Abertay University has been named the top international school for video games
Abertay University has been ranked the top international school for video games design in the 2026 Princeton Review rankings, marking its strongest ever performance and reinforcing Dundee’s global reputation in the games industry.
The university was also named the number one institution in Europe, with its undergraduate programmes ranked 5th in the world and postgraduate courses placed 7th globally.
The results place Abertay among the very best institutions for games education worldwide and highlight its continued influence in shaping the next generation of developers.
The recognition has been welcomed as a major achievement for both the university and Scotland’s wider creative sector. Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson said the ranking reflects years of work and helps strengthen Scotland’s standing as a global leader in computer games. He added that the industry continues to play an important role in the national economy, supported by significant government investment.
Abertay has appeared in the Princeton Review rankings since 2015, but this latest result represents its highest ever position.
The Faculty of Design, Informatics and Business is now the highest-ranked institution outside the United States, underlining its international impact.
The rankings assess a wide range of specialist degrees, including courses in games development, computer games technology, technical art, and game design.
Abertay’s programmes are designed to reflect real industry environments, with students working in cross-disciplinary teams to simulate professional studios and develop practical experience before graduating.
The university has long been a pioneer in the field, launching the world’s first video games degrees in 1997.
Today, students have access to advanced facilities including a PlayStation 5 development lab, virtual production environments, competitive gaming labs, and dedicated design and prototyping studios.
Professor Jim Bown said the rankings recognise both the strength of Abertay’s teaching and the quality of its student experience.
He noted that continued investment in facilities and strong links with industry are key to maintaining Dundee’s position in an increasingly competitive global market.
Abertay continues to play a central role in Scotland’s games sector, supplying skilled graduates to established studios while supporting start-ups and new creative businesses. The latest rankings are expected to further boost the city’s reputation as a hub for innovation in games and digital technology.
