Edinburgh Salisbury Crags in Holyrood Park and downtown Edinburgh

Study Abroad in Scotland

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Study abroad in Scotland map with edinburgh and glasgow

Study Abroad in Scotland and uncover the charms and heritage of this Celtic country. 

Famous for its rugged highlands, dramatic lochs, hearty cuisine, and lively music, Scotland is a culturally-rich country situated in the British Isles with a remarkable history and landscape waiting to be experienced. From its 1,000+ historic castles to its legendary golf courses, popular whisky distilleries, and symbolic bagpipes, Scotland has something special to offer every student who selects this Celtic gem as the setting for their study abroad adventure. 

When you study abroad in Scotland, you get to pick the Scottish city that intrigues you the most. Choose between Glasgow, known for its unique charm and industrial prowess, or Edinburgh, known for its striking architecture and literary heritage. Whichever city speaks to you, you’ll discover what makes Scotland a special place to live and learn abroad.  

While on an abroad program in Scotland, students may enhance their academic experience by completing a full- or part-time internship in Scotland. This unique opportunity allows students to gain real-world international work experience, expand their professional networks, and develop valuable skills that complement their studies. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, manufacturing, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.

From studying culture, arts, and sciences to gaining real-world work experience through a global internship, CIEE gives you access to unique academic and experiential opportunities that provide a uniquely immersive international experience. Make the rolling hills and dynamic city centers of Scotland your home away from home with CIEE! 

Best Places to Study Abroad in Scotland

Edinburgh skyline during the day

Edinburgh

Explore Scotland’s cultured capital and discover 1,000+ years of history, centuries-old buildings, and narrow, winding streets in this quaint, medieval city. 

Glasgow skyline tower

Glasgow

Discover all Scotland’s cultural epicenter has to offer, from its legendary music scene to its outstanding architecture, world-class museums, and historic landmarks. 

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New Program Coming Soon!

Edinburgh

  • Engineering, Technology, and Science – Coming Fall 2025

Study Abroad Programs in Scotland

glasgow river aerial view
  • Glasgow, Scotland
New for January '25
  • Study Program

Spend your winter break in the vibrant city of Glasgow, where an exciting three-week winter program awaits students eager to explore the rich tapestry of Scottish music and culture.

Features
  • Small City
glasgow bridge over river at sunset
  • Glasgow, Scotland
  • Study Program

Spend your summer living and learning in Scotland’s largest city and cultural epicenter.

Features
  • Host Institution
  • Small City
edinburgh snowy calton hill
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
New for January '25
  • Study Program

Spend your winter break studying abroad in Edinburgh, the powerhouse of Scottish arts, culture, and education.

Features
  • Small City
glasgow buchanan street
  • Glasgow, Scotland
  • Study Program
  • Full-Time Internship

Spend your summer gaining real-world work experience.

Features
  • Host Institution
  • Small City
edinburgh dean village and river
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Study Program

Study abroad in Edinburgh, a Scottish gem known for its medieval architecture, cultural festivals, and artistic heritage.

Features
  • Host Institution
  • Small City
Glasgow street view high
  • Glasgow, Scotland
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Spend your semester living and learning in Scotland’s largest city and cultural epicenter, Glasgow!

Features
  • ASU Courses
  • Host Institution
  • Small City
edinburgh monument and city skyline
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Study Program
  • Full-Time Internship

Intern abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital and thriving business sector.

Features
  • Host Institution
  • Small City
University of Strathclyde in Glasgow
  • Glasgow, Scotland
  • Study Program

Take your studies to Glasgow, Scotland’s commercial and cultural epicenter and one of the friendliest cities in the world!

Features
  • AACSB-Accredited
  • Host Institution
  • Small City
Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Spend your semester living and learning in the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh.

Features
  • ASU Courses
  • Host Institution
  • Small City
Edinburgh skyline during the day
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Study Program

Make Scotland’s enchanting capital, Edinburgh, your home away from home.

Features
  • Host Institution
  • Small City

Frequently Asked Questions

Home to some of the top universities in the world, Scotland is considered an excellent place to study abroad. Join tens of thousands of students who travel from 180 countries around the world to study abroad in Scotland. Alongside fellow international students, you’ll explore Scotland’s strong national heritage, stunning natural wonders, renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and acclaimed arts and culture.  

The cost of studying abroad in Scotland varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Scotland study abroad program page.

For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.  

Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?

Scotland is a very safe country, with some of the world’s lowest crime rates, although petty crime and pickpocketing may occur. As with any study abroad destination, we recommend that students keep their belongings secure, stay aware of their surroundings, and travel in groups when possible.

To learn more about how to study abroad in Scotland, complete a few simple steps:

  1. Search our study abroad programs in Scotland 
  2. Connect with your campus study abroad office 
  3. Start your application

Scotland and Ireland are close neighbors, with both offering exciting study abroad opportunities. These Celtic nations share many similarities, with a few notable differences. If more dramatic landscapes and rich history intrigue you, Scotland is your best fit. For students looking for modern architecture, entertainment, and pubs, Ireland is the right place.

While the cost of studying abroad in Scotland varies depending on your program, duration of your program, and location, there are several scholarship opportunities to study abroad in Scotland. Students can find more information on CIEE's scholarship offerings on our Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants page.

Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Scotland with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!

Search our internship opportunities to get started!

If you're looking for a Scotland packing list, you've come to the right place! While a student's packing list for Scotland will vary depending on when and where exactly they study in Scotland, we generally recommend that students pack the following items:

  • comfortable shoes
  • a backpack
  • a power adapter
  • comfortable clothing
  • sunglasses
  • a rain jacket
  • & more!

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Your Study Abroad Packing List (10 Essential Items!)

Other Study Abroad Locations in Europe

Seville

Spain

Choose the city that intrigues you most, from spirited and lively Seville to the capital of galácticos and gatos, Madrid, to the sun-drenched Mediterranean citadel of Barcelona.

prague river bridge church hill

The Czech Republic

Explore the vibrant capital city of the Czech Republic, regarded as one of Europe’s major cultural and economic centers.

Sunny ruins in Rome

Italy

No matter which Italian gem you choose, you're sure to have the study abroad experience of a lifetime in Italy!