International applicants
Questions that relate specifically to international applicants.
I am an international student - how can you help me?
We welcome international students, and the University has an International Office dedicated to supporting international students. The International Office can provide information regarding immigration and visas as well as more general information for International students planning to study at Edinburgh.
I am an overseas applicant needing a visa to study at Edinburgh University - what help can you give me?
The UK government introduced new rules in March 2009. Our international office is able to provide up-to-date guidance on applying for visas.
What English language requirements do I have to meet?
If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of good written and spoken English skills in the form of an English language certificate, such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language). Your English language certificate must be no more than two years old at the beginning of your degree course.
Even if you believe English is your first language, if you are a national from outside the European Economic Area then UKBA requirements require that you must provide the same evidence, unless you are a national from a majority English speaking country as shown in the UKBA website.
Requirements and minimum scores differ by programme and subject area. More information on this and the English language qualifications we accept can be found at the following links.
Can I develop my English language skills further if I am admitted?
Yes, provided that you have already met the basic English language requirements needed for admission. Further English language study can be undertaken within the University of Edinburgh at the English Language Teaching Centre.
Are there any pre-sessional English courses that I can enroll on to improve my English?
Yes, the university runs English courses designed for international students applying for a place at the University of Edinburgh.
However, please note that international students must meet the English language test standards (see above) before entry, and so no guarantee can be made by the university that attendance at these pre-sessional English courses will automatically result in entry acceptance.
This article was published on Dec 21, 2012