“By creating we think, by living we learn” Patrick Geddes

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Sydney (right), student from Canada

Amarens, Psychology student

Scott, Law student

International Student Society

Canada

These pages are specifically designed for those students coming to Dundee from Canada.

We have a long history of welcoming students from Canada to Dundee, and at present there are around 60 Canadian students studying on our campus in Dundee. In addition, we have over 100 Canadian students taking our distance learning courses. Our alumni are spread throughout Canada, with active alumni groups in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.

Why Dundee?
Entry Requirements
Meet us
Fees, Funding & Living Costs
Employability

Why Dundee?

Explore the opportunities available at the University of Dundee. Come and join our student population and study for your undergraduate or postgraduate degree here in Scotland. We have many unique offerings available and are ranked as one of the top 200 institutions in the world. Come and find out why our students ranked us #1 for student experience!

Studying for a degree in Scotland

The Scottish education system is different from the Canadian system and it is important that you understand some of those differences before you make your decision to come and study here at Dundee.

For undergraduates

Scotland is home to some of the oldest English speaking universities in the world! So there are some similarities such as academic years on a two semester system and four year degree programs.

There are also some differences:

Terminology
- The Scots do not talk about their major, instead they refer to it as a course of study.
- Instead of individual courses, we use the term modules.
- Classifications like freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior are not used. Instead, students talk about being in Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or their final year of study.
- An Honours year in the UK (or final year of study) denotes the honours degree classification. This means a student will produce an original piece of research to present at the end of their degree.
- Degree classification. Instead of using GPAs, Scottish students graduate with a First class degree, Second class – upper or lower, or a Third class degree.
- Learn more about some of the terms we use.

There is not a liberal arts degree structure in Scotland. Students begin to study within their chosen subject area during their first year. This means that you apply for a specific course of study. You can switch your course of study up to year two, but once you enter year three, you must continue with your chosen course of study. For some students, this is one of the key advantages of studying in the UK.
At Dundee, we offer more flexibility than other UK universities, by offering joint degree programs.
You can study law or medicine straight from school and do not have to study a 4-year pre-med or pre-law program first.
All students can take advantage of our study abroad programs, whether you want to spend a semester or full year abroad, we have programs in Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong that you can take advantage of to enhance your degree and your undergraduate experience.

For graduate students

Terminology
- In the UK masters courses are called postgraduate degree, not a graduate degree.
- Sometimes instead of being referred to as a course, a masters degree will be referred to as a program of study.
UK masters programs last one year, September-September, of intensive study. So you can save both time and money by studying your masters at the University of Dundee.
UK masters courses are often very focussed and students leave with a specialisation that often grants them an edge in a particular field.

Scottish life and culture

While at Dundee you can immerse yourself in Scottish culture (there's more to it than just tartan and shortbread!) and explore the scenic beauty of Scotland. Mountains, lochs and glens are all within easy reach, and the rest of the UK is also highly accessible, even without a car. If that's not enough, you'll only be a short flight away from mainland Europe too.
Find out more about our campus and city »

This place is beautiful ... I have the greatest view from my room and there's nothing like waking up to the stillness of the Tay in the early morning or taking the bus into St. Andrews and walking along the beach wrapped up in scarves and gloves. I have been up north into the Highlands and over to the Skye and I can appreciate how so many great minds could have originated out of such a beautiful country.
Sydney Vickars, exchange student from Canada

We have a thriving International Student Society which has members from over 100 countries world-wide. They organise trips and tours, arrange social events, and work in conjunction with our international support service to make sure your time at Dundee runs smoothly.

Our International Support Office also organises events for the international community.

You'll be able to find friends to celebrate Scottish holidays and events with - such as Hogmanay (New Year), Burns Night, and St Andrew's Day, and there will also be plenty of people willing to celebrate Thanksgiving and Canada Day with you!

"I enjoyed living with people from Scotland, and a few other countries. It gives you a different out look on things. The diversity at the University is high and it is nice to get to know a lot of other people. The Students Union is also fun and a great way to meet new people. The area around the campus seems very safe and enjoyable."
International Student Barometer, 2009

Learn more about studying in the UK from the British Council Canada website.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

For entry to all our programmes you will need to demonstrate that your qualifications meet the University of Dundee entrance requirements. These are general guidelines only, and exact requirements will vary on an individual basis, and from course to course. The information below is based on you taking your exams under your country's national education system. If this is not the case, please refer to the entry requirements for the relevant country.

For undergraduate courses: if you have taken international school leaving qualifications such as A Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB), the entry requirements are detailed on the individual undergraduate course pages.

For some of our postgraduate programmes there may be additional non-academic entrance requirements such as relevant work experience. These are detailed on the individual postgraduate course pages.

Undergraduate - Year 1

Ontario: Ontario Secondary School Diploma with six Grade 12, including English, with an average of 80% or above. OR Ontario Academic Courses (OACs), six at grade B.

Quebec: Diplome d’Etudes Collegiales (DEC) or CEGEP diploma, with an average of 80% or above.

