Quick Answer: University of Aberdeen offers multiple scholarships for Pakistani students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000), Principal's Scholarship (£2,000-£4,000), and country-specific awards. With tuition fees ranging from £20,800-£26,100 annually, these scholarships can significantly reduce study costs. The university ranks #158 globally and accepts IELTS scores from 6.0-6.5 depending on the program.

Introduction

The University of Aberdeen, established in 1495 and ranked #158 globally in QS World University Rankings 2026, presents excellent opportunities for Pakistani students seeking quality higher education in Scotland. As one of the UK's ancient universities, Aberdeen offers substantial financial support through various scholarship programs specifically designed to assist international students, including those from Pakistan.

This comprehensive guide explores all available scholarship opportunities at the University of Aberdeen for Pakistani students in 2026, covering eligibility requirements, application processes, and strategic tips to maximize your chances of securing funding.

University of Aberdeen: Overview for Pakistani Students

The University of Aberdeen welcomes over 14,000 students from more than 120 countries, with a growing Pakistani student community. Located in Scotland's third-largest city, the university offers over 600 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across five colleges.

Key Highlights for Pakistani Students:

• Global Ranking: #158 in QS World University Rankings 2026
• Student Population: 14,000+ students (20% international)
• Pakistani Student Community: Active Pakistani Society with cultural events
• Campus: Historic Old Aberdeen campus with modern facilities
• Location: Aberdeen, Scotland - gateway to the Highlands

Available Scholarships for Pakistani Students 2026

1. International Excellence Scholarship

The flagship scholarship program for high-achieving international students from Pakistan.

Award Value: Up to £5,000 per year Eligibility:

• Pakistani nationality with excellent academic record
• Minimum 85% in Pakistani Higher Secondary Certificate or equivalent
• IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
• Conditional or unconditional offer for undergraduate or postgraduate study

Application Process:

• Automatic consideration upon meeting academic criteria
• No separate application required
• Awards announced with admission decisions in March-May 2026

2. Principal's Scholarship

Award Value: £2,000-£4,000 (renewable annually) Eligibility:

• Open to Pakistani students starting in September 2026
• Minimum 80% in qualifying examinations
• Demonstrated leadership potential or community involvement
• Financial need consideration

Application Requirements:

• Complete online scholarship application by June 30, 2026
• Personal statement (500 words) highlighting achievements and aspirations
• Two academic references
• Evidence of financial circumstances

3. Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Award Value: £3,000 first-year reduction in tuition fees Target: Students from developing countries, including Pakistan Eligibility:

• Pakistani passport holders
• First-time university applicants
• Household income below £25,000 annually
• Minimum IELTS 6.0 overall

4. Subject-Specific Scholarships

Engineering and Physical Sciences Scholarship

Award Value: £2,500 annually Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics Requirements: Minimum 90% in science subjects

Business School Excellence Award

Award Value: £3,500 first year Programs: Business Administration, Economics, Finance Requirements: GMAT 650+ or equivalent academic excellence

Medical Sciences Support Fund

Award Value: £4,000 annually Programs: Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry Requirements: Exceptional academic record and entrance exam scores

5. Commonwealth Scholarships

As Pakistan is a Commonwealth country, students can apply for:

• Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: Full tuition + living allowance
• Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships: For online programs

Application Deadline: December 2025 for 2026 entry Website: Apply through Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

Tuition Fees and Living Costs 2026

Tuition Fees for Pakistani Students:

• Undergraduate Programs: £20,800-£24,300 per year
• Postgraduate Taught: £22,000-£26,100 per year
• Postgraduate Research: £20,800-£24,300 per year
• Medicine (6 years): £26,100 per year

Estimated Living Costs:

• Accommodation: £4,000-£7,500 per year
• Food and Groceries: £2,500-£3,500 per year
• Transportation: £600-£1,200 per year
• Personal Expenses: £1,500-£2,500 per year
• Total Living Costs: £8,600-£14,700 per year

Application Strategy for Pakistani Students

Academic Requirements by Program Level:

Undergraduate Entry:

• Pakistani Higher Secondary Certificate: Minimum 80-85%
• A-Levels: BBB-AAA depending on program
• International Baccalaureate: 32-36 points

Postgraduate Entry:

• Pakistani Bachelor's degree: Minimum 65-70% (equivalent to UK 2:1)
• Master's programs may require 70-75% for competitive courses

English Language Requirements:

• Standard Programs: IELTS 6.0 overall (5.5 in each band)
• Competitive Programs: IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 in each band)
• Medicine/Law: IELTS 7.0 overall (no band below 6.5)
• Alternative Tests: TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic accepted

Timeline for 2026 Entry:

1. October 2025: Research programs and prepare applications
2. November 2025-January 2026: Submit applications through UCAS (undergraduate) or direct application (postgraduate)
3. February-April 2026: Scholarship application deadlines
4. March-May 2026: Receive offers and scholarship decisions
5. June-July 2026: Accept offers, apply for student visa
6. September 2026: Arrive in Aberdeen for studies

How to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application

Academic Excellence:

• Maintain consistently high grades throughout your studies
• Participate in academic competitions and Olympiads
• Pursue relevant certifications and additional qualifications

Leadership and Extracurriculars:

• Take leadership roles in student organizations
• Participate in community service projects
• Engage in sports, cultural activities, or debate societies

Research Experience:

• Complete research projects or internships
• Publish papers or present at conferences (for postgraduate applications)
• Work with professors on research initiatives

Personal Statement Tips:

