Semester in Stirling -
University of Stirling

Athlete Friendly

LGBTQIA+ Friendly

Quarter Friendly

Gap Year Friendly

Green Campus

Explore the natural beauty of Scotland

Head to Stirling to live in one of the most historic spots in the UK, where many battles were fought for Scottish independence. You'll learn at University of Stirling, located on an 18th-century estate with a central lake, castle, and even a 9-hole golf course. Get involved in the campus community, join a club or society, and benefit from the school's holistic health and wellness focus. It may sound quite charming, but there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow!

What to Expect

Language(s):

English

Average Courseload:

3 courses (12 - 15 U.S. credits)

GPA Requirement:

2.80

Visa Requirement:

NONE Required!

Highlights:

A campus on the estate of an 18th-century castle

Great athletic facilities and intramural sports including American football teams and an Olympic-length pool

Strong support from the Stirling Study Abroad Office

Wheelchair accessible

Extensive outdoor hiking trails on campus

The parts of my CIS Abroad experience that I enjoyed the most were the excursions organized by our site director. The excursions were a great way to learn more about the history and culture of Scotland from a local who really knew the history.
Nora Hogue University of Florida Semester in Stirling - University of Stirling

Program Details

Semester in Stirling - University of Stirling

University of Stirling

Always dreamt of studying in a castle in Scotland? The University of Stirling is your chance! Located just outside the town of Stirling, the modern campus is often described as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Actually, it recently got ranked 1st in Scotland and the UK for best campus environment! This research-intensive University was built on the 360-acre estate of the 18th-century Airthrey Castle. The original castle and a large, man-made loch are at the center of campus, which is surrounded by the Ochil Hills.

Choose from a wide array of courses to fit your needs and meet your academic goals. It's easy to get involved on campus by joining some of the many social activities, clubs, and sports teams. While the castle might feel ancient, the University of Stirling is one of Scotland's more modern, diverse universities. More than 11,000 students from 80 different countries study on this innovative, technologically advanced campus. You'll notice quality teaching in an outstanding academic environment. The University is renowned for their research, and it aspires to remain one of the top institutions in the UK.

Founded in 1967, the University of Stirling is recognized by the Privy Council and is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and the European University Association (EUA). The university ranks 1st in Scotland for good teachers, quality lecturers performance feedback, and sports facilities.

Accreditation(s): Recognized by the Privy Council and a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU and the European University Association (EUA)

Areas of study with 3 to 7 classes available

Art & Design

Areas of study with 8 or more classes available

Business
Communications
Health
Humanities
Natural & Applied Sciences
Social Sciences
World Languages

Life in Stirling

Stirling is a quaint, picturesque city that is dripping with history. The narrow cobblestone streets and large fortress will take you back in time. Stirling is also known as the Gateway to the Highlands, and it's where William Wallace, Scotland's national hero, famously defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Stirling is the country’s capital for government and higher education, making it an ideal place to study abroad.

Scotland's breathtaking landscapes will truly amaze you—enjoy day trips to the surrounding regions or try to spot the elusive Loch Ness monster in the Scottish Highlands. Don't be spooked, but Stirling is home to the famous Stirling Castle, which is rumored to be haunted!

With a population of 35,000, Stirling offers city comforts in a small, safe environment. You'll find a theater, pubs, restaurants, and clubs. You can easily access the city center from campus by regular bus service, or by walking or biking. The bustling and vibrant cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow are 45 and 30 minutes away by train, respectively. Or, you can snag inexpensive flights to other European destinations.

Live the Local Life

Farmers' markets and food festivals

Peruse the weekly local markets and festivals, where you'll find fresh, local produce, entertainment, and insights into Scottish culture.

Sports, both as a spectator and participant

Football (soccer) is a national sport and popular throughout the country. You can easily find a game to join or watch. Rugby is similarly popular. And keep an eye out for shinty, the sport that likely inspired Quidditch!

Hiking

Head to the Scottish Highlands to enjoy scenic strolls or to summit some of hundreds of peaks of varying difficulties.

Live music

Music sessions pop up regularly in bars and clubs, many featuring traditional Scottish music.

University of Stirling - Residence Halls

Location

Live in a private room in a shared flat (apartment) with a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living area. There are multiple laundry facilities where you can do laundry for a small fee. The University of Stirling campus is considered one of the most scenic campuses in Europe. On Semester in Stirling, most of the housing overlooks the University’s own loch. Living on or near campus is the best way to integrate yourself into university life and take advantage of all that your new home has to offer!

