University league tables 2025: 14 best Scottish universities including Edinburgh Uni, Napier and Heriot Watt

By Neil Johnstone

Published 18th May 2024, 04:45 BST

Updated 22nd May 2024, 11:39 BST

It can be difficult deciding which university is best for you - this list by the Complete University Guide should help

A new list by Complete University Guide has listed the top universities in Scotland - including the University of Edinburgh, University of St Andrews and Abertay University.

The league tables rank the best overall universities in the UK - detailing the entry standards, student satisfaction and graduate prospects among other categories. The study, which has ranked 130 universities, also supports prospective students choose from over 30,000 courses and degrees offered by UK universities and colleges - providing reasons for why you should study a given subject and what jobs you will be eligible for afterwards.

Here are the top 14 campuses in Scotland as set out in the University League Tables 2025. For further information you can visit the Complete University Guide website or contact the universities directly.

Ranked fourth in the UK behind Cambridge, Oxford and the London School of Economics, the University of St Andrews is one of the world's oldest universities. Offering a flexible degree structure is based on the student's choice of subject specialism, St Andrews consistently ranks highly for student experience and world-class teaching.

1. University of St Andrews

Ranked fourth in the UK behind Cambridge, Oxford and the London School of Economics, the University of St Andrews is one of the world's oldest universities. Offering a flexible degree structure is based on the student's choice of subject specialism, St Andrews consistently ranks highly for student experience and world-class teaching. Photo: Stu Smith, flickr

One of the world's top universities, The University of Edinburgh was ranked 15th in the UK. With more than over 45,000 students across 156 countries, the university has a diverse mix of people of all kinds and minds

2. University of Edinburgh

One of the world's top universities, The University of Edinburgh was ranked 15th in the UK. With more than over 45,000 students across 156 countries, the university has a diverse mix of people of all kinds and minds Photo: Boon Low, flickr

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is part of the Russell Group – a collection of universities that focus on world-class research and education. Ranked 29th in the league tables, the university has offers more than 700 flexible four-year degrees, giving students the chance to sample various areas of study before specialising

3. University of Glasgow

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is part of the Russell Group – a collection of universities that focus on world-class research and education. Ranked 29th in the league tables, the university has offers more than 700 flexible four-year degrees, giving students the chance to sample various areas of study before specialising Photo: Tony Webster, Wikimedia Commons

Ranked 33rd on the list, the University of Strathclyde is a leading international university with a reputation for delivering academic excellence. Set in the heart of Glasgow, it offers students flexible and innovative learning in preparation for their careers and their undergraduate courses are held in high regard by employers

4. University of Strathclyde

Ranked 33rd on the list, the University of Strathclyde is a leading international university with a reputation for delivering academic excellence. Set in the heart of Glasgow, it offers students flexible and innovative learning in preparation for their careers and their undergraduate courses are held in high regard by employers Photo: John Lord, flickr

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