |
| GREAT Scholarship 2026 | Postgraduate Taught (Master’s) | £10,000 | Students from eligible countries (see British Council list) | 1 year (full Master’s program) | Yes (via Abertay website) |
| Abertay RUK Games, Computing and Cyber Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to £4,000 over 4 years | Students from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland | Up to 4 years | No (automatic consideration) |
| Scottish Saltire Scholarship | Postgraduate Taught | £8,000 | Students from USA, Canada, China, Japan, India, Pakistan, Hong Kong | 1 year | Yes (via Scottish Government portal) |
| University Research Scholarships (PhD) | PhD / Research | Varies by project | International students, project-specific | Duration of PhD program | Yes (via research application) |
| Abertay Postgraduate Merit Award | Postgraduate Taught | £3,000 (applied to tuition) | International students with a 2:1 Bachelor’s or higher | 1 year | No (automatic consideration) |
Now let us go through each of these in proper detail so you understand exactly what you are applying for and whether you qualify.
1. Abertay International Scholarship 2026
The Abertay International Scholarship is the flagship funding program for international students at Abertay University. It is designed to reduce the financial burden of tuition fees for overseas students who are joining the university as new full-time students for the 2026 intake.
This scholarship offers £3,000 per year toward your tuition fees. For undergraduate students who complete a full degree, that adds up to a total reduction of up to £12,000 over four years. For postgraduate taught students, the award provides £3,000 applied to the tuition cost of a one-year Master’s program.
One of the most convenient things about this scholarship is that you do not need to fill in a separate application form. Abertay University automatically assesses all eligible applicants based on their study application. If you qualify, you will be notified by email after you receive your offer of study from the university.
Eligibility for the Abertay International Scholarship
To be considered for the Abertay International Scholarship 2026, you need to meet all of the following conditions:
- You must be classified by Abertay University as an international (overseas) fee-paying student. This means UK nationals are not eligible.
- You must have met all academic conditions attached to your offer of admission as a new full-time student starting in September 2026 or January 2027.
- You must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate taught program at Abertay’s Dundee campus. Distance learning students are not eligible.
- For postgraduate students, you must hold the equivalent of a 2:1 UK Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- The scholarship is not available to currently registered students at Abertay or to Abertay alumni.
- Students admitted with advanced entry into Year 2 or above of an undergraduate program are also eligible, provided they meet all conditions above.
How the Award is Paid
The £3,000 annual award is paid in two equal installments of £1,500. The first installment is typically paid in January and the second in April, and the money is applied directly to your tuition fees rather than being paid to you as cash. The award is renewed each year of your program (up to a maximum of four years for undergraduate students) as long as you remain enrolled and studying on campus in Dundee.
Important note: This scholarship cannot be combined with other Abertay University scholarships or discounts. It also cannot be combined with the Scottish Saltire Scholarship. If you are awarded multiple scholarships, you will generally need to choose which one to accept.
2. GREAT Scholarship 2026 at Abertay University
The GREAT Scholarship program is a joint initiative run by the British Council and UK universities. At Abertay University, GREAT Scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year are worth £10,000 each and are available for all full-time postgraduate taught Master’s programs.
This is one of the most generous scholarships available to international postgraduate students at Abertay, and it is funded in partnership with the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign, which promotes British education and culture internationally. The scholarship is specifically intended for students from certain eligible countries as determined by the British Council.
Unlike the Abertay International Scholarship, the GREAT Scholarship does require a separate application. You apply directly through the Abertay University website, and applications are assessed on academic merit, motivation, and future goals.
Who Can Apply for the GREAT Scholarship?
The GREAT Scholarship at Abertay is open to students from countries listed as eligible by the British Council for the current year. Countries that have historically been included in GREAT Scholarship programs at various UK universities include nations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. You should check the British Council Study UK website to confirm whether your country is eligible for the 2026 round at Abertay specifically.
Applicants must hold a strong undergraduate degree and be applying for a full-time Master’s program starting in September 2026 or January 2027 at Abertay.
3. Abertay RUK Games, Computing and Cyber Scholarship
This scholarship is specifically designed for students from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland who are applying for undergraduate degrees in games technology, computing, or cybersecurity at Abertay University. It provides up to £4,000 in total, paid over four years at £1,000 per year.
