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Best 5 Universities to Study in Edinburgh

Updated on 30 April, 2024

Anupriya Mukherjee

Anupriya Mukherjee

Sr. Content Writer

According to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership (SCQFP), the education system in Edinburgh is focused on helping students acquire lifelong knowledge. Colleges in Edinburgh offer higher national certificates (one-year programmes) and higher national diplomas (two-year programmes). 

In Edinburgh, students can pursue degrees in universities, which typically take four years to complete. 12% of the population in Edinburgh are students, and about 39% of total students studying in Edinburgh are international students. Do you want to study abroad? Then, read this article to learn more about courses, fees, scholarships, and career prospects in Edinburgh. 

Why Study in Edinburgh: 6 Top Reasons 

  1. Four global-ranking universities with modern facilities are available.
  2. It is the 16th best student city.
  3. Better student discounts at theatres, museums, galleries, and restaurants.
  4. It has good employment opportunities, ranking 35th in the world for employer activity.
  5. You can experience diverse social life and culture with numerous annual festivals.
  6. It is a safe city for students with lower crime rates. 

Best Universities to Study in Edinburgh  

Here are the top five universities to study in Edinburgh as per the 2024 QS World University rankings: 

2024 QS World University RankName of University 
22University of Edinburgh
235Heriot-Watt University
801 - 850 Edinburgh Napier University
851 - 900Queen Margaret University 
151 - 200Scotland's Rural College University 

Best Courses to Study in Edinburgh 

Here are some of the best courses you can enroll in that are offered by the top global universities in Edinburgh: 

University Best Courses to Study
University of Edinburgh
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Public, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Surgery 
  • Space Science 
Heriot-Watt University
  • Optics 
  • Energy and Fuels 
  • Chemical Engineering 
  • Engineering
Edinburgh Napier University
  • Drama
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • English
  • Social Sciences
Queen Margaret University
  • Social Sciences
  • Clinical, Pre-clinical & Health
  • Business & Economics
  • Psychology

Cost of Living in Edinburgh 

Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Edinburgh: 

Parameter Cost (per month) 
Private Accommodation GBP 500 to GBP 700
University Accommodation GBP 370 to GBP 1402
Groceries GBP 260
Utilities (electricity, phone bill, gas)GBP 240
Transport GBP 50 to GBP 57
Healthcare GBP 200 
TotalGBP 1,620 to GBP 2,859

Cost of Studying in Edinburgh 

The cost of studying in Edinburgh will differ greatly based on the course and university you are enroled in and your nationality. However, the tuition fee for full-time undergraduate degrees for international students is GBP 26,500 to GBP 34,800.

Top Scholarships for Students to Study in Edinburgh 

Scholarship Name University Name Eligibility Benefits 
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies UK Graduate/International ScholarshipUniversity of EdinburghThis scholarship is given to international students enroled in postgraduate programmes in the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies.GBP 5,000
Robertson International ScholarshipsUniversity of EdinburghThis scholarship is given to high academic merit international students who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees (excluding PhD studies) at the University of Edinburgh. GBP 1,000
Edinburgh Doctoral College ScholarshipsUniversity of EdinburghStudents who are starting their PhD research at the University of Edinburgh are eligible for this scholarship.Tuition fee is covered under scholarship and GBP 18,622 per year is provided as a stipend.
Moray House Country ScholarshipUniversity of EdinburghThis scholarship is offered to high-merit international students applying for full-time Master’s degree programmes in the Moray House School of Education and Sport. GBP 10,000
Drever Trust MSc ScholarshipUniversity of Edinburgh

Students pursuing an MSc in Psychological Research or MSc in Research Psychology at the University of Edinburgh are eligible for this scholarship. 

Students are chosen based on their academic merit. 

Tuition fee for one academic year is covered.

Student Life in Edinburgh 

Edinburgh is a safe, affordable, and student city with world-class universities and a wide variety of courses in different departments. From food to shopping, many things are available for students at an affordable price.

Edinburgh is a lively city with a major student population. There are plenty of museums, galleries, historical buildings, and monuments that show the rich cultural heritage of Edinburgh. Nightlife is also thriving, and there are numerous annual festivals that attract thousands of students.

Career Prospects for Students in Edinburgh

Profession Annual Salary Range 
Data Analyst GBP 28,000 to GBP 40,000 
Healthcare Consultant GBP 23,000 to GBP 45,000 
HR Manager GBP 38,000 to GBP 53,000 
Construction Manager GBP 31,000 to GBP 55,000 
Software Engineer GBP 34,000 to GBP 50,000 

Source: Glassdoor

FAQs

How do I apply for a student visa to study in Edinburgh?

In order to study in Edinburgh, you need a UK student visa. Follow the below steps to learn how to apply for a student visa:

  1. Prepare the required documents (passport, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), TB test results, and proof that you have enough funds in your bank account.
  2. Go to the Visa Application Centre to submit your documents, fingerprints, and a passport size photo.
  3. You will get notification about your visa application in about 3 weeks.

Can I work and study in Edinburgh?

Yes. If you have a Student Visa, you can work and study in Edinburgh. During your term, you are allowed to work only up to 10 hours a week. However, during the holidays, you can work full-time in Edinburgh. 

Which course is best to study in Edinburgh?

In Edinburgh, there are plenty of top universities offering top-tier courses. The best course to study in Edinburgh includes: 

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Surgery 
  • Space Science 
  • Engineering
  • Drama
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • English
  • Business & economics
  • Psychology

What support services are available for international students in universities in Edinburgh?

The universities in Edinburgh offer a wide range of support services for international students, such as:

  • Help with admissions and applications 
  • Visa information and support, including visa renewals 
  • Language testing and airport meetings after arriving to Edinburgh 
  • Accommodation and placement assistance 
  • Induction+ social and cultural programme
  • Academic and university progression guidance 
  • Professional career guidance 

What cultural experiences and attractions can I explore in Edinburgh outside of my studies?

If you want to explore Edinburgh and learn about social and cultural life, you can visit the below attractions:

  • Edinburgh Castle 
  • Scottish Parliament
  • Royal Mile and Grassmarket 
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse. 
  • Scott Monument
  • Royal Botanical Garden
  • Calton Hill 
  • Stirling Castle 
  • Edinburgh Old Town 
  • St. Giles Cathedral 

Anupriya Mukherjee

Sr. Content Writer

Anupriya Mukherjee is a passion-driven professional working as a Content Marketer and earlier worked as a Digital Marketeer. With around 6 years of work experience, she has experience creating high-quality, engaging content for websites, blogs, news articles, video scripts, brochures, and ebooks.

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