Scottish Students and International Students Across Scotland’s Universities

The data highlights notable differences in the proportion of Scottish students attending major universities in Scotland, shedding light on the distinct demographics and reputations of each institution.

The University of Aberdeen stands out as the most locally oriented, with 59.1% of its students coming from Scotland. This suggests that Aberdeen remains a popular choice for Scottish students seeking quality education close to home. Glasgow follows with 49.5%, indicating a strong regional appeal despite being a large, urban university.

On the other hand, St Andrews and Edinburgh have a much lower proportion of Scottish students, at 26.5% and 29.4%, respectively. These universities are renowned for attracting international students and those from the rest of the UK (rUK). At St Andrews, nearly half the student body (47.2%) is international, a fact that aligns with its elite reputation and global prestige. Edinburgh, too, boasts a significant international contingent at 42.5%.

However, this international focus has fueled some perceptions of exclusivity or even snobbery at both St Andrews and Edinburgh. Stories have emerged over the years about the social divides within these institutions, where some Scottish students have felt overshadowed by the dominance of wealthier students from England or abroad. At St Andrews, in particular, its small size and association with aristocracy—fueled by the attendance of royals like Prince William—have led to it being stereotyped as a university for the privileged. Similarly, Edinburgh’s reputation as Scotland’s “global university” can sometimes be overshadowed by criticism of elitism and a sense that it caters more to non-Scottish students than locals.

These differences underscore the broader dynamics of Scottish higher education, where institutions like Aberdeen and Glasgow maintain strong ties to local communities, while St Andrews and Edinburgh lean heavily into their international and rUK appeal. This balance reflects both the diversity and the challenges of creating inclusive spaces in Scotland’s universities.