They are Steve Morrison and Peter McColl.
The Rector is elected for a period of three years, with the primary role of presiding at meetings of the University Court.
He/she also chairs meetings of the General Council in absence of the Chancellor and works closely with the student body and EUSA.
Candidates
Steve Morrison is Non-Executive Chairman and a founding member of independent broadcast production company All3Media. He studied politics at Edinburgh.
Peter McColl is the University's current Rector. An Edinburgh alumnus, he is a writer, activist and charity worker.
Before voting opens, both candidates will put forward their arguments at the Rectorial Election 2015 Hustings.
Rectorial election hustings
Wednesday 4 February 2015, 6.30pm
Wednesday 4 February 2015, 6.30pm
Dining Room, Teviot Row House, Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AL
How to vote
All current staff and students can vote in the election.
Voting will take place primarily through the 'Online Voting' tab on MyEd, and will be open from 9am on 10 February until 7pm on 11 February.
Ballot papers will be sent on 22 January to voters who have requested a postal vote, and must be returned to the Deputy Returning Officer by noon on 5 February.
Further information
For further details of the election, including the history of the Rector's role and candidate statements, visit the Rectorial Election 2015 website.
For additional information on the regulations governing the election process, contact Dr Katherine Novosel.