One of the UK’s most historic and prestigious institutions, the University of Edinburgh is renowned for academic excellence, pioneering research, and global impact. Located in Scotland’s vibrant capital, it offers world-class education across a wide range of disciplines. With a legacy of innovation and a forward-thinking approach, Edinburgh continues to shape future leaders and changemakers.
The University of Edinburgh is a public university situated in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the United Kingdom, that was established in 1583. The University of Edinburgh has continuously been listed in the top 30 universities worldwide according to the University of Edinburgh rankings.
Things to Know about the University of Edinburgh
Some important things to know about Edinburgh University are mentioned below:
Particulars
Validations
Edinburgh University Acceptance Rate
Around 40%
Edinburgh University Student Enrollment
More than 39,000 (approx.)
Edinburgh University IELTS Score
Overall 6.5 or higher
Edinburgh University Ranking
#5 in the UK (Source: Shiksha Popular Rankings)
Edinburgh University Top 5 Courses
Computer Science Economics Education Civil Engineering Business
The University of Edinburgh Courses
The University of Edinburgh is renowned for its academic excellence in both teaching and research. Its three colleges—the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, and the College of Science & Engineering—offer more than 300 postgraduate taught courses and 135 research areas.
History, Economics, Political Science & Government, Psychology, Mathematics, and more are among the most popular academic programs at Edinburgh University UK, according to historical data from the university’s alumni.
The University of Edinburgh Ranking
The University of Edinburgh consistently ranks in the top 30 worldwide, coming in at number 27 in the QS World Rankings in 2025. Additionally, it was ranked 38th by U.S. News and 29th by THE World Rankings.
These rankings are significant because they represent the calibre of the university’s research, teaching, and international standing. You should take into account the university’s performance in relation to these ranking agencies if you want a top-tier education that is acknowledged globally.
To see how the University of Edinburgh’s ranking has changed recently, view the table below.
Ranking Body
2023
2024
2025
QS World Rankings
15
22
27
THE World Rankings
29
=30
29
U.S. News & World Report’s Rankings
34
38
38
The University of Edinburgh Campuses
Each of the University of Edinburgh’s five main campuses is devoted to a particular field of study and research. These campuses, which offer specialised spaces and facilities for a range of academic disciplines, are positioned thoughtfully around the city and its suburbs.
You can better match the resources offered by the university with your academic interests if you are aware of each campus’s distinct concentration.
The University of Edinburgh has five main campuses, which are as follows:
1. Central Area (George Square)
McEwan Hall: Finished in 1897, this Category A listed auditorium in the Italian Renaissance architecture houses the university’s graduation ceremony.
Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre: The largest lecture hall at the institution, it can accommodate 481 people and serves as a venue for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
40 George Square: Previously called the David Hume Tower, this 14-story structure is a notable illustration of Scottish Modernist architecture and contains a number of offices and classrooms.
2. King’s Buildings
FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility: The main purpose of this special 25-meter-diameter wave and current test tank is to evaluate marine energy projects and technology.
KB101 Initiative: The university’s KB101 campaign, which featured a lecture series and recently commissioned artworks, commemorated more than a century of research and engineering at King’s Buildings in 2021.
Student Facilities: The campus has a number of eating options, a student union with many cafés, and recreational spaces like squash and badminton courts.
3. Easter Bush
Agritech Hub: With a £74 million investment, a new Agritech Hub is being established with the goals of increasing crop productivity and efficiency, boosting global food security, and supporting net-zero carbon projects.
Roslin Institute: Known for creating Dolly the Sheep, the institute is still at the forefront of research in food security and animal biosciences.
Academic Community: With more than 1,000 scientists, professors, and physicians on campus, it is the largest concentration of animal science research talent in Europe.
4. BioQuarter (Little France)
Health Innovation District: BioQuarter will be transformed into a thriving mixed-use neighbourhood with an estimated 9,000 additional jobs and a population of over 20,000 people thanks to a £1 billion expansion plan.
