Quick Answer: Robert Gordon University offers several scholarship opportunities for Australian students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship worth up to £3,000, Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship up to £5,000, and subject-specific awards. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines between March-May, requiring academic excellence (typically 85%+ Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) and English proficiency (IELTS 6.0-6.5).

Robert Gordon University (RGU), located in Aberdeen, Scotland, has established itself as a premier destination for Australian students seeking quality higher education in the UK. Known for its strong industry connections and practical approach to learning, RGU consistently ranks among the top modern universities in Scotland and offers numerous scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students, including those from Australia.

For Australian students considering studying abroad in 2026, understanding the scholarship landscape at RGU is crucial for making informed financial decisions. This comprehensive guide covers all available scholarship options, eligibility requirements, and application processes specifically tailored for Australian applicants.

Why Choose Robert Gordon University?

Robert Gordon University stands out among UK institutions for several compelling reasons. The university ranks #1 in Scotland for graduate employment and holds the 38th position overall in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. With over 16,000 students from 65 countries, RGU offers a truly international learning environment that Australian students find welcoming and diverse.

The university's location in Aberdeen, known as Europe's energy capital, provides exceptional opportunities for students interested in engineering, business, and technology sectors. RGU's strong partnerships with major companies like Shell, BP, and Aberdeen Asset Management create direct pathways to internships and graduate employment for international students.

For Australian students, RGU's academic calendar aligns well with southern hemisphere timelines, with September and January intake options available. The university's focus on employability means 97.4% of graduates are in work or further study within six months of graduation, making it an attractive investment for Australian families.

Major Scholarship Opportunities for Australian Students

International Excellence Scholarship

The International Excellence Scholarship represents RGU's flagship funding opportunity for high-achieving Australian students. Worth up to £3,000 per academic year, this scholarship targets students demonstrating exceptional academic performance in their Australian qualifications.

Eligibility criteria include achieving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 85 or above, or equivalent grades in International Baccalaureate (IB) or A-Level qualifications. Australian students from Queensland using the Overall Position (OP) system need an OP score of 5 or better to qualify.

The scholarship covers partial tuition fees and is renewable annually based on maintaining a minimum 65% average in university coursework. Applications open in January 2026 with a deadline of April 30, 2026, for September entry.

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Programme

The prestigious Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship offers the highest financial support available to Australian students, providing up to £5,000 per year for the duration of undergraduate or postgraduate study. Only 25 scholarships are awarded annually across all international students, making this highly competitive.

Australian applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement (ATAR 95+ or equivalent), leadership experience, and community involvement. The selection process includes a personal statement, academic transcripts, and two reference letters from academic or professional mentors.

Recipients also gain access to exclusive networking events, mentorship programmes, and priority consideration for placement opportunities with RGU's industry partners. The application deadline is March 31, 2026, for both September 2026 and January 2027 entries.

Subject-Specific Scholarships

RGU offers several subject-specific scholarships particularly relevant to Australian students:

Engineering and Technology Scholarships: Worth £2,500 annually, these scholarships support students in petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science programmes. Australian students with strong STEM backgrounds and ATAR scores above 80 are eligible.

Business School Scholarships: The Aberdeen Business School offers £2,000 scholarships for Australian students enrolling in MBA, MSc Finance, or undergraduate business programmes. Priority is given to students with relevant work experience or high academic achievement.

Health Sciences Scholarships: Australian students pursuing nursing, physiotherapy, or nutrition programmes can access £1,500 scholarships. These are particularly valuable given the high employment rates for health graduates in both UK and Australian markets.

Application Process and Requirements

Academic Requirements for Australian Students

Australian students must meet specific academic thresholds to qualify for RGU scholarships. For undergraduate programmes, the minimum requirement is typically an ATAR of 70-75, though competitive scholarships require 85+. Students from different Australian states should note:

• New South Wales/ACT: ATAR 85+ for major scholarships
• Queensland: OP 5 or better (equivalent to ATAR 85)
• Victoria: VCE Study Score average of 35+ across relevant subjects
• Western Australia: WACE ATAR 85+
• South Australia: SACE merit certificates with GPA 6.0+

For postgraduate applications, Australian students need a bachelor's degree with Honours Class II Division 1 (equivalent to GPA 5.0-5.5 on Australian scales) or higher.

English Language Requirements

Australian students benefit from streamlined English language requirements due to Australia's native English-speaking status. However, formal proof is still required through:

• IELTS Academic: Overall 6.0 with no component below 5.5 (undergraduate), 6.5 with no component below 6.0 (postgraduate)
• PTE Academic: Overall 56 with no component below 51
• TOEFL iBT: Overall 78 with minimum component scores

Australian students who completed their secondary or tertiary education entirely in English may qualify for exemptions.

