University of Edinburgh Review: A Complete Guide
The University of Edinburgh is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK. Founded in 1583, it consistently ranks among the top institutions worldwide. It attracts students from over 150 countries to the capital of Scotland, offering a vibrant and international student experience.
University of Edinburgh Summary
- City: Edinburgh
-
Graduate Employment Rate：
94% within 15 months of graduation.
Table of Contents
Overview of the University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a member of the Russell Group and Universitas 21, highlighting its strong global reputation in teaching and research.
The university is made up of three colleges:
- College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Science and Engineering
- College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Students benefit from excellent facilities, a historic city campus, and close ties to industry and research centres. Edinburgh graduates are highly employable, with strong links to employers in the UK and beyond.
University of Edinburgh Rankings 2026
The University of Edinburgh maintains its reputation as a leading global institution, consistently ranking among the top universities worldwide.
- Complete University Guide (CUG) 2026: Ranked 18th in the UK, reflecting strong performance in research intensity, student-to-staff ratio, and subject offerings.
- QS World University Rankings 2026: Placed 34th globally, highlighting its international standing and academic excellence.
These rankings underscore Edinburgh’s commitment to delivering high-quality education and research across various disciplines.
University of Edinburgh Courses
Business School
School of Divinity
School of Economics
Edinburgh College of Art
Moray House School of Education and Sport
School of Health in Social Science
School of History, Classics and Archaeology
School of Law
School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures
School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences
School of Social and Political Science
Centre for Open Learning
School of Biological Sciences
School of Chemistry
School of Engineering
School of GeoSciences
School of Informatics
School of Mathematics
School of Physics and Astronomy
Edinburgh Medical School
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
University of Edinburgh Entry Deadline
| Date | What Happens |
| 13 May 2025 | Applications open. Students can start filling in their UCAS forms. |
| 2 Sep 2025 | Students can start submitting completed applications to UCAS. |
| 15 Oct 2025 (6pm) | Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, dentistry, vet courses. |
| 14 Jan 2026 (6pm) | Main deadline for most undergraduate courses. |
| 26 Feb 2026 | UCAS Extra opens. Students with no offers can apply for more courses. |
| 30 Jun 2026 (6pm) | Last date to apply before Clearing. After this, applications go to Clearing. |
| 5 Jul 2026 | Clearing opens. Students can view and apply to available places. |
| 24 Sep 2026 | Final deadline to apply for 2026 entry. |
| 19 Oct 2026 | Last date to add a Clearing choice. |
University of Edinburgh Entry Requirements
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
The University of Edinburgh evaluates undergraduate applicants based on academic qualifications, required subjects, and English language proficiency.
A Levels: Typical offers range from A*AA to ABB, depending on the programme. For example:
- Medicine: AAA, including Chemistry and one of Biology, Mathematics, or Physics.
- Computer Science: A*AA, with Mathematics required.
- English Literature: AAA, including English Literature or English Language and Literature.
International Baccalaureate (IB): Offers typically range from 36 to 39 points, with Higher Level subjects specified. For instance:
- Medicine: 37 points, including 667 at HL with Chemistry and at least one other science subject.
- Engineering: 36 points, with 666 at HL, including Mathematics and Physics.
- Law: 36 points, with 666 at HL, including English.
English Language Proficiency: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through recognised tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.
University of Edinburgh Medicine Tuition Fees
Medicine (MBChB) – 6 year degree
| Fee status | Home-Scotland | Home-RUK and ROI | International/EU* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preclinical years 1, 2 and 3 | £1,820 | £9,535 | £51,961 |
| Clinical years 4, 5 and 6 | £1,820 | £9,535 | £51,961 |
| Direct entry to year 4 | £1,820 | £9,535 | £51,961 |
University of Edinburgh Sports Facilities
The University’s Sport & Exercise services provide extensive indoor and outdoor facilities:
- Pleasance Sports Complex: Features a large sports hall, multiple squash courts, weight training gyms, a circuit training gym, a combat salle, a rifle range, an archery range, a boxing gym, multipurpose rooms, and a fitness assessment and sports injuries clinic.
- St Leonard’s Land: Houses a 25-metre swimming pool utilised for research, lifeguard training, and various water sports.
- Peffermill Playing Fields: Offers extensive outdoor facilities, including floodlit synthetic pitches and grass fields for football, rugby, lacrosse, shinty, and cricket. It also hosts the national Hockey Academy.
- Firbush Point Centre: An outdoor centre on Loch Tay in Perthshire, offering courses in sailing, hillwalking, mountaineering, windsurfing, canoeing, and first aid.
University of Edinburgh Notable Alumni
- Charles Darwin – The renowned naturalist and author of On the Origin of Species, pivotal in the development of evolutionary biology.
- Alexander Graham Bell – Inventor of the telephone and founder of AT&T, revolutionising global communication.
- Sir Walter Scott – Celebrated novelist and poet, known for works like Ivanhoe and Rob Roy, and a key figure in the Scottish Romantic movement.
- Arthur Conan Doyle – Creator of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes, contributing immensely to the mystery genre.
- David Hume – Influential philosopher and historian, central to the Scottish Enlightenment and modern philosophy.
- J.K. Rowling – Author of the Harry Potter series, one of the best-selling book series in history.
- Gordon Brown – Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, serving from 2007 to 2010.
- Michael McIntyre – Comedian and television host, known for his stand-up specials and TV appearances.
Experience the City of Edinburgh as a Student
Edinburgh offers students a lively blend of history, culture, and modern life. With iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, plus major events such as the Fringe Festival, the city provides plenty to explore. Students benefit from good transport links, numerous cafés and shops, and plenty of green spaces, creating a welcoming and balanced environment for both study and leisure.
How much does it cost to live in Edinburgh as a Student
Living in Edinburgh as a student costs about £900 to £1,200 per month.
Accommodation
£500 to £700
Food and Groceries
£150 to £200
Transport
£50 to £70
Other Expenses
£100 to £150
Opportunities in Edinburgh as an International Student
Edinburgh is a vibrant city with many opportunities for international students.
The local economy is strong, especially in finance, technology, tourism, and creative industries. These sectors offer part-time jobs and internships suitable for students.
The city’s multicultural atmosphere means international students can easily connect with communities from around the world. This helps build networks and friendships outside university.
Edinburgh also hosts major festivals and cultural events, providing chances to get involved in local life and meet new people.
Transport links are excellent, making it easy to explore Scotland and the rest of the UK during study breaks.
Healthcare services, banks, and shops are all accessible and familiar with the needs of international residents.
University of Edinburgh Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/
- Address: Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, United Kingdom
- General information for international students: +44 131 650 1000
