International students
If you are outside of the UK and interested in joining us, please refer to the links on this page.
The University of Edinburgh's student community is roughly one third Scottish, one third international and one third from elsewhere in the UK. We are performing well internationally across a wide range of areas, as evidenced by global university rankings. The School of Economics' students and staff are internationally diverse, and we want to make you feel welcome no matter where you are from.
Requirements and applications
To find out how to apply, how fees and funding work, and which (English language) entry requirements are applicable to you, visit the University's international applicants page:
Immigration
EU and other international students normally need a visa to study in the UK. You must apply for your Student visa in your home country, or normal country of residence. The only exception to this is if you already hold a valid UK visa which allows you to extend or switch in the UK. You cannot apply for a Student visa in the UK if you have standard visitor or short-term student status.
The Student Immigration Service is the place to go if you have any questions on visas and moving to the UK to study. They can help you during your application, for instance by reviewing your application before you submit it. The team of experts includes four immigration advisers who provide accurate and personalised advice.
Travelling to and living in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s International Airport puts the city within reach of the rest of the world thanks to direct flights from most major cities in Europe and a host of destinations worldwide. Within the UK, Edinburgh is easy to reach and makes an ideal location from which to explore. London is just four hours away by train while a two-hour jaunt north puts you at the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Edinburgh is a compact city and it is easy to get around on foot, by bike or by public transport.
The University has a wide variety of accommodation largely within walking distance of the main University area in the city centre. If you are not planning to live in University accommodation, it is strongly recommended that you start looking into private accommodation well in advance of arriving.
Edinburgh is a very special place, offering many attractions for international students, including its wide range of national museums and galleries, stunning architecture, music and theatre, and easy access to beautiful and varied countryside. It is also generally considered to be a very safe student city. The University regularly receives very high satisfaction ratings for safety and security in the International Student Barometer survey.
Find out how to travel to Edinburgh and arrange accommodation there by following the link below.
Community
To help you feel welcome and connected, Edinburgh Global provides services, organises events, and encourages international students to meet people through dedicated networks.
Taking part in your Academic Clan activities will make your transition into university and a new community easier and more fun. Getting involved in a student society is also a fantastic way to improve your university experience.
With hundreds of active student groups to choose from, there's sure to be one that involves your personal interests. There are several societies related to economics, and EUSA lists over 50 international and multicultural groups.
If you would like to improve your English language skills, the University provides both preparation and improvement courses before you start your degree, and development courses during your studies.
International Foundation Programme
The International Foundation Programme (IFP) is a full-time, one-year programme designed to prepare international students for undergraduate-level study. Every course within the programme will be taught by expert University of Edinburgh staff. As each course progresses, its academic, individual study and assessment requirements will gradually become closer to those you will experience in your first year of degree level study.
You may be eligible if:
- Your first language is not English
- You are not eligible for direct entry to the University of Edinburgh’s undergraduate degrees because your school qualifications are not accepted
- Your school qualifications were obtained within the last four years
For other requirements and more information, please go to the IFP's website.