The University and Europe

Living and studying in the UK

Immigration information for prospective students who plan to live and study in the UK.

(Updated 7 January 2021) 

EU students are welcome in Edinburgh and Scotland

The University of Edinburgh has a long tradition of welcoming students and staff from across Europe and the rest of the world to join our vibrant academic community. We are committed to continuing to make this possible, regardless of the UK's exit from the European Union. 

Currently, 45% of our student community are from outside of the UK, including more than 6,000 EU nationals.

As the world’s leading festival city, Edinburgh welcomes visitors from all over the world. In particular, the city benefits from close cultural and economic links with European partners. Five of Edinburgh’s ten sister cities are European, illustrating the city’s European heritage.

In the words of Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, “Scotland is your home, you are welcome here, and you are valued.” The University of Edinburgh wholeheartedly shares this view.

Immigration information for EU/EEA/Swiss applicants 

The UK officially left the EU on 31 January 2020, and the transition period ended on 31 December 2020. The EU Settlement Scheme has been introduced to offer EU, EEA and Swiss nationals (as well as their family members) the opportunity to protect their status in the UK after Brexit. What you need to do will depend on whether you were already living in the UK before 31 December 2020, or plan to arrive in the UK from 1st January 2021 onwards. 

Information on this for EU/EEA/Swiss applicants, including FAQs on the EU Settlement Scheme, can be found on the Student Immigration webpages below: 

Student Immigration Service Homepage  Information for EU/EEA/Swiss applicants
EU Settlement Scheme FAQs Applying for a Student route visa

Irish citizens coming to the UK 

Immigration information for Irish Nationals

Leaving and re-entering the UK

Information about travelling and absences under the EU Settlement Scheme