How to apply via our Applicant Portal

Applications are now open for September 2025

Our application deadline for online short courses starting in January 2025 has passed. But you can apply now for short courses starting in September 2025.

What is the Applicant Portal?

If your course has formal entry requirements, you’ll apply through our Applicant Portal.

It’s an online system that allows you to upload relevant qualifications and documents for our admissions team to review.

Applying to the University of Aberdeen is always free.

How to get started

1. Click apply now at the bottom of this page or go straight to the Portal.
2. If it’s your first time using the portal, register for an account, then log in.
3. Enter the course you want to apply for to get started.

Enter your details

The menu bar on the left of the page shows each stage of the application form, beginning with Programme Details. Save and continue as you work your way through, entering your:

• personal details
• educational qualifications
• English language skills
• employment history – you can upload a CV.

For detailed help using the Applicant Portal, watch this video guide:

Essential documents

To submit an application, you need to upload the following:

Degree transcript

This is a detailed record of all the subjects and modules you have studied and the marks you have achieved throughout your studies. Depending on where you studied, it may be called an academic transcript, academic record, record of achievement or similar.

• If you have not finished your studies, please upload a copy of your transcript of studies to date.
• If your transcript is not in English, please upload a copy along with an official English translation.
• If you do not have a transcript, or your course page says that a transcript is not required, contact us using our enquiry form and we’ll help you.

Personal statement

We recommend preparing your personal statement before you start the application. Your statement only needs to be between 250 and 500 words. It should answer the following questions:

• Why have you chosen to apply to the University of Aberdeen to study this subject?
• Which personal qualities do you possess that will help you complete your studies successfully?
• How will completing this qualification help you in your future studies and career?

If you lack the formal entry qualifications for a course, your personal statement is where you can let us know about the relevant experience you have that supports your application.

Other documents you may need

Different courses require different application documents. See the How to apply section of the course page to find out which documents you’ll need.

Uploading all these documents at once can speed up your application. But it’s possible to upload them after you have submitted your application.

Degree certificate

Upload a copy of the final, official degree certificate you received on graduating. If your certificate is not in English, please upload a copy along with an official English translation.

CV

You can provide proof of relevant experience by uploading your CV or resume for us. You can also let us know about your relevant experience in your personal statement.

Evidence of English language skills

If English is not your first language, please provide proof of your English language qualifications. If you hold a degree from a UK university then evidence may not be required. Read our English Language Requirements.

References

Some of our courses require academic, professional or employer references. Your referee can email us directly from their professional email address. They can also write a reference letter on headed paper. You can email a copy of this letter to us or upload it to the Applicant Portal. Email references to pgadmissions@abdn.ac.uk.

When to apply

Apply as early as you can. This is so we have time to review your application and get a decision to you. We also want to ensure you have time to enrol before teaching starts.

January 2025 intake

For our January 2025 intake, the application deadline is 9 December 2024.

You will need to accept your offer and provide any outstanding documents to meet the conditions of your offer by 18 December 2024.

Teaching starts on 27 January 2025.

September 2025 intake

For our September 2025 intake, the application deadline is 8 September 2025.

You will need to accept your offer and provide any outstanding documents to meet the conditions of your offer by 15 September 2025.

Teaching starts on 22 September 2025.

Application deadlines will be announced in due course.

What happens next

We’ll send you an email to let you know we have successfully received your application. An academic selector from our admissions team will then review your application and get back to you with a decision. Read our admissions policy.

If you’re successful, you’ll receive either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission via email.

Unconditional offer

Your qualifications and/or experience satisfy our requirements and you’re welcome to study with us on the course.

Conditional offer

You may need to provide evidence of further or pending qualifications, or other documents, to satisfy our entry requirements. For example, you might be awaiting final undergraduate degree results, or proof of your English language competency.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the application process, we’re here to help.

Email pgadmissions@abdn.ac.uk