Abertay University Scholarships 2026-27 (with up to £12,000 Funding)
Dundee is often called the “City of Discovery,” and for international students eyeing the 2026-27 academic session, that name couldn’t be more appropriate. Abertay University Scholarships have officially been announced, offering a golden opportunity to study at one of the UK’s most innovative and tech-forward institutions. Whether you are a budding game developer, an ethical hacker, or a future business leader, these scholarships are designed to make your transition to the United Kingdom smoother and more affordable.
Abertay University is world-renowned for its pioneering spirit—it was, after all, the first university in the world to offer a degree in computer games. For the upcoming cycle, the university continues its commitment to global talent by offering significant tuition fee waivers for Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students. The best part? The process is remarkably streamlined, focusing on your academic potential rather than endless paperwork.
Scholarship Overview
Financial Coverage
The Abertay University Scholarships act as a direct reduction in your tuition fees, which is a major relief given the rising costs of international education. The funding is structured to support students throughout their journey:
Undergraduate Students: New international students can receive an award of up to £12,000 in total. This is typically distributed as £3,000 per year for up to four years of study.
Postgraduate Taught Students: Those enrolling in Master’s programs are eligible for a £3,000 award, which is deducted from the first year of tuition fees.
Combination Policy: Interestingly, Abertay allows students to combine certain awards. For instance, the Principal’s Excellence Scholarship can sometimes be paired with the international scholarship to reach a combined value of up to £7,000 per year.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Abertay University Scholarships, you must meet the following baseline requirements:
Fee Status: You must be classified as an “International (Overseas)” fee-paying student.
Enrollment: You must be a new student. Current students already enrolled at Abertay are not eligible for these specific awards.
Study Mode: The scholarship is for full-time, on-campus students in Dundee. Distance learning or online degrees generally do not qualify.
Academic Standing: For postgraduate applicants, a UK 2:1 equivalent degree or higher is usually expected.
Offer of Admission: You must hold an offer to study at Abertay for the 2026-27 session before the scholarship can be finalized.
Required Documents
While there is no separate scholarship form, you must provide these documents during your standard university application to demonstrate your excellence:
Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of all previous degrees and certificates.
Passport Copy: A valid copy for identification and visa processing.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-written personal statement highlighting your goals and why you chose Abertay.
Letters of Recommendation: Two academic or professional references.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date resume outlining your experience.
Research Proposal: (For PhD applicants only) Detailing your intended field of study.
Application Process
The application for Abertay University Scholarships is refreshingly simple because no separate application is required. Here is the step-by-step path:
Choose Your Program: Browse the Abertay course catalog and find the degree that fits your career path.
Submit University Application: Apply directly via the university website or through UCAS (for undergraduates).
Automatic Assessment: The admissions team automatically reviews your profile for scholarship eligibility based on your academic grades and personal statement.
Notification: If successful, you will receive a scholarship offer via email, often alongside or shortly after your academic offer letter.
Acceptance: You must formally accept the scholarship via the “My Abertay” portal (Oasis) and pay your tuition fee deposit to secure the award.
Application Deadline
The final date to be considered for these awards for the September 2026 intake is:
Deadline: August 3, 2026
Note to Verify: While August is the final cutoff, international students are strongly advised to apply by May or June to allow sufficient time for visa processing and CAS issuance.
Official Website
For the most current information on fee guarantees and specific departmental bursaries, visit the university’s dedicated funding portal:
Official Application Link
What Makes This Scholarship Unique
What sets Abertay apart is its “Small but Mighty” campus culture. Unlike massive, sprawling universities where you’re just a number, Abertay offers a tight-knit community.
Global Gaming Hub: As of 2026, Abertay is ranked as the #1 International School for Games Design by the Princeton Review.
Industry Links: The university has a PlayStation 5 development lab and strong ties to companies like Rockstar North and Ubisoft.
Research Intensity: For a modern university, Abertay punches way above its weight in research, particularly in ethical hacking and environmental science.
Who Should Apply / Who Should Not Apply
Who Should Apply:
Ambitious students looking for a high-tech education in a low-cost, student-friendly city like Dundee.
Academic high-achievers who want their hard work recognized through tuition discounts.
Students interested in Scotland’s thriving tech and creative sectors.
Who Should Not Apply:
Students seeking a 100% “Full Ride” (this scholarship covers tuition only, not living expenses or flights).
Current Abertay students (these are entry-level awards).
Students who are purely seeking a big-city experience like London; Dundee is a charming coastal city, but much quieter.
FAQ Section
1. Can I combine the Abertay International Scholarship with the GREAT Scholarship? Usually, no. If you are awarded two scholarships, Abertay typically applies the one with the higher value. However, some specific bursaries (like the Alumni discount) can sometimes be stacked.
2. Is there an application fee for the scholarship? No. Since the scholarship is assessed based on your admission application, there are no extra fees specifically for the award.
3. Do I need to have my IELTS results ready to apply? You can apply with a “conditional” offer while waiting for English results, but your scholarship will only be confirmed once you meet all academic and language conditions.
4. What happens if I defer my entry to 2027? Abertay generally honors scholarship offers for one deferral period, provided you remain eligible under the new year’s terms.
ScholarPositions Insight
Common Mistakes: The biggest mistake students make is failing to check their emails. Because the offer is sent electronically, some applicants miss the “Acceptance” deadline in the Oasis portal, causing the funds to be reallocated to other students.
Pro-Tip: Focus heavily on your Personal Statement. Since there isn’t a separate scholarship form, your admission SOP is the only place you can “sell” yourself to the scholarship committee. Highlight any leadership roles or community work you’ve done.
Real Advice: Dundee has one of the lowest costs of living for students in the UK. Even though this isn’t a full-ride scholarship, the combination of a £3,000 discount and affordable Scottish rent makes your total budget much more manageable than in cities like Manchester or Edinburgh.
Final Advice
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to pursue your UK degree, the Abertay University Scholarships for 2026-27 are your sign to start. The application is low-stress, the university is world-class, and the city is welcoming. Start your admission application today to ensure you are in the front of the line for these competitive awards.
This article is prepared by the ScholarPositions editorial team, focusing on verified and up-to-date international scholarship information.
