Not sure you're eligible for university?

Not sure you’re eligible to apply to university?

We understand you may have faced extra challenges, which is why we look beyond the grades that you've achieved (or are predicted to achieve) and instead consider the whole person.

Over a third of our students come to us from college and via non-traditional routes.

Are you a widening access student?

Students come to us with a wealth of different skills, life experiences and qualifications, from all ages and communities. This helps to make Abertay a diverse, welcoming and fun place to study.

You would be considered a widening access student if you are:

Coming from college
A mature student
Someone with few/no formal qualifications
A young person who is estranged from your family
Thinking about returning to education after a break
Working and also want to get a degree
An unpaid carer
Care experienced (i.e. you have been in care yourself)
A government refugee or have asylum status
From a family with no background of going to university
From a school or you live in an area where not many people go to university

This means we consider the background your academic grades were achieved in so contact us or find out how to apply.

Female student standing in front of a yellow background with her arms crossed

Widening Access: find out more

Take a look at our widening access section. If the answers aren't there, contact our friendly team.

Alternative entry routes - this doesn't just mean Highers or A levels, there are many other ways to get here.

Information about coming from college - over a third of students come to us from college, find out more about it.

Qualifications from college - you can start many Abertay degrees at Year 2 with a relevant HNC, or Year 3 with a relevant HND.

Mature students - you've had a gap of 3+ years since school/college, and you may work as well as having caring responsibilities.

Widening access support and information - all about support, funding and how to apply for people like you.

Care experienced? Contact us

If you've been in care or been a carer, we know you can face particular difficulties when moving to university. We're committed to supporting you every step of the way.

This means things like liaising with social work departments, guidance with your SAAS application to help cover fees and living costs, or arranging a year-round tenancy in student accommodation.

Information and advice is dependent on your specific circumstances. Find out more about the kind of support we can give you or email our Advisory team to get started.