The University of Edinburgh is a public research university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is a privately controlled institution of higher education at Edinburgh, one of the most noted of Scotland’s universities.
Authorized a “Royal Charter” by King James VI in 1582 and officially commenced in 1583, it is one of Scotland's 4 ancient universities and the 6th-oldest university in continually operational in the English-speaking world today!
During the 18th century, the university developed a particular eminence in teaching anatomy and the emerging science of surgery, and it was considered one of the most prominent medical schools in the English-speaking world.
After 275 years of authoritative administration by the town council, the Universities (Scotland) Act 1858 granted the university full authority over its own affairs. The act formulated governing bodies, including a university court and a general council, and remodeled the roles of prime officials like the chancellor, rector, and principal.
The new Medical School started in 1884, but the building was not consummated until 1888. Then, after politician and brewer William McEwan garnered funds in 1894, an exclusive graduation building was constructed. The ensuing McEwan Hall on Bristo Square was presented to the university in 1897.
On 1st August 1998, the Moray House Institute of Education, established in 1848, amalgamated with the University of Edinburgh, becoming its Faculty of Education. Following the internal redesigning of the university in 2002, Moray House became the “Moray House School of Education”.
The alumni of the university enlist some of the renowned figures of modern history. Alexander Graham Bell, Charles Darwin, philosopher David Hume, and physicist James Clerk Maxwell studied at Edinburgh.
The university garners several heads of state and government amongst graduates, including 3 British Prime Ministers and many more.
The University of Edinburgh's academic model is based on 3 Colleges containing schools as below.
Artificial Intelligence Applications Institute (A.I.A.I.)
Common Marking Schemes
The University enumerates the following Common Marking Schemes:
Undergraduate Degree Assessment (except B.V.M.&S and M.B.Ch.B)
HONOURS | HONOURS | NON-HONOURS | NON-HONOURS |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
“Honours Class” | Marks | Grade | Non-honors Description |
1st | 90% to 100% | ‘A1’ | Excellent |
1st | 80% to 89% | ‘A2’ | Excellent |
1st | 70% to 79% | ‘A3’ | Excellent |
2.1 | 60% to 69% | ‘B’ | Very Good |
2.2 | 50% to 59% | ‘C’ | Performance at a level showing the capacity to obtain at least a lower second-class honors degree |
3rd | 40% to 49% | ‘D’ | Pass, may not be adequate for leaping to an honors programme |
Fail | 30% to 39% | ‘E’ | Marginal Fail |
Fail | 20% to 29% | ‘F’ | Clear Fail |
Fail | 10% to 19% | ‘G’ | Bad Fail |
Fail | 0 to 9% | ‘H’ | Bad Fail |
Mark | Grade | Description |
90% to 100% | ‘A1’ | A brilliant performance, satisfactory for a distinction |
80% to 89% | ‘A2’ | A brilliant performance, satisfactory for a distinction |
70% to 79% | ‘A3’ | An excellent performance, satisfactory for a distinction |
60% to 69% | ‘B’ | A very good performance |
50% to 59% | ‘C’ | A good performance, satisfactory for a master's degree |
40% to 49% | ‘D’ | Satisfactory performance for the diploma and certificate, but inadequate for a master's degree |
30% to 39% | ‘E’ | Marginal Fail |
20% to 29% | F | Clear Fail |
10% to 19% | G | Bad Fail |
0 to 9% | H | Bad Fail |
Semester dates for the 2022/23 academic year.
