University of Stirling

The University of Stirling is an international university committed to helping students make a difference in the world. Based in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is a place where ability – not background – is valued, and teaching, employability and facilities are all rated five-star (QS World University Rankings 2021). 

The University of Stirling is ranked top 40 in the UK (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023), and students rated Stirling top 30 in the UK for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2022.

Less than an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh, Stirling is rated 1st in the UK and 5th in the world for campus environment (UK ISB Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018). Our beautiful 330-acre campus is home to a cutting-edge sports centre, wide range of accommodation, catering outlets, shops, a cinema and theatre, and 18th-century castle.

More than 120 nationalities are represented on our diverse and inclusive campus.  We collaborate with institutions across the world – with teaching and research partnerships in more than 60 countries to help our students become forward-thinking graduates with skills that are sought after by employers across the globe.

""

Stirling is also Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. Our inclusive campus is home to five national governing bodies and ranked 1st in Scotland and top five in the UK for sports facilities (UK ISB Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018).

The University of Stirling is one of the UK’s leading research universities in the fields of health and wellbeing, the environment and people, culture and society, enterprise and the economy, and sport.

Our world-leading academics are experts in their fields, and our teaching explores this innovative research to make an impact on society. That’s why more than 80% of Stirling’s research was classed as either world leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

Chevening and the University of Stirling

The University of Stirling is proud to support Chevening Scholarships. It enables us to make education more accessible for international students who are reliant on scholarship funding to pursue postgraduate study in Scotland and the UK.

In partnering with Chevening, the University of Stirling will be able to build upon and enrich our thriving international community here in Stirling, Scotland and further afield.

The University of Stirling welcomes applications from any Chevening-eligible country in any subject. All applicants who wish to be considered for an award at Stirling are encouraged to select the university as their first preference within their Chevening application.

Notable Stirling alumni

  • The Rt Hon Lord Jack McConnell (Former First Minister of Scotland, Chancellor of the University)
  • Paul Lewis (Financial Journalist)
  • Iain Banks (Novelist)
  • Catriona Matthew OBE (Professional golfer)
  • Doug Allan (wildlife Cinematographer)
  • John McLellan (Journalist, Editor and Lecturer)
  • Jackie Kay (Poet and novelist)
  • Grace Dent (Columnist, Broadcaster and Author)
  • Hamish Hamilton (BAFTA winning director)
  • Duncan Scott (Professional swimmer)

Scholar testimonials