Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and one of its largest cities, is a charming and Gothic old city. Located in the north, Edinburgh's historic atmosphere, mediaeval architecture, and lively local bars draw thousands of tourists to its shores every year.
Edinburgh's world-class universities attract students globally with top-notch facilities, expert faculty, and supportive communities.
Learn more about the opportunities available for students studying in Edinburgh and book a free consultation with SI-UK India today.
Life in Edinburgh for an International Student
A City That Feels Like Home
Despite being Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh exudes a charming and comforting small-town atmosphere. Its towering Gothic buildings and 12th-century castle are complemented by its numerous cosy pubs and cafes making it feel like a home away from home. The locals are renowned for their friendly and approachable nature, always willing to share their city with visitors, which fosters a strong sense of community.
The universities in Edinburgh offer a range of catered and self-catering residential accommodation options in various room configurations, including en-suite rooms, studio rooms, and student flats. If you prefer to live off-campus, Haymarket, Old Town, Fountainbridge, and the City Centre are some of the most student-friendly and safe areas in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh's public transport system is reliable, affordable, and convenient, with frequent trains to London and other major cities in the UK. One tip is to book your train ticket in advance online, as there are often great deals available for advance bookings.
Top Rated Universities
Edinburgh is home to four acclaimed universities known for their academic excellence and vibrant student cultures.
- University of Edinburgh
Established in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Scotland. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programes across several faculties, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, and Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.
The university's main campus is located in the heart of the city, featuring a mix of historic and modern architecture. It has a rich history, with alumni including Charles Darwin, David Hume, Alexander Graham Bell, and many other luminaries.
- Acceptance Rate: 46%
- Popular Courses: MBA, Veterinary Medicine, Engineering
- Edinburgh Napier University
Initially founded in 1964 as Napier Technical College, it was granted university status in 1992. The university is known for its focus on applied research and offers a range of programs in subjects like business, engineering, and computing.
The university has three main campuses, including a brand new campus at Sighthill for Applied Sciences and Health & Social Care.
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Popular Courses: Science, Technology, Journalism
- Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University was founded in 1821 as the School of Arts of Edinburgh and became a university in 1966. The university is known for its strong focus on professional education and work-based learning, offering programmes in engineering, science, business and more.
It has campuses in Edinburgh and a stunning campus in the Scottish Borders, which is home to the world-renowned International Centre for Brewing and Distilling.
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Popular Courses: Business, Engineering, Art
- Queen Margaret University
Queen Margaret University was founded in 1875 as the Edinburgh School of Cookery and became a university in 2007. It is a specialist institution that is known for its expertise in health sciences, social sciences, and creative industries.
It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across several faculties, including Health Sciences, Arts, Social Sciences, and Media and Communication.
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Popular Courses: Healthcare, Business, Media
Festivals and Food
As a foodie, there's plenty to get excited about in Edinburgh. With a variety of cultural influences on the city from its many international students, there is a huge range of cuisine options for all tastes and budgets. From Indian to Moroccan, Italian to Japanese and plenty of Vegan options too, it's always fun discovering new flavours in the capital city.
Edinburgh is home to some of the oldest pubs and inns in the land, including the historic Sheep Heid Inn. Some traditional must-try are Haggis and the buttery goodness of Scottish Shortbread. Indian students will feel right at home with local favourites like Dishoom and Mother India’s Cafe.
Edinburgh is also known as the festival capital as it hosts a record number of internationally renowned and beloved festivals. From the Edinburgh International Festival and Festival Fringe to the Edinburgh International Book Festival, which celebrates the city's long association with legendary writers, and the exceptional Edinburgh Food Festival, students are truly spoiled for choice. These diverse festivals highlight the truly inclusive nature of the city.
Awesome Outdoors
Although filled with historic landmarks and iconic buildings like Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum, Edinburgh positively dazzles with its breathtaking outdoors, making it a great place for outdoor activities.
There are many opportunities for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking, as well as water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat are fantastic areas to relax and exercise. Additionally, there are many short tours available that you can take to explore the fascinating countryside and rugged Highlands around Edinburgh. Popular day trips include Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and whisky tours.
For sport lovers there are many opportunities to get involved in a variety of activities, both on and off campus. In addition to Football, the local favourite, there are several local cricket clubs in Edinburgh that offer opportunities for players of all levels including the Carlton Cricket Club, one of the oldest cricket clubs in Scotland.
Career Prospects
Since the establishment of the Bank of Scotland in 1695, Edinburgh has been recognised for its outstanding financial services. Today, the city is the UK's second-largest financial services centre, playing a significant role as a hub for banking and insurance.
Additionally, the city boasts one of the largest scientific centres in the world and is a world leader in biological science and genetics, home to the Roslin Institute, which was the site of the world's first cloned mammal, Dolly the sheep. Some of the city’s largest employers include Lloyds Banking Group, the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, Standard Life, Microsoft, IBM, and many more.
Edinburgh is consistently ranked as one of the best places in the world to study and live. Offering a unique and exciting backdrop for your university experience, Edinburgh is a city that will capture your heart and stay with you for a lifetime.
Study in Edinburgh
If you are interested in learning more about Edinburgh or want to study at one of its top universities, then book a free consultation with SI-UK India today!
Living and Studying in Edinburgh FAQ
Edinburgh can be expensive for international students when it comes to housing costs. The rest of the expenses depend upon housing choices, lifestyle and spending habits and by managing finances properly, one can easily lead a comfortable life.
Getting into the University of Edinburgh as an international student can be fairly competitive. The University of Edinburgh, specifically is among the most prestigious in the UK. But, if you have a strong academic background, you have a good chance of being accepted.
Edinburgh is generally considered a great place for international students. The city has a rich cultural history, a vibrant student community, and excellent academic programs. The international students also find the city and surrounding areas very interesting.
The cost of studying in Edinburgh varies by many factors, such as tuition fees, accommodation costs, and the cost of living. Yet, tuition fees for international students at the University of Edinburgh can be relatively high, and housing costs in the city can also be expensive.
Whether it's better to live in London or Edinburgh really depends on your personal preferences and priorities. London is a bustling, vibrant city with a diverse range of cultural offerings and excellent job opportunities, but it can also be overwhelmingly expensive. Edinburgh, on the other hand, is a smaller but more manageable city with a rich cultural history and a strong academic community.
The money you need to live comfortably in Edinburgh depends on a number of factors, such as your housing costs, transportation costs, and general living expenses. As a rough guide, it's recommended that students budget around £800-£1,200 per month to cover their living expenses in Edinburgh. It is also notable that the university offers certain aides and scholarships to help you maintain a good life on a budget.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
