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City guidesVerified June 2026

Study in Dundee — universities, cost of living and student life

By Study UK Now Editorial

Dundee is an affordable, creative Scottish city with two universities, strong in life sciences and design.

Universities
University of Dundee, Abertay University
Cost level
Affordable — well below London
Note
Scottish degrees usually 4 years

Key takeaways

  • Home to the University of Dundee (life sciences, medicine, art) and Abertay University (games, computing).
  • A UNESCO City of Design with a growing creative scene on the waterfront.
  • One of Scotland's most affordable student cities — well below London.
  • Scottish undergraduate degrees usually take four years.

Why study in Dundee

Dundee has reinvented itself as one of Scotland's most creative and affordable student cities. The University of Dundee is internationally recognised in the life sciences and has a renowned art and design school (Duncan of Jordanstone), while Abertay University pioneered computer-games education and is strong in computing and cyber. Set on the River Tay waterfront and designated a UNESCO City of Design, Dundee offers a compact, friendly, good-value experience. As a Scottish university city, most undergraduate degrees run for four years.

What it costs

Dundee is one of Scotland's most affordable student cities, with living costs well below London. Bear in mind that Scottish degrees usually take four years, so budget for the extra year compared with a three-year English course. Study UK Now builds a realistic Dundee budget with you so there are no surprises on arrival.

How Study UK Now helps with this

Get expert, end-to-end help — from university matching to your visa.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dundee a good city for international students?

Yes — Dundee is affordable, friendly and increasingly creative, with two universities strong in life sciences, medicine, art and design, and games. As a UNESCO City of Design on Scotland's waterfront, it is an appealing, good-value choice. Remember Scottish degrees usually take four years.

Which universities are in Dundee?

Dundee is home to the University of Dundee (internationally recognised in life sciences, with a renowned art school) and Abertay University (a pioneer in computer-games education and computing). Each has its own strengths and entry requirements — Study UK Now helps you choose the right one for your subject, budget and goals.

Sources — verified June 2026

Visa, fee and policy details change. Always confirm the latest on the official source before you rely on it.

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