Medical Research Facilities: The location is home to the Edinburgh Medical School, the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, and the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, all of which help to make it a top hub for health innovation.
Bioinformatics cluster: With co-located organisations like the Administrative Data Research Centre and the Usher Institute, BioQuarter is home to the biggest bioinformatics cluster in Europe.
5. Western General
Institute of Genetics and Cancer: This institute has made significant contributions to the understanding of hereditary abnormalities and targeted cancer treatments through its groundbreaking work in precision medicine, oncology, and genetics.
Clinical Integration: Integrated clinical investigations are made possible by the Western General Hospital’s proximity, which supports oncology and genetics research.
The University of Edinburgh Admission
The University of Edinburgh has strict requirements for academic, linguistic, and test scores, and admission is selective. Postgraduate candidates must have at least 60% or an 8 out of 10 GPA, whereas undergraduate students normally need at least 80% in the CBSE or ISC.
Postgraduate degrees in finance may demand a GRE score of 315, whereas courses such as medicine require a UCAT score of at least 2450. You must demonstrate that you make £1,136 (INR 1.28L) a month to meet living expenses in order for your visa to be granted.
Learn the fundamental requirements for admission first. These consist of qualifying examination results for particular programs, academic results, and language test results.
Admission Requirements
You must fulfil specific requirements related to academic credentials, language ability, competitive tests, and visa documentation in order to be admitted to the University of Edinburgh.
Postgraduate applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with 60% or a GPA of 8/10, whereas undergraduate students normally need at least 80% in CBSE or ISC. For the majority of programs, the standard language criterion is IELTS 6.5, with no component falling below 5.5. You must demonstrate that you make £1,136 (INR 1.28L) a month to meet living expenses in order for your visa to be approved.
Examine each of the admissions requirements listed below. First, see if your grades meet the requirements for admission to the program.
Academic Qualification
Most undergraduate courses at the University of Edinburgh require at least 80% in Class XII, but top programs like medicine require at least 85% in core areas.
You need a bachelor’s degree with 60% or a GPA of 8/10 to be eligible for postgraduate programs. These figures demonstrate the level of academic rigour that the institution demands from all boards and programs.
To find out what academic scores are needed for the major Indian boards and programs, look at the chart below.
Qualification Type
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
CBSE (Class XII)
Overall 80% with 75% in three subjects; English at 75%
Bachelor’s degree with 60% or GPA 8/10; if from a university on the approved list, 55% or GPA 7/10
CISCE (ISC Class XII)
Overall 80% with 75% in three subjects; English at 75%
Same as CBSE requirements
State Boards
Overall 80% with 80% in required subjects; English at 75%
Same as CBSE requirements
Advanced Entry (Year 2)
For Science & Engineering: CBSE/CISCE/West Bengal Board with 85% overall and 85% in required subjects
Not applicable
Medicine (MBChB)
CBSE/CISCE with 85% overall; 85% in English, Chemistry, and two of Biology, Maths, or Physics; UCAT required
Graduate entry requires a relevant undergraduate degree such as BSc Biomedical Sciences or BSc Physiology
Biomedical & Medical Sciences
CBSE/CISCE with 80% overall; 85% in Biology & Chemistry; English at 75%
Bachelor’s degree with 60% or GPA 8/10; if from a university on the approved list, 55% or GPA 7/10
Veterinary Medicine
CBSE/CISCE/State Boards with 85% overall; 85% in Chemistry, Biology, and one other subject
Bachelor’s degree with 60% or GPA 8/10; if from a university on the approved list, 55% or GPA 7/10
PhD
Not applicable
Master’s degree in a relevant subject; research proposal required for admission under a research supervisor (guide)
Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate that you meet the English language requirements in order to enrol at the University of Edinburgh. You can be admitted as an undergraduate but not for graduate school if you received a 75% in English on the CBSE or CISCE. Standardised test results, such as IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 92, are required for postgraduate degrees.
Acceptable credentials and minimal scores for undergraduate and graduate admission are listed in the table below.