• Clearly articulate your academic goals and career aspirations
• Demonstrate knowledge of your chosen field
• Explain how University of Aberdeen fits your objectives
• Highlight your potential contribution to the university community
• Address any academic gaps or challenges honestly

Additional Financial Support Options

Beyond scholarships, Pakistani students can explore:

Part-time Work Opportunities:

• Student visa allows 20 hours/week during term time
• Full-time work during holidays
• Average student job pays £8-12 per hour
• Popular jobs: retail, hospitality, tutoring, campus roles

Emergency Funding:

• Student Hardship Fund: Up to £2,000 for unexpected financial difficulties
• Travel Grants: Support for conference attendance or research trips
• Equipment Grants: Funding for essential study materials

External Scholarships:

• Higher Education Commission Pakistan: Merit scholarships for overseas study
• Private Foundation Scholarships: Various Pakistani organizations offer funding
• Bank Educational Loans: Competitive rates for international education

Visa Requirements and Scholarships

Pakistani students need a Student Route visa (formerly Tier 4) to study in the UK. Scholarship awards can strengthen visa applications by demonstrating:

• Reduced financial requirements
• Academic merit recognition
• University support and endorsement

Required Financial Evidence:

• Tuition fees for first year (minus any scholarships)
• £1,023 per month living costs for Aberdeen (outside London)
• Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days before visa application

Success Stories: Pakistani Students at Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen has welcomed numerous successful Pakistani students who have leveraged scholarship opportunities to pursue their dreams. Many alumni now work in leading multinational companies, pursue PhD studies at prestigious institutions, or return to Pakistan as industry leaders.

When considering your university options, you can browse all universities on our platform to compare scholarship opportunities and find the best fit for your academic goals and financial situation.

Conclusion

The University of Aberdeen provides substantial scholarship opportunities for Pakistani students in 2026, with awards ranging from £2,000 to £5,000 annually. By understanding the available options, meeting academic requirements, and crafting compelling applications, Pakistani students can significantly reduce their study costs while gaining access to world-class education in Scotland. Start your scholarship journey early and maximize your chances of securing funding for your Aberdeen adventure.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Aberdeen ranks #158 globally in QS World University Rankings 2026

💰 Tuition fees for Pakistani students range from £20,800-£26,100 annually in 2026

🎓 Over 600 undergraduate and postgraduate programs available across five colleges

📈 20% of Aberdeen's 14,000+ students are international, creating a diverse learning environment

💼 Student visa allows Pakistani students to work 20 hours per week during term time

🏆 Scholarships can provide up to £5,000 annual funding, significantly reducing study costs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for University of Aberdeen scholarships as a Pakistani student?

Most Aberdeen scholarships for Pakistani students require no separate application - you're automatically considered when you apply for admission if you meet the academic criteria. However, some scholarships like the Principal's Scholarship require a separate application through the university's scholarship portal by June 30, 2026. Submit your admission application first, then complete any additional scholarship forms with personal statements and references as required.

What is the minimum academic requirement for Aberdeen scholarships for Pakistani students?

The minimum academic requirement varies by scholarship. The International Excellence Scholarship requires 85%+ in Pakistani Higher Secondary Certificate, while the Principal's Scholarship requires 80%+ in qualifying examinations. For undergraduate entry, you need 80-85% in Pakistani HSC or equivalent A-levels (BBB-AAA). Postgraduate scholarships typically require a Pakistani Bachelor's degree with 65-70% minimum (equivalent to UK 2:1 honors).

How much money can I save with University of Aberdeen scholarships?

Pakistani students can save between £2,000-£5,000 annually through Aberdeen scholarships. The International Excellence Scholarship offers up to £5,000 per year, while the Principal's Scholarship provides £2,000-£4,000 annually. With annual tuition fees ranging from £20,800-£26,100, these scholarships can reduce your study costs by 10-25%. Multiple scholarships may be combined in some cases, providing even greater savings.

Can I work part-time while studying at University of Aberdeen with a scholarship?

Yes, Pakistani students on Student Route visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, regardless of scholarship status. Average student jobs pay £8-12 per hour, allowing you to earn £640-£960 monthly during studies. Popular jobs include retail, hospitality, tutoring, and campus roles. This income, combined with scholarship funding, can significantly help with living expenses estimated at £8,600-£14,700 annually.

What are the English language requirements for Aberdeen scholarships?

English language requirements vary by program level. Standard programs require IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band, while competitive programs need IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each band. Medicine and Law programs require IELTS 7.0 overall with no band below 6.5. The university also accepts TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic scores. Meeting higher English proficiency scores can strengthen your scholarship application and demonstrate academic readiness.

When should Pakistani students apply for University of Aberdeen scholarships for 2026 entry?

For 2026 entry, start your application process in October 2025. Submit university applications through UCAS (undergraduate) or direct application (postgraduate) between November 2025-January 2026. Scholarship application deadlines vary: Principal's Scholarship by June 30, 2026, subject-specific scholarships between February-April 2026. Early applications are recommended as some scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis after meeting academic criteria.

Key Takeaways

✅ University of Aberdeen offers multiple scholarships worth £2,000-£5,000 annually for Pakistani students in 2026

✅ International Excellence Scholarship provides automatic consideration for students with 85%+ academic records

✅ Tuition fees range from £20,800-£26,100 annually, with scholarships reducing costs by 10-25%

✅ Most scholarships are renewable annually, providing consistent financial support throughout your degree

✅ Strong academic performance, leadership experience, and early applications significantly improve scholarship chances

✅ Pakistani students can combine scholarships with part-time work opportunities (20 hours/week) for additional income

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