The University of Edinburgh: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Program fees at the University of Edinburgh vary based on the degree level and discipline. While undergraduate degrees in Arts start at £25,300 (INR 28.5L) per year, Medicine is priced at £49,900 (INR 56.3L) annually. 

Postgraduate taught programs such as MSc Data Science or Finance typically cost £30,900 (INR 34.9L) for the full year. Knowing these amounts early will help you plan your finances and apply for the right scholarships or funding options.

Use the table below to review tuition fees for key undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Note: Currency conversions are approximate (1 GBP = 113 INR). Tuition fees vary based on the specialization

Once you know the tuition fees, you should calculate the additional costs of living in Edinburgh. Let’s now look at the estimated living expenses during your study.

Admission to the University of Edinburgh is selective, with clear academic, language, and test score benchmarks. Undergraduate applicants typically need at least 80% in CBSE or ISC, while postgraduate candidates must hold a minimum of 60% or a GPA of 8 out of 10. 

Courses like Medicine require a UCAT score of at least 2450, and postgraduate programs in Finance may ask for a GRE score of 315. To get your visa approved, you must show proof of £1,136 (INR 1.28L) per month to cover living expenses.

Start by understanding the core admission requirements. These include academic scores, language test scores, and qualifying exams for specific programs.

Admission Requirements

To secure admission at the University of Edinburgh, you must meet detailed requirements across academic qualifications, language proficiency, competitive exams, and visa documents. 

For undergraduate courses, you’ll typically need at least 80% in CBSE or ISC, while postgraduate applicants need a bachelor's degree with 60% or GPA 8/10. IELTS 6.5 with no component below 5.5 is the standard language benchmark for most programs. For visa approval, you must show proof of £1,136 (INR 1.28L) per month to cover living costs.

Go through each admission component below carefully. Start by checking if your academic scores match the program entry requirements.

Academic Qualification

The University of Edinburgh requires a minimum of 80% in Class XII for most undergraduate courses, while top programs like Medicine demand at least 85% in core subjects. 

For postgraduate programs, you must hold a bachelor’s degree with 60% or a GPA of 8/10. These numbers reflect the academic rigour the university expects across programs and boards.

Review the table below to see what academic scores are required across major Indian boards and programs.

Note: Postgraduate degrees are not structured for year-wise lateral entry.

Language Proficiency

To study at the University of Edinburgh, you must show that you meet the English language requirements. If you scored 75% in English in CBSE or CISCE, it’s accepted for undergraduate admission, but not for postgraduate programs. For postgraduate degrees, you need standardised test scores like IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 92.​

The table below outlines accepted qualifications and minimum scores for undergraduate and postgraduate entry.

Note: For postgraduate programs, the CBSE/CISCE and State Board English scores are not accepted as sole proof of English proficiency; an additional approved English language test is required.

Competitive Exams

​Some programs at the University of Edinburgh require competitive exam scores. For undergraduate Medicine (MBChB), UCAT is mandatory with a minimum score of 2450. Postgraduate courses like the MSc in Economics or Finance demand GRE or GMAT scores. For Graduate Entry Medicine, MCAT is also accepted.

Check the table below to find which exams are needed and what score you should aim for.

Note: GMAT (600 or 555 Focus Edition) and GRE (315 for MSc Climate Change Finance and Investment) are optional but welcomed if available.

Visa Requirements

Once you receive an offer from the University of Edinburgh, applying for a UK student visa is the next step. You must present specific documents, including a valid passport, CAS letter, and proof of funds. 

For Edinburgh, you’ll need to show financial evidence covering tuition plus living costs of £1,136 (INR 1.28L) per month for up to 9 months.

Use the table below to make sure you gather every document required before starting your visa process.

Once your visa preparation is sorted, the next thing to keep an eye on is the application calendar. You need to apply well in advance based on your preferred intake to avoid missing deadlines.

For complete application guidance, visit University of Edinburgh admission page for updated details on deadlines, eligibility, and how to apply confidently.