Other Provinces: The High School Certificate or Diploma of each province or territory, awarded after year 12 with an average of 80% or above in five grade 12 courses, including English.

For certain courses, there are essential subjects that must be studied and these can be found on the relevant course websites. IB qualifications are also considered and Canadian applicants will receive dual offers if taking IB courses and graduating with a provincial diploma. For IB requirements, please visit the course website.

If you are applying to study Law the above qualifications are considered with an average of 85% or above and applicants must take English and a logic subject and receive a 85% or above. Logic subjects include: Science Subjects, Mathematics, IT, Geography, Latin, Modern Languages, Accountancy and Economics. Logic subjects do not include Art, Physical Education, English Literature, History, Politics and Modern Studies.

If you are applying to study Medicine the above qualifications are considered with an average of 90% or above and applicants must take Chemistry and another science and receive a 90% or above.

Undergraduate - Year 2

Successful completion of the first year at a recognized Canadian University.

It is essential that applicants have studied modules equivalent to those taken by students studying here in Level 1.

Law

Please read Becoming a Lawyer in Canada to learn more about the options available.

Read about the experiences of current accelerated Law student, Scott Pike.

Postgraduate - taught

We require the equivalent of a Honours 2.1 degree for entry onto most postgraduate courses. This means you must have a cumulative GPA between 3.0 and 3.25 out of 4.0. You must submit your degree transcripts.

Postgraduate - research

A Masters level qualification from a good university will normally be required. Evidence of some research experience (for example through a Masters Degree project) is expected. Transcripts of all previous degree-level studies must accompany the application.

Meet us

Online

Would you like to speak to an admissions representative or a current US student about studying at the University of Dundee? If so, please contact Bronagh Crosse to arrange for you to speak via Skype or email.

Webchats

International / EU applicants & enquirers:

5th December 10-11am GMT
12th December 4-5pm GMT
19th December 10-11am GMT

9th January 10-11am GMT
16th January 4-5pm GMT
and then from March onwards

North/South American applicants & enquirers:

More information & signup

Meet alumni

We are sometimes able to connect you to alumni who live or work in your part of the world. If you are interested, please email alumni@dundee.ac.uk to find out more.

Fees, Funding and Living Costs

The cost of studying in Dundee is very affordable. Dundee also offers scholarships to overseas students.

Fees

Who are you? Choose from the following to access relevant information about Fees & Funding:

International Undergraduate Applicant
International Taught Postgraduate Applicant
Global Programme Student from another university coming on Study Abroad or Summer Study Abroad
Research Postgraduate Applicant

Scholarships

These scholarships are specifically for students from Canada:

Scotland's Saltire Scholarships

For citizens of Canada, the People's Republic of China, India or the USA, who have not completed an undergraduate degree in Scotland, and have been offered a place on a University of Dundee Masters programme in a priority subject area. For more information, visit our Scotland's Saltire Scholarships webpage.

DFID Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme

For students pursuing postgraduate courses relevant to development issues. Visit our DFID webpage for information about eligible programmes.

General scholarships

Visit our general scholarship pages to check whether you are eligible for any other scholarship and bursary opportunities available across the university, and our Academic School Scholarships webpage for course-specific funding.

Living Costs

Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, so you get a high value of education and your cost of living is affordable.
Students are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week with their student visa.
As a student in Scotland, you have access to the National Health Service, so you do not have to pay for health insurance while studying at Dundee.
We offer a variety of accommodation, both on and off campus.

I met more friends in my first week here than I think I have in my entire life. They are from all over the world. These are the people that have made Dundee what it is for me. It's a place of learning but it is more than that.
Sydney Vickars, exchange student from Canada

Employability

Dundee has an excellent employment record, and 96% of our graduates are in employment or further study 6 months after graduation.

Benefits of a UK degree

A British degree is highly respected and valued by employers across the globe. Standards of teaching, research and facilities in the UK are among the best in the world, and are regularly assessed by independent bodies to ensure high academic standards are maintained. Here at Dundee, we are ranked as one of the UK's top ten universities for learning and teaching.
Find out more about our strengths »

Studying and living abroad will also help you to stand out from other candidates in an increasingly crowded job market. You'll gain first-hand international experience, and be able to draw upon your time in the UK to demonstrate skills in adaptability, self-confidence and problem solving - all of which employers value.

The more independent approach to learning that you'll find here will also help you to develop critical thinking, self-discipline and the analytical skills that are sought after by employers.

Dundee offers a lot to its students; whether it's the 84 student societies it runs (everything from Debate to Paintball), its 42 different sports clubs, or its opportunities in student representation. I started by getting involved in a few societies and am now a Trustee for one of the largest Charities in Scotland. It's been a great couple years, and has added a lot to my CV and overall employability.
Brett Capstick, Ottawa - 2yr accelerated LLB (English Law)

What are our graduates doing?

Our Canadian graduates are spread out across the country. Recent Canadian employers have included Kwantlen Polytechnic University, the Structural Genomics Consortium, Lloyds Register, the Archives of Ontario, Stantec and Simon Fraser University.