University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Founded
1583
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
49,000+
Nobel Laureates
20
Discover the University of Edinburgh: A Legacy of Enlightenment and Innovation
Discover the University of Edinburgh: A Legacy of Enlightenment and Innovation
Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world and the oldest civic foundation of its kind. Established by the Edinburgh Town Council under a Royal Charter granted by King James VI of Scotland, it has grown from a small city college into one of the most respected research-intensive institutions globally.
The university played a central role in the Scottish Enlightenment of the 18th century, producing and attracting key intellectual figures such as philosopher David Hume, economist Adam Smith, and geologist James Hutton. Today, it is organised into three colleges overseeing around 20 academic schools, and attracts students from over 160 countries worldwide.
With a distinguished alumni network that includes Charles Darwin, Alexander Graham Bell, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the University of Edinburgh continues to shape global thought. Research conducted here has led to breakthroughs including the cloning of Dolly the sheep, the discovery of the Higgs boson particle, and pioneering work in in-vitro fertilisation.
Key Milestones
- 1583: University opens its doors to the first class of students under Principal Robert Rollock, originally known as Tounis College.
- 1726: Faculty of Medicine formally established, becoming one of the most influential medical schools in the English-speaking world.
- 1893: A separate Faculty of Science is created after three centuries of scientific advances at Edinburgh.
- 1996: Dolly the sheep is cloned at the Roslin Institute, affiliated with the university, marking a historic breakthrough in genetic science.
Academic Structure and Colleges
Academic Structure and Colleges
The University of Edinburgh is organised into three main colleges, each encompassing multiple schools that cover an extraordinary breadth of disciplines. With nearly 400 undergraduate degrees across 60 subjects and over 300 taught postgraduate programmes, the university offers one of the most comprehensive academic portfolios in the United Kingdom.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
The largest of the three colleges, it encompasses schools ranging from Law and Business to Edinburgh College of Art. It offers a rich interdisciplinary environment spanning the humanities, social sciences, and creative arts.
- LLB Law
- MA History
- MBA (Edinburgh Business School)
College of Science and Engineering
Covering the physical, biological, and computational sciences alongside engineering disciplines, this college is home to cutting-edge research and includes the highly ranked School of Informatics.
- BSc Computer Science
- BEng Mechanical Engineering
- MSc Artificial Intelligence
College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Encompassing the Edinburgh Medical School and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, this college is recognised globally for its contributions to medical research and clinical education.
- MBChB Medicine
- BVM&S Veterinary Medicine
- MSc Global Health
School of Informatics
One of the largest informatics departments in Europe, the School of Informatics is a leader in artificial intelligence, data science, and computational research within the College of Science and Engineering.
- BSc Artificial Intelligence
- MSc Data Science
- MSc Cognitive Science
Edinburgh College of Art
Part of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Edinburgh College of Art offers programmes in art, design, architecture, and the history of art, blending studio practice with critical theory.
- BA Architecture
- MA Fine Art
- MA Interior Design
Edinburgh Business School
The university's business school holds triple accreditation from AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS, placing it among an elite group of global business schools. It offers a range of undergraduate, MBA, and specialist master's programmes.
- Full-Time MBA
- MSc Management
- MSc Finance
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- Application PlatformUCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
- Typical A-Level OfferAAA to ABB depending on programme
- IB DiplomaTypically 34-40 points depending on programme
- English Language (IELTS)6.5 to 7.0 overall (minimum 6.0 per component)
- Personal StatementRequired via UCAS application
Postgraduate Admission
- Application PlatformUniversity of Edinburgh online portal
- Degree RequirementUK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent
- English Language (IELTS)6.5 to 7.0 overall depending on programme
- ReferencesTwo academic references typically required
- Supporting DocumentsCV, personal statement, and research proposal (for research degrees)
Deadline for undergraduate applications to be guaranteed equal consideration by the university.
Final deadline for undergraduate applications through UCAS, subject to course availability.
Deadlines differ by school and programme. Check the university's Degree Finder for specific dates.
Research programme deadlines vary. Applicants are encouraged to contact prospective supervisors early.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition fees at the University of Edinburgh vary by programme, level of study, and fee status. International students benefit from a fixed annual fee policy for undergraduate programmes, meaning fees will not increase during the course of study. All figures below are approximate annual rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Fee Category | Scotland/EU (Eligible) | International |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Arts/Humanities) | GBP 1,820 | GBP 26,500 |
| Undergraduate (Science/Engineering) | GBP 1,820 | GBP 34,800 |
| Undergraduate (Medicine) | GBP 1,820 | GBP 37,500 |
| Postgraduate Taught (Typical) | GBP 9,600 - 15,500 | GBP 23,600 - 40,900 |
| Total | GBP 1,820 - 15,500 per year | GBP 23,600 - 40,900 per year |
Edinburgh Global Scholarships
A range of merit-based and need-based scholarships offered to international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, covering various disciplines across the university.
