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Thinking about applying?
Contact us
We know that moving to study to a new country is exciting, but the process can seem complex. We have plenty of support to help you apply to Abertay University.
Contact me if you have any questions at all, I'm happy to help.
Beth Thomas, International Officer
Entry Requirements from the US
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
These are the general entry requirements for the USA.
A High School Diploma GPA of 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) plus ONE of the following:
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Minimum 1100 SAT Score to include 550 in each component.
or
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ACT score of 25.
or
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Three AP Tests at grade 3.
Requirements may be higher for different programs, or have specific prerequisites. Please check the program page on our website for details.
Abertay University is test-optional. If you do not have SAT or ACT scores, we may ask to see other evidence of your academic ability, such as:
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Your high school curriculum for any essential subjects (eg Math for some of our Computer Games degrees), along with your school profile. We may ask for your School Guidance counsellor or teacher to send this to us.
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Details of experience you have had in your chosen subject, such as a job or volunteer position in which you learned or employed the required knowledge and skills.
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Participation in extra-curricular activities which are linked to the degree you are applying for, such as games you have previously developed if you are applying to one of our Games programs.
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Strong grades in AP or Honours classes in relevant subjects, if these classes were available at your school.
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College or university level classes you have completed or are currently taking. Please provide a transcript.
If you are thinking about transferring to Abertay, find out more here.
Graduate Entry Requirements
Please check the relevant postgraduate* degree programme to review the entry requirements for each course. GRE is not a requirement, but it may benefit your application.
A Bachelor’s degree (BA/BSc) with a GPA of 3.0-3.33 corresponds to a UK 2:1 (Upper Second) and a GPA of 2.7-3.0 is compares to a UK 2:2 (Lower Second) degree.
*Graduate degree program
How to apply to Abertay
Undergraduate
Undergraduate (UG) degree applications are made through UCAS, the UK's University & Colleges Admissions Service. Applications from everywhere in the world must be made through this system. There is a helpful glossary to terms on their website to help make the application process as easy as possible.
Although the main deadline for UCAS applications is 31 January, we will accept applications after this date for US applicants. We do recommend that you apply as soon as possible in order to give your application the best chance for consideration, and yourself enough time to prepare.
Postgraduate taught
Postgraduate (PG) taught degree applications can be made directly to Abertay through your selected program page. Please visit your chosen postgraduate program page on our website and select 'Apply Now' in the top navigation. There is no charge to apply for a taught graduate degree.
Applying for PG taught programs
Postgraduate research
Postgraduate (PG) research applications can also be made directly to Abertay, but first you must decide on your area of research and secure a potential supervisor. We welcome enquiries and applications from prospective research students across a range of subjects or interdisciplinary areas.
Terminology
While you sometimes find small, self-explanatory spelling differences between UK and US English, there are also some differences that can be confusing. Here are some translations to help you -
| UK English | US English |
| Module | Class |
| Course | Degree |
| Subject | Major |
| Postgraduate | Graduate |
| College | Community College |
| Articulation | Transfer (from Community College) |
You often see the letters 'Hons' after our degrees e.g., Computer Arts BSc (Hons); Marketing and Business BA (Hons). This is short for Honours.
In Scotland, an Honours degree is a four-year degree. A non-Honours degree is a three-year degree, also known as an 'ordinary' degree. Your final year at Abertay - your senior year - is when you will take honours modules which are like 300 and 400-level classes.
Funding
Federal Student Aid
Abertay University is happy to accept US Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) loans.
Learn more about the FAFSA application process and other ways to fund your studies at Abertay The video below contains information on basic application procedures.
Please contact usloans@abertay.ac.uk to find out more.
Post 9-11 GI Bill & VA Funding
Abertay is approved to offer VA funding. Please check the VA Foreign Program webpage to learn how to apply, what programs are covered, how you can use the benefits to cover your tuition and expenses.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships to international students studying on our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
The Abertay International Scholarship: You do not need to complete an application form for the International scholarship. If you meet all the eligibility criteria you will be notified in late August (for fall entry) or early January (for winter entry) that you have been granted an Abertay International Scholarship.
Search all international scholarships and bursaries
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for international students will vary depending on your programme of study. Please visit your chosen programme page on our website for more information.
If you are self-funding your studies, you are expected to have sufficient funds available to cover your tuition fees before the start of each academic year. All international students are required to pay the whole annual fee in advance. Payment of tuition fees will take place before or during registration.
Transferring, Partnerships & US Veterans
Transferring from a US Community College
Abertay University is happy to accept transfer students from community colleges across the US.
If you would like to transfer to Abertay, find out more about transferring your studies and then please contact Beth so she can help create a personalized track of your transfer and assess what credit we could offer.
In order to facilitate the transfer, you will be asked to provide an up to date transcript of your studies, including current classes.
Abertay proudly maintains an Articulation Agreement with Northern Virginia Community College. As part of the agreement, NOVA students are guaranteed entry into Abertay if they complete the necessary prerequisites, obtain their Associate’s Degree, and maintain a 3.0 GPA! If you are from NOVA and interested in transferring, speak to your campus transfer counsellor or contact Beth to discuss your options.
US University Partnerships and Exchanges
We are also happy to accept study abroad students from any US university*, no need for any agreements or contracts! If you are interested in studying abroad at Abertay, find out more about our exchange and study abroad scheme here.
Abertay University also maintains a variety of exchange partners in the United States. Students from our partner colleges and universities do not pay tuition fees to study at Abertay for a semester or full year. Here is the list of our current exchange partners:
- Champlain College
- George Mason University
- New Jersey City University
- Pennsylvania College of Technology
- St. Edward’s University
- University of North Florida
If you attend one of these institutions and want to participate in an exchange, contact your university’s international office to discuss the application process.
*Pending a review of class options available on your major. Please email our Exchange and Study Abroad team, studyabroad@abertay.ac.uk if you need advice on your class choices.
US Veterans
We are very proud to accept US GI Bill funding (VA facility code: 11201274). If you qualify, you can receive generous funding towards tuition, housing, and book costs at Abertay. Abertay manages your tuition funding only. Other types of support you are eligible for, such as monthly housing allowance, will be sent to you directly.
If you are a US Veteran, please visit the VA Bill Education and Training page to see if you are eligible for this funding. You should request a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from the VA. Once you receive this certificate, please email usloans@abertay.ac.uk attaching your CoE, to submit your application.
You should get in touch as soon as possible so your application can be processed in a timely manner. Please be aware that a program approval may be necessary. Please see https://www.abertay.ac.uk/international/usa/loan-information-for-us-students/ for more information.
Get inspired
Our grads have gone on to have amazing careers
Michael Barclay
Michael is a Game Designer who has worked on Uncharted: The Lost Legacy and The Last of Us: Part II at Naughty Dog.
Claude Dareau
Since graduating Claude works on VR projects for Oscar-winning visual effects studio Framestore.
