University of Stirling named Scottish University of the Year and UK Sports University of the Year

Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “These awards provide wonderful recognition of everyone and everything that makes Stirling such a special place to study, work and succeed. They reflect the dedication, talent and ambition of our staff, students and alumni, whose collective efforts continue to strengthen our reputation for excellence across teaching, research, student experience and sport.

“At Stirling, we are guided by our values of ambition, integrity and respect, and by our belief that ability, not background, should determine opportunity. We are proud to be a university where people from all walks of life can realise their potential, supported by an inclusive and welcoming community that encourages them to thrive.

“The higher education sector continues to face significant challenges, but these awards demonstrate the resilience, commitment and shared sense of purpose that define our Stirling community. To be recognised as both Scottish University of the Year and UK Sports University of the Year is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the impact our people have every day, on campus, across our communities and around the world.”

Scottish University of the Year

Recognising the University of Stirling’s remarkable upward trajectory, which has seen it continually rise in the Guide’s rankings since 2023 and enter the UK’s top 50 this year, the Scottish University of the Year award also highlights the institution’s strong academic performance, international reach and the diversity of the university community, high-quality facilities and positive graduate outcomes.

Alastair McCall, Editor of the Daily Mail University Guide, said: “Stirling has risen in our rankings every year since we first published our university guide in 2023 with this year’s 12-place rise pushing the University into the UK top 50. Few universities can match this upward mobility, which comes about because of a sustained, consistent focus on creating the best student experience.

“The University has built upon the natural advantages that come from having the most beautiful campus of any UK university and made Stirling part of the conversation for anyone considering higher education in Scotland and the wider UK. This award will only add to the University's appeal internationally, too, with a quarter of its students drawn from overseas.”

Reflecting on the student experience and campus facilities, which includes the award-winning Campus Central development, state-of-the-art Sports Centre and recently refurbished student accommodation, he added: “Facilities are excellent and academic strength is broadly based. Study options span more than 300 courses and offer an initial breadth of study before specialisation later on, as well as flexible start dates. Research is well-respected and aligned with some of Scotland’s key industries, with aquaculture to the fore. And students get good jobs, earn well and feel their careers are on track once they leave.

“When combined with some of the best sports facilities in the UK and unrivalled scenery in which to enjoy many of them, Stirling makes a compelling case to students and thoroughly deserves its success as the Daily Mail Scottish University of the Year 2027.”

UK Sports University of the Year

The UK Sports University of the Year award recognises the University’s longstanding reputation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. Judges praised its world-class facilities, national training centres and success in developing elite athletes. It was also commended for its leadership in sports research and education, as well as its significant contribution to health, wellbeing and sports participation within the University and wider local community.

In announcing the award, Alastair McCall, Editor of the Daily Mail University Guide, said: “Stirling stands on the top step of the sports podium this year with few rivals anywhere in the UK. Facilities are world-class, recognised by its designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, with national training centres on campus for swimming, tennis and triathlon.

“But the University also walks the walk as its success in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games proves – where it was Team Scotland’s Official University Partner. Three gold medals, nine silver and three bronze speak to the talent drawn to the University by the outstanding sports provision, which spans swimming, tennis, golf, curling and countless other sports. If Stirling were a nation, it would have finished 12^th in the Games’ final medals table with 22 athletes taking home 24 medals, once swimming relay winners are included in the tally.

“Excellence extends beyond the pools and pitches to sports education where the University leads in several key areas of research, working to deliver societal impact in health and wellbeing, inclusion and performance. Students benefit from both a range of specialist sports degrees and several that allow for the study of sport in conjunction with other subjects.

“And the local community wins, too, from Stirling’s sporting excellence with 6,000 swimming and tennis lessons delivered each year at the University’s national centres and 7,000 members of its facilities. When it comes to sport, Stirling leads the field by a considerable distance.”

Daily Mail University Guide

The Daily Mail University Guide is an annual league table ranking more than 130 UK higher education institutions based on metrics including teaching excellence, student satisfaction, graduate salaries and social inclusion.