Celebrating our multicultural community
Edinburgh has the most diverse international population of any Scottish university.
Our multicultural community offers those that study and work here the opportunity to learn more about our shared world.
Each year, students from more than 160 countries– that’s more than three quarters of the world’s nations – are welcomed to the University.
Figures suggest that we also have the most international staff population of any university in the United Kingdom.
Inclusive environment
This inclusive environment helps to stimulate ideas and drive innovation, providing an enhanced learning environment for all.
In choosing to study or work at Edinburgh, staff and students greatly benefit from – and contribute to – this vibrant atmosphere. They get to know a huge variety of people from different backgrounds and discover new ideas and perspectives.
We have been welcoming international students to Edinburgh for many years and our thriving alumni community comprises more than 320,000 people from 114 countries.
My horizons have been broadened due to my experience at Edinburgh. Classmates come from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and I enjoy learning with them.
Find out more about our global community
Recent UK events – support for staff and students
Extraordinary city
Regularly voted one of the most desirable places to live in the world, Edinburgh was also ranked 6th best student city in Europe and 13th in the world (QS Best Student Cities 2025).
Scotland’s beautiful capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for being accessible by foot or bike and with excellent public transport links.
It also hosts the world’s biggest arts festival every summer, where an array of festivals and major events bring hundreds of artists to our streets and stages. Many of our students and staff take part in these events, which draw thousands of tourists each year.
Supporting those in crisis
The University promotes a welcoming culture within the institution and our wider communities for those seeking sanctuary.
As a founding member of the Council for At-Risk Academics and the first institution in Scotland accredited as a University of Sanctuary, we are actively involved in offering support for refugees, asylum seekers and scholars who have been displaced or impacted by global conflicts.
Our Education Beyond Borders programme delivers funding, support, and collaborative and community-led initiatives to ensure continued access to education for displaced scholars.
Moreover, our academics are at the forefront of crucial work to enhance the lives of people in some of the most vulnerable communities in the world.
Find out more about our work as a University of Sanctuary
Support for students and staff
Staff Health and Wellbeing Hub | The University of Edinburgh
Image credit - Paul Dodds