University of the Highlands and Islands

The University of the Highlands and the Islands is a university made up of 12 research institutions and colleges in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. These institutions are defined as the university’s academic partners.

It was founded in 1992 and gained full university status in 2011. Its academic partners are located at campuses across Scotland’s highlands and islands, including in Inverness, Perth, Elgin, the Isle of Skye, Fort William, Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides.

Encompassing a wide range of both further and higher education, full-time and part-time study and online learning, courses range from golf management, science and sustainable mountain development to marine science, Scottish history and fine art, with a huge range in between. It is supportive of the Gaelic culture of the Highlands and Islands, offering Gaelic courses at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig,the National Centre for Gaelic language and culture on the Isle of Skye.

The students’ association (HISA) offers students the opportunity to participate in many club sports such as basketball, climbing, football, paddle sports, snowsports and mountaineering. HISA also hosts a sports day, Freshers events, student elections, HISA Awards and regional council which includes all 12 academic partners.