FIND YOUR PLACE IN SCOTLAND

Join a supportive community, immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Scotland, gain a globally recognised degree, and open doors to international opportunities.

We have exclusive funded scholarship opportunities for US students - perfect if you’re ready to join us for study in September 2026!

Register Your interest in Our US Scholarships

2026 Scholarships

Find out more about our exciting scholarship opportunities for applicants from the United States of America applying to study on any taught undergraduate or postgraduate (master's) degree course.

 

Frances Wright Scholarships
A full‑fee scholarship for postgraduate applicants who identify as women.

 

Frederick and Anna Murray Douglass Scholarships
A full‑fee scholarship for postgraduate applicants who belong to an underrepresented racial or ethnic minority group.

 

Americas Scholarship
Available to new, full‑time, fee‑paying undergraduate and postgraduate students from across the Americas.

 

Request USA Scholarship information

 

Scholarships are competitive in nature and, if awarded, cannot be used in combination with any other UWS scholarship.

Course Search

Find your course of interest from our career-focused undergraduate, postgraduate (taught) and post-experience options.

Study in Scotland: A World-Class Education Experience

Scotland is known worldwide for its innovation, history, culture, and academic excellence. For U.S. students looking to study in Scotland, the country offers top class education, diverse undergraduate degrees, and one-year master’s programs that provide a fast, high-quality international education.

Why choose to study in Scotland?

  • Earn a master’s degree in one year, helping you save both time and tuition
  • Study at globally respected universities with a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs
  • Experience vibrant student cities and world-class natural landscapes
  • Join a welcoming international student community
  • Gain a globally recognised degree that can elevate your career

When you study abroad in Scotland, you’ll broaden your perspective in a country rich with history, creativity, and opportunity.

Student experience

Going to university is about much more than getting a qualification - it’s an experience. You'll enjoy an exciting social life, gain independence and make the most of the new opportunities available. 

Application and entry requirements

We are keen to provide as much information as possible that will help you in making your application to UWS. Below are specific notes depending on whether you are applying for one of our Bachelor (BA, BAcc, BD, BEng, BSc) degrees, Master (MA, MBA, MEd, MSc) degrees or Research (MRes, MPhil, PhD) degrees.

If you are applying from a non-EU/EEA country for entry to one of UWS's undergraduate degree courses, and have not applied already via UCAS, or have not applied to another UK university, then you may apply through our online application system.

International candidates applying through one of our recognised partners or agents for a full-time undergraduate degree course at UWS can also apply using our online application system.

To make the application process as smooth and stress-free as possible, we've compiled a step-by-step guide to applying to study at undergraduate level at UWS. Prior to beginning your application, we recommend that you read this to make sure you have everything you need and that you understand the process.

Applying to study a postgraduate taught course at University of the West of Scotland is a simple process through our online application system.

To make the application process as smooth and stress-free as possible, we've compiled a step-by-step guide to applying for a postgraduate taught course at UWS. Prior to beginning your application, we recommend that you read this to make sure you have everything you need and that you understand the process.

Applying to undertake a postgraduate research degree at University of the West of Scotland

is a simple process through our online application system. To make the application process as smooth and stress-free as possible, we've compiled a step-by-step guide to applying for a postgraduate research degree at UWS. Prior to beginning your application, we recommend that you read this to make sure you have everything you need and that you understand the process.

Academic Entry Requirements

Undergraduate

Year 1:

  • Applicants must have High School Diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.7 plus one of the following to be considered for Year 1 entry:
  • ACT composite score of 24 or above (with no individual section below 24)
  • SAT taken before spring 2016 (Critical Reading + Math + Writing) Score of 1500 minimum (with no individual score section below 550)
  • After March 2016 Two SAT II subject tests with 550-600 in each
  • Two AP tests at grade 3 or above (taken in junior or senior year of high school)

Postgraduate

Applicants must have completed:

  • Bachelors degree with a GPA of 2.7 or above

For qualifications not listed here please contact usa@uws.ac.uk for further information


American students (US citizens and eligible non-US-citizens, and their parents) who study at or are planning to study at UWS may now apply for direct loans from the US Government - Federal Student Aid (FSA). The loans, available to Undergraduate and Postgraduate students, assist in covering tuition, accommodation and living costs while studying for a degree.

American students applying for the funding are approved to study at Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire, London and Paisley campuses on a wide range of courses. Only a small number of courses are ineligible for FSA funding, including: Nursing programmes; any course undertaken on a part-time or distance learning basis; or any course where part of it is undertaken in a partner institution.

Visit our dedicated Federal Student Aid section for more information on Federal loan types as well as how to apply and all associated information on processes.

More information on Federal Student Aid can be found in our funding your studies (US Loans) section of our website or you can contact our team on FSA-Funding@uws.ac.uk.

Chat with the UWS team

Whether you’d like personalised advice, help choosing the right programme, or guidance on scholarships and funding, our USA recruitment team are here to support you.

Email usa@uws.ac.uk to arrange a one‑to‑one conversation

Register Your interest in our USA Scholarships