Let’s now break down the application dates and intake windows you should plan around.

In 2025, the University of Edinburgh secured the 27th position in the QS World Rankings, showing a consistent presence among the global top 30. It also ranked 29th in THE World Rankings and 38th in U.S. News. 

These rankings matter because they reflect the university’s teaching quality, research strength, and global reputation. If you’re aiming for a top-tier education that’s recognised worldwide, you need to consider how the university performs across these ranking bodies.

Look through the table below to understand how the University of Edinburgh’s rank has shifted in recent years.

You’ve seen how the university performs overall; it’s time to break it down further. Discover the top subjects in which the University of Edinburgh consistently earns high global rankings.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2024/25

If you’re applying for a specific subject, overall rankings alone won’t help. You need to know how the University of Edinburgh performs in your chosen area. For instance, it ranks among the top 5 globally for Medicine and top 15 for Arts & Humanities. 

These rankings are based on academic reputation, research output, and employer preference.

Check the table below to see how top disciplines at the University of Edinburgh rank globally in 2025.

Want to know where the University of Edinburgh stands on preferred subjects? Visit our University of Edinburgh rankings page for detailed information on how various ranking bodies assess it. 

Now let’s take a closer look at where you’ll be studying at the University of Edinburgh. The next section explores all five campuses of the institution. 

University of Edinburgh Campuses

The University of Edinburgh operates five main campuses, each dedicated to specific academic disciplines and research areas. These campuses are strategically located across the city and its outskirts, providing tailored facilities and environments for various fields of study. 

Understanding the unique focus of each campus can help you align your academic interests with the university's resources.​

Here are the five primary campuses of the University of Edinburgh:

• 1. Central Area (George Square)
  • McEwan Hall: Completed in 1897, this Italian Renaissance-style auditorium serves as the university's graduation hall and is a Category A listed building.
  • Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre: With a seating capacity of 481, it's the university's largest lecture facility and also functions as a venue for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.1
  • 40 George Square: Formerly known as the David Hume Tower, this 14-story building is a prominent example of Scottish Modernist architecture and houses various teaching spaces and offices.
• 2. King's Buildings
  • FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility: This unique 25-meter diameter wave and current test tank is primarily focused on testing marine energy technologies and projects.
  • KB101 Campaign: In 2021, the university celebrated over 100 years of science and engineering at King's Buildings with the KB101 campaign, which included a lecture series and newly commissioned artworks.
  • Student Facilities: The campus offers various student amenities, including multiple cafés, a student union with dining options, and recreational facilities like badminton and squash courts
• 3. Easter Bush
  • Agritech Hub: A £74 million investment is establishing a new Agritech Hub aimed at improving agricultural efficiency and output, enhancing global food security, and promoting net-zero carbon initiatives.
  • Roslin Institute: Known for cloning Dolly the Sheep, the institute continues to lead in animal biosciences and food security research. 
  • Academic Community: The campus is home to over 1,000 scientists, lecturers, and clinicians, making it Europe's largest concentration of animal science research expertise.
• 4. BioQuarter (Little France)
  • Health Innovation District: A £1 billion expansion plan aims to transform BioQuarter into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood, supporting a community of more than 20,000 people and creating an estimated 9,000 new jobs.
  • Medical Research Facilities: The site hosts the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, and the Edinburgh Medical School, contributing to its status as a leading health innovation location.
  • Bioinformatics Hub: BioQuarter houses the largest bioinformatics hub in Europe, with co-located institutions like the Usher Institute and the Administrative Data Research Centre. 
• 5. Western General
  • Institute of Genetics and Cancer: This institute focuses on pioneering work in genetics, oncology, and precision medicine, contributing to major discoveries in genetic disorders and targeted cancer therapies.
  • Clinical Integration: Proximity to the Western General Hospital enables integrated clinical studies, supporting research in genetics and oncology. 

Now let's explore the admissions process for 2025 to help you prepare your application effectively.