University of the Highlands and Islands

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is one of Scotland’s most distinctive and innovative universities, offering students an exceptional academic experience across some of the country’s most breathtaking locations. Established in 2011, UHI is a unique multi-campus university made up of 10 independent colleges and research institutions, with 48 locations spread across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. From Inverness and Perth to Orkney, Fort William, and the Isle of Skye, students benefit from a truly inspiring environment that combines world-class education with outstanding natural beauty.

UHI offers 350+ undergraduate and postgraduate courses, alongside postgraduate research degrees, continuing professional development (CPD), and short courses designed to help students develop new skills and advance their careers. The university is particularly recognised for its expertise in:

• Environmental Science
• Marine Studies
• Archaeology
• Gaelic Studies
• Renewable Energy
• Forestry
• Adventure Studies
• Golf Education

Specialist campuses such as the Scottish School of Forestry in Inverness, the Centre for Golf in Dornoch, and the Scottish Association for Marine Science in Oban provide students with industry-focused learning and practical experience.

Students are at the centre of everything UHI does. Smaller class sizes create a personalised learning environment where students receive individual academic support and guidance throughout their studies. This student-focused approach has contributed to UHI being ranked 4th in Scotland for undergraduate student satisfaction in the National Student Survey and 1st in Scotland for postgraduate satisfaction for four consecutive years.

The university also has a strong international outlook, welcoming students from 51 countries and connecting local communities to global opportunities through teaching, research, and knowledge exchange. Around 75% of UHI’s research is recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent, reflecting the institution’s commitment to academic quality and innovation.

What makes UHI especially unique is its flexible and accessible approach to education. Many programmes are available through part-time and online study, allowing students to learn from remote islands, cities, or anywhere in the world. By combining academic excellence, vocational training, industry expertise, and a supportive learning environment, the University of the Highlands and Islands prepares students with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed for long-term success.

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is committed to delivering a supportive, student-focused learning environment through a wide range of academic, personal, digital, and career services. Designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom, UHI ensures every learner receives the guidance, resources, and support needed throughout their university journey.

Students benefit from a comprehensive range of academic, wellbeing, digital, and career support services, including:

• Student Partnership Agreement – UHI was the first university in Scotland to adopt the Student Partnership Agreement, encouraging students and staff to work together to continuously improve the overall student experience.
• Academic Support – Students have access to study skills resources covering effective learning, academic writing, digital technologies, employability skills, academic integrity, induction programmes, peer support, and online learning resources.
• Brightspace Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) – Provides access to coursework, learning materials, communication tools, assessments, and online study resources throughout students' academic journey.
• Flexible Learning – Part-time, remote, and online learning options allow students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments.
• UHI Futures – Offers personalised career guidance, self-development resources, and professional career planning to help students identify their strengths and achieve their career goals.
• Handshake Career Platform – Students and graduates can access a free career support platform to explore employment opportunities during and after their studies.
• UHI Industry Insights Programme – Connects third and fourth-year students, as well as recent graduates, with experienced industry professionals for mentoring and career advice.
• Student Support Services – Student advisers provide guidance on finances, wellbeing, academic progress, accommodation, and adjusting to university life.
• International Student Support – Dedicated services include visa guidance, orientation programmes, and personalised support for international students studying in Scotland.
• Wellbeing & Disability Support – Specialist mental health, disability, welfare, and wellbeing services ensure every student feels supported, valued, and empowered throughout their studies.

Through its student-centred approach, flexible learning opportunities, comprehensive academic support, and personalised career services, the University of the Highlands and Islands creates an inclusive environment where students can achieve both academic and professional success.

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has built a strong reputation for academic quality, student satisfaction, and impactful research, making it one of Scotland’s most distinctive higher education institutions. Known for its innovative teaching model and personalised learning environment, UHI continues to gain recognition both nationally and internationally for delivering education that combines academic excellence with real-world relevance.

The university has earned recognition across a range of respected national and international ranking frameworks, including:

• QS Sustainability Ranking 2026 – Placed in the 1501+ category, highlighting UHI's growing contribution to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and research addressing global challenges.
• Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 – Nearly 75% of submitted research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, demonstrating strengths in environmental science, marine renewable energy, archaeology, sustainable development, and rural healthcare.
• Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2025 – Ranked as the best university in Scotland for overall postgraduate student satisfaction, achieving an outstanding 91% satisfaction rate.
• Guardian University Guide 2026 – Ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for the Education subject category.
• Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) – Placed within the Top 9.2% of universities worldwide, ranking around #1800 globally and #90 in the UK.
• EduRank – Ranked 118th in the UK and 2114th globally, recognising UHI's growing academic influence and specialist research performance.

