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Compare any two UK universities

Select any two universities below and we'll generate an instant, data-driven comparison — rankings, salaries, student satisfaction, international community, and more.

U
University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen · QS World #288

U
University of Cambridge

Cambridge · QS World #6

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 11 datapoints

We looked at 11 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

3/11

Aberdeen

scored higher in 3 categories

VS

8/11

Cambridge

scored higher in 8 categories

Quick Verdict

University of Cambridge leads in 8 of 11 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary). University of Aberdeen is ahead on employment, courses, scholarship.

University of Aberdeen vs University of Cambridge at a glance

University of Aberdeen and University of Cambridge both teach 54 subject areas, the largest being Law, Economics and Management. University of Aberdeen offers 597 courses across 80 subject areas; University of Cambridge offers 336 courses across 79 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,800 a year at University of Aberdeen and £32,890 at University of Cambridge: University of Aberdeen is about £12,090 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £23,000 a year at University of Aberdeen and £41,300 at University of Cambridge: University of Aberdeen is about £18,300 a year cheaper.

Of the 18 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Cambridge is higher in 17 and University of Aberdeen in 1. The widest gap is in Economics: £31,000 three years after graduating from University of Aberdeen, against £59,500 from University of Cambridge. Of the 18 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Cambridge is higher in 11 and University of Aberdeen in 7.

World & National Rankings

Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.

#288
QS World
#6
#201
THE World
#3
#22
Guardian UK
#2
1495
Established
1209
No
Russell Group
Yes
—
TEF Rating
Gold

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

Longer bars indicate better performance. Metrics include student satisfaction, graduate salaries, and more.

University of Aberdeen

University of Cambridge

89.2%
92.1%

Satisfaction

Student satisfaction with teaching (NSS Survey, out of 100%)

£37,600
£49,800

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

78.3%
76.6%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

18.8%
32.2%

International

International student share

597
336

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

3
0

Scholarships

Number of scholarships

International Community

Where do international students come from?

Top source countries based on official HESA enrolment data. A higher diversity of nationalities often means a richer campus experience.

Aberdeen

81 countries · 18.8% international

  • 🇨🇳China20.2%
  • 🇮🇳India14.1%
  • 🇺🇸United States8.8%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria7.3%
  • 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia3.1%
VS

Cambridge

96 countries · 32.2% international

  • 🇨🇳China28.2%
  • 🇺🇸United States10.3%
  • 🇸🇬Singapore6.6%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.3%
  • 🇮🇳India4.7%

Subjects

54 subjects you can study at both

Courses listed at each university in the subject, and the typical (median) international fee a year. Select a count to see the courses.

University of Aberdeen

University of Cambridge

Also taught at both: Sociology & Criminology, Physics, Ancient Languages, Philosophy, Theology & Religious Studies, General Engineering, Archaeology, Civil Engineering, Human Geography & Environment, Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Linguistics, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Geology & Earth Sciences, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Biology, Genetics & Genomics, Music, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Health & Social Care, History of Art & Design, Anatomy & Pathology, Chemistry, Media & Film Studies, Medicine, Social Policy & Public Policy, Creative Writing, Information Systems & Data Science, Zoology & Animal Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Building & Construction, Computing & IT, Dentistry, Pharmacology, Planning & Housing, Heritage & Conservation, Information & Library Studies, Toxicology.

Only at University of Aberdeen

Only at University of Cambridge

Fees

What it costs international students

The typical (median) international tuition fee a year across each university's published course fees. Individual courses vary; each course page shows its own fee.

Undergraduate

University of Aberdeen
£20,800
University of Cambridge
£32,890

University of Aberdeen is about £12,090 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

University of Aberdeen
£23,000
University of Cambridge
£41,300

University of Aberdeen is about £18,300 a year cheaper.

Outcomes

Graduate outcomes by subject

Median graduate salary three years after graduating, and student satisfaction with teaching, across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject. Source: Discover Uni.

University of Aberdeen

University of Cambridge

  • Law

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£49,000
    92%Satisfaction96%

  • Economics

    £31,000Salary (3 years)£59,500
    90%Satisfaction86%

  • English Studies

    £20,500Salary (3 years)£27,500
    98%Satisfaction96%

  • History

    £24,000Salary (3 years)£32,000
    92%Satisfaction95%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £24,000Salary (3 years)£34,000
    88%SatisfactionNo data

  • Chemical Engineering

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£43,000
    83%Satisfaction94%

  • Celtic Studies

    £23,000Salary (3 years)£30,000
    96%SatisfactionNo data

  • Mathematics

    £28,000Salary (3 years)£44,500
    88%Satisfaction94%

  • Psychology (General)

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£30,000
    88%Satisfaction92%

  • Computer Science

    No dataSalary (3 years)£63,500
    77%Satisfaction94%

  • Education Studies

    £31,000Salary (3 years)No data
    95%Satisfaction92%

  • Ancient Languages

    £25,000Salary (3 years)£30,000
    90%Satisfaction97%

Showing the 12 largest of 20 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen Global Scholarship - Postgraduate

£8,000

Deadline: N/A

Aberdeen Global Scholarship - Postgraduate

£8,000

Deadline: N/A

Aberdeen Global Scholarship - Undergraduate and PGDE

£6,000

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

University of Cambridge

View all scholarships →

FAQ

University of Aberdeen vs University of Cambridge: common questions

Is University of Aberdeen or University of Cambridge cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,800 a year at University of Aberdeen and £32,890 at University of Cambridge: University of Aberdeen is about £12,090 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £23,000 a year at University of Aberdeen and £41,300 at University of Cambridge: University of Aberdeen is about £18,300 a year cheaper. These are medians of the international tuition fees each university publishes for its courses; the fee for a specific course is on its course page.

What subjects can you study at both University of Aberdeen and University of Cambridge?

Both universities teach 54 subject areas: Law, Economics, Management, English Studies, History, Politics & International Relations, Anthropology, Chemical Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science, Celtic Studies, Mathematics, Psychology (General) and 42 more.

Is University of Aberdeen or University of Cambridge better for Law?

Law graduates earn a median £26,500 three years after graduating from University of Aberdeen, and £49,000 from University of Cambridge. Student satisfaction with teaching is 92% at University of Aberdeen and 96% at University of Cambridge. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does University of Aberdeen or University of Cambridge offer more courses?

University of Aberdeen lists 597 courses on CourseOptions and University of Cambridge lists 336 courses.

What can you study at University of Aberdeen but not at University of Cambridge?

University of Aberdeen teaches 26 subject areas that University of Cambridge does not, including French, German & Scandinavian Studies, Film Production & Cinematography, Teacher Training, Accounting, Mechanical Engineering, Scottish Gaelic, Forensic Science and 18 more.

What can you study at University of Cambridge but not at University of Aberdeen?

University of Cambridge teaches 25 subject areas that University of Aberdeen does not, including Biological Sciences (General), Asian Languages & Studies, Childhood & Youth Studies, Architecture, Business & Management (General), Clinical Specialities, Veterinary Medicine, Classical Studies and 17 more.

Ready to explore courses?

Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.

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University of Aberdeen597 courses · 3 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
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University of Cambridge336 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses