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The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland | Estd in 1583 | Government University

THE Rank : 30 | QS Rank : 22

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About The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh was established in 1583 and is a public research university in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is an open institution and the sixth-oldest university in Scotland. The university is ranked and recognised for its academic excellence and is placed 22nd in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2024. 

The University of Edinburgh acceptance rate is approximately 44-51%, which shows that the university is moderately selective and almost 1 of every 2 applications get accepted at the university. However, the competition at university is fierce and students must have a high GPA along with a well written statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and involvement in extracurricular activities. 

Tuition fees for international students at the University of Edinburgh is pproximately INR 24.86 L - INR 42.82 L per year for undergraduate programmes and INR 13.19 L and INR 55.81 L per year for postgraduate programmes offered at the university. Overseas students are required to show proficiency in English language in any of these exams - IELTS, PTE, TOEFL-iBT, or Trinity ISE. 

The University of Edinburgh offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the fields of biological Sciences, chemistry, environmental and ecological sciences, and more. The university has around 21 schools across three colleges, which are Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, and Science & Engineering. 

Applicants for admission to the University of Edinburgh's MBChB programme must have an outstanding academic record in scientific courses, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They must also take the United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). The selection procedure is difficult, with just a few applicants granted admissions each year. The procedure involves an interview, as well as a review of the applicant's academic record and UCAT score. Graduates of the programme are in great demand and have promising employment opportunities. Many graduates choose to work in the NHS, while others seek professions in research, academia, or industry.

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world's leading research and teaching universities and has more than 4,800 students from the EU and international students from over 180 countries comprise the 44% of the total student community at the university. 

The University of Edinburgh currently has membership with international networks including Una Europa, the League of European Research Universities (LERU), the Coimbra Group, Eurolife, UNICA, Universitas 21, and the U7 Alliance of over 30 universities from G7 countries. The University of Edinburgh also received grants from the Universities (Scotland) Act in 1858.

The University of Edinburgh mainly focus on key areas which includes people, research, teaching, learning, social, and civic responsibility. University of Edinburgh facilities include accommodation, student union, student support services, societies and sports clubs, disability services, and work opportunities after study in the UK

The University of Edinburgh has also received awards and achievements from Britain’s oldest literary award, the James Tait Black Prize. The university has over 320 student-led societies and clubs, from the A Cappella and Business Societies to the Yoga and Zoology Societies, which are managed by the Student's Association.

Latest deadline at the University of Edinburgh 

Aspiring candidates seeking admission to the University of Edinburgh are required to apply before the UCAS deadlines for consideration. To ensure your application, submission through the UCAS platform must be done by 31 January 2024, at 18:00 GMT.

Read more: Benefits of studying in UK 

The University of Edinburgh Highlights

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Year of Establishment1583
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Institute TypeUniversity
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OwnershipPublic/Government
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Number Of Students41245
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Campus Size790.737 acres
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Faculty Count15510
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Fee Range₹13.77 L - ₹58.26 L/yr
Bachelors vs Masters
Gender Ratio
Male: 38%Female: 62%
Male: 38%Female: 62%
Student Demographic
  • Asian:   9770
  • European union:   3570
  • North American:   2515
  • Others:   2195
  • Indian:   785

The University of Edinburgh Ranking and Stats

The University of Edinburgh consistently ranks highly across various reputable rankings and is ranked 22nd in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2024. The university is placed 30th globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. U.S. News & World Report 2023 has ranked the University of Edinburgh 34th in Best Global Universities. According to ARWU 2023, the university is ranked 5th in the UK and 38th worldwide. 

Additionally, the University of Edinburgh is also ranked for its subjects; Top 10 in Arts and Humanities, Veterinary Science, Medicine, and Education in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. The Complete University Guide 2023 has ranked the university 12th in the UK and top 10 in Arts and Humanities, Law, Medicine, and Veterinary Science. For its dedication to addressing global concerns, the University of Edinburgh is placed 52nd in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023.

Ranking Body
THE
Subject
Overall

Parametric Score and Ranking 2024

Overall Score82.5
University rank30
Parameter Ranking
Citations
96.9
Industry Outcome
71.1
International Outlook
97
Research
77.5
Teaching
70.7

Ranking by year

Ranking

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Rank
The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Adjacently Ranked Colleges

The University of Edinburgh Courses

The University of Edinburgh is well-known for its academic reputation and offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the fields of biological Sciences, chemistry, environmental and ecological sciences, and more. The university is known for its strong performance in various subjects like Law, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Business & Management, and Social Sciences.

The University of Edinburgh has around 21 schools across three colleges, which include Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, and Science & Engineering. Students can also check out multiple online distance learning and short certificate courses on the university's official website.

The MBChB programme at the University of Edinburgh lasts six years and leads to a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. It is one of the largest and competitive medical schools, frequently ranking in the top 20 on the QS World University Rankings for Medicine. The curriculum is organised into three stages:

  • Phase 1 (Years 1-2) is focused on fundamental sciences such anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Students also take classes on communication, ethics, and professionalism.
  • Phase 2 (Years 3–4) emphasises on the clinical sciences, including medicine, surgery, and paediatrics. Students begin seeing patients in clinical settings, supervised by trained doctors.
  • Phase 3 (Years 5–6) prepares students for practice as Foundation Year 1 physicians. Students do clinical internships in a number of specialisations and conduct research projects.
Accreditations
EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
Association of MBAs (AMBA)
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Education Level
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Stream
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Mode
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LevelPG
MajorArts
Duration48 Months
Fees25.95 L/yr
LevelPG
MajorArts
Duration48 Months
Fees25.95 L/yr
LevelPG
MajorArts
Duration48 Months
Fees25.95 L/yr
LevelPG
MajorArts
Duration48 Months
Fees25.95 L/yr
LevelPG
MajorArts
Duration48 Months
Fees25.95 L/yr
LevelPG
MajorCorporate
Duration12 Months
Fees26.80 L/yr

The University of Edinburgh Fees

CoursesDurationInternational StudentLocal Student
M.A.(349 courses)3 years-5 years₹25.95 L - ₹34.11 L/yr₹9.80 L/yr
M.Sc.(222 courses)1 year-2 years₹13.77 L - ₹58.26 L/yr₹9.80 L - ₹32.62 L/yr
B.Sc.(Hons)(57 courses)3 years-4 years₹25.95 L - ₹44.70 L/yr₹1.93 L - ₹9.80 L/yr
L.L.B(16 courses)2 years-4 years₹24.48 L - ₹25.95 L/yr₹9.80 L/yr
L.L.M(15 courses)1 year₹26.80 L/yr₹13.77 L - ₹16.10 L/yr

The University of Edinburgh Cost Of Living

University of Edinburgh tuition fees vary depending on your nationality and student level (undergraduate or postgraduate). Tuition fees for undergraduate international students at the University of Edinburgh are approximately INR 24.86 L - INR 42.82 L per year. Whereas, the tuition fee for postgraduate international students ranges between INR 13.19 L and INR 55.81 L per year.

Is it expensive to study at the University of Edinburgh?

The cost of living in Edinburgh for students can vary depending on individual lifestyles and budget choices. The cost of studying in the UK is around INR 7,71,673 - INR 9,98,636 (£8,500 to £11,000) per year, excluding tuition fees. A typical student budget might be around INR 81,706 (£900) per month excluding tuition fees. Here is a breakdown of living costs at the University of Edinburgh.

Cost of living at the University of Edinburgh 

Expense list 

Costs (per month)

Accommodation 

On-campus: £3,512 to £6,413 for a 38-week lease.

Off-campus: £350 and £500 per person, while studios can be between £500 and £700 per month.