Qualification Type
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
CBSE/CISCE (Class XII)
75% in English; no additional test required
Not accepted as sole proof; test required
State Boards (Class XII)
75% in English; no additional test required
Not accepted as sole proof; test required
IELTS
Overall 6.5; minimum 5.5 in each component
Overall 6.5; minimum 6.0 in each component
TOEFL
Total 92; minimum 20 in each section
Total 92; minimum 20 in each section
PTE Academic
Overall 65; minimum 54 in each component
Overall 65; minimum 54 in each component
Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency
Overall 176; minimum 162 in each component
Overall 176; minimum 162 in each component
Trinity ISE
ISE II with distinction in all components
ISE III with pass in all components
Oxford ELLT
Overall 7; minimum 5 in each component
Overall 7; minimum 5 in each component
Degree from Approved Indian University
Not applicable
Accepted if taught and assessed in English; degree must be ≤5 years old
Pre-sessional English Course
Accepted if completed ≤2 years and 1 month before program start
Accepted if completed ≤2 years and 1 month before program start
Competitive Exams
The University of Edinburgh requires competitive exam scores for certain of its programs. A minimum score of 2450 on the UCAT is required for undergraduate medicine (MBChB). GRE or GMAT scores are required for postgraduate courses such as the MSc in Economics or Finance. MCAT is acceptable for Graduate Entry Medicine as well.
To determine which tests are required and what score you should strive for, see the chart below.
Qualification Type
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
UCAT (Medicine)
Required for MBChB
Required for Graduate Entry MBChBMinimum Score Required: 2450
GRE
Not applicable
Recommended for MSc Economics (Quantitative ≥80th percentile)Required for MSc Climate Change Finance & Investment (Minimum 315)
GMAT
Not applicable
May be required for MBA (Minimum 600 or 555 Focus Edition) May be required for MSc Climate Change Finance & Investment (Minimum 600 or 555 Focus Edition)
MCAT
Not applicable
Accepted for Graduate Entry MBChB Minimum 508 with section scores: BBFL ≥128PSBB ≥126CPBS ≥128CARS ≥126
Visa Requirements
The next step after receiving an offer from the University of Edinburgh is to apply for a student visa to the UK. Certain documentation, such as a current passport, CAS letter, and evidence of money, must be presented.
You must provide proof of finances for Edinburgh that covers tuition and living expenses of £1,136 (INR 1.28L) each month for a maximum of nine months.
Before beginning the visa application process, make sure you have all the necessary documents by using the table below.
Requirement
Details
Valid Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Issued by the University upon acceptance; required for visa application.
Financial Evidence
Proof of funds to cover tuition fees and living costs £1,136 per month, up to 9 months (INR 1.28L/month).
English Language Proficiency
Evidence of meeting the University’s English language requirements.
Academic Qualifications
Certificates or transcripts of previous education.
Translations
Certified translations must accompany any documents not in English.
Following the completion of your visa preparation, you should monitor the application calendar. To prevent missing deadlines, you must apply well in advance based on your preferred intake.
Visit the University of Edinburgh admission page for comprehensive application instructions, including up-to-date information on eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply with confidence.
Now let’s dissect the intake windows and application dates you should schedule.
The University of Edinburgh Courses
More than 700 undergraduate and graduate academic programs are available at the University of Edinburgh. These cover a wide range of fields, such as business, law, medicine, and STEM.
Specialised schools that encourage in-depth academic engagement include the Edinburgh Medical School, School of Informatics, and Edinburgh Law School.
Students from more than 130 nations choose the university because of its industry-aligned curriculum and interdisciplinary approach.
An overview of the main program areas offered by the University of Edinburgh is provided below.
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics): It encompasses courses in computer science, physics, mathematics, and engineering, including master’s degrees in data science and artificial intelligence.
Medicine and Health Sciences: This field offers programs like MBChB, MSc in Public Health, and more. It is home to the Edinburgh Medical School and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
Business and Economics: Offers undergraduate business management programs with internship opportunities, as well as degrees including MBA, MSc Finance, and MSc Economics.
