UNITED KINGDOM · EDINBURGH

University of Edinburgh

public · Founded 1583 · Languages: en

In short

The University of Edinburgh is a historic and prestigious institution, consistently ranked globally, offering a wide range of programs in a vibrant UNESCO World Heritage city. It provides a rich academic and student life experience for its diverse international community.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1583
Students: 42,000
International students: 16,000
Acceptance rate: 41%
Tuition (intl): €21–34k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom

For international students

United Kingdom

Student visa & funds

International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.

Working while you study

On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.

After you graduate

Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,400/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesGOV.UK — Student visa: money you need · GOV.UK — Student visa: working · GOV.UK — Graduate visa · UKCISA — Changes to the Student and Graduate rules · Fateh Education — IELTS requirements for UK universities (2026) · Fateh Education — UK living expenses for students (2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Edinburgh · United Kingdom

Accounting and Finance MA (Hons)

This programme combines the study of accounting and finance to equip you for the complex challenges faced by contemporary businesses, governments, and non-profit organisations. You'll be taught by leading industry professionals and researchers, developing a versatile skill set applicable to various roles including accountancy, finance, strategy, marketing, human resource management, data analytics, and entrepreneurship. The 4-year structure offers flexibility, allowing you to explore subjects outside your core degree in the first two years before specialising in your honours years. This flexibility enables you to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations, and potentially gain exemptions from professional accounting examinations after graduation.

University of Edinburgh · United Kingdom

Arabic and Persian MA (Hons)

This joint honours programme allows you to study Arabic and Persian, languages spoken by over 470 million people globally. It offers a gateway to the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, as well as the rich intellectual heritage of Islam. Arabic is a UN official language, and Persian (Farsi) is spoken in Iran and parts of Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The programme is designed for beginners, though heritage learners and those with some prior experience can be accommodated. You will learn to express yourself in both modern languages and engage with classical and contemporary texts on society, religion, culture, history, politics, literature, art, and cinema. The University of Edinburgh is a leading institution for Middle Eastern studies, with extensive library resources and a vibrant academic community. This four-year degree includes a mandatory year abroad, providing an immersive cultural experience and practical language application.

University of Edinburgh · United Kingdom

Archaeology

Explore our human past to address current and future challenges through the study of Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh. We integrate humanities and sciences within a leading research environment, offering exceptional teaching and training from Scotland's capital. Our program uses insights from the past to help shape more sustainable, inclusive, and informed futures. You'll join a close-knit community with access to excellent facilities, including specialized labs and artifact teaching collections. Our staff conduct internationally recognized research covering prehistory, early civilizations, classical and Byzantine archaeology, bioarchaeology, and experimental archaeology.

University of Edinburgh · United Kingdom

Architectural History and Heritage MA (Hons)

This program explores how people have designed, imagined, and used buildings and places throughout history. It examines how these historical sites can be understood today and what they reveal about broader social, political, and urban historical themes. The curriculum offers a wide-ranging study of the historic built environment, integrating architectural history, fine art, and heritage management within the context of urbanism and the cultural history of cities, while also addressing contemporary architectural heritage issues. This MA (Hons) in Architectural History and Heritage is unique in the UK at the undergraduate level, focusing specifically on this subject. It is delivered by specialist, research-active staff in a small, diverse, and welcoming program.

University of Edinburgh · United Kingdom

Artificial Intelligence MSc

The Artificial Intelligence MSc at the University of Edinburgh is taught at one of the world's leading and longest-established academic centers for AI. You will gain fundamental knowledge and practical skills to design, build, and apply AI systems, drawing on research in fields like neuroscience, cognitive science, linguistics, and mathematics. The program is delivered by internationally recognised researchers. The University of Edinburgh consistently ranks among the top 30 globally for Computer Science, and the School of Informatics was ranked 1st in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. This ensures you will learn from experts engaged in cutting-edge research. You will join a large and dynamic department with approximately 1,750 students and 150 academic staff, situated in Edinburgh, a highly desirable city and a rapidly growing tech hub.

University of Edinburgh · United Kingdom

Bioinformatics MSc

The Bioinformatics MSc at the University of Edinburgh is an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the skills to understand and process vast amounts of biological data using computational methods. This field combines computer science, informatics, statistics/mathematics, and engineering to efficiently explore complex biological information. Recognizing diverse student backgrounds, the program provides a core set of essential bioinformatics skills while offering extensive course options. This flexibility allows students to tailor their learning to specific interests within biology and bioinformatics, ensuring they are well-prepared to leverage advancements in both fields. The curriculum focuses on both the application and development of methods for interpreting data generated by high-throughput 'omics' technologies, such as those related to proteins and nucleic acids.

Scholarships

for United Kingdom

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Wellcome Trust

Wellcome Discovery Awards

Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.

The Alan Turing Institute

Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)

Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.

Skoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School

Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA

Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.

Rhodes Scholarship

For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.

Gates Cambridge Trust

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.

Frequently asked questions

What is the University of Edinburgh's global ranking?

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The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the world's top universities, often appearing in the global top 30 according to major rankings like QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education. It is also highly ranked within the UK.

What are the approximate tuition fees for international students at the University of Edinburgh?

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International student tuition fees vary by program, generally ranging from approximately £22,000 to £35,000 per year. Medicine and veterinary medicine programs have higher fees. Specific program fees can be found on the university's website.

What are the estimated living costs for students in Edinburgh?

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Estimated living costs in Edinburgh, including accommodation, food, and transport, are between £1,200 and £1,600 per month. University-managed accommodation costs can range from £388 to £1,596 per month.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?

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The standard English language requirement is typically IELTS Academic with a score of 6.5 overall and a minimum of 6.0 in each component. Some programs may require higher scores, such as TOEFL iBT with a score of 92 overall (or 100 for certain programs).

What academic qualifications are required for admission?

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For undergraduate admission, qualifications such as A-levels, Scottish Highers, IB, or equivalent national qualifications meeting program-specific grade requirements are needed. Postgraduate taught programs generally require a 2:1 UK Honours degree or international equivalent.

University of Edinburgh

Why study here

Student life

For international students