Food 

£200-£300

Transportation 

£40-£80

Other expenses (phone bills, clothes, and entertainment)

£100-£200

The University of Edinburgh Admission and Application

The University of Edinburgh acceptance rate is approximately 44-51%, which shows that numerous students are admitted to the university every year. Applicants looking for admission to the University of Edinburgh are required to apply online by filling out an application form available on the official website. A step-by-step procedure is mentioned below.

How to apply at the University of Edinburgh?

  • Candidates seeking admission to the university need to visit the official website and apply there.
  • Application forms must be submitted along with necessary documents and payment of fees has to be done.
  • Students will be offered admissions based on several factors including academic qualifications, work or other non-academic experience, academic and/or professional references, and English proficiency.
  • Students also might have to clear an admission test and interview conducted by the authorities of the University of Edinburgh.
  • Applicants also might have to present a portfolio or sample of written work and a research proposal, if required.
  • For admission to medicine programs, students have to appear and clear the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
  • Students also must note that admissions to all full-time undergraduate degree programs and Professional Diploma in Education (PGDE) are done through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) whereas admissions to Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery (BVM&S) are done via the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS).
  • Other admissions to part-time undergraduates and postgraduate programs are done by the university directly through EUCLID, the University’s online application service.
  • All students also must complete the procedure of document verification and admission fee payment before getting admission to the University of Edinburgh.

University of Edinburgh application date: Candidates seeking admission to the University of Edinburgh must apply by the relevant UCAS deadline to make sure their application is considered. The UCAS equal consideration deadline is 31 January 2024 at 18:00 GMT. 

University of Edinburgh application fee: The University of Edinburgh does not charge any application fees for undergraduate or postgraduate studies. This means that any qualified candidate, regardless of financial circumstances, can submit an application and be considered for admission.

Documents required for admission to the University of Edinburgh
The applicants applying to the University of Edinburgh admission must submit specific documents. Before submitting the documents to the university, avoid any complications by verifying them properly. This will ensure the University of Edinburgh admission process occurs without any hassle.

  • a personal statement of purpose outlining the academic history and experience
  • Copies of the degree certificates, along with academic transcripts confirming final marks
  • Letter of recommendation, if required for the application
  • Evidence of competence in written and spoken English, if English is not the first language by
  • providing scores in IELTS, TOEFL, and more.
  • certified translations, if the original documents are not in English
  • Confirmation of the sponsorship
  • Photocopies of the current valid passport
  • A copy of the UK student visa and other relevant documents.

The University of Edinburgh Scholarship

The University of Edinburgh provides a wide range of local and foreign scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The amount and eligibility requirements for these scholarships differ. Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships, Collingham Scholarship, Helena Kennedy Foundation Bursary, and Margaret Campbell Scott Scholarship are among the undergraduate scholarships available at the University of Edinburgh. AP Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi Scholarships and Ramboll Scholarships are available to Indian students.

Some of the postgraduate scholarships available at the University of Edinburgh include the GREAT Scholarships, Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund in the UK, UACES Scholarships, British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM, Bayer Science & Education Foundation - International Fellowships, and Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme.

Read more: Scholarships in UK

The University of Edinburgh Eligibility

For most degrees at the University of Edinburgh, students need to meet the following requirements. Applicants from India need to satisfy specific subject requirements relating to the degree to which they are applying.

For College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Candidates must have CBSE All India Senior School Certificate Examination (SSC), CISCE Indian School Certificate (ISC) and an overall 80% with three subjects at 75% in class 12. For Mathematics subject requirement, the university accepts Grade XII CBSE Applied Mathematics. The following degrees where Applied Mathematics will not be accepted are:

  • MA (Hons) Economics & Mathematics

  • MA (Hons) Economics & Statistics

  • MA (Hons) Philosophy & Mathematics

For College of Science and Engineering

  • Applicants must have a higher Secondary School Certificate (All India SSC, HSSC, SSSC, ISC) awarded by CBSE, CISCE or West Bengal State Board with an overall average of 80% or above in 5 subjects and minimum 80% in all required subjects (or 85% where required). 

