Virtual Applicant Information Evening Scottish Applicants Welcome!
• This evening’s event is for undergraduate applicants to the University of Aberdeen
• Finance information will focus on the Scottish student finance process – staff from SAAS (funding body) are in attendance to answer your questions
• 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 Scotland (who study at a Scottish university) are paid for by SAAS.
• They are paid directly to the University on your behalf • You do not have to repay the fees • You have to apply every year • You are funded for the entire degree programme Student loans You can also apply for a student loan to help with living costs while at university. • The amount you will receive will depend on household income • Each year you can receive between £4750 and £5750 • The loans will gain interest which is linked to inflation • Payments are made monthly during term time • You may also be eligible for a SAAS bursary which you do not have to repay • Other SAAS funding includes Disabled Students Allowance and separate funding for Care Experienced students More information at saas.gov.uk or speak to the SAAS representative tonight! Financial support
Household income Bursary (non-repayable) Loan (repayable after Total support graduation) £0 to £20,999 £2,000 £5,750 £7,750
£21,000 to £23,999 £1,125 £5,750 £6,875
£24,000 to £33,999 £500 £5,750 £6,250
£34,000 and above £0 £4,750 £4,750
Please note figures may change for students who are deemed ‘independent’ by SAAS, or are over 25 when starting the academic year – SAAS staff will available to speak to after the event for any further queries. Repaying your student loan
• Tuition fees are covered by the Scottish Government so do not need to be paid back • Students who have a living costs loan will need to pay it back after they graduate – you will repay 9% of annual income over the threshold • You start to repay the loan the April after you graduate or leave your course • The current repayment threshold will be £25,000 from April 2021 – you only repay 9% above this figure and not 9% total income
Repayment examples: Earn £22,000, repay £0 each month Earn £26,000, repay £7.50 each month Earn £30,000, repay £37.50 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/undergraduate/scholarships-and-funding-286 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 – good luck with your studies! • SQA Results Day – Tuesday 10th 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