University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
Overview
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), Scotland, UK,is a unique university with a distributed campus model spread in the Scottish Highlands, islands and Moray. This new design enables the students to learn with the advantages of smaller classes and close academic attention.
Founded in 2011, UHI has quickly built a strong academic reputation, especially in sustainability, health sciences, marine studies, business, and rural development.
International students choosing to study in the UK at UHI enjoy a supportive learning environment, affordable tuition, and access to modern facilities without the pressure of large metropolitan campuses.
Highlights
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Total International Students: 1,800+ (from 70+ countries)
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Placement Percentage: 85%
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Intakes
The University of the Highlands and Islands primarily offers Fall (September) intakes, with limited programs available in Spring. Most international students apply for the September intake due to wider course availability.
How to apply to University of the Highlands and Islands involves submitting an online application through the official UHI website or UCAS for undergraduate programs.
- Fall Intake: The Fall intake at the University of the Highlands and Islands is the primary admission period, especially for undergraduate programs at University of the Highlands and Islands. It offers the widest course availability and is the preferred option for international students.
- Spring Intake: The Spring intake is available for selected postgraduate programs at University of the Highlands and Islands, depending on the course and campus. This intake suits students who need more preparation time or wish to study Masters in the UK.
- Summer Intake: Summer intake is restricted and it normally pertains to individual short courses or specialized postgraduate programmes. The availability changes annually and therefore international students need to check the possibilities with the university before they apply.
Tip: Details about University of the Highlands and Islands application deadlines may vary by course, so students should always verify timelines through the official admissions portal.
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Courses
Students who choose to study Bachelor’s in the UK or Master’s at the University of the Highlands and Islands benefit from career-focused teaching and strong academic support.
Some of the popular programs at the University of the Highlands and Islands include Business Management, Engineering, Nursing, Environmental Science, Marine Biology, and Engineering.
Some of the top courses at University of the Highlands and Islands are as follows:
| Program | Duration | Total Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA Business Administration (Executive) | 18 Months | £14,994 |
| MSc Conservation Management in Freshwater Environments | 1 Year (2-3 Years Part-time) | £16,200 |
| MSc Mechanical Engineering | 1.5 Years (3 Years Part-time) | £16,200 |
| MSc Sustainable Energy Solutions | 1.5 Years (2-4 Years Part-time) | £16,200 |
| MSc Interpretation: Management and Practice | 18 Months (3-5 Years Part-time) | £16,200 |
| MSc Environmental Archaeology | 1 Year (2 Years Part-time) | £16,200 |
| MA Contemporary Art and Archaeology | 1 Year (2 Years Part-time) | £16,200 |
Cost of Studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
The cost of studying at University of the Highlands and Islands is generally cost-effective as compared to larger cities in the UK. International students can cover tuition, accommodation and living expenses on daily basis.
Tuition fees at University of the Highlands and Islands are generally lower than many UK universities, making it an affordable option for students seeking quality education in the UK.
Living in the Highlands means lower rent, reduced transport costs, and affordable food expenses. This significantly reduces the cost of education in the UK for students at UHI.
Below is the estimated cost of studying at University of the Highlands and Islands:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| UG Tuition Fees | £12,000 – £14,000/year |
| PG Tuition Fees | £13,500 – £16,500/year |
| Accommodation | £4,500 – £7,000/year |
| Food | £200 – £300/month |
| Travel | £60 – £120/month |
| General Expenses | £100 – £200/month |
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Scholarships
The university provides several funding options for high-performing international students, including merit-based scholarships at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
For students actively looking for a scholarship to study in the UK, UHI also supports access to external funding opportunities and national scholarship schemes, depending on course level and eligibility.
Students interested in financial aid at University of the Highlands and Islands are encouraged to apply early, as funding opportunities are limited and competitive.
Some of the top scholarships at the University of the Highlands and Islands for international students are as follows:
| Scholarship | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Scholarship | Fully funded | For students from eligible Commonwealth countries |
| Chevening Scholarship | Fully funded | UK government-funded PG scholarships |
| GREAT Scholarship | £10,000+ | Awarded to international students pursuing PG degree at university |
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Admission
The University of the Highlands and Islands is a popular choice among international students exploring universities to study in the UK, thanks to its supportive admissions process and flexible entry routes.
