Quick Answer: University of Aberdeen offers multiple scholarships for Filipino students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £3,000), Principal's Scholarship (£5,000), and country-specific awards. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines in March-May, requiring academic merit of 85%+ and IELTS 6.0-7.0.

Why University of Aberdeen is Perfect for Filipino Students

The University of Aberdeen, established in 1495, stands as Scotland's third-oldest university and ranks among the top 200 universities globally according to QS World Rankings 2026. For Filipino students seeking quality education in the UK, Aberdeen presents an exceptional opportunity with its strong scholarship programs, affordable living costs, and welcoming international community.

Located in Scotland's oil capital, the university offers over 370 undergraduate and 120 postgraduate programs across five colleges. With tuition fees starting from £19,800 for international students in 2026, scholarships become crucial for Filipino families managing education costs.

Complete Guide to University of Aberdeen Scholarships for Filipino Students

International Excellence Scholarship

The flagship International Excellence Scholarship targets high-achieving students from developing countries, including the Philippines. This merit-based award provides:

• Award Amount: £3,000 per year for undergraduate programs
• Duration: Full degree duration (3-4 years)
• Eligibility: Academic average of 85% or equivalent GPA of 3.5
• Application Deadline: May 31, 2026
• Number of Awards: 50 scholarships annually

Filipino students from top universities like University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila, or De La Salle University typically meet the academic requirements easily.

Principal's Scholarship Programme

This prestigious scholarship recognizes exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential:

• Award Amount: £5,000 for first year, renewable based on performance
• Requirements: 90%+ academic average and demonstrated leadership
• Application Process: Separate application with personal statement and references
• Deadline: March 15, 2026
• Additional Benefits: Mentorship program and networking opportunities

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Designed specifically for postgraduate students, this scholarship supports Filipino graduates pursuing master's degrees:

• Award Amount: £2,000-£4,000 depending on program
• Eligible Programs: All taught master's degrees
• Requirements: First-class honors or equivalent (87%+ average)
• Application: Automatic consideration upon admission

Country-Specific Scholarships for Philippines

The university has established partnerships with Philippine institutions, creating dedicated funding opportunities:

CHED-Aberdeen Partnership Scholarship

• Joint initiative with Commission on Higher Education Philippines
• Covers 50% tuition fees for STEM programs
• Priority given to students from state universities
• 10 awards annually for 2026 intake

Philippines Alumni Association Scholarship

• Funded by successful Aberdeen graduates in Philippines
• £1,500 annual award for undergraduate students
• Requires community service commitment
• Application includes essay on career goals

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Engineering and Physical Sciences Scholarships

Aberdeen's School of Engineering offers targeted support for Filipino students:

• Petroleum Engineering Excellence Award: £6,000 for first year
• Computer Science Innovation Scholarship: £3,500 annually
• Physics Research Scholarship: Full tuition waiver for PhD students

These scholarships align with Philippines' growing demand for STEM professionals in industries like renewable energy and technology.

Business School Scholarships

The Aberdeen Business School provides several options:

• International MBA Scholarship: Up to £8,000 for two-year program
• Finance and Investment Scholarship: £4,000 for MSc programs
• Entrepreneurship Award: £2,500 plus business mentoring

Medical and Life Sciences Support

Medical programs, highly competitive among Filipino students, offer:

• Medicine International Scholarship: £10,000 per year (5-year program)
• Biomedical Sciences Award: £3,000 annually
• Psychology Research Scholarship: £2,500 plus research opportunities

When researching these opportunities, Filipino students should also explore UK universities to compare scholarship offerings across different institutions.

Application Process and Requirements

Academic Requirements

Filipino students must meet specific academic standards:

Undergraduate Programs:

• High School Diploma with 85%+ average
• Strong performance in relevant subjects
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL 78-90

Postgraduate Programs:

• Bachelor's degree with 87%+ average (equivalent to UK 2:1)
• Relevant academic background
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL 90-100

Required Documents

Prepare these documents in advance:

1. Academic Transcripts: Certified English translations from recognized agencies
2. Personal Statement: 500-750 words highlighting achievements and goals
3. Reference Letters: Two academic references from professors or employers
4. English Test Scores: Valid IELTS or TOEFL results (within 2 years)
5. Financial Statements: Bank statements showing funds for remaining costs
6. Scholarship Essays: Specific essays for competitive scholarships

Application Timeline for 2026 Entry

October 2025: Research programs and scholarship options November 2025: Prepare application documents and take English tests January 2026: University applications open; scholarship applications begin March 15, 2026: Principal's Scholarship deadline May 31, 2026: Final deadline for most scholarships June-July 2026: Scholarship results announced August 2026: Visa applications and pre-departure preparations

Living Costs and Additional Financial Support

Aberdeen offers one of the most affordable student experiences in the UK:

Monthly Living Expenses:

• Accommodation: £400-£600 (university halls)
• Food: £200-£300
• Transportation: £30-£50
• Personal expenses: £100-£200
• Total: £730-£1,150 per month

This represents significant savings compared to London or Edinburgh, where costs can exceed £1,500 monthly.

