QS World University Rankings 2027 #35Times Higher Education 2026 #29ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #38CWTS Leiden 2025 #70SCImago 2026 #79
The University of Edinburgh is a public research university in Edinburgh, Scotland, founded in 1583 by the Town Council of Edinburgh, making it the sixth-oldest university in the UK and one of Scotland's four ancient universities.
It is a registered Scottish charity with degree-awarding powers as a UK-recognised body. The university is organised into three colleges, Arts Humanities and Social Science, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, and Science and Engineering, which together host 25 academic schools.
Teaching and research take place across several sites in and around the city, including the central area around George Square, the King's Buildings science and engineering campus, the Easter Bush veterinary campus, and health-sciences facilities at Little France and the Western General Hospital. In the 2024/25 session the university had 49,640 matriculated students, of whom just over half were domiciled outside the UK.
It offers undergraduate, taught postgraduate and research postgraduate programmes across its schools, supported by university-run accommodation, library, sports and student-support services.
Location & Contact
Address, contact details, and online presence for University of Edinburgh are summarised below.
University of Edinburgh's academic profile in numbers is listed below.
Academic Year: September-December; January-May
Recognition: Privy Council
Admission Requirements: International undergraduate applicants apply through UCAS (up to 5 course choices, 4 for medicine/veterinary medicine with the 5th as a backup); English language: the university does not publish a single institution-wide IELTS floor, requirements are set per degree and shown in the online degree finder, IELTS Academic (or IELTS Academic for UKVI/Online) results up to 2 years old are accepted. International qualifications page: https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/international-qualifications
Total Students: 39,015
Female Students: 24,210
Academic Staff Range: 2,500-2,999
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
European University Association (EUA)
League of European Research Universities (LERU)
Coimbra Group
Russell Group
Universitas 21 (U21)
Universities UK
Education UK
Universities Scotland
Academic Structures
The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up University of Edinburgh are listed below.
Unit3 items
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science
College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
College of Science and Engineering
Degrees
Scotland’s Rural College offers degrees awarded by the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow
Bachelor's10 programs
Business and Commerce
Dentistry
Engineering
Law
Medicine
Music
Natural Sciences
Religious Studies
Surgery
Veterinary Science
Master's11 programs
Business Administration
Education
Engineering
Fine Arts
Landscape Architecture
Law
Music
Natural Sciences
Religious Studies
Social Work
Theology
Doctoral58 programs
African Studies
Anthropology
Archaeology
Architecture
Art History
Astrophysics
Bioengineering
Canadian Studies
Cardiology
Cell Biology
Celtic Languages and Studies
Chemistry
Chinese
Classical Languages
Clinical Psychology
Communication Studies
Comparative Literature
Cultural Studies
Dentistry
Design
Economics
Education
Environmental Studies
Film
Fine Arts
French
Genetics
Geography
Geology
German
Gerontology
History
Islamic Studies
Italian
Japanese
Landscape Architecture
Law
Linguistics
Management
Mathematics
Media Studies
Middle Eastern Studies
Music
Neurosciences
Nordic Studies
Nursing
Pathology
Philosophy
Psychology
Russian
Sanskrit
Sociology
South Asian Studies
Statistics
Surgery
Theology
Veterinary Science
Writing
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Humanities and Social Sciences (College)
36 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
Accountancy
Ancient Languages
Anthropology
Arabic
Archaeology
Architecture
Business and Commerce
Canadian Studies
Cognitive Sciences
Design
Economic History
Economics
Education
Educational Sciences
English
European Languages
Fine Arts
Geography
History
Landscape Architecture
Law
Linguistics
Literature
Modern Languages
Music
Nursing
Oriental Languages
Painting and Drawing
Philosophy
Photography
Political Sciences
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sculpture
Social Sciences
Sociology
Medicine and Veterinary Science (College)
4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
Dental Hygiene
Dentistry
Medicine
Veterinary Science
Science and Engineering (College)
16 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
Agriculture
Artificial Intelligence
Astronomy and Space Science
Biological and Life Sciences
Chemistry
Cognitive Sciences
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Engineering
Geology
Geophysics
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Meteorology
Physics
Statistics
Programs Offered
University of Edinburgh's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping.
A levels: from AAA to ABB; Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6 BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.; IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
Humanities & Cultural Studies · 4 years · On-campus
Local tuition:GBP 1,820/yearStart:September 2027
A levels: from AAA to ABB; Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6 BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.; IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
Before applying for the online MBA programme, please consider our minimum entry requirements, which include academic qualifications, managerial work experience and English language requirements. Important points to note...
International tuition:GBP 45,410/yearLocal tuition:GBP 45,410/yearStart:Multiple start dates
Applicants should meet minimum entry requirements covering academic qualifications, managerial work experience and English-language proficiency before applying to the full-time MBA.
