Parents and students are well-versed in Hong Kong's "334" education system, but how familiar are they with the UK education system? The UK is composed of four regions: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, each with its own education system. How different is the Scottish education system from that of England, and how does Scottish university tuition compare? Before sending their children to study in Scotland, parents need to understand the Scottish university education system, rankings, and tuition fee exemption qualifications. Want to know about the differences between Scotland and England? Next, the Cyclopes information team will introduce the Scottish education system.
Source: iStock
Scottish Education System ≠ UK Education System
The UK has always been a popular destination for international students, and most parents and students focus on England in the south, often overlooking the north's Scotland.
Though Scotland is part of the same country as England, it adopts a distinct educational policy from the mainstream UK education system. Currently, England's primary and secondary schools use the national curriculum, primarily divided into four Key Stages and 13 grades (Year), corresponding to various educational stages of different ages. If you want to understand the education system in England, you are welcome to consult "UK Education System Guide: Corresponding Ages and Terms for UK Primary and Secondary Schools."
The Scottish education system is more flexible, adopting the "Curriculum for Excellence" (CfE), which is divided into the broad general education phase and the senior phase, covering eight areas: sciences, social sciences, technologies, languages, mathematics, religious and moral studies, expressive arts, and health and wellbeing. The broad general education phase aims to teach students academic foundations and skills to prepare for future life and job opportunities; the senior phase further helps students master skills and provides courses that match their abilities and interests.
Source: Freepik
The difference between the Scottish and English education systems is the age of school entry. The Scottish system is divided into three stages: primary, secondary, and university. Primary and secondary last seven and six years, respectively, marked from P1 to P7 and S1 to S6, with students starting as young as four years old. When students reach S3, they must take seven to eight courses designated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority for National 4 Qualification and National 5 Qualification. In the S5 and S6 stages, students may take advanced courses (Highers) or advanced higher courses (Advanced Highers), with results used for university applications. According to the Scottish university education system, students who complete S5 or S6 can respectively advance to the first or second year of university, offering more flexibility than the English system.
Scottish Education System Implements "1+2 Language Education Policy"
Scotland fully implemented the "1+2 Language Education Policy" in August 2021, a concept modelled on the EU's education policy, aiming to encourage students to learn two languages besides their mother tongue.
Research by Professor Antonella Sorace of the School of Philosophy, Psychology, and Language Sciences at the University of Edinburgh shows that bilingual learning at an early stage aids in language and cognitive development. Thus, the "1+2 Language Education Policy" significantly aids children's growth and development, and students from Hong Kong, with their trilingual advantage, need not worry too much about their language grades.
Source: Freepik
How Much Are University Tuition Fees in Scotland? What Financial Aid Can International Students Apply For?
Scottish university tuition fees vary depending on the institution, course, and other factors. For example, at the University of Glasgow, annual tuition fees for an undergraduate degree range from £10,000 to £26,000, while for a master's degree, they range from £15,000 to £30,000.
At first glance, Scottish university tuition fees may seem similar to those in England, but there are also several financial aid schemes available for international students to apply for. The following are financial aid programs applicable to students from Hong Kong:
- Chevening Scholarships
- Royal Society Grants, available only to international students studying scientific courses
- Saltire Scholarships
Scottish University Rankings
Indeed, Scotland's provision of free university education has caught the attention of many students, while the rankings of Scottish universities also remain a key concern. Currently, Scotland boasts 15 universities, including prestigious institutions such as the University of St Andrews, University of Glasgow, and The University of Edinburgh, all of which are ranked among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings. Here are the top ten Scottish universities according to the 2024 QS rankings:
- The University of Edinburgh
- University of Glasgow
- University of St Andrews
- University of Aberdeen
- Heriot-Watt University
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Stirling
- University of Dundee
- Edinburgh Napier University
- Queen Margaret University
Learn More About Studying Abroad with Cyclopes
With its flexible education system and a wide choice of subjects, some of Scotland's universities rank among the top 100 globally. Scottish universities also offer various tuition fee support schemes, making them a considerable option for parents and students from Hong Kong. If you're seeking further information on studying abroad, feel free to call or WhatsApp Cyclopes’ team of professional education consultants to help you design the perfect study plan.