With recognised research excellence, outstanding student satisfaction, growing international recognition, and a strong focus on sustainability and community impact, the University of the Highlands and Islands continues to offer a highly respected and rewarding educational experience in one of Scotland’s most unique learning environments.

Student life at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) offers an experience unlike any other university in Scotland. As the only university located across the Highlands and Islands, Moray, and Perthshire, UHI combines high-quality education with an inspiring lifestyle surrounded by some of the country’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. With 48 campuses, research institutes, and specialist learning centres across Scotland, students enjoy the flexibility to study in person or online from anywhere in the world.

Students enjoy a unique university experience that combines academic excellence, outdoor adventure, sports, and a strong sense of community, including:

• Personalised Learning Environment – Small class sizes help students build close relationships with lecturers and classmates, creating a supportive and engaging academic experience.
• Outdoor Lifestyle – Students have easy access to activities such as hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and exploring Scotland’s stunning coastlines, mountains, and countryside.
• Scenic Campuses – Whether studying in Inverness, Perth, Moray, the Isle of Skye, or Dornoch, students enjoy an inspiring environment that blends education with adventure and wellbeing.
• Sports & Fitness – Students can participate in competitive sports through Scottish Student Sport (SSS) and British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS), with excellent sports facilities available across campuses.
• Modern Sports Facilities – Facilities include a four-court sports hall and fitness suite in Inverness, climbing walls and gyms at Perth’s Academy of Sport and Wellbeing, sports halls in Moray, group exercise spaces on the Isle of Skye, and an advanced indoor golf training centre in Dornoch.
• Highlands and Islands Students' Association (HISA) – Organises clubs, societies, student events, leadership opportunities, and student representation across all UHI campuses.
• Student Clubs & Societies – Students can join societies covering interests such as Drama, Science, Dungeons & Dragons, Snowsports, and many other activities.
• Student Representation – Students have opportunities to become student representatives, receive leadership training, and contribute to improving the overall student experience.
• Flexible Student Experience – UHI’s flexible learning model allows students to successfully balance their studies with work, family, and personal commitments.

With its personalised learning approach, spectacular natural surroundings, active student community, excellent sports facilities, and flexible study options, the University of the Highlands and Islands offers one of the most distinctive and rewarding student experiences in the UK.

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) offers comfortable, secure, and student-friendly accommodation designed to help students feel at home while studying in some of Scotland’s most beautiful locations. Whether students choose to live in Inverness, Fort William, Dornoch, or another UHI campus location, the university provides accommodation that combines convenience, modern facilities, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Students benefit from a variety of accommodation options and residential facilities, including:

• Comfortable Student Accommodation – Modern residences provide a safe and welcoming environment where students can quickly settle into university life and connect with fellow students from around the world.
• Included Facilities – Accommodation includes Wi-Fi, utility bills, covered cycle storage, on-site laundry facilities, and CCTV security for added safety and convenience.
• Dornoch Accommodation – Centrally located within the town and close to campus, with secure storage for golfing equipment and easy access to the renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club, beaches, cafés, shops, and the historic Dornoch Cathedral.
• Fort William Accommodation – Situated near both the campus and town centre, with storage for bikes, snow gear, and water sports equipment, while offering easy access to Ben Nevis and a wide range of outdoor adventure activities.
• Inverness Accommodation – Located directly on campus, providing convenient access to shops, gyms, cinemas, public transport, riverside walks, nightlife, and cultural attractions.
• Accommodation Support – For campuses without university-managed residences, UHI's accommodation team helps students find suitable private rentals, shared flats, and homestay options.
• Supportive Community – Student accommodation encourages students to build friendships, enjoy campus life, and become part of a welcoming university community.

With modern accommodation, excellent facilities, personalised support, and unique locations across the Highlands and Islands, the University of the Highlands and Islands provides students with a safe, comfortable, and inspiring place to live while pursuing their studies in Scotland.