Meals

Meals are not included in housing. However, students will be able to eat on campus or can shop at supermarkets and prepare their own meals in their apartment kitchen.

Inclusions and Amenities

Bathroom - Ensuite Bed Linens Commute - Walking Desk Kitchen Equipment Laundry Laundry - Onsite Private Room Study Areas

University of Stirling - Off-Campus Housing

Location

The University of Stirling prioritizes accommodation for all incoming Study Abroad students who apply by the deadline dates. Accommodation will be in either University-owned or managed housing which is located both on- and off-campus. Off-campus accommodation is nearby in Stirling city center, with easy access to University bus routes. Information about applying for accommodation will be sent after students are accepted to their course of study.

Inclusions and Amenities

Bathroom - Ensuite Bed Linens Commute - Walking Desk Kitchenette Laundry Laundry - Onsite Private Room Study Areas

University of Stirling - Premium Residence Halls

Location

For an additional cost you can enjoy a single room with an ensuite bathroom in one of the campus’s newest dorms. You'll be living apartment-style, sharing a kitchen and living area with your flatmates. There are multiple laundry facilities where you can do laundry for a small fee. The University of Stirling campus is considered one of the most scenic campuses in Europe. Living on or near campus is the best way to integrate yourself into university life and take advantage of all that your new home has to offer! Most of the housing CIS Abroad students stay in overlooks the University’s own loch.

Meals

Meals are not included in housing. However, students will be able to eat on campus or can shop at supermarkets and prepare their own meals in their accommodation kitchens.

Inclusions and Amenities

Bed Linens Desk Kitchen Equipment Kitchenette Television Wi-Fi

What's Included

Inclusions

Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:

Full-time tuition and fees
Housing
Medical and accident insurance
Academic advising
Financial aid counseling
Pre-departure orientation
Assistance with travel arrangements
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Airport pickup
On-site orientation
Student Union fees
Stirling University official transcript
The Local Life cultural program

Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:

Full-time tuition and fees
Housing
Medical and accident insurance
Academic advising
Financial aid counseling
Pre-departure orientation
Assistance with travel arrangements
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Airport pickup
On-site orientation
Student Union fees
Stirling University official transcript
The Local Life cultural program

Welcome & Orientation

Upon arrival, you'll be picked up the airport (nothing like a friendly face after a long flight!) and checked in at your accommodation. In the first few days, take part in both the University and CIS Abroad orientation program, where you'll learn practical tips for living in Scotland like where to go out, how to stay safe, where to shop. Then, it's off to explore the capital, Edinburgh, and enjoy a welcome meal.

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Many alumni stay in touch, and some revisit Scotland with friends and family. Going back home after being abroad and the personal growth during that time can be a shock to your system. Your Site Director will walk you through some of the things to expect, and reflect on your experiences abroad so that you can remember the highlights. We never say goodbye in Scotland, so before you go, we share a "haste ye back" meal to celebrate your time here and make sure you know the "Scottish welcome is always open."

Program Excursions

While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.

The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site

Wander through the Old Town or explore the majestic terraces of the New Town. You'll want to bring your camera to capture these UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Mountains and Lochs

Towering mountains, glittering lochs, thick woodlands, and miles upon miles of golden beaches—Scotland's landscapes really will take your breath away. Tour the rolling hills and lush farmland of the Lowlands and drive through deep glens surrounded by mountains in the Highlands.

Wallace Monument

This world-famous landmark, standing tall and proud outside the city of Stirling, is visible from campus. You can touch and feel it as you follow the story of Sir William Wallace—patriot, martyr, and guardian of Scotland.

Site Director

Jeanna Brady

Site Director in Scotland

About:

Jeanna was born overlooking Loch Ness and grew up in the Highlands of Scotland. She studied in Edinburgh, and after majoring in science went on to work in local and central government. She believes in lifelong learning and remains a student of life! Jeanna has eight years of experience with CIS Abroad (seven as Site Director) and strongly believes in equity and accessible education for all. -Learning and education has been a strong influence in my family over generations. Education goes beyond the school. Studying abroad is a life changing experience. It allows you to see the world from a new different perspective and to be better prepared for your future in the increasingly globalised world we live in. My job to help you make the most of the many opportunities studying and living in Scotland affords you, and to ensure you have a successful, fun and memorable experience. I have strong Scottish heritage. My Celtic roots give my family our language, music, fun, compassion and culture which continues to this day. Like many Scots, I enjoy the unspoilt nature and landscape here, from great sailing, (and yes surfing) in the West, off-road motorcycle, hiking and skiing in the Highlands to the diverse cultural and multi cultural activities flourishing in many aspects of daily life here.'

