What you need to do
Your student card requires your name and photo and will prove your status as a student. You need to upload your photo and add this to your student record before you start.
Why you need to do it
Your university student card allows you to:
- identify yourself as a student
- access resources online
- may give you access student discounts on products and services
- borrow books at the Library if you visit Edinburgh in person (but this is not essential as all library resources for your degree will be available online)
If you visit the University in person, your student card will give you access to some buildings. You must have an up-to-date University student card on you at all times when visiting the campus.
University card functions (Information Services website)
When you do it
You can upload your photo to your student record once your unconditional offer has been confirmed. For most students this will be approximately four weeks prior to your programme start date, though in a small number of cases e.g. if you have deferred your entry, it may be earlier. You should complete your Annual Registration first.
Task - Register as an online student
How you do it
Create and submit a photo to apply for your University card
You will receive an email to your personal email address (the one you used to apply with) with details on how to complete this step.
Please use a web browser on a PC or Mac. The upload channel is not supported on mobile devices.
Full step by step guide on how to submit your photo
You will receive multiple reminder emails if you have not completed this task by the time that you are due to start.
Next steps
If you are an online learner starting in September 2025, your card will be posted by the end of September to the address on your Student Record (information you provided on your Annual Registration).
Please note that card delivery may not always be possible, as Royal International Main is used and relies on your country’s postal service. We do not offer tracking or courier for card delivery.