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If you’re planning an undergraduate degree in Scotland, the Robert Gordon University Vice-Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship can cover your entire first-year tuition fee, but only if you treat it as a separate application from your admission offer. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly who qualifies, what the scholarship covers, how the two-step process works, and what most applicants miss when preparing their submission.
What Is the Vice-Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship?
The Vice-Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship is a merit-based award from Robert Gordon University (RGU) open to international and EU undergraduate students starting a full-time, on-campus degree in Aberdeen, Scotland. Unlike scholarships that assess you automatically, this one requires a dedicated scholarship application in addition to your standard university admission.
The award is open to applicants from every country and covers the full first-year tuition fee for one eligible undergraduate student. Selection is based on academic merit, and successful scholars are expected to actively participate in university life and act as an ambassador for RGU, both helping promote the international student experience during their studies.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
- The full tuition fee for the first year of an eligible RGU undergraduate degree
- No cash stipend, accommodation support, or living expense coverage, the award applies strictly to tuition
- Actual value depends on the specific tuition fee charged by your chosen RGU undergraduate programme
- Recognition as a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar, with an expectation to engage in extracurricular activities and represent RGU as an ambassador
Why This Scholarship Is Worth Applying For
- It’s open to every nationality. There’s no country restriction, so any international or EU fee-paying applicant can compete for the award.
- Full first-year tuition is a significant reduction. Covering an entire year’s fees upfront meaningfully lowers the overall cost of your degree from day one.
- It works for Year 1 and direct Year 2 entrants. Students entering directly into Year 2 can still be considered, widening who can realistically apply.
- It builds a strong early credential. Being selected as a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar is a recognized distinction that can support future scholarship or job applications.
Eligibility Requirements for the RGU Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship
Before applying, make sure you meet these conditions:
- You must hold an offer for a full-time, on-campus undergraduate course at RGU
- You must be classified by the university as either an international or European fee payer
- You must be self-funding your studies
- You must be applying to directly enter either Year 1 or Year 2 of an eligible undergraduate course
- You must be applying for the relevant September intake, students on a January start fast-track programme may apply once they begin their second year that same September, though the shorter January-start programme itself is not eligible
- You must have satisfied all offer conditions, other than the tuition deposit, by the scholarship deadline
- You must be willing to engage with extracurricular activities and act as an ambassador for RGU during and after your studies
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose an eligible RGU undergraduate programme and confirm its academic and English-language entry requirements.
- Submit your undergraduate admission application to Robert Gordon University.
- Provide your academic qualifications and English-language evidence promptly to keep your application moving.
- Receive a conditional or unconditional offer from RGU. This step must happen before you can be considered for the scholarship.
- Complete all outstanding offer conditions, aside from the tuition deposit, ahead of the scholarship deadline.
- Submit the separate Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship application form once it reopens for the relevant intake, this typically includes a written statement of support explaining why you should be considered for the award, so prepare it thoughtfully rather than treating it as a formality.
- Wait for the outcome. If successful, the full first-year tuition scholarship is applied once you enrol.
RGU allows only one university scholarship, financial award, or discount per offer, and will apply whichever eligible award gives you the greatest benefit if you happen to qualify for more than one.
When Does the Scholarship Application Close?
The RGU Vice-Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship deadline has shifted from cycle to cycle in past years, sometimes falling in late May, sometimes in June, and sometimes as late as July. Because of this, treat any specific date you see as a starting point for planning rather than a fixed rule, and always confirm the current deadline directly on the official RGU scholarships page before finalising your application timeline.
Since the scholarship application typically reopens in the New Year for the following September intake, applicants should aim to secure their RGU offer and complete outstanding conditions well before that window opens, rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.
For the most accurate and current scholarship details, visit the official RGU Vice-Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship page. To get real-time alerts on new intakes, deadline changes, and similar fully funded opportunities, join the ScholarshipsHive WhatsApp channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RGU Vice-Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship automatic?
No, unlike some university scholarships that assess applicants automatically, this award requires a separate scholarship application submitted in addition to your standard RGU admission application. You must already hold an offer before this scholarship application can be considered.
Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
No, the Vice-Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship covers only the full tuition fee for your first year of study. It does not include a cash stipend, accommodation support, or any living cost coverage, so you’ll need to plan separately for those expenses.
Can I apply if I’m entering Year 2 directly?
Yes, students directly entering Year 2 of an eligible undergraduate course can still apply, alongside those entering Year 1. However, students on the shorter January-start fast-track programme are not eligible until they begin their second year in the following September.
Final Thoughts and Advice by ScholarshipsHive
The Vice-Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship rewards applicants who treat it as a genuine second application rather than an afterthought to their RGU offer. Secure your admission offer early, complete every outstanding condition ahead of time, and put real effort into your scholarship statement when the application window opens. If you’d like help preparing your scholarship statement or want updates on similar UK undergraduate scholarships, join our ScholarshipsHive WhatsApp channel and let’s work through it together.
