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.  

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. 

Study Abroad Programs in Scotland

Edinburgh skyline during the day
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Study Program

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

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Life by the Sea
  • 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!

Program Interests
  • 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.

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Life by the Sea
  • 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!

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Small City
edinburgh monument and city skyline
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
New for Summer '24
  • Study Program
  • Full-Time Internship

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

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Life by the Sea
  • Small City
edinburgh dean village and river
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
New for Summer '24
  • Study Program

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

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Life by the Sea
  • Small City
glasgow bridge over river at sunset
  • Glasgow, Scotland
New for Summer '24
  • Study Program

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

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Small City
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.

Program Interests
  • Homestay
  • 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.

Program Interests
  • Life by the Sea
  • Small City
glasgow buchanan street
  • Glasgow, Scotland
New for Summer '24
  • Study Program
  • Full-Time Internship

Spend your summer gaining real-world work experience

Program Interests
  • 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.  

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.

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!