Educads
ED University of Edinburgh logo

University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland · Public University · Est. 1583

QS World #27 Admissions open
Type
Public University
Founded
1583
Students
40,000
International
16,000

Edinburgh: the applicant's brief

6 findings
  1. The short answer

    The University of Edinburgh is a public university in Edinburgh, Scotland, and it suits students who want a large research university with a strong international mix. It is a good fit if you want to study in the UK at a university with a wide range of applicants from many countries.

  2. What you can study

    The university has about 40,000 students and about 16,000 of them are international, so it offers a large study environment with a strong global mix. Specific subject areas and programme names are not listed here, so confirm the current programme catalogue on the university website before applying.

  3. Getting in

    International applicants should apply through the university’s official admissions process and check the entry requirements for their chosen programme before they submit anything. They should also confirm document requirements, deadlines, and any English language condition on the official site.

  4. What it costs

    Tuition ranges from GBP 25,500 to GBP 34,500. The university does not publish a separate fee for each programme in the information given here, so confirm the exact cost for your course with the admissions office; living costs in Edinburgh will be additional.

  5. Coming from abroad

    The university has 16,000 international students, which may make it easier to find other students who have moved from abroad. The language of instruction is not stated here, so confirm it for your programme, and check visa needs, accommodation, and arrival dates before you apply.

  6. How it compares

    Among 193 universities in the United Kingdom, Edinburgh stands out as a large public university with a high international student count and a strong research profile. If you want a UK university with scale and an established international presence, it is one of the more substantial options in Scotland.

Written from this university's catalogue entry and its cited encyclopedia summary. Figures are only shown where the institution or a cited source publishes them — always confirm fees and entry requirements with the university itself before applying.

Questions about Edinburgh

What type of university is the University of Edinburgh?

It is a public university.

Where is the University of Edinburgh located?

It is in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the United Kingdom.

How many students does it have?

It has about 40,000 students.

What is the tuition range?

Tuition ranges from GBP 25,500 to GBP 34,500.

Overview

The University of Edinburgh is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded by the town council under the authority of a royal charter from King James VI in 1582 and officially opened in 1583, it is one of Scotland's four ancient universities and the sixth-oldest university in continuous operation in the English-speaking world. The university played a crucial role in Edinburgh becoming a leading intellectual centre during the Scottish Enlightenment and contributed to the city being nicknamed the "Athens of the North".

Ranking figures are indicative and provided for general guidance — always verify current positions with the official QS rankings and the university.

Programs at Edinburgh

7 programs across 2 study levels.

PhD / Doctorate

PhD / Doctorate Medicine & Health Sciences

Doctor of Medicine

University of Edinburgh

🎓

Master's Degree

Master's Degree Arts, Design & Architecture

MA Vs Scottish MA

University of Edinburgh

🎓
Master's Degree Business & Management

MBA Internships

University of Edinburgh

🎓

Tuition fees & costs

Indicative annual tuition

GBP 25,500 – GBP 34,500/yr

Moderate tuition

Indicative living cost

Fees vary by programme and are indicative. Confirm exact fees with the university before applying.

Admission requirements

Recognised high-school qualification for undergraduate entry; a relevant bachelor’s degree for postgraduate entry.

English: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 90 (varies by programme).

How to apply

  1. 1Check the entry requirements and intake dates for your chosen programme on the official university website.
  2. 2Confirm you meet the entry requirements: Recognised high-school qualification for undergraduate entry; a relevant bachelor’s degree for postgraduate entry..
  3. 3Apply directly through the university admission portal, or via its official application platform.
  4. 4Submit your transcripts and English-proficiency scores (IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo English Test) and pay the application fee.
  5. 5On receiving your offer letter, accept it and begin your student-visa process for United Kingdom.

Related universities

OX University of Oxford logo

University of Oxford

Oxford, England, United Kingdom · Public University

★ 81 QS World #3 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
GBP 29,500 – GBP 40,000/yr
Founded
1096
CA University of Cambridge logo

University of Cambridge

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom · Public University

★ 81 QS World #5 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
GBP 29,000 – GBP 39,000/yr
Founded
1209
IM Imperial College London logo

Imperial College London

London, England, United Kingdom · Public University

★ 80 QS World #2 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
GBP 31,500 – GBP 42,500/yr
Founded
1907
UC University College London logo

University College London

London, England, United Kingdom · Public University

★ 78 QS World #9 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
GBP 28,000 – GBP 38,000/yr
Founded
1826

Last updated 29 Aug 2026. Information is provided for guidance — verify with official sources before applying.

Stay updated

Get admission alerts, scholarship deadlines & university news — free.