Application Timeline and Deadlines

To maximize scholarship opportunities, Australian students should follow this timeline:

October 2025: Begin researching programmes and scholarship options, start gathering required documents

November 2025: Complete UCAS applications for undergraduate programmes or direct applications for postgraduate study

January 2026: Scholarship applications open; submit early applications for maximum consideration

March 31, 2026: Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship deadline

April 30, 2026: International Excellence Scholarship and most subject-specific scholarship deadlines

June 2026: Scholarship outcomes communicated to applicants

July-August 2026: Visa applications and pre-departure preparations

When you're ready to begin your application journey, you can explore UK universities to compare RGU with other institutions and find the perfect match for your academic goals.

Financial Considerations for Australian Students

Tuition Fees and Living Costs

For 2026 entry, Australian students can expect annual tuition fees of £15,400-£18,900 for undergraduate programmes and £16,500-£22,000 for postgraduate study. Engineering and business programmes typically command higher fees due to specialized facilities and industry partnerships.

Living costs in Aberdeen are significantly lower than major Australian cities. Australian students can expect to budget £8,000-£10,000 annually for accommodation, food, and personal expenses. University accommodation ranges from £4,200-£6,800 per year, representing excellent value compared to Sydney or Melbourne housing costs.

Visa Requirements and Work Rights

Australian students require a Student visa (formerly Tier 4) to study in the UK. The visa application fee is £363, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £470 per year of study. Students must demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition fees plus £1,334 per month for living expenses.

Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. With Aberdeen's strong job market, many Australian students find part-time work in hospitality, retail, or tutoring to supplement their income.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

RGU's excellent industry connections provide Australian graduates with numerous career pathways. The university's location in Aberdeen offers unique opportunities in the energy sector, with many Australian energy companies maintaining UK operations.

The Graduate Route visa allows Australian students to remain in the UK for two years after graduation (three years for PhD graduates) to seek employment. This provides valuable international work experience before returning to Australia or pursuing global career opportunities.

Many RGU programmes include placement years, allowing Australian students to gain work experience with major employers. These placements often lead to graduate job offers and provide networking opportunities valuable for long-term career development.

Key Statistics

📊 RGU ranks #1 in Scotland for graduate employment with 97.4% of graduates in work or further study within 6 months

💰 Australian students can save up to £8,000 annually on living costs compared to studying in Sydney or Melbourne

🎓 Over 65 nationalities study at RGU, creating a diverse international community for Australian students

📈 Aberdeen's energy sector employs over 45,000 people, offering extensive internship and career opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Robert Gordon University scholarships as an Australian student?

Australian students should first apply for admission through UCAS (undergraduate) or directly to RGU (postgraduate), then submit separate scholarship applications through the RGU online portal. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines between March-April. You'll need academic transcripts, personal statements, and reference letters. Early application is recommended as scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis.

What ATAR score do I need for RGU scholarships from Australia?

The minimum ATAR requirements vary by scholarship: International Excellence Scholarship requires ATAR 85+, Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship needs ATAR 95+, while subject-specific scholarships typically require ATAR 80+. Queensland students should have OP 5 or better for major scholarships. Students with International Baccalaureate or A-Level qualifications need equivalent grades (IB 34+ for competitive scholarships).

How much can Australian students save with RGU scholarships in 2026?

Australian students can receive up to £5,000 per year through the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship, with most students receiving £1,500-£3,000 annually through various scholarship programmes. Over a three-year degree, this represents potential savings of £4,500-£15,000. Combined with Aberdeen's lower living costs compared to Australian cities, total savings can reach £20,000+ compared to studying domestically.

What are the English language requirements for Australian students at RGU?

Australian students typically need IELTS Academic 6.0 overall (5.5 minimum components) for undergraduate study or 6.5 overall (6.0 minimum components) for postgraduate programmes. PTE Academic 56+ or TOEFL iBT 78+ are also accepted. Students who completed secondary or tertiary education entirely in English in Australia may qualify for language requirement exemptions.

When do Robert Gordon University scholarship applications open for 2026?

RGU scholarship applications for 2026 entry typically open in January 2026. The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship deadline is March 31, 2026, while most other scholarships close April 30, 2026. Australian students should submit applications early as scholarships are competitive. Outcomes are usually communicated by June 2026, allowing time for visa applications.

Can Australian students work while studying at Robert Gordon University?

Yes, Australian students on Student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Aberdeen's job market offers opportunities in hospitality, retail, tutoring, and energy sector support roles. Many students earn £8-12 per hour, helping offset living costs. RGU's careers service assists students in finding part-time employment opportunities.

Key Takeaways

✅ RGU offers multiple scholarship opportunities worth £1,500-£5,000 annually for Australian students with strong academic records

✅ Applications open January 2026 with deadlines between March-April 2026 - early application is crucial for competitive scholarships

✅ ATAR 85+ significantly improves scholarship chances, while ATAR 95+ is required for the prestigious Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship

✅ Aberdeen's lower living costs and strong graduate employment rates make RGU an excellent value investment for Australian students