Virtual Applicant Information Evening English, Welsh and Northern Irish Applicants Welcome! • This evening’s event is for undergraduate applicants to the University of Aberdeen

• Finance information will focus on the English, Welsh and Northern Irish student finance process

• Tonight is about helping you make the right decision for you about your next steps

• Some of you may have just submitted your application, others may have received an offer – all are welcome! September 2021 entry

UCAS application deadline: 29th January 2021

Last date for decisions from universities (for applications received on time): 20th May 2021 If you receive all your decisions by 20th May, reply by 10th June (Current deadlines – please check for any changes from UCAS)

Once you make Aberdeen your firm choice (conditional or unconditional) you can begin your application for accommodation Why Aberdeen… Our heritage • Founded in 1495; over 525 years of excellence

• 5th oldest University in the UK and 3rd oldest in Scotland

• 14,500 students and 130 nationalities on our campus

• Scottish University of the Year 2019*, Top 20 UK University** and 11th for Student Satisfaction***

• “Open to all, and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others”

* The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide ** Guardian University Guide 2021 *** National Student Survey 2019 Why Aberdeen… Our facilities Modern state of the art facilities located on our beautiful historic campus

Multi-million pound investment in recent years • Sir Duncan Rice Library • Suttie Centre Medical School • Aberdeen Sports Village and Aquatics Centre • Student Union Building

New £35m Science Teaching Hub due to open in 2021/22 academic year Why Aberdeen… Our teaching • Our curriculum offers more choice, greater flexibility, and a tailored degree to suit your needs and interests

• Study core subject, optional subject, and enhanced study courses, taught by world-leading academics

• The result: better informed, more rounded and intellectually flexible graduates for the 21st century

• 95% of our graduates are in employment or further study 6 months after graduation (HESA E1a Performance Indicator 2016/17, published 2018) Why Aberdeen… Our location • A vibrant, creative and ambitious city known for its charm and cosmopolitan community

• Aberdeen is the 3rd largest city in Scotland – a bustling city centre with all the amenities you need – cinemas, shops, restaurants, museums, theatres

• Year-round festivals, sport, and concerts to keep you entertained – brand new P&J Arena and Music Hall

• Countryside and coastline on your doorstep! Student Life Teaching styles at University • Lectures • Field trips/placements

• Tutorials • Private study

• Lab sessions • Coursework

• Seminars • Exams A first year student’s timetable Student activities • Over 200 sports clubs and societies to join – academic, hobbies, cultural, performing arts

• Student media: The Gaudie, Aberdeen Student Radio

• Charity campaigns, Raising and Giving, committees

• Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA)

Sport at University • On-campus facilities at Aberdeen Sports Village and rugby pitches

• Over 55 sports clubs – all levels from beginner to competitive sport

• Learn a new sport, join teams and compete across the country

• Social side of sport Aberdeen Sports Village and Aquatics Centre Go Abroad • Spend up to a year abroad without paying extra tuition fees

• Live and study in a different country – partnership universities across the world

• Take classes as part of your degree – extra language skills not always necessary

• Make lifelong friends Support from a caring community • Personal Tutors and Regents • Careers Service

• AUSA (Student Union) • Student Learning Service

• Students 4 Students • Student Advice and Support

• Nightline • Money Advice Service

• Medical practices • Counselling

• Chaplaincy

• 24/7 Residence Security Accommodation Accommodation • Most first year students live in Hillhead Student Village, our most popular option for undergraduate students

• Guaranteed offer of accommodation for 2021 entry (terms and conditions apply)

• Catered from £147/week and self catered from £90/week (2020-21) - meal card can be added to self-catering plans

• All bills included and 24/7 security Hillhead Student Village

• 2,000 students living across different • 20 minute walk or short shuttle bus properties at the Village ride from campus

• Central building with social and • Supermarkets and amenities within activity space few minutes’ walk Finance and Funding Tuition fees and student loans Tuition fees for residents of England, Wales and Northern Ireland studying at Aberdeen are £9250 per year

Students can apply to Student Finance England, Wales, or Northern Ireland for a tuition fee loan to pay their fees

Tuition fee loans are paid directly to the University on your behalf

You apply for funding each year of your degree Student loans and grants You can also apply for a student loan or grant to help with living costs while at university - the amount you receive will depend on your household income

England: maintenance loans up to £9,203 per year

Wales: combination of maintenance loan and maintenance grant totalling £9810 – more or less loan depending on household income assessment

Northern Ireland: maintenance loans up to £4840 and maintenance grants up to £3475 More information online – figures are for 2020/21 entry and may increase Repaying your student loan

• You will start to repay any loans you have, such as Tuition Fee and Maintenance loans, the April after you graduate or leave your course • Any grants you receive will not need to be repaid • The current repayment threshold is £19,390 for students from Northern Ireland and £26,575 for students from England and Wales • You will repay 9% of annual income over the threshold – not 9% of total salary! • Payments are made direct from your monthly/weekly salary when you are paid

Repayment example: Repayment example: Northern Ireland England and Wales

Earn £22,000, repay £19.58 Earn £27,096, repay £10 each month each month Scholarships There are a number of scholarships available each year for students who meet the eligibility criteria

Application details and deadlines can all be found online: abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/ Entrance Scholarships

• The University of Aberdeen is proud to introduce two new entrance scholarships for 2021 entry for English, Welsh and Northern Irish students • There will be two types of bursaries available: Access Scholarships exist to support students who may struggle to meet the cost of studies while Merit Scholarships reward students showing academic potential during their A Level studies • These scholarships are available in addition to any Government loans and grants

Access Scholarship Merit Scholarships (excluding Medicine)

Household income less AAA at A Level: £5000 in Year 1 than £20,360: £3000 per AAB/ABB at A Level - £3000 in Year 1 year of study Meet the terms of offer: £1000 in Year 1 What are your next steps? Once you receive your offer, attend our Virtual Offer Holder events – a full schedule will be sent to you directly • Events will take place in mid-late March 2021

Visit our website and follow us on social media for more useful information and videos

Make your decision on UCAS Track

Apply for Accommodation What are your next steps?

If you have a conditional offer – best of luck! • A-level Results Day – Tuesday 24th August 2021

If your results don’t go to plan, remember you can get in touch with us on results day to discuss your options

See you in September for the start of term! • Move in weekend – 18th and 19th September