A Full Guide to the University of Edinburgh

When contemplating studying in the UK, think big. The UK is more than just England and its prestigious universities, you’ve also got Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. Let’s fixate on Scotland for a bit here. Scotland has some of the best universities in the UK and the world, including the University of Edinburgh. 

The University of Edinburgh is one of the largest universities in the UK. It is located in Scotland and has over 23,000 students enrolled. It is a member of the prestigious group of world-renowned research-intensive institutions known as the "Golden Triangle" of UK higher education. From programmes to student life, from scholarships to facilities and services, this guide is all you need to know about studying at the University of Edinburgh. So, shall we?

About the University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is a top university with a superb reputation. It's also the home of the world's oldest students' association. The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583, making it the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is known for its research-led teaching and for its student life, which includes numerous student societies. The university is made up of a total of 22 schools, and there are currently about 6,000 international students among the 27,500 overall enrollment. 

As the birthplace of several discoveries and innovations, including anaesthesia, penicillin, and the telephone, Edinburgh has a solid academic reputation in the fields of medicine and science. Additionally, the university ranks highly in the humanities and has the oldest English Literature Department in the UK.

University of Edinburgh Ranking

In the QS World University Rankings 2023, the University of Edinburgh, one of the biggest and most prestigious universities in the world, is currently placed among the top 15 institutions globally. It is rated as Scotland's top university and the fourth-best university in the entire United Kingdom.

University of Edinburgh Programmes

The university offers 396 bachelor's degrees, making it one of the best and most widely recognised universities in the UK and a popular study destination. The most significant departments offered by the University of Edinburgh include:

• Humanities

• Social Sciences

• Natural Sciences

• Business

• Arts

• Computer Science

• Engineering

• Law

The spectrum of courses offered at the university includes anything from bachelor's degrees to combined undergraduate programmes that let you mix the academic modules that interest you (MPhil, PhD, EngD, etc.). Short courses, certificates, summer schools, online and part-time programmes, and continuing professional development (CPD) training for professionals in the private, public, and non-profit sectors are also included in the academic curricula.

University of Edinburgh Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for students at this university, like those at most UK universities, vary based on the subject you are applying for and if you are a resident of the UK. Undergraduate courses for international students cost around £24,500–£32,200, while postgraduate courses cost around £2,085–£28,200 per year.

Scholarships at the University of Edinburgh

We know that the tuition fees are a bit much, but luckily enough, there’s a way around that. The university offers a variety of scholarships to help students get the best education possible at the university. Here are some of these scholarships:

1. GREAT Scholarship

Under the GREAT Scholarships programme, students from 14 countries can receive £10,000 towards their tuition costs for various one-year taught postgraduate courses. Nationals and residents of China, India, Nigeria, Turkey, and Vietnam who are accepted for admission on a full-time basis to an appropriate one-year on-campus postgraduate master's programme of study will receive scholarships from the University of Edinburgh.

2. Alumni Scholarship

You are eligible to apply for one of the various alumni scholarships that the University of Edinburgh offers if you have previously studied there, whether for your undergraduate or graduate studies or even a short-term course.

3. UK Government Loans

If you live in the UK, you might qualify for loans to assist with college expenses. Considering that the loans are broken down by discipline, be sure to review the prerequisites on the university's official website.

University of Edinburgh Services and Facilities

The university has top-notch amenities. The third-largest academic library in Europe is one of the university's ten libraries. The university is home to one of the 15 Wellcome Trust clinical research facilities in the UK, the world's most advanced ocean simulator, the FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility, and a £32-million project to build a European centre of excellence in animal services and food security on its Easter Bush campus. Other university facilities include the following:

1. Accommodation

An offer of housing at the University of Edinburgh is made to every first-year student from outside of Edinburgh. Over 25 locations offer accommodation; all of them are close to Edinburgh's centre by foot or bus. 2 kilometres from the city centre, Pollock Hall has 1,900 catered rooms. These come in regular, en-suite, and shared room options. 

Self-catered housing is also offered around the city in various halls and flats, typically housing up to six students per flat. If you wish to book private student accommodation near the university, Casita is here for you. Just reach out to us, and we’ll help secure and land the perfect accommodation for you!

2. Activities and Excursions

The purpose of activities and trips is to immerse you in the local cultures and promote cross-cultural interactions of all kinds. These optional outings are completely free and are already included in the cost of your programme. Cooking lessons, city tours, and hiking trips are among these activities.

3. Student Services

International students will receive assistance with activities that will enhance their academic experiences and with events and information to help them settle in. They will receive academic and well-being supervision and assistance from a team of administrative staff members with academic and professional experience working with students.

4. ICT Services

30 open-access computer laboratories with 24-hour access in strategic locations will be helpful to students. The libraries lend out free laptops, and there is almost complete Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the university premises.

 5. Medical Services

The Student Counselling Service, Disability Services, University Health Centre, and University Pharmacy are all located in the Health and Wellbeing Centre, which is a centre specifically designed for students.

6. Sports Facilities

As one of the top universities in the UK for athletics, the University of Edinburgh has long been acknowledged for consistently placing in the top four of the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) rankings. It has numerous sports facilities that include:

• Peffermill Playing Fields

• Climbing Walls

• Eleiko Training Gym

• Swimming Pool

• FASIC Sport and Exercise Medicine Clinic

• Fitness Classes

7. Student Clubs

You are likely to discover something of interest among the more than 290 societies offered by the Edinburgh University Students' Association. Societies offer a place to socialise, pursue a hobby, or meet others who share your interests. Additionally, the Students' Association provides opportunities for community service.

And that’s all, folks! This was pretty much everything you needed to know about the University of Edinburgh! So, has it climbed to the top of your list of potential-university destinations?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the University of Edinburgh hard to get into?

Unfortunately, the University of Edinburgh is one of the toughest universities to get into in the UK. However, a strong application is key to getting accepted at the university.

What is the University of Edinburgh famous for?

The university is renowned for having one of the best campuses in the world and for being among the top universities in the world.

What is the deadline for the University of Edinburgh applications?

The deadline for the majority of programmes is January 25th, with the exception of those with rolling admissions. The cut-off is often around June 30th for a winter intake.

What is the best Master’s program at the University of Edinburgh?

There are several excellent master's programmes offered by the University of Edinburgh, but some of the most well-known are those in engineering, the visual arts, and sound engineering.

Is the University of Edinburgh expensive?

The University of Edinburgh's tuition costs aren't significantly higher than those of any other university. Still, because living expenses in Edinburgh can be higher than in other regions of the country, it may feel more expensive than universities outside of the capital.