This is why Dundee is Scotland’s student capital
- Andrew Batchelor
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Dundee is Scotland’s student capital - and it’s a no brainer as to why that is the case.
With an estimated 40,000–45,000 students living in the city at any given time, according to Abertay University, Dundee now has one of the highest student-to-population ratios in the country.
Each year, around 20,000 new students arrive to begin their studies, adding to the city’s dynamic and ever-changing community.
As the new semester begins, the sense of energy, ambition and creativity that students bring to Dundee is once again on full display.
World-class education hubs
The city’s universities and college are playing a central role in this transformation. Abertay University has been recognised as Scotland’s top modern university by a range of outlets, a sign of the institution’s strong reputation for forward-thinking teaching.
Meanwhile, the University of Dundee has been named Scottish University of the Year by the Daily Mail, adding to a long list of accolades.
Together with Dundee and Angus College, these institutions make education one of the city’s greatest strengths – and students the driving force of Dundee’s growth.
Nowhere is this more visible than in Dundee’s thriving arts sector.
The Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) at the University of Dundee has built an international reputation for producing bold and imaginative graduates.
From exhibitions that bring colour to the city centre, to alumni working across the globe, DJCAD students play a vital role in Dundee’s cultural scene.
Their creativity feeds into the city’s galleries, theatres and festivals, ensuring Dundee is not just a place of study, but a place where the arts flourish.
Dundee is a haven for tech enthusiasts
Students also make a huge contribution to Dundee’s standing as Scotland’s tech capital. Abertay University is a recognised leader in gaming and cybersecurity, fields where student projects often make their way into industry.
Dundee and Angus College has embraced the fast-growing world of esports, giving students the chance to study and compete in a sector that is now a global phenomenon.
The strong student presence in these industries has helped cement Dundee’s place on the map for digital innovation.
At the same time, the University of Dundee continues to lead in life sciences, biotechnology, and health. Its medical school and dental hospital attract students from across the world, training future doctors, dentists and researchers who go on to make real differences in communities near and far.
Students in these fields not only benefit from world-class teaching but also have opportunities to work directly in cutting-edge facilities, connecting their studies to practical experience.
This balance of arts, sciences and technology makes Dundee unique among Scottish cities. Students are at the heart of every one of these sectors – from the creative graduates of DJCAD to the medical students working in hospitals, from esports players shaping new industries to biotechnologists driving research breakthroughs.
Their energy and ideas ripple far beyond the campuses, shaping Dundee’s culture, economy and global reputation.
As a result, Dundee has become more than just a city with universities – it is a city defined by its students.
Their presence fuels local businesses, fills venues with life, and creates a constant cycle of renewal as new faces arrive each year.
Dundee’s success as Scotland’s student capital is above all a celebration of those who choose to study here, and of the city that continues to welcome them with open arms.