  • Students must have a minimum of 75% at Grade XII English. Grade XII CBSE Applied Mathematics is not accepted to meet a Mathematics subject requirement.

For College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

  • Candidates must have a higher Secondary School Certificate (All India SSC, HSSC, SSSC, ISC) awarded by CBSE, CISCE or West Bengal State Board.

  • For Biomedical Sciences & Medical Sciences, students must have five subjects in class 12 with an overall average of 80% or above and minimum 85% in Biology & Chemistry and 75% in English

  • For Biomedical Sciences & Medical Sciences, students must have five subjects in class 12 with an overall average of 85% or higher in English, Chemistry plus two from Biology, Mathematics or Physics. Grade XII CBSE Applied Mathematics is accepted to meet the Mathematics requirement.

  • Applicants are also required to take the UCAT.

  • For Veterinary Medicine, For Biomedical Sciences & Medical Sciences, students must have five subjects in class 12 with an overall average of 85% or above in Chemistry, Biology and one other subject.

English Language Requirements 

Candidates applying for admission to the University of Edinburgh must meet the English language requirements for their selected course if English is not their first language. They must have acceptable scores in any of the following exams:

  • IELTS Academic and IELTS Academic Online

  • PTE Academic

  • TOEFL iBT

  • Trinity ISE

The University of Edinburgh Campus Facilities

Hostel

Boys Hostel

University students who are living outside the university campus can also seek help through the Residence Life team which is professionally trained to provide help to students dealing with any mental or academic issue.

Girls Hostel

University Students who are living outside the university campus can also seek help through the Residence Life team which is professionally trained to provide help to students dealing with any mental or academic issue.

Study Amenities

Library

The University of Edinburgh has 10 campus libraries. And, each university library covers different subject areas. The university has a main library in George Square with more than 2,300 study spaces, it is the largest library open 24/7. The main library has around 1.8 million printed volumes and provides access to a host of electronic resources, including 10 million journal articles and 8 million e-book chapter downloads, 700,000 e-books, 100,000 e-journals, and 700 licensed databases. Other computing facilities and seating space for reading are also available inside the library. The main library is in George Square, one of the world's largest academic libraries covering more than 2,300 study spaces, and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Centre for Research Collections holds a collection of 400,000 rare books, archives, manuscripts, and museum collections of art, historical musical instruments, and other objects.

The University of Edinburgh facilities at the library include

  • Study spaces
  • Finding resources
  • Day lockers
  • Exam papers online
  • uCreate
  • Heritage collections
  • Digitization services
  • British sign language support
  • Center for research collections

Wifi

The University has Wifi facilities for students and staff.

Amenities and Clubs

Alumni Associations

The university has good networking for the alumni association. Keep in touch with Edinburgh. Using the Alumni Portal you can: Reconnect with old friends Join an alumni club or organize a class reunion Take advantage of benefits and discounts through the Alumni Benefits Card Get or give career advice. For all this and more and to update your details, visit the Alumni website.

Guest Room/Waiting Room

The University has guest house/waiting room facilities for visiting faculty and student family members.

Sports

Sports

The University of Edinburgh has invested in the welfare of the students applying to the university. The university conducts many fitness events, workshops, courses, boot camps FASIC workshops, and Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat at Firbush.

The University of Edinburgh Pleasance Sports Complex & Gym, St Leonard's Land Swimming Pool, Peffermill Playing Fields, FASIC Sport & Exercise Medicine Clinic, Easter Bush Gym. Students can also check out “Keep Active” that have a range of fitness classes like sports, running, walks, and more.

Students can also join the 64 sports clubs available provided by the Edinburgh University Sports Union like the archery club, boxing club, curling club, futsal, Gaelic football club, gymnastics, and hillwalking club.


