For Indian students aspiring to study in the UK, Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen is a compelling choice that stands out for its practical approach to learning and exceptional career outcomes. Consistently ranked as one of the top modern universities in the UK, RGU prides itself on its professional focus and strong industry links, particularly in fields like engineering, energy, computer science, and health. The university boasts an impressive graduate employability rate, frequently cited as Top in Scotland for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2025). This focus on return on investment (ROI), combined with a vibrant, multicultural campus in the heart of Scotland, makes RGU a top-tier destination for building a global career.
Programs Offered at Robert Gordon University
RGU offers a comprehensive range of qualifications tailored to meet industry demands. Indian students can choose from a wide spectrum of programs at various levels:
- Undergraduate (UG): Bachelor's degrees (BA, BSc, BEng) that typically last 4 years in the Scottish system, often with integrated Master's options.
- Postgraduate (PG): Master's degrees (MSc, MA, MBA) that are usually 1 year in duration, offering intensive, specialized knowledge.
- Research Degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programs for students looking to pursue in-depth research.
- Diplomas & Certificates: Shorter, vocational qualifications and pre-master's pathways are also available through the International College at Robert Gordon University (ICRGU).
Robert Gordon University Tuition Fees for Indian Students (2025-2026)
Understanding the financial commitment is the first step in your study abroad journey. For the 2025/2026 academic session, international students should budget based on the following fee ranges. Please note that fees are subject to a minor annual increase of around 5%.
- Undergraduate (UG) Tuition Fees: £16,980 - £18,300 per year (Approx. ₹18.0 Lakhs - ₹19.4 Lakhs)
- Postgraduate (PG) Tuition Fees: £16,530 - £20,380 per year (Approx. ₹17.5 Lakhs - ₹21.6 Lakhs)
- Research (PhD) Tuition Fees: Approximately £16,980 per year (Approx. ₹18.0 Lakhs)
Note: INR conversions are based on an exchange rate of £1 = ₹106. This rate is for estimation purposes only and will fluctuate.
Popular Courses & Fees at RGU (2025-2026)
Here is a detailed breakdown of popular programs among Indian students, with verified tuition fees for the 2025 intake. This data is sourced directly from RGU's official publications to ensure accuracy.
Popular Postgraduate (PG) Courses for Indian Students
The one-year Master's degree is the most popular choice for Indian students in the UK due to its focused curriculum and faster route to a career.
| Program Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fee (2025/26) | Estimated Fee in INR (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc Data Science | 1 Year | £20,380 | ~ ₹21.60 Lakhs |
| MSc Computer Science | 1 Year | £18,300 | ~ ₹19.39 Lakhs |
| MSc Cyber Security | 1 Year | £18,420 | ~ ₹19.52 Lakhs |
| MSc International Business Management | 1 Year | £18,500 | ~ ₹19.61 Lakhs |
| MSc Procurement and Supply Chain Management | 1 Year | £19,060 | ~ ₹20.20 Lakhs |
| MSc Human Resource Management | 1 Year | £19,060 | ~ ₹20.20 Lakhs |
| MSc Drilling and Well Engineering | 1 Year | £16,530 | ~ ₹17.52 Lakhs |
| MSc Construction Project Management | 1 Year | £18,500 | ~ ₹19.61 Lakhs |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 1 Year | £19,060 | ~ ₹20.20 Lakhs |
As you can see from the table, postgraduate fees at RGU show a clear trend. The most technically advanced courses like Data Science command the highest fees due to the high-demand nature of the field and the computational resources required. Business school programs are priced competitively, offering significant value compared to other UK universities. Notably, the engineering programs, a traditional strength of RGU, remain very accessibly priced, reinforcing the university's commitment to providing industry-relevant education.