- Award Value: GBP 5,000 per year (undergraduate); varies for postgraduate
- Eligibility: International fee-status students with outstanding academic records
- Duration: Tenable for the full duration of the programme
GREAT Scholarships (British Council Partnership)
Offered in partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, these scholarships support postgraduate students from selected countries pursuing one-year taught master's programmes.
- Award Value: GBP 10,000 towards tuition fees
- Eligible Countries: Thailand, Mexico, Ghana (for Edinburgh-specific awards)
- Deadline: 1 May 2026 for 2026-27 entry
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The University of Edinburgh's campus is woven into the fabric of Scotland's capital city, spread across five main sites. From the historic Old College quadrangle designed by Robert Adam to modern research facilities at the BioQuarter, the university blends centuries of architectural heritage with contemporary learning environments.
The iconic heart of the university, designed by Robert Adam and completed by William Henry Playfair, housing the Talbot Rice Gallery and law school.
The Central Area campus around George Square houses the Main Library, lecture theatres, and the hub of arts and humanities teaching.
The primary site for science and engineering, featuring state-of-the-art laboratories, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and extensive research facilities.
Housing and Dining
Student Accommodation
The university guarantees accommodation for most new international students. Options range from shared flats to en-suite rooms across multiple residences throughout Edinburgh.
- Approximately GBP 130 to GBP 250 per week
- Catered and self-catered options available
- Historic Mylne's Court residence on the Royal Mile
Dining and Campus Services
Cafes and food outlets are located across all campus sites. The university also offers world-class sports facilities and a 24-hour library service.
- Multiple cafes and restaurants across campus sites
- Pleasance Sports Complex with gym and fitness studios
- Firbush outdoor activity centre on Loch Tay
Student Life at Edinburgh
Student Life at Edinburgh
With nearly 50,000 students from over 160 countries, the University of Edinburgh offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. The Edinburgh University Students' Association provides a wealth of activities, support services, and social opportunities that enrich life beyond the lecture hall.
Edinburgh: Scotland's Historic Capital
Edinburgh: Scotland's Historic Capital
Life in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, recognised as one of Europe's great cultural hubs and ranked 13th in the world for best student cities by QS. With a population of over 500,000, the city offers a unique blend of historic architecture, world-famous festivals, and a thriving arts scene, while being more affordable than London.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The world's largest arts festival takes place every August, transforming the city into a global stage for theatre, comedy, music, and dance.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering stunning architecture and centuries of history to explore.
Financial Hub
Edinburgh is Scotland's financial centre and the second-largest financial hub in the UK, providing excellent internship and career opportunities for students.
Natural Beauty
From Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park to the Pentland Hills and nearby Scottish Highlands, Edinburgh offers easy access to spectacular outdoor landscapes.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Top Employers of Edinburgh Graduates
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The university provides dedicated immigration advice to international students on visa applications, working during and after studies in the UK, and Student visa requirements including healthcare surcharge.
Edinburgh Global supports international students with pre-arrival information, orientation programmes, Go Abroad Fund grants for international experiences, and ongoing pastoral support throughout your studies.
Most new international students are guaranteed a room in university accommodation, provided they apply by the stated deadline. Options include residences across the city with costs ranging from GBP 130 to GBP 250 per week.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top 50 universities in the world across all major ranking systems. It is ranked 4th in the UK for research power based on the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, and holds strong positions in subject-specific rankings across medicine, veterinary science, linguistics, and informatics.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Science | QS World Rankings | #5 |
| Linguistics | QS World Rankings | Top 10 |
| English Language and Literature | QS World Rankings | Top 10 |
| Arts and Humanities | Times Higher Education | #11 |
Features
Governance and Strategic Planning produce a range of core statistics, calculated ratios/indicators, and more complex analyses, for use in informing management decisions across the University. These are supplemented with ad hoc management information which is produced on request. The management information we produce is typically strategic/aggregate, rather than operational. If you are a member of University staff and require figures or analyses which you cannot find already published on the management information pages, please get in touch so we can discuss your requirements.\n\n\n\n\n\n
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - January
Location
Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, United Kingdom
Map not found.
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