International tuition:GBP 36,310/yearLocal tuition:GBP 24,800/year
Entrance to our MSc programmes is strongly competitive. You can increase your chances of a successful application by exceeding the minimum programme requirements. Important points to note when applying for this programme...
International tuition:GBP 33,200/yearLocal tuition:GBP 14,810/yearStart:14 September 2026Deadline:Jul 05, 2026
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject.Relevant subjects include physics, mathematics, computer science or engineering. Music or music technology degrees will be considerd where a...
International tuition:GBP 39,200/yearLocal tuition:GBP 16,000/yearStart:14 September 2026Deadline:Aug 30, 2026
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in chemical engineering or a closely related field such as process, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food, materials engineering, industrial chemistry, or chemical...
International tuition:GBP 32,000/yearLocal tuition:GBP 13,700/yearStart:14 September 2026Deadline:Jul 30, 2026
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, and a nursing qualification.We may also consider your application if you have other qualifications or experience; please contact us to check before you apply.
International tuition:GBP 29,270/yearLocal tuition:GBP 12,000/yearStart:14 September 2026Deadline:Aug 30, 2026
A UK 2:1 degree, or international equivalent, in Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering. Applicants with different academic backgrounds may be considered but we expect you to have passed at least two power engineering...
International tuition:GBP 32,000/yearLocal tuition:GBP 13,700/yearStart:14 September 2026Deadline:Jun 29, 2026
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject.We also welcome applicants who do not meet the academic entry requirements but demonstrate relevant professional experience.You must submit...
International tuition:GBP 32,000/yearLocal tuition:GBP 14,810/year
Entrance to our MSc programmes is strongly competitive. You can increase your chances of a successful application by exceeding the minimum programme requirements.Academic requirementsA UK first-class or 2:1 honours degre...
International tuition:GBP 39,200/yearLocal tuition:GBP 16,000/yearStart:14 September 2026Deadline:Aug 30, 2026
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in chemistry, or a closely related discipline, with a strong chemistry component. We may also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, w...
International tuition:GBP 32,000/yearLocal tuition:GBP 13,700/yearStart:14 September 2026Deadline:Jul 30, 2026
A UK 2:1 honours degree, a minimum US 3.25 GPA or international equivalent, in a subject related to this programme, normally Classics, Classical Civilization, Ancient History or Classical Archaeology.We will also conside...
International tuition:GBP 29,000/yearLocal tuition:GBP 5,238/yearStart:14 September 2026Deadline:May 31, 2026
Entrance to the programme is competitive. While academic credentials are important for a successful application, we also pay great attention to the fit of the applicant with the proposed project, as well as the research...
International tuition:GBP 29,000/yearLocal tuition:GBP 5,238/year
A UK first class honours degree, or its international equivalent, in an appropriate subject; or a UK 2:1 honours degree plus a UK masters degree, or their international equivalents; or relevant qualifications and experie...
International tuition:GBP 29,000/yearLocal tuition:GBP 5,238/yearStart:September 2026
A UK first class honours degree, or its international equivalent, in an appropriate subject; or a UK 2:1 honours degree plus a UK masters degree, or their international equivalents; or relevant qualifications and experie...
International tuition:GBP 34,800/yearLocal tuition:GBP 5,238/year
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject, for example in a biomedical or biological science subject.You should have some research experience and be able to demonstrate that you have...
International tuition:GBP 29,000/yearLocal tuition:GBP 5,238/year
A UK first class honours degree, or its international equivalent, in an appropriate subject; or a UK 2:1 honours degree plus a UK masters degree, or their international equivalents; or relevant qualifications and experie...
International tuition:GBP 29,000/yearLocal tuition:GBP 5,238/yearStart:14 September 2026Deadline:Jul 01, 2026
A UK 2:1 honours degree in a relevant discipline and a relevant Masters degree with an overall mark of at least 65%, or international equivalents. We may also consider your application if you have relevant professional e...
International tuition:GBP 29,000/yearLocal tuition:GBP 5,238/yearStart:14 September 2026Deadline:Jun 30, 2026
Normally a UK masters degree or its international equivalent. If you do not meet the academic entry requirements, we may still consider your application on the basis of relevant professional experience. You must also sub...
International tuition:GBP 29,000/yearLocal tuition:GBP 5,238/yearStart:14 September 2026Deadline:Jun 30, 2026
Normally a UK masters degree or its international equivalent. If you do not meet the academic entry requirements, we may still consider your application on the basis of relevant professional experience. You must also sub...
International tuition:GBP 34,800/yearLocal tuition:GBP 5,238/yearStart:14 September 2026Deadline:May 31, 2026
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, or in an appropriate subject or a related discipline. Students with significant industrial experience, or...
A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.You must be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (you may be eligible for GBC either through your u...
International tuition:GBP 34,800/yearLocal tuition:GBP 5,238/year
An accredited medical degree (MBChB or equivalent). You must also have at least one year of experience in scientific work bearing directly on your profession, or be in the practice of medicine or surgery.Your primary pla...