19th September – 26th December 2022
Date | Event |
12th -15th September | Welcome Week |
19th September | Semester 1 starts / Teaching block 1 starts |
21st October | Teaching block 1 ends |
24th October | Teaching block 2 starts |
“To be confirmed” | Graduations |
2nd December | Teaching block 2 ends |
5th December | Revision |
12th – 23rd December | Examinations |
23rd December | Semester 1 ends |
26th December | Winter teaching vacation starts |
“To be confirmed” | University closed |
16th January - 26th May 2023
Date | Event |
“To be confirmed” | “January Welcome” |
16th January 2023 | 2ndSemesterstarts / Teaching block-3 starts |
17th February 2023 | Teaching block-3 ends |
20th February 2023 | Flexible Learning Week starts |
27th February 2023 | Teaching block-4 starts |
7th April 2023 | Teaching block-4 ends |
10th to 21st April 2023 | Spring teaching vacation time |
24th April 2023 | Revision |
1st May to 26th May 2023 | Examinations time |
26th May 2023 | 2ndSemester ends |
29th May 2023 | Summer teaching vacation commences |
“To be confirmed” | Graduations |
“To be confirmed” | Resit examinations |
University of Edinburgh World Rankings
Ranked By | The year 2016 | The year 2017 | The year 2018 | The year 2019 | The year 2020 | 2021 |
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Universities Rankings | #41 | #32 | #32 | #31 | #42 | NA |
QS - World University Ranking | NA | #19 | #23 | #18 | #20 | #20 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - University Ranking | NA | #27 | #27 | #29 | #30 | #30 |
The Complete University Guide - University Ranking (UK) | NA | #19 | #23 | #23 | #16 | #15 |
The Guardian - University Rankings | NA | #22 | #30 | #28 | #25 | #13 |
US News & World Report - Global Universities | NA | NA | #27 | #28 | #28 | #30 |
Parameter | University of Edinburgh QS Score (2021) | Weightage |
Academic Reputation | 98.00 | 40.0% |
Employer Reputation | 95.40 | 10.0% |
Faculty: Student | 83.10 | 20.0% |
Citations per Faculty | 50.20 | 20.0% |
International Faculty | 98.20 | 5.0% |
International Students | 99.00 | 5.0% |
For the 2020 Employability Rankings, the University of Edinburgh obtained an overall score of 69.60; the fractionalization of the same is mentioned in the table below
Parameter | QS Score (2020) | Weightage |
Employer Reputation | 90.40 | 30.0% |
Alumni Outcome | 56.60 | 25.0% |
Partnerships with Employers | 77.10 | 25.0% |
Employer-Student Connection | 60.70 | 20.0% |
Program/Subject | QS Ranking 2021 | US News Ranking 2020 | NTU Ranking 2020 |
Linguistics | 3 | 7 | - |
Veterinary Science | 6 | 62 | - |
English Language & Literature | 9 | 7 | - |
Arts & Humanities | 11 | 7 | 15 |
History | 16 | - | - |
Medicine | 19 | 46 | 63 |
Philosophy | 20 | - | 48 |
Biological Sciences | 21 | 40 | 31 |
Psychology | 22 | 60 | 65 |
Computer Science | 23 | 51 | 96 |
Mathematics | 35 | 81 | 136 |
Natural Sciences | 37 | 62 | 61 |
Accounting and Finance | 44 | - | 121 |
Engineering | 50-100 | 178 | 200 |
Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
B.E. / B.Tech. (22 Courses) | (4 to 5 years) | £27.56 K - 30.42 K |
B.Sc.(27 Courses) | (4 to 5 years) | £22 K - 28.98 K |
B.B.A. (28 Courses) | (4 years) | £20.90 K - 22 K |
M.A.(6 Courses) | (1 year) | £25.10 K |
M.Arch. (4 Courses) | (1 year to 2 years) | £24 K - £25.20 K |
MBA/PGDM(1 Courses) | (12 months) | £35.90 K |
MBBS(1 Courses) | (6 years) | £32.10 K |
MS(53 Courses) | (1 year to 21 months) | £21.95 K - £35.98 K |
MIM(18 Courses) | (12 months to 1 year) | £23 K - £31.38 K |
The cost of living in Edinburgh is comparatively high. It may not be as expensive as its other British comrade, London, but it is still expensive enough for an average student. The average monthly expenses of a student are subject to one’s lifestyle, preferences & of course, financial capacity.(All figures are approximate and for guidance purposes only).
Various accommodations at the university are:
Postgraduate Residences:
Program | Test Score Requirements |
M.B.A. | G.M.A.T. : 600 IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL (iBT): 100 |
MS in Computer Science | IELTS: 6.50 TOEFL (iBT): 92.0 |
MS in Data Science | IELTS: 6.50 TOEFL (iBT): 92.0 |
MS in Statistics with Data Science | IELTS: 6.50 TOEFL (iBT): 92.0 |
MS in Business Analytics | IELTS: 7.00 TOEFL (iBT): 100 |
M.Sc. in Management | IELTS: 7.00 TOEFL (iBT): 100 |
M.Sc. in Accounting and Finance | IELTS: 7.00; TOEFL (iBT): 100 |
MS in Economics | G.R.E. or GMAT (recommended); IELTS: 7.00 TOEFL (iBT): 100 |
MS in Marketing | IELTS: 7.00 TOEFL (iBT): 100 |
MPhil Architecture | IELTS: 7.00 TOEFL (iBT): 100 |
B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science | IELTS: 6.50 TOEFL (iBT): 92 |
B.Sc. in Applied Mathematics | IELTS: 6.50 TOEFL (iBT): 92 |
BA Architecture | IELTS: 6.50 TOEFL (iBT): 92 |
Every year, the University of Edinburgh allots enrolments to more than 10,000 international students in different UG & PG courses. In addition to the general application requisites, international students have to furnish a few additional student supporting documentation:
The University of Edinburgh offers more than 100 undergraduate programs to incoming students in academic fields like Science & Technology, Accounting, Computer Science, Data Sciences, etc. The application process is more or less similar for all courses:
However, the academic requirements for UG courses at the University of Edinburgh are program-specific.