Law and Social Sciences: Provides master’s degrees in political science, social policy, and international law as well as LLB programs.
Arts and Humanities: The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences offers courses in languages, literature, philosophy, and history.
Arts and Humanities: The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences offers courses in languages, literature, philosophy, and history.
Psychology and Education: Well-liked programs include BEd Primary Education, MSc Psychology of Mental Health, and MSc Education.
Environmental and Climate Sciences: Master’s degrees in Ecological Economics, Environmental Sustainability, and Climate Change Finance.
The University of Edinburgh Fees
Tuition is not the only cost of attending the University of Edinburgh. Your course and level of study determine the annual cost.
For instance, the annual tuition for an MBA is £43,300 (INR 48.9L), whereas the starting price for Arts and Humanities programs is £25,300 (INR 28.5L). Before preparing your budget or applying for a visa, these figures assist you in estimating the minimal financial commitment.
The current annual tuition costs for the chosen programs are shown in the table below.
Program
Annual Tuition Fee (GBP)
Annual Tuition Fee (INR)
MBA (Full-time)
£43,300
INR 48.9L
BA/MA (Arts & Humanities)
£25,300 per year
INR 28.5L/year
MSc Data Science
£30,900
INR 34.9L
BSc (Science & Engineering)
£35,100 per year
INR 39.7L/year
The University of Edinburgh Scholarship
In 2025, the University of Edinburgh will award more than 250 scholarships to students. One internal option is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which pays for living expenses, housing, and tuition in full. Travel and visa costs are covered by full funding from outside grants such as the Chevening Scholarship.
Additionally, you have the option to apply for national assistance programs like the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship, which provides up to USD 100K (INR 85L). These scholarships enable you to pursue a highly regarded education while lessening your financial load.
Examine internal scholarships that the University of Edinburgh offers directly first. Course type, academic merit, and geographical eligibility all play a role in these rewards.
Internal Scholarships
Through the GREAT Scholarships, the University of Edinburgh is providing up to £10,000 (INR 11.3L) for master’s programs that last one year. Undergraduate students studying mathematics are eligible to receive £5,000 (INR 5.6L) annually to help with living expenses. Complete coverage is offered by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which includes complete tuition, lodging, travel, and other perks.
These internal scholarships let you control expenses without sacrificing your course selections by focussing on both academic merit and regional eligibility.
Find out which scholarships you might be eligible for based on your course and study style by looking through the table below.
Scholarship
Type of Scholarship
Benefits
GREAT Scholarships 2025
Postgraduate (1-year Master’s)
£10,000 (INR 11.3L) tuition fee reduction.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Postgraduate (On-campus Master’s)
Full tuitionAccommodationTravelLiving stipendStudy materialsClimate leadership training.
Global Talent Fund BIG Scholarships
Undergraduate (Mathematics)
Full tuitionLiving costsAcademic stipendsNetworking, internships, and research placements.
Edinburgh Surgery Online Global Scholarships
Postgraduate (Online MSc Surgical Sciences)
Full tuition feesA contribution towards internet access.
Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Mathematics Scholarships
Undergraduate (Mathematics)
£5,000 (INR 5.6L) per year towards living costs, paid in installments.
External Scholarships
International students can apply for a number of worthwhile external scholarships at the University of Edinburgh. The UK government funds the Chevening Scholarship, which includes living and travel expenses in addition to full tuition.
The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship, which grants up to USD 100K (INR 85L), is also open to Indian students. These grants provide significant financial assistance for postgraduate programs that are extremely competitive.
To find external scholarships that fit your course and country, look through the table below.
Scholarship Name
Type of Scholarship
Benefits
Chevening Scholarship by UK Government (FCDO)
Postgraduate (1-year Master’s)
Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, return airfare, arrival allowance, visa cost, and access to exclusive networking events.