The eligibility to study at University of the Highlands and Islands depends on the chosen program and level of study.
Applicants must also meet English proficiency for University of the Highlands and Islands, typically through IELTS or equivalent English language tests.
The admission requirements for University of the Highlands and Islands are as follows:
Admission Requirements:
To get admission to Master’s program, students must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% or equivalent to a UK 2:1 or 2:2 honours degree.
English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:
- TOEFL iBT – 88
- IELTS – 6.5
- PTE – 62
- Cambridge – 176
Additional Requirements:
You will also be needed to provide academic transcripts, reference, personal statement, CV, and English language proficiency scores.
Admission Requirements:
For admission to Bachelor’s in UK, students are required to have a high school diploma with a minimum of 60% or equivalent.
English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:
- TOEFL iBT – 78
- IELTS – 6.0
- PTE – 59
- Cambridge – 169
Additional Requirements:
You will also be needed to provide academic transcripts, reference, personal statement, CV, and English language proficiency scores.
Accommodation at University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
Housing at University of the Highlands and Islands consist of on campus accommodation for students and private rental accommodation in the nearby partner colleges. Location may have varying availability.
Students are advised to apply early for accommodation, especially for the September intake, as rooms are limited.
- On-Campus: The university offers student residences through its partner colleges, with well-known halls such as Ness House (Inverness Campus), Smith House, and Rose Street Halls.
- Off-Campus: Students who prefer private housing can choose off-campus options in towns like Inverness, Elgin, and Fort William, where UHI campuses are located. The university assists students to locate acceptable private rentals, shared flats or homestays via accommodation services.
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Placements
The University of the Highlands and Islands placement rate reflects its strong focus on employability, with many graduates securing employment or further study shortly after completing their degrees.
The university offers strong career support at University of the Highlands and Islands, including employability workshops, CV guidance, and interview preparation.
UHI’s growing alumni network at University of the Highlands and Islands supports graduates with networking opportunities across the UK and internationally.
Some of the top recruiters at University of the Highlands and Islands are as follows:
- NHS Scotland
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise
- Scottish Government
- SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy)
- Marine Scotland
- Amazon
- Capgemini
Student Essential Services
Comprehensive international student support at University of the Highlands and Islands, including visa advice, academic mentoring, and orientation programs designed to ease cultural transition.
Active student unions, clubs, and societies enrich student life at University of the Highlands and Islands, helping students build friendships and feel at home in the UK.
- International Student Support: Dedicated advisors assist with UK student visa guidance, arrival support, orientation programs, and ongoing advice to help students settle smoothly into life at UHI.
- Student Wellbeing and Counselling Services: Mental health, counselling and disability services are available to those in need of professional wellbeing teams in a confidential and supportive setting across UHI partner colleges.
- IT and Digital Learning Services: Students receive access to UHI’s online learning platforms, digital libraries, university email, and technical support essential for blended and remote learning.
- Student Associations and Societies: Student associations based on campuses have clubs, cultural events and other social activities, which allow students to form networks and improve their life in the university.
- Multi-Campus Academic Support: UHI is spread over many campuses and students can receive academic services, libraries and student support teams in their home campus and enjoy the shared resources and expertise of the broader UHI network.
Location of University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, UHI is especially suitable for students who prefer personalized attention, as classes are generally smaller than those at large city universities, allowing closer interaction with lecturers.
UHI campuses are located in some of the safest regions in the UK. Towns like Inverness and Elgin have low crime rates and are considered very student-friendly.
Students on a UK Student visa are usually allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, subject to visa conditions.
Most international students arrive 1-2 weeks before classes start to attend orientation and complete essential formalities.
International students who pay the Immigration Health Surcharge can access NHS healthcare services during their studies in the UK.
In some cases, transfers may be possible depending on the program and availability, but this should be discussed with academic advisors early.
Public transport links are available, and students often receive travel discounts. Major cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh are accessible by train or bus.
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