Higher education
There are 20 higher education institutions in Scotland. These include 15 universities (including the Open University) and five other institutions. Higher education institutions are completely independent.
Studying for a degree
Most students studying their first degrees spend three academic years to attain an ordinary degree – or four years to attain an honours degree.
The number of subjects studied and time spent in lectures, tutorials and practical work, in laboratories and in the field, varies enormously from year to year within courses, from course to course (within an institution) and from institution to institution.
Flexible degrees
Most of Scotland's higher education institutions offer part-time degree courses. The Open University specialises in this kind of degree.
Applying to higher education
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is the organisation that processes applications for full-time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges. You can search every university course in the UK on the UCAS website. If you are studying a course at HNC/HND or degree level, then you should apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for help with funding.
Further advice on funding can also be found on the Scottish Government's Funding for Learners webpage.