A degree in veterinary medicine (BVM&S Veterinary Medicine or equivalent), membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS), and a minimum of one year's postgraduate clinical experience.
Offshore Renewable Energy (Industrial Doctorate Centre) EngD
Energy Engineering · 4 years
Start:September 2026
A UK first class honours degree, or its international equivalent. We will also consider your application if you have a UK 2:1 honours degree and a MSc degree with distinction, or their international equivalents, and subs...
This programme is intended for students with a veterinary degree or its international equivalent. You must have at least 1 year of postgraduate experience working as a veterinary surgeon. If you hold an RCVS Postgraduate...
A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, or a recognised qualification in social work and at least two years' relevant experience in social work practice.If you are a qualified social worker but you do no...
International tuition:GBP 29,600/yearLocal tuition:GBP 9,790/yearStart:August 2027
A UK undergraduate degree, or its international equivalent, and a high level of experience in a primary school classroom setting. Please contact the admissions office for further advice.You should also hold the following...
International tuition:GBP 29,600/yearLocal tuition:GBP 9,790/yearStart:August 2027
A UK undergraduate degree, or its international equivalent. You should hold at least 80 UK credits, at least 40 of which should be at SCQF level 8 or above, in the subject you wish to teach. These credits can either be a...
RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Online Learning)
Veterinary Medicine · Online
You must:be a member of RCVS, or hold a registrable degreehave at least 1 year of postgraduate experience working as a veterinary surgeonbe enrolled with RCVS if intending to take the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary P...
International tuition:GBP 5,070/totalLocal tuition:GBP 5,070/totalStart:September 2026 intake
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, or a subsequent Masters or Doctoral qualification, in psychology, health or a related discipline. If you do not meet the academic entry requirements, we may consi...
Information Systems & Technology · 4 years · Online
International tuition:GBP 6,370/totalLocal tuition:GBP 6,370/totalStart:14 September 2026Deadline:Aug 30, 2026
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as computer science and informatics, physics, mathematics, engineering, biology, chemistry and geosciences. You must be an experienced...
International tuition:GBP 15,140/yearLocal tuition:GBP 5,797/yearStart:14 September 2026Deadline:May 08, 2026
To gain entry to this programme, candidates must: Have obtained an undergraduate law degree from a Scottish university (LLB), including passes in the required foundation subjects or; Have passed or obtained exemption fro...
China Merit Scholarship - School of Chemistry and School of Engineering
University funded · International students · 2,500 GBP per total · Partial Tuition
A £2,500 reduction in first-year tuition fees for self-funded Masters students from China joining Chemistry or Engineering, applied automatically on the fee invoice (CAS).
University funded · International students · 10,920 GBP per total · Partial Tuition
Covers the UK tuition fee (£10,920) for one MScR Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences student per year, researching off-the-ball activity analysis in professional rugby; international students may hold the award but must self-fund the overseas fee balance.
University funded · International students · 10,000 GBP per total · Partial Tuition
A minimum £10,000 award towards fees for a one-year, full-time, on-campus postgraduate Masters programme, run jointly with the British Council's GREAT Scholarships campaign.
Motherwell Football Club Scholarship
University funded · 5,000 GBP per total · Partial Tuition
A £5,000 deduction from MScR Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences tuition fees, paired with weekly work at Motherwell FC's academy on youth footballer development research.
Pamela Jackson Memorial Scholarship in Musical Instrument Research
University funded · International students · Full Tuition · Covers Living
Funds one Edinburgh College of Art MScR Music student with full course fees plus a stipend for a year of full-time study, or split equally over two years for part-time study, researching musical instruments.
Step-by-step guidance for applying to University of Edinburgh, in five steps.
1
Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse University of Edinburgh's 780 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at University of Edinburgh typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
3
Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
4
Apply through UCAS or direct entry
University of Edinburgh takes undergraduate applications through the UCAS system (ucas.com). Postgraduate applicants apply directly through University of Edinburgh's own admissions portal at www.ed.ac.uk instead.
5
Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (131) 650 1000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Edinburgh
Frequently asked questions about University of Edinburgh.
In what year was University of Edinburgh established?
University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583 (approximately 443 years ago).
What city is University of Edinburgh in?
University of Edinburgh operates from Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Is University of Edinburgh public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How big is University of Edinburgh's student body?
University of Edinburgh serves approximately 39,015 students.
Where does University of Edinburgh stand in university rankings?
University of Edinburgh is ranked QS 2027 #35.
What programmes are available at University of Edinburgh?
Programmes at University of Edinburgh cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How many faculties does University of Edinburgh have?
The institution comprises 3 academic units.
Is University of Edinburgh accredited?
Yes, University of Edinburgh is recognised by Privy Council.
Where can I learn more about University of Edinburgh?
The institution's website is www.ed.ac.uk.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
These universities are also members of European University Association (EUA).
