University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh. Extraordinary futures await.

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50* and placed 27th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings . Our entrepreneurial and cross-disciplinary culture attracts students and staff from across the globe, creating a unique Edinburgh experience. Whatever excites you, whatever your ambition, whatever makes you ‘you’, we know one thing; nothing ordinary comes from this extraordinary place.

As host to more than 49,000 students from some 156 countries, we’re a wonderfully diverse mix of people of all kinds and minds. Our students have been making an impact on the world for more than 400 years. Each year is different – every individual, every degree, every campus experience is unique and a vital part of our mission to make the world a better place.

At the University of Edinburgh, extraordinary is just something our community has always done.

Working together, for more than 400 years, we’ve influenced the world in extraordinary ways – expanding the depth of human knowledge and improving the lives of people worldwide. Research conducted here led to the discovery of chloroform anaesthesia, the Higgs boson particle and in-vitro fertilisation. Our academics, students and alumni discovered carbon dioxide, led the Scottish Enlightenment laying the foundations of contemporary thought, developed a genetically engineered vaccine against Hepatitis B, and identified the SARS coronavirus.

Find out how the University community is continuing to make its mark upon the world through its research, innovation, ideas and actions through Edinburgh Impact

We offer a range of ways to study, from on-campus taught programmes to online part-time study. We are the largest provider of online distance learning in the Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities, and offer more than 80 online programmes across a wide range of subject areas. We have around 64,000 students currently studying online with us and we take the delivery of teaching online just as seriously as we do on-campus.

*Times Higher Education World Rankings

Funding and scholarships

Postgraduate study can be a significant financial commitment; however, the range of funding sources available may surprise you. We offer several postgraduate scholarships and studentships to outstanding candidates. Check our scholarship pages for details.

 Highly employable graduates

The University of Edinburgh is ranked in the UK’s top 10 universities for the employability of our graduates*.

*Times Higher Education, Global Employability University Ranking 2023

Supporting you and your studies

We provide a range of support services to help with your academic and personal needs.

 Academic support

All our postgraduates benefit from our inspiring research culture. The academics involved in your teaching and learning are leaders in their fields and although the emphasis at postgraduate level is very much on independent study, support from our teaching staff is always on hand.

You will be supported by a combination of academic and dedicated student experience and administrative staff who will be able to provide you with or direct you to appropriate support for challenges that may occur during your studies, whether this is directly related to your learning and teaching skills or rising from life situations. You will also have access to a variety of peer-to-peer learning networks as well as student societies.

Postgraduate students can also benefit from our Institute for Academic Development (IAD) which provides information, events and courses to develop the skills you will need throughout your studies and in the future.

International students

The University’s international office – Edinburgh Global – provides support and assistance to all non-UK applicants and students on a variety of topics, such as visas and working in the UK, and offers appointments and drop-in sessions each week. They also arrange welcome and orientation activities and social events throughout the year.

Health and welfare

We care about the health and wellbeing of our students and offer a number of services to ensure you are fully supported.

Our Health and Wellbeing Centre – a dedicated hub for students. It houses the Student Counselling Service and Disability Services, the University Health Centre and the University Pharmacy.

The Advice Place is a free advice and information centre, which offers independent and confidential advice on any aspect of university life.

Edinburgh the city

The University is at the heart of the city of Edinburgh. Regularly voted one of the most desirable places to live in the world, Edinburgh is large enough to offer something for everyone but small enough to feel like home. It is a modern, sophisticated and beautiful European city, with a diverse multicultural community and is ranked 6th best student city in Europe and 13th in the world*.

Edinburgh is a compact city with excellent transport links, which makes it easy to get around and to travel to other parts of Scotland and beyond. Visit our city web pages to find out more about our stunning city.

* QS Best Student Cities 2025

Postgraduate Virtual Open Days

Our Virtual Open Days are ideal for anyone considering postgraduate study – taught programmes or research degrees, on-campus or online. These comprise subject talks and presentations, live chat with students and staff, and essential information on student life, support and services.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch:

Tel: +44 (0)131 650 4360
Email: Enquiry form