Below are answers to commonly-asked questions about studying in Edinburgh.
Where can I find entry requirements for my course of study?
Entry requirements for courses of study differ depending on the university you want to attend, and vary depending on what you intend to study. The easiest way to find out is by looking up your chosen university’s course catalogue on their website – or check the university’s list of accepted international qualifications. If you are uncertain whether you meet the requirements, you can contact the university, or use the enquiry form on this page.
What is the English language level required?
Each university requires proof of competency in English, though the level required depends on the course you choose to study. If you hold qualifications that were studied and examined in English, you may not need to provide further evidence of proficiency. You can find further information, and how to supply evidence of competency, on your chosen university’s website. Each university also offers pre-sessional English courses, tailored to different levels of competency in English, and all are designed to help equip and ready you to confidently undertake and succeed in your chosen course of study.
What if my documents are not in English?
Please refer to the individual university websites to confirm whether your documents need to be provided in English.
What are the tuition fees of study?
Tuition fees vary depending on subject, length of study, nature of study (full time or part time). Check the webpage for your chosen course and university for details of international student tuition fees. Scholarships may also be available depending on course, university or qualification type. To find out more about scholarships, and whether you meet any requirements, contact your chosen university, or use the enquiries form on this webpage.
When do I need to make my first tuition payment?
This varies depending on university, course type and when you commence your studies. Each university's website has readily-available information relating to tuition fees associated with each course of study. If you require further information contact your chosen university directly, or use the query form on this page.
Do I need a visa?
A visa is a document that gives you permission to enter or remain in the UK. All non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will require permission to enter or remain in the UK.
Courses under 6 months
If you are coming to the UK for a programme that is less than six months in length, and you do not wish to work (including work placements as part of your programme) or extend your studies in the UK, you can apply to come to the UK as a short term student.
Courses longer than 6 months
If you are coming to the UK for the main purpose of studying a programme which is more than six months in length, you should apply for a Tier 4 visa in your home country before travelling.
English as a foreign language: courses up to 11 months
If you are studying English as a foreign language and your course lasts up to 11 months in length, you can come to the UK as a short term student. However, you will not be able to extend your visa in the UK, and if you wish to undertake further study in the UK, you will have to return to your home country to get a new visa.
If your visa has been refused from outside the UK
If your visa is refused outside of the UK, you will be sent a letter explaining why the visa officer has not granted your visa. It will also detail if and how you can submit an administrative review - a process by which the original application can be reconsidered. For information and advice on what to do if your visa is refused, please send an email, briefly summarising the details of the application you made and attaching a scan of the refusal notice to the university of your choice.
If your visa has been refused from within the UK
If your visa has been refused from an application made in the UK, you will be sent a decision letter with your application. Carefully read this letter as it will tell you why your visa application has been declined.
Can I work whilst I study?
International students on a tier 4 visa studying at degree level and above are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week. You can find out more about current rules regarding staying in the UK after graduation on the British Council’s education.org website.
Can I stay and work in the UK after graduating?
You can find out more about current rules regarding staying in the UK after graduation on the UK Council for International Student Affairs' website: http://ukcisa.org.uk/information--advice/working/working-after-studies
What are the job opportunities for graduates?
Edinburgh’s universities are respected throughout the world as leaders in scholarship and learning, and Scotland has a proud history of being at the forefront of setting high standards in education that continues today. The United Kingdom is a sought-after destination for students from across the globe, and while job opportunities depend on subject, industry and sector, you can be confident that studying in Edinburgh will increase your employability at home and abroad.
Are programmes accredited/recognised by professional bodies?
Qualifications from Scotland’s universities are respected throughout the world, but recognition or accreditation of your chosen programme by a professional body will depend on subject, industry and sector – and on the professional body or your chosen university. We suggest contacting your chosen university to find out if their programmes are accredited.
What is the weather like in Edinburgh?
In spite of what you might have heard, on average Edinburgh sees less rainfall than London, Milan, Buenos Aires, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Nairobi. In Summer, the days are long and warm. In Winter temperatures average between 0 to 5 degrees Celsius, and you can cosy up in one of the city’s many pubs and coffee houses after a gorgeously cold and crisp day.
How easy is it to get around the city?
Edinburgh is very walkable, but for longer distances, frequent buses and trams make it easy to get around the city quickly, as well as to and from the city centre to the airport. Google Maps provide transit and walking directions - or you can find more in-depth bus timetables, bus fare information and travel apps on the Lothian Buses website. Waverley and Haymarket train stations make it easy to get to and from the city on the UK’s rail network, and make studying in Edinburgh the perfect gateway to exploring the rest of Scotland.
How expensive is it to live in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is comparable to other university cities in the UK, and each university offers a rough guide to the costs you can expect living in Edinburgh as a student on their websites. It’s important to remember that accommodation costs will vary depending on the type of accommodation you live in (halls of residence vs private renting) and where in the city you’re located.
What are university facilities like?
You can find information about the facilities available to students, such as accommodation, sports facilities and student societies on each university’s website.
What if my question I have isn’t covered here?
If this list hasn’t answered your question, use the enquiries form on this page and someone will get in contact.
If you can't find the answer to your question, or would like more information, use this query form to contact us.