This award is automatically given to eligible students; no separate application is required. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be notified after you accept your offer of study. The award is paid for each year of your undergraduate degree while you are physically studying in Dundee. It is not paid for any year spent studying abroad or on a work placement.
Eligibility for the RUK Games, Computing and Cyber Scholarship
- You must be classified as a Rest of UK (RUK) student, meaning you are from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
- You must have met all academic conditions attached to your offer of admission for entry as a new full-time student starting in September 2026.
- You must be applying for one of the designated degree courses in games technology, cybersecurity, or computing at Abertay.
- Currently registered students or students transferring from another UK higher education institution are not eligible.
View the Abertay RUK Games, Computing and Cyber Scholarship details on the official Abertay website
4. Scottish Saltire Scholarship
The Scottish Saltire Scholarship is a Scottish Government-funded program that provides financial support to outstanding postgraduate students from specific countries who want to study at Scottish universities, including Abertay. Each award is worth £8,000 toward tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate taught program.
The countries eligible for the Saltire Scholarship have included the United States, Canada, China, Japan, India, Pakistan, and Hong Kong in previous years. The scholarship is highly competitive and is awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to making a positive contribution to society.
Note: The Saltire Scholarship cannot be combined with the Abertay International Scholarship. You should check the Scottish Government’s official portal each year for the confirmed list of eligible countries and the exact application timeline for 2026-27.
Learn more and apply for the Scottish Saltire Scholarship through the official Scotland.org website
5. Abertay University Research Scholarships (PhD)
For students interested in doctoral research, Abertay University periodically offers funded PhD positions tied to specific research projects. These are competitive awards that typically cover tuition fees and provide a living stipend for the full duration of the PhD program, which is usually three to four years.
Funded PhD opportunities at Abertay tend to fall within the university’s key research strengths: cybersecurity, food and drink science, environmental science, games technology, biomedical science, and digital technologies. These positions are advertised on the Abertay University website and on national research funding portals.
If you are interested in a PhD at Abertay, the recommended approach is to first identify a potential supervisor whose research interests align with yours. You can then contact them directly before making a formal application. Having a supervisor’s support significantly strengthens your PhD application.
Explore funded PhD and postgraduate research opportunities at Abertay University
6. Abertay Postgraduate Merit Award
The Abertay Postgraduate Merit Award is an additional funding option available to international students who have achieved a strong undergraduate academic record. It provides £3,000 applied directly to the tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate taught Master’s program at Abertay.
Like the International Scholarship, this award is assessed automatically based on your application for study. There is no need to fill in a separate form. You need to hold the equivalent of a 2:1 UK Bachelor’s degree or higher to be eligible. The award is open to new international (overseas) fee-paying students who are not already registered at Abertay.
Courses Available at Abertay University 2026
One of the most important things to understand when applying for any scholarship is what courses are actually available at the university. Abertay offers over 64 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. Here is an overview of the key subject areas you can study there:
Games and Creative Technologies
Abertay is the global leader in games education. Programs include Computer Games Technology, Computer Games Application Development, Games Design, and Arts. These programs are consistently ranked among the best in the world for video game design, and graduates work in major studios across the UK, Europe, and North America.
Cybersecurity and Computing
Abertay was the first university in the world to offer an Ethical Hacking degree and remains recognized as a gold standard institution for cybersecurity education. Programs include Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity, Computer Science with Cybersecurity, and Computing. The university holds NCSC Gold Award status, which is one of the most respected cybersecurity education designations in the UK.
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences
Abertay has strong programs in Biomedical Science, Forensic Science, Food Science, Environmental Science, and Nutrition. These programs are research-led and often linked to industry partners in food, health, and environmental sectors across Scotland and the wider UK.
Business, Law, and Social Sciences
For students interested in management, accounting, marketing, or law, Abertay offers degrees in Business Management, Accounting, Law, Psychology, Counselling, and Digital Marketing. These programs are industry-focused and prepare graduates for careers in the professional services sector.
Sport and Exercise Sciences
Sport and Exercise Sciences at Abertay is a growing program that combines practical training with scientific research. Graduates go on to work in sports performance, rehabilitation, coaching, and public health.
Eligibility Requirements for Abertay University Scholarships 2026
While each scholarship has slightly different requirements (as outlined above), here is a general summary of the standard eligibility conditions that apply to most Abertay scholarship programs for international students in 2026:
- You must be applying as a new student. Most scholarships are not available to students who are already enrolled at Abertay or who are transferring from another institution.
