University Profile
University of Edinburgh
Old College, University of Edinburgh
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
About University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is Scotland's capital city university and one of the UK's most prestigious institutions. It combines the scale of a large research university (over 45,000 students) with the setting of one of Europe's most beautiful and culturally rich cities.
Edinburgh is particularly strong in medicine, informatics (computer science), veterinary science, linguistics and the arts. Its School of Informatics is the largest in the UK and one of the top computer science departments in Europe. The university also has a world-class artificial intelligence research group — the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics and AI.
For North American students, Edinburgh offers a distinctive package: a prestigious, research-intensive university in a city that regularly ranks as one of the world's best places to live. The Scottish four-year degree structure is actually more similar to the North American model than the typical three-year English degree, making the transition easier.
Key Highlights
- 1One of the world's top 20 universities across multiple league tables
- 2Scotland's capital city university, set in Edinburgh's historic Old Town and New Town
- 3School of Informatics is the largest in the UK and a global leader in AI research
- 4Four-year Scottish degree structure — more flexible, similar to North American model
- 5Edinburgh Festival Fringe: world's largest arts festival happens on the university's doorstep annually
- 621 Nobel Prize winners among alumni and staff
Campus & Student Life
Edinburgh doesn't have a single campus — its buildings are spread across the city, from the medieval Old Town to the Georgian New Town (both UNESCO World Heritage). Student life benefits from being embedded in one of Europe's most vibrant cities. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe every August transforms the city into the world's largest performing arts festival. The outdoor scene is exceptional — Arthur's Seat (an extinct volcano) is literally in the middle of the city.
For North American Students
Min. GPA (indicative)
3.5 / 4.0
SAT/ACT Accepted
Yes
Application Route
Via UCAS
English Requirement
6.5 overall (no component below 6.0)
Edinburgh has a large North American student population — one of the biggest in Scotland. The four-year Scottish degree is appealing for North American students because it allows more breadth in the first two years before specialising (similar to the US/Canadian model). AP scores of 5 in three subjects are typically required, IB 34-40 points depending on programme. The university runs regular info sessions in the US and Canada, and Edinburgh's direct flights to several North American cities make travel convenient.
Research Strengths
Notable Alumni
Charles Darwin
Studied medicine at Edinburgh before Cambridge
Alexander Graham Bell
Inventor of the telephone (born in Edinburgh)
J.K. Rowling
Wrote Harry Potter in Edinburgh cafes
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Creator of Sherlock Holmes
Gordon Brown
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Key Facts
- Founded
- 1583
- Total Students
- 45,000+
- International Students
- 44%
- Tuition (Int'l UG)
- £26,500 – £38,600/yr
- Campus Setting
- Urban / Historic City
📍 About Edinburgh
Edinburgh is regularly voted one of the best cities in the world to live. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning architecture, a thriving cultural scene, excellent restaurants and bars, and easy access to the Scottish Highlands. The city is compact and walkable. Living costs are lower than London — budget £700-1,000/month for accommodation. Direct flights connect Edinburgh to New York, Toronto, Chicago and other North American cities.
Ready to Apply?
UK undergraduate applications are made through UCAS. Postgraduate applications go direct to the university.
Visit University Website →Check UCAS Points →📍 Edinburgh City Guide
Find out what it's really like to study and live in Edinburgh.
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