Popular Undergraduate (UG) Courses for Indian Students
Undergraduate degrees in Scotland are typically four years, providing a deep and comprehensive education.
| Program Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fee (2025/26) | Estimated Fee in INR (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) Computer Science | 4 Years | £18,300 | ~ ₹19.39 Lakhs |
| BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering | 4 Years | £18,300 | ~ ₹19.39 Lakhs |
| BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology | 4 Years | £18,300 | ~ ₹19.39 Lakhs |
| BA (Hons) International Business Management | 4 Years | £16,980 | ~ ₹18.00 Lakhs |
| BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance | 4 Years | £16,980 | ~ ₹18.00 Lakhs |
| BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science | 4 Years | £18,300 | ~ ₹19.39 Lakhs |
| MPharm (Master of Pharmacy) | 4 Years | £19,400 | ~ ₹20.56 Lakhs |
The undergraduate fee structure is remarkably consistent across technical and scientific disciplines, simplifying financial planning for students and parents. You'll notice that business and arts degrees are priced slightly lower than the engineering and science programs, which is standard practice. The MPharm degree has the highest fee, reflecting its status as a specialized, professionally accredited healthcare program with extensive lab work.
Research Degrees (PhD) Fees
For scholars pursuing the highest level of academic achievement, RGU offers a supportive research environment.
| Program Type | Duration | Annual Tuition Fee (2025/26) | Estimated Fee in INR (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD (Full-Time, All Disciplines) | 3-4 Years | £16,980 | ~ ₹18.00 Lakhs |
Unlike taught courses where fees vary by subject, the PhD tuition fee at RGU is standardized across all faculties for international students. This straightforward approach is a significant advantage, allowing you to focus on your research proposal and finding the right supervisor without worrying about variable costs.
Ancillary and Other Fees
Beyond tuition, it's crucial to budget for other mandatory and one-time costs:
- Application Fee:
- Postgraduate: There is no application fee for direct PG applications.
- Undergraduate (UCAS): Applications made via UCAS have a standard fee of £28.50 for 2025 entry.
- Tuition Fee Deposit: International students must pay a deposit to secure their place and receive the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) required for the UK student visa. The typical deposit amount is £5,000.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This is a mandatory fee paid to the UK government as part of the visa application, giving you access to the National Health Service (NHS). It costs £776 per year of your stay.
Program-Wise Cost Comparison Table
This table gives a quick overview of the average annual tuition costs by field of study, helping you compare your options at a glance.
| Field of Study | Average Annual PG Fee (GBP) | Average Annual UG Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Computing & Data Science | £19,000 | £18,300 |
| Engineering | £17,500 | £18,300 |
| Business & Management | £18,800 | £16,980 |
| Health Sciences & Pharmacy | £18,300 | £18,850 |
| Architecture & Built Environment | £18,500 | £18,300 |
Payment Schedule, Refund Policy & Scholarships
Payment & Deposit
The £5,000 deposit is payable after you receive and accept your unconditional offer. The remaining fees can typically be paid in instalments. It is essential to pay the deposit on time to get your CAS for the visa process.
Visa Refusal Refund Policy
This is a critical point for all Indian applicants. Robert Gordon University has a clear and fair refund policy. The tuition fee deposit is generally non-refundable, but it will be refunded in full if your UK student visa application is rejected. To claim the refund, you must provide the official visa refusal letter from the UKVI. No refund is given if the refusal is due to fraudulent documents or information.
Scholarships for Indian Students
RGU offers several scholarships to help reduce the financial burden for international students:
- RGU International Student Discount (Merit-Based): Students with strong academic profiles may be eligible for a merit scholarship of up to £3,000 awarded as a discount on tuition fees. This is often automatically assessed and applied.
- GREAT Scholarship: In partnership with the British Council, RGU often offers the GREAT Scholarship for specific postgraduate courses. This prestigious award is valued at £10,000 and is available specifically to students from India. A separate application is required.
- Alumni Discount: If you have previously graduated from RGU, you are eligible for a 20% discount on postgraduate course fees.