Why Stirling for international study?

Our inclusive, multicultural environment offers you a welcoming and supportive space for you to learn. Join the University of Stirling and we’ll prepare you for a lifetime of achievement alongside fellow students from more than 140 countries.

Whatever you choose to study, you’ll benefit from our high-quality teaching and internationally recognised research. Studying at Stirling can broaden your horizons and open global opportunities. You’ll be able to make friends from across the world and learn from diverse cultures and perspectives.

World-class reputation

We’re a globally connected University. 87% of the University's research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society (REF 2021).

We’ve been awarded 5 Stars in the QS Stars University Ratings 2024 for our teaching, employability, internationalisation, research, facilities, programme strength, and environmental impact. Our small class sizes help to ensure you benefit from world-class teaching from our leading academics.

Global student community

Join our truly global community. With over 140 nationalities on campus, we offer a diverse and multicultural student experience. More than 30% of our students are international and we have partnerships in 65+ countries. The thriving International Society means you can make friends easily. We’re also 1st in the UK and top 3 in the world for campus environment (International Student Barometer (ISB) 2022). After you graduate, you’ll join our 100,000+ alumni in more than 160 countries. 

Career prospects

We have excellent ratings for graduate employability. 96% of our graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2020-21, HESA). All our courses strive to improve your employable skills, as well as give you an internationally recognised qualification. We’re committed to equipping you with life-long career management skills. Many of our courses offer hands-on experience and unique opportunities to work with industries across the globe.

What our students said

Bo Goldsmit
Bo Goldsmit
Netherlands
MSc TESOL
The University of Stirling has given me the opportunity to connect with so many different people from different continents and cultures, something that would never have happened in my country. I have not only made lifelong friends, but also great connections for my career.
Read Bo's story
Canoers on campus loch

A stunning campus

A Hollywood-worthy setting, our beautiful 330-acre campus has acted as the backdrop to major films and television series. It’s one of the most scenic campuses in the UK, with its own loch and plentiful green spaces, placing picture-postcard landscapes right on your doorstep and giving you room to ease into University life.

You’ll enjoy studying and living here. There’s a wide range of accommodation and everything you need is a few minutes' walk – from food outlets and sports facilities to our on-campus theatre and cinema.

An affordable city in a great location

The city of Stirling is a small city framed by beautiful natural environments and green space. It has been rated by The Complete University Guide 2023 as the safest student city in Scotland.

Located in central Scotland, Stirling has great transport links to the rest of the country: both Edinburgh and Glasgow are only 45 minutes away by road or rail.

Living costs in Stirling are also relatively affordable compared to other cities in Scotland and the UK. Find out more about what Scotland has to offer.

Small class sizes

Our class sizes are often smaller than what you’ll find at other UK universities. This can make it easier for you to participate in classes and contribute your ideas, than in larger groups. It will give you confidence in your studies and help you build relationships with your teachers at the University. We offer a supportive environment for you to achieve your potential.

Excellence in sport

If you have a passion for sport, choose Stirling. We’re Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence, and we're 1st in the UK and top 5 in the world for sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022). Our excellent facilities include an Olympic swimming pool, tennis courts and gym. We’re home to the National Tennis Centre and National Swimming Academy. If you’re looking to improve your fitness or simply have fun, we have a variety of recreational sports clubs you can get involved with. 

Flexible courses

Flexibility is built into our curriculum. For many undergraduate degrees in Years 1 and 2, you’ll be able to study a range of subjects across a variety of disciplines. This means you can study the things you’re passionate about or try a completely new subject that complements your main degree. Whatever you choose to study, it all counts towards your final degree.

At the University of Stirling we want you to continue to expand your knowledge in areas that interest you. For entry onto most of our Masters courses, you could have studied a completely unrelated undergraduate degree. This allows you to develop your education and career in a new direction.