Overview

The University of Edinburgh is a renowned centre for teaching and research in Scotland and was founded in 1583, making it one of the oldest universities in the UK. The University of Edinburgh is amongst the largest and most prestigious universities in the world and is currently ranked in the top 20 in the QS World University Rankings.

A total of 22 schools make up the University, with around 6,000 of the 27,500 students currently enrolled international. Academically, Edinburgh holds a strong reputation for medicine and science, being home to numerous discoveries and inventions such as anaesthetic, penicillin and the telephone. The University also has the oldest Department of English Literature in the UK, and scores highly for humanities.

Ranking

• 17th in the Times University Guide 2021
• 13th in the Guardian University Guide 2021
• 20th in the QS World University Rankings 2021
• 30th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021
• 42nd in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2020

In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, 83% of the University of Edinburgh’s submitted research was classified as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The subject areas of Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science and General Engineering particularly excelled.

Accommodation

All first year students from outside Edinburgh are guaranteed an offer of University of Edinburgh accommodation. Accommodation is based at over 25 sites, all located within a short walk or bus ride of Edinburgh's centre. 1,900 catered rooms are available in Pollock Hall 2km from the city centre. These have an option of en suite, standard and shared rooms. Self-catered accommodation is also available in a mixture of halls and flats around the city, generally housing up to six students per flat.

The University of Edinburgh runs an accommodation advice service at the start of each academic year to help students if they wish to find private accommodation.

Location

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and listed as a world heritage site. It is considered one of the greenest and most architecturally beautiful cities in Europe and its beauty and reputation for science since the 18th Century has earned it the nickname ‘the Athens of the North’. University of Edinburgh plays an integral role in the city, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.

Since 2001, Edinburgh has consistently been voted ‘Favourite UK City’ by Observer, Conde Naste (Award Winner for Best City) and Guardian readers. Excellent road, rail and air transport links make Edinburgh accessible from all major cities in the UK and beyond.

Alumni

• Charles Darwin (Naturalist)
• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Author)
• David Hume (Philosopher)
• Alexander Graham Bell (Inventor of the telephone)
• James Wilson, John Witherspoon and Benjamin Rush (Signatories of the US Declaration of Independence)
• Chris Hoy (Triple gold medal-winning cyclist)