- You must be classified as an international (overseas) fee-paying student. UK nationals are generally not eligible for the international scholarship programs.
- You must have received and accepted an offer of admission from Abertay University for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught program on campus in Dundee.
- You must meet all academic conditions attached to your offer before the scholarship is confirmed. This typically means achieving the required grades in your previous qualification.
- For postgraduate scholarships, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least a 2:1 classification (or the international equivalent, typically around 70% or a GPA of 3.0 or higher).
- You must plan to start your studies in September 2026 or in January 2027 for programs with a January intake. Scholarship deferrals to future years are generally not permitted.
- You must be studying on campus. Students on distance learning or online programs are not eligible for these scholarships.
Documents Required for Abertay University Application 2026
Since most of Abertay’s scholarships are automatically assessed through the admissions application rather than requiring a separate scholarship form, the key is to make sure your admissions application is as strong and complete as possible. Here are the documents you will typically need:
- Completed online application form submitted through the Abertay University admissions portal or UCAS (for undergraduate applications)
- Academic transcripts from all previous educational institutions
- Degree certificate or proof of expected graduation for your current program
- Copy of your valid passport (biographical page)
- English language proficiency proof. Abertay typically requires IELTS 6.0 overall or equivalent for undergraduate programs, and IELTS 6.5 for most postgraduate programs. Alternatively, proof that your previous degree was taught in English may be accepted.
- Personal statement or statement of purpose explaining why you want to study at Abertay and what you aim to achieve
- Two academic or professional reference letters
- Research proposal (for PhD applications only)
- CV or resume (sometimes requested for postgraduate applications)
- Proof of financial means to support your studies (required for UK student visa purposes)
How to Apply for Abertay University Scholarships 2026
The application process at Abertay is straightforward and designed to be as simple as possible for international students. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Choose your course: Browse the full list of undergraduate and postgraduate programs on the Abertay University website. Make sure the course you want is available for the 2026 intake and that you meet the entry requirements.
- Apply for admission: For undergraduate programs, apply through UCAS (the UK Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). For postgraduate programs, apply directly through the Abertay University online admissions portal. For PhD programs, contact a potential supervisor first and then follow the research application process.
- Prepare your documents: Gather all required documents as listed above. Make sure your personal statement is well-written and clearly explains your academic background, your reasons for choosing Abertay, and your career goals.
- Submit your application before the deadline: The application deadline for the Abertay International Scholarship 2026 is June 10, 2026, based on the latest available information. However, you should always confirm the exact deadline on the official Abertay scholarship pages as these dates can be updated.
- Receive your offer: Once Abertay processes your application, you will receive an offer of admission if you meet the entry requirements. The offer letter will specify any conditions you need to meet.
- Wait for scholarship notification: For the Abertay International Scholarship and the Postgraduate Merit Award, you will be assessed automatically. You will receive an email notification about your scholarship status following your offer of study, typically by July 1st for September starters.
- Accept your offer and confirm your enrollment: If you are happy with your offer and your scholarship notification, accept the offer through the relevant portal. Begin preparing your UK Student Visa application and accommodation booking.
- For GREAT Scholarships: This requires a separate application. Visit the Abertay University scholarship pages or the British Council Study UK website to find the specific GREAT Scholarship application form and deadline for 2026.
Why Choose Abertay University in 2026?
You might be wondering why you should consider Abertay when there are so many universities in the UK. Here are some genuine reasons why Abertay stands out, particularly for international students:
Unique Academic Programs
There are very few universities in the world that can match Abertay’s specialization in games technology and cybersecurity. If these are your fields of interest, Abertay is genuinely one of the best places on the planet to study them. The university was a pioneer in both areas and continues to lead academically and in terms of industry connections.
Affordable Cost of Living
Dundee is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students. Compared to London, Edinburgh, or Manchester, your living costs are significantly lower. Accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment are all much more manageable, which makes the scholarship money stretch further.
Fixed Tuition Fees
Abertay has a tuition fee guarantee policy that ensures your fees remain fixed throughout your entire program. This is a major advantage for international students who are planning their finances over multiple years. Annual tuition fees for international students range from approximately £13,000 to £18,000 depending on the program, which is relatively affordable compared to many other UK universities.