University of Stirling
Ranking
63Established in
1967Famous For
Economics, Sociology, MBA
Fees
£12,140 - £14,460
- Overview
- Services
- Rankings
- Accommodation
- Courses
- Scholarships
Overview
The University of Stirling is located in central Scotland, with over 120 different nationalities represented amongst its 14,000 students. Stirling was founded in 1967 and its campus is set in an 18th century castle estate on the shores of a loch, surrounded by beautiful hills.
The University of Stirling continues to have several unique factors outside of its location. It is a pioneer of a two-semester structure and modular degrees, allowing great flexibility in start times and changes in study. Degrees are also made up of credits earned from modules, which means that students can effectively change their subject as/or if their interests change.
More than 95% of all undergraduates were in employment or further study fifteen months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020, HESA) and it was Stirling students who named the University first in Scotland for having good teachers, quality lecturers and performance feedback (International Student Barometer 2016).
Work placement opportunities are also encouraged. These include 'Making the most of your Masters' and a university initiative with Edinburgh and Aberdeen aimed at building links between universities and employers. A number of scholarships are also available for international and EU students and details can be found here, while Student Money Advisers can help you with your budget and assist in applying for financial support.
Services
The University of Stirling International Study Centre provides an undergraduate certificate, a specialist foundation course which replaces the first year of Stirling's four-year honours degree and leads directly to the second year of an undergraduate programme – and a pre-masters course. The International Study Centre guarantees that students will receive a conditional offer of a degree place at the University.
The University of Stirling also offers 12-week pre-sessional and in-sessional English support, while the Student Union runs an International Society for Students.
Rankings
The University of Stirling's ranking in the UK makes it a top public university. It’s ranked 53rd in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2025 and the top 100 in the Guardian University Guide 2025.
- 63rd in the Times University Guide 2025 and in the top 15 in the UK for the following subjects:
- Communication and media
- Criminology
- Education
- French
- 94th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
- 452nd in the QS World University Rankings 2025
The QS World University Rankings awarded the University of Stirling 5 stars in the areas of teaching, employability, internationalisation, facilities and inclusiveness, whilst the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey saw Stirling excel in the following areas:
- Good environment on campus - 1st in Scotland, joint 2nd in the UK
- Good sports facilities - 1st in Scotland, 4th in the UK
- Good extra-curricular activities/societies – Joint 2nd in Scotland, top 25 in the UK
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 reaffirmed Stirling's reputation as a research-intensive university committed to making a difference in society. In the Times Higher Education (THE) REF 2021: Impact Scores, the University ranks joint fourth in Scotland – behind the Universities of Edinburgh, Strathclyde and Glasgow, and equal with the University of St Andrews.
Accommodation
All international students are guaranteed housing on campus, with the bulk of the accommodation overlooking the loch. Accommodation is only a short walk from all teaching buildings, library facilities, shops, theatre, cinema and social areas. The Residential Services Office is able to help students who wish to live in private rented accommodation.
Courses offered at University of Stirling
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Scholarships offered by University of Stirling
Helpful resources for international students
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