Part-Time Work Opportunities

Filipino students on Tier 4 visas can work up to 20 hours weekly during studies:

• Campus Jobs: £8.50-£10.50 per hour (library, cafeteria, admin)
• Tutoring: £12-£15 per hour for Filipino/English language support
• Retail/Hospitality: £8.50-£9.50 per hour in Aberdeen city center
• Research Assistant: £10-£13 per hour for qualified postgraduates

Visa Requirements and Process

Filipino students need a Student visa (formerly Tier 4) with these requirements:

Financial Evidence: Show £1,334 per month for living costs plus full tuition CAS Number: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from Aberdeen English Proficiency: IELTS Academic with minimum scores Health Surcharge: £470 per year for NHS access Processing Time: 3-6 weeks from Philippine visa centers

Tips for Successful Scholarship Applications

Academic Excellence Strategies

1. Maintain High Grades: Focus on core subjects relevant to chosen program
2. Standardized Tests: Achieve competitive IELTS/TOEFL scores on first attempt
3. Research Experience: Participate in undergraduate research projects
4. Academic Competitions: Join math olympiads, science fairs, or debate tournaments

Personal Statement Excellence

Your personal statement should:

• Connect Philippine experiences to UK academic goals
• Demonstrate understanding of Aberdeen's unique offerings
• Show how scholarship will impact your community contribution
• Include specific examples of leadership and achievement

Building Strong References

Select referees who can speak to:

• Academic performance and potential
• Leadership qualities and community involvement
• Specific achievements and projects
• Character and motivation for UK study

Career Prospects and Alumni Network

University of Aberdeen graduates from Philippines have successfully established careers in:

Oil and Gas Industry: Shell, Chevron, Petron Corporation Technology Sector: Accenture Philippines, IBM, Microsoft Healthcare: Philippine General Hospital, St. Luke's Medical Center Academia: University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University Government: Department of Energy, DOST, foreign service

The university's Career Service provides:

• CV/resume review and interview preparation
• Internship placement assistance
• Alumni mentoring programs
• Job fair access with UK and international employers
• Graduate visa guidance for post-study work opportunities

Conclusion

University of Aberdeen scholarships provide Filipino students with exceptional opportunities to access world-class education in Scotland. With proper preparation and strategic application, students can significantly reduce their financial burden while gaining invaluable international experience. Start your application process early and take advantage of Aberdeen's commitment to supporting international students in achieving their academic dreams.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Aberdeen ranks in top 200 globally (QS Rankings 2026) with over 525 years of educational excellence

💰 International tuition fees start from £19,800 in 2026, with scholarships reducing costs by up to £10,000 annually

🎓 50+ International Excellence Scholarships awarded annually to students from developing countries including Philippines

📈 Aberdeen living costs (£730-£1,150/month) are 30-40% lower than London, making it highly affordable for Filipino students

🌍 Over 1,000 international students from 100+ countries create diverse learning environment for Filipino students

💼 95% graduate employment rate within 6 months, with strong alumni network in Philippines' key industries

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Apply through the university's online portal after submitting your main application. Most scholarships require no separate application, but competitive awards like Principal's Scholarship need additional essays and references. Submit your university application by January 2026, with scholarship deadlines ranging from March to May 2026. Ensure you meet academic requirements (85%+ for undergraduate, 87%+ for postgraduate) and English proficiency standards.

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

The minimum academic requirement varies by scholarship level. International Excellence Scholarship requires 85% average or GPA 3.5 equivalent, while Principal's Scholarship demands 90%+ average with demonstrated leadership. For postgraduate scholarships, you need first-class honors equivalent (87%+ average from Philippine universities). English proficiency of IELTS 6.0-7.0 or TOEFL 78-100 is mandatory for all scholarship applications.

How much can University of Aberdeen scholarships cover for Filipino students?

Scholarship amounts range from £1,500 to £10,000 annually depending on the program. The International Excellence Scholarship provides £3,000 per year, Principal's Scholarship offers £5,000, while the Medicine International Scholarship covers £10,000 annually for the 5-year program. Combined with Aberdeen's affordable living costs (£730-£1,150 monthly), scholarships can reduce total study expenses by 30-50%.

Can I combine multiple University of Aberdeen scholarships?

Generally, you cannot combine merit-based scholarships like International Excellence and Principal's Scholarship. However, subject-specific awards may be combined with general scholarships depending on funding sources. External scholarships from Philippine organizations or government programs can usually be combined with university awards. Contact the Aberdeen International Office to clarify specific combinations and ensure compliance with visa financial requirements.

What are the deadlines for University of Aberdeen scholarships in 2026?

Key scholarship deadlines for 2026 entry include: Principal's Scholarship (March 15), Engineering Excellence Awards (March 31), CHED Partnership Scholarship (April 30), and International Excellence Scholarship (May 31). Medicine International Scholarship has an earlier deadline of February 28, 2026. Apply for your main university program first, as most scholarships require an admission offer before consideration.

How competitive are University of Aberdeen scholarships for Filipino students?

Competition varies by scholarship type and applicant pool. International Excellence Scholarships have approximately 15-20% success rate with 50 awards from 250+ applications annually. Principal's Scholarship is highly competitive with 5-10% acceptance rate due to the £5,000 award value. Subject-specific scholarships like Engineering Excellence have better odds (25-30%) as they target smaller applicant pools. Strong academic records from top Philippine universities significantly improve chances.

Key Takeaways

✅ University of Aberdeen offers £1,500-£10,000 annual scholarships for Filipino students with 85%+ academic averages

✅ Applications open January 2026 with deadlines from March-May 2026; early preparation is crucial for competitive awards

✅ Aberdeen's affordable living costs (£730-£1,150/month) combined with scholarships make UK education highly accessible

✅ Strong alumni network in Philippines' key industries provides excellent career opportunities post-graduation

✅ Multiple scholarship types available including merit-based, subject-specific, and Philippines partnership programs

✅ Student visa allows 20 hours weekly work, providing additional income opportunities while studying