The university offers more than 20 graduate courses in the field of Accounting & Finance, Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Business Analytics. Students can apply through the respective school online. Each program’s requirements, deadlines, and admission procedure varies from the other.
The university evaluates applications against defined selection criteria for each degree.
Each of the university’s colleges has its own admissions board. This indicates that, while the University has bodacious admissions policies and procedures, it is the responsibility of the colleges to decide which applicants shall be offered a place. Applicants who have met, or are predicted to meet, the entry requirements have achieved entry into the selection process.
They consider every application equally noteworthy received by the relevant UCAS deadline. However, they get high numbers of applications for many of their degrees, and hence they cannot assurance to consider& evaluate applications received after the deadline.
University considers all the information in one’s UCAS application before making a final admissions decision. This includes one’s academic qualifications, one’s personal statement, and reference, and any other data and info considered to broaden the approach to widening access to applicants.
The applicant(s) can always monitor the progress of their application by visiting the university portal. In addition, the admissions office of the University of Edinburgh reviews& evaluates each application antagonistically. Admissions are proffered to students depending on their academic excellence, test scores, and supporting documentation.
The concerned school personnel carefully re-evaluates all applications, and one will receive an acknowledgment as soon as possible. For some programs with a high stack of applications, this may take several weeks, but for the majority of programs, one should expect to hear within two weeks.
Every year, the university has maximal enlistments in almost all the programs that they offer, so the students should complete their admission process at the earliest possible. Consummate offers are accorded quickly to those applicants who have accomplished all the entry requisites and have quantified grades.
Employers desire for more than just a degree holder - they look for a graduate with a repertoire of skills and credentials who can grow vigorously in the working world.
Employers from all fields look up to Edinburgh as an excellent training ground for high-flyers and value their graduate’s intellectual ability and top-notch attributes attained while studying here.
They are well-regarded by recruiters looking out for talented graduates. “The High Fliers Research” positioned the University of Edinburgh as the No.13 most sought-after university in the UK for 2020-21. The graduates are ranked #25 in the world by employers (QS World University Rankings 2022).
6 months after graduation, 96.50% of its students are in employment or postgraduate study.
University of Edinburgh Scholarships extends opportunities to support international students from distinctive backgrounds, providing those with great academic abilities but few educational opportunities access to Edinburgh's top-notch education. International students from more than 150 countries enlisting in various Edinburgh’s Bachelor, master’s, and doctoral programs are counted-on for these scholarships.
The university works in association with Global organizations and the government to grant international students, on UK student visas, a broad range of University of Edinburgh scholarships, including:
While the university-based scholarships grant value ranges from £1000- £15,000, the government and other scholarships cover partial tuition fees, accommodation, and travel expenses in the UK and provide a stipend. Prospective students are advised to keep updated on the benefits, eligibility, and application procedure for their opted University of Edinburgh scholarships.
The Scholarship program is structured for international students initiating the UG program in mathematics. Recipients of the Edinburgh Global Undergraduate mathematics scholarships will receive £5,000 per year, based on the following eligibility and selection criteria:
The School of History, Classics, and Archeology allocate around five undergraduate scholarships, worth £1,000, to international students enlisting in relevant subjects. The selection criteria for the same are:
Every year2 recipients are selected for the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies International Scholarship, each obtaining award worth £5,000 per year. Selections are primarily depending on the fulfillment of the eligibility given below:
Edinburgh Scholarship | Offered by | Benefits | Eligibility & Selection Criteria |
MBA Leadership Scholarship | Edinburgh Business School | £10,000 | Min. 7 years of work experience& Personal statement |
Engineering International Masters Scholarships | School of Engineering | £3,000 | Academic merit- 80.0% or higher in UG (Indian grading system) |
Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships | Scottish Government | £8,000 | Secured admission in 1year PG program in an applicable program; At least 80.0% in the bachelor's degree |
John Fisher High-Performance Scholarship | School of Informatics | 50.0% tuition fee | 80.0% or higher in 4year UG degree (Indian students) |
Chevening Scholarships | UK government | Full-ride scholarship | Leadership abilities; admission in the applicable subject area |
InlaksShivdasani Foundation Scholarships | InlaksShivdasani Foundation | $100,000 (USD) | Below 30 years; Minimum 80.0% in UG degree |
The Kenneth Denbigh Scholarship | School of Engineering | £1,000 | Academic score; 75.0% or above in UG degree |
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship | Commonwealth Scholarships Commission | Tuition, travel fare & living expenses | At least 80.0% in Bachelor’s; admission in the applicable PG program |