Universities
Scotland’s history of excellence in education has spanned almost six centuries. The University of St Andrew’s, founded in 1413 was Scotland’s first university and is the third oldest in the English-speaking world. Today, Scottish universities provide a first-class education to thousands while carrying out world-leading research across a wide range of subjects.
Strengths of Scotland's universities and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
There are more than 200,000 students enrolled at Scotland’s 15 universities and other specialist higher education institutions (HEIs), where over 30,000 international students are currently studying alongside domestic students.
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Fifty percent of Scottish research is rated in top two UK Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) categories
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Five Scottish universities are in the top 200 world rankings – Edinburgh, St Andrews, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen
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Over 30,000 international students currently study at Scotland's 15 universities and specialist HEIs
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Continually wins business from overseas governments, charities, leading international companies and other organisations
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£2.5 billion turnover in 2007/08 – an additional £3.3 billion was generated through ‘knock-on’ effects in other Scottish industries
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£177 million funding from the UK Research Council in 2007/08 – representing a disproportionately higher share of all funding available from the Research Councils
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£404 million earnings from service provision development in 2007/08 − such as, knowledge transfer, consultancy activity, residences, catering and conference facilities
Explore the extensive range of teaching, research and business resources at the heart of the Scottish education sector: