Support for undergraduate applicants affected by conflict in the Middle East

Some schools, awarding bodies and universities have cancelled examinations or moved to alternative methods of assessment, and these changes along with wider regional challenges may have led to uncertainty about your plans.

The following advice and guidance is designed to provide clarity and reassurance about how we will consider your application. 

If after reading this guidance, you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at:

futurestudents@ed.ac.uk

Admissions

We continue to welcome applications from affected students. 

Exam and assessment disruption

If you have experienced exam and assessment disruption we will recognise grades that have been awarded and ratified by awarding and examining bodies, where this has been based on alternative evidence such as portfolios of evidence, non-examined assessment or coursework for non-exam contingency measures (NECM). 

During the admissions process, we will consider these grades in the same way as those awarded following standard examinations.

If your grades have been ratified by an awarding body using alternative assessment methods, you do not need to contact us to let us know. We will consider all relevant evidence automatically as part of our normal admissions process. 

You only need to tell us about any changes to your final grades or award if you are no longer able to be assessed on one of the required subjects for your degree. You can contact us at: 

futurestudents@ed.ac.uk

Check the required subjects for your degree on the degree finder

If you cannot meet the requirements of your offer

We are unable to amend the requirements of any offer you have received. You should inform your examination/assessment body of your extenuating circumstances, as they are in the best position to make decisions on how your circumstances affected your final grades.

However, if you have not already told us in your application of any challenging circumstances that have affected you, you can send us supporting information by email to: 

futurestudents@ed.ac.uk.

Undergraduate challenging circumstances

English language requirements

All applicants to the University are required to demonstrate that they meet our English language requirements. 

Undergraduate English Language entry requirements

If you are unable to access an in-person English Language test centre, we accept a small number of online English Language tests.

If, as a result of the conflict, you cannot access any of the English language tests we accept, please contact us at: 

futurestudents@ed.ac.uk.

Deferrals

Under certain circumstances we may be able to offer deferred entry for some applicants.

You can only request a deferral if you have received an unconditional offer. 

If you have an unconditional offer and are unable to start your studies with us in September 2026 due to a change in your personal circumstances, please let us know as soon as possible and we will consider your application for a deferral on a case-by-case basis.

If you will not receive some or all of your results to meet the requirements of your offer in time to start in September 2026, you will need to reapply to us through UCAS for entry in September 2027.

Visas for on-campus programmes

If you will be studying an on-campus programme you may need to apply for a Student visa in addition to meeting our entry requirements. 

Find more information on travelling to the UK on the Student Immigration Services website.

If you have paid a tuition fee deposit

If your situation changes as a result of the conflict after you have applied and paid a deposit for your degree, we will review requests for a deposit refund on a case-by-case basis. Contact us at:

futurestudents@ed.ac.uk.

Support during your studies

The University can support you in a variety of ways during your time studying with us. This includes support for academic studies, health and wellbeing support and access to facilities and resources.

Undergraduate support

Advice for members of our University community affected by the conflict in the Middle East