Travel Tip:

Plan ahead of your program! Do your research and reach out to our Alumni to make the most of your time in Scotland. There are so many free and affordable activities, including public galleries and museums, live music sessions, open-to-roam landscape, and a great range of clubs and societies on and off campus!

Your Support Staff

Syd O'Wesney

Program Enrollment Coordinator - England, Ireland, Scotland, Spain

Travel Tip:

Make sure to explore the city that you're in! Although the beauty of study abroad is you have the chance to travel all over the country and to other countries as well, sometimes people forget how many amazing things there are right there in the city they're studying in! Make some local friends, participate in holidays and festivals, find that local beloved restaurant. Although I have many travel memories to talk about, some of my fondest or most nostalgic moments I have were the ‘in betweens' so to speak – going grocery shopping with friends, hanging out in the school courtyard at night when the temperature outside was finally bearable, saying hello to the neighborhood cow (yes, there was in fact a neighborhood cow). Don't neglect what you have right in front of you!

Aubree Compton

Assistant Director of International Operations

Travel Tip:

Whenever exploring a new destination for a few days, find a quaint neighborhood cafe/pub and visit it more than once. Strike up a conversation with the workers and the local patrons. Ask them for their advice on can't miss places and exchange stories. Soon you'll have new local friends and a place you can call yours in a foreign city.

Kaylee Klinger

Communications & Alumni Relations Coordinator

Travel Tip:

The best travel tip I always share is, if possible try to catch a redeye flight. That has helped me tremendously fight jet-lag and it allows you more time to explore the extraordinary unfamiliar place!

Serenah Quiroga

Advising & Communications Coordinator

Travel Tip:

Always find a reason to talk to a local or someone you may not know. Whether it's a simple hello, compliment, or question, there is always something to learn from every person you meet. Some of my best experiences and favorite memories were formed because of these interactions.

Dates & Prices

Additional Information:

Price Range
Lower price: standard housing
Higher price: premium housing

Please note: As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.

CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.

ADVISOR TIP:

Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.

I knew I wanted to study abroad, particularly in Japan, because it was on my bucket list. Thanks to CIS, I was able to go to Tokyo! Even now, it is surreal to me that I got to go! I can't put it into words how much fun I had in Tokyo. I enjoyed every second of my time there, from walking around the bustling streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku to going to class, eating delicious Japanese cuisine, and even going to the convenience store. Even the simplest things were incredibly fun to me. I was initially anxious about being homesick, my Japanese skills and traveling alone, but I'm happy to say that I very quickly made lovely, lifelong friends and was met with nothing but kindness from the locals. I learned not to let my worries get in the way of an opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, CIS Abroad. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to go to Tokyo.

Semester in Stirling - University of Stirling

Explore the natural beauty of Scotland

What to Expect

Highlights:

Learn More About This and Other Programs

Program Details

University of Stirling

Areas of study with 3 to 7 classes available

Areas of study with 8 or more classes available

Choose your courses

Life in Stirling

Live the Local Life

Farmers' markets and food festivals

Sports, both as a spectator and participant

Hiking

Live music

University of Stirling - Residence Halls

Location

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

University of Stirling - Off-Campus Housing

Location

Inclusions and Amenities

University of Stirling - Premium Residence Halls

Location

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

What's Included

Inclusions

Welcome & Orientation

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Program Excursions

The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site

Mountains and Lochs

Wallace Monument

Site Director

Jeanna Brady

About:

Travel Tip:

Your Support Staff

Syd O'Wesney

Travel Tip:

Aubree Compton

Travel Tip:

Kaylee Klinger

Travel Tip:

Serenah Quiroga

Travel Tip:

Dates & Prices

ADVISOR TIP:

Hear what students, interns, and alumni have to say

BOLDLY COMMITTED to providing the best experiences abroad

Kenae Turner

Elizabethtown College

Joshua Grossman

Coastal Carolina University

Alisa Geise

Virginia Commonwealth University

Ashlyn Holmes

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Katlynn Orloski

Michigan State University

Amy Zochalski

Valparaiso University

Casey Ferguson

Kean University

Dean Handler

University of Central Florida

Lexington Whalen

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Gabriella Sandoval

Virginia Commonwealth University

Bricen Williams

West Texas A&M University

Sada Chaudhury

Hunter College

Lauren Adams

William Woods University

Faith Johnson

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Semester in Stirling -
University of Stirling