Commonwealth Scholarship
Postgraduate (Master’s)
Full tuition fees, monthly stipend (£1,236–£1,516) (INR 1.39L–1.71L), return airfare, thesis grant, warm clothing allowance, and child/spouse allowances if applicable.
Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship
Postgraduate (Master’s/MPhil/PhD)
Up to USD 100K (INR 85L) covering tuition fees, living expenses, one-way airfare, and health allowance.
The University of Edinburgh Placements
The University of Edinburgh provides excellent placement results and career help. Five years after graduating, the average pay for graduates is £49,500 (INR 56.3L). Within six months of graduation, 95% of students in the full-time MBA program find work.
The main placement services and results you might anticipate are as follows:
Committed Careers Service: Offers individualised counselling, assistance with career searching, and access to MyCareerHub, an online job board with openings both during and after education.
Employer Engagement: Through initiatives like the “Careers in Engineering Fair” and “Careers in Law Fair,” it facilitates contacts with a variety of employers.
The University of Edinburgh Alumni
The University of Edinburgh has a global network of more than 300,000 alumni in 190 countries. Pioneers in the fields of science, literature, politics, medicine, and invention are included in this. Graduates of the university have helped to shape industries, lead nations, win Nobel Prizes, and develop theories.
View the table below to discover more about some of the most successful graduates from the University of Edinburgh.
Name
Contribution
Charles Darwin
Developed the theory of evolution by natural selection
Alexander Graham Bell
Inventor of the telephone
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Author of the Sherlock Holmes detective series
Gordon Brown
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Dame Sarah Gilbert
Co-developer of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
Chris Hoy
Six-time Olympic gold medalist in track cycling
James Clerk Maxwell
Physicist who formulated the classical theory of electromagnetic radiation
Piers Sellers
NASA astronaut and climate scientist
JK Rowling
Author of the Harry Potter series (taught at Edinburgh, honorary graduate)
Makhtar Diop
Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank Group
Conclusion
The University of Edinburgh is one of the best and most recognizable educational institutions in the world. It offers a unique balance of history, excellence and innovation. With leading academic programs, ground breaking research facilities, diverse study options and an extensive network of alumni connections, the University of Edinburgh continues to develop future leaders, innovators and thinkers- all of whom will contribute towards a global impact.
The reputation of the University of Edinburgh is continually recognized and it has an established history and interest for high ranking statistics, excellent employability and scholarship opportunities for students. No matter what subject area you study, be it science, business, medicine or the arts, studying at The University of Edinburgh transcends owning another credential, but becomes part of a legacy that has led the world for hundreds of years.
Related FAQs
What is the University of Edinburgh known for?
The University of Edinburgh is well known for its emphasis on entrepreneurship, high global ranking, and robust research output. It is renowned for drawing outstanding foreign researchers and is frequently listed among the top 50 institutions in the world. It is situated in one of the top student cities in Europe and encourages a strong entrepreneurial culture among its students.
What is the admissions process like at the University of Edinburgh?
The acceptance rate is not formally released by the University of Edinburgh. But according to an unreliable source, 51% of applicants get accepted to the University of Edinburgh. It has a 51% acceptance rate, making it a fairly selective admissions process. International students find it challenging to gain admission to the University of Edinburgh.
What makes the University of Edinburgh a good choice?
A wide range of clubs and organisations are available for membership, including those focused on sports, academic pursuits, hobbies, politics, and religion. The University of Edinburgh is eager to support your growth and help you realise your full potential, regardless of your interests. There are plenty of courses offered at the institution, so you’re sure to discover the one that suits you.
What types of accommodation does the University of Edinburgh offer?
The institution offers a variety of self-catered and catered lodging choices, as well as single and twin rooms with private or communal bathrooms.
What opportunities are available with a degree from the University of Edinburgh?
After graduation, a degree is a great opportunity to work in a sector that interests you and to go deeper into topics you are interested in. You won’t work a day in your life if you do something you love! With an undergraduate degree, you can pursue a master’s or doctoral degree to become an expert in your topic of interest if you want to continue working in education.