Gym

The University has a Gym facility for the students. Our flexible and affordable membership packages are open to everybody - from the University of Edinburgh students and staff to the wider community.

Swimming Pool

The University has a Swimming poor facility that can gain access through either the front door (Holyrood Road) or the back door (Viewcraig Gardens) of the St Leonard's Land building. When you arrive you will need to press the reception call button and a member of staff from the second-floor reception will buzz you in. If you buzz and get no response, please call 0131 650 1000 and a pool attendant will come down and let you in (this contact number is also on a red 'No  Access' sign on the door). The pool is on the third floor so if coming in the main door at the front, head straight up the stairs. If you come in the back door, you are already on the second floor so from there follow the signs for the swimming pool on the third floor. 

Transportation

Parking Facility

The college has a parking space facility for its faculty, staff, and students. The car parks at the Western General and Royal Edinburgh Hospitals are not under the management of the Parking Office. These are managed by the NHS. The Parking Office does not manage residential parking facilities. Car parks within University-owned residential accommodations are managed by Accommodation Services.

Transport Facility

The transport is accessible at the University of Edinburgh, students can avail of discounts and free travel with the use of several schemes available to students around Scotland and the UK.

If students prefer to travel by bus, the university is served by a comprehensive network of buses and local bus operators. There are also other means of transport like trains and long-distance coach services available to and from Edinburgh.

Within the campus, students can bike and cycle which is an even sustainable option of transport widely encouraged among students.

Infrastructure

I.T Infrastructure

The university offers 24-hour computing services to students. The University of Edinburgh has 30 open-access computer labs provided with more than 1,450 computers that have access to lecture notes, course materials, assignments, grades, and feedback online. All the computer labs have WiFi access.

Medical/Hospital

The University of Edinburgh also has a healthcare center that offers medical care, contraceptive advice, antenatal services, child welfare services, and nursing services.

Cafeteria

The University of Edinburgh provides award-winning, sustainable, locally-sourced food, and drink for staff, students, and visitors. The university also provides catering facilities on par with cafes at Central like

  • 40 George Square Cafe has baguettes, rolls, toasties, salads, Panini, coffees, organic Fairtrade teas, and cold beverages.
  • Absorb Appleton tower has hot toasties, nourishing soups, and freshly made coffee.
  • Bayes has fruit, bircher pots, breakfast wraps, pastries, and muffins. For lunch, a range of salad boxes, wraps, snack pots, and artisan rolls/buns, 100% Arabica coffee are available.
  • The Cafe has a quick Grab & Go service. Other options include breakfast from pancakes or French toast or a delicious bacon roll. And, there is a range of salads and pasta or our weekly curry club for lunch.

Other options are ECCI Cafe, The Exchange cafe, ground, Levels (Holyrood Road), Library Cafe, and Quad Cafe.

The University of Edinburgh International Office Details

The University of Edinburgh is a highly-ranked university with a strong academic reputation. It is a good choice for students who are interested in studying in the United Kingdom. The University of Edinburgh is home to more than 4,800 students, among which there are 10,312+ international students comprising approximately 29% of the total student body.

All overseas students can contact the university on the following details:

Address: Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 131 650 1000

Is it hard to get into the University of Edinburgh?

The University of Edinburgh has a competitive admission process, which depends on the programme. Overall, the University of Edinburgh acceptance rate is around 44-51%, indicating moderate selectivity. However, for popular and renowned courses like medicine, veterinary science, and law can have acceptance rates as low as 10-20%. 

The University of Edinburgh Gallery

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FAQ's

The University of Edinburgh is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom for research studies. And, as the fifth country with the highest number of international students, Indian students are in abundance at the university.

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world's largest and most prestigious universities, currently ranking in the top 15 in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world's largest and most prestigious universities, currently ranking in the top 15 in the QS World University Rankings 2023. The University is made up of 22 schools, with approximately forty-four percent of the 45,000 students currently enrolled being international.