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The University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh, United Kingdom · Public · Est. 1583

Updated 23 Oct 2026

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Established

1583

Type

Public

Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

QS World University Rankings 2027

35 in the world

About the university

The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583 and is one of Scotland's four ancient universities. Its buildings are spread across Scotland's capital, from the historic Old College to the Central Area around George Square and the King's Buildings science campus to the south.

Edinburgh is one of the UK's strongest research universities and a member of the Russell Group. Its School of Informatics is one of Europe's largest centres for computer science and artificial intelligence, and the Business School, Law School and medicine are also highly regarded. Charles Darwin and Arthur Conan Doyle both studied here.

For Indian students the most sought-after courses are in data science, AI, computer science, business analytics and finance. These are competitive and expensive: computing and data science master's fees are £47,680 for 2027-28, while most business master's courses are £33,600 to £38,130. Many programmes ask for IELTS 7.0.

Edinburgh is a compact, walkable capital city with a UNESCO World Heritage old town and the world-famous August festivals. The university estimates postgraduate living costs at about £18,504 a year for 2026-27, so budget for both fees and city costs.

Founded
1583, one of Scotland's four ancient universities
Type
Public research university and a member of the Russell Group
Total students
About 36,700 (36,650 in THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
International students
50% of students (THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
Student–staff ratio
11.3 to 1 (THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
Main intake
September; some programmes have other start dates

Rankings

  • QS World University Rankings 2027

    35 in the world

  • THE World University Rankings 2027

    =29 in the world

  • Complete University Guide (UK) 2027

    19th of 130 UK universities

Popular courses with Indian students

View all 17 courses with filters

Fees for international students

Course fees
CourseDurationFee / year (GBP)Approx. in rupees
MSc Data Science1 year (full time)£47,680≈ ₹58.2 lakh
MSc Artificial Intelligence1 year (full time)£47,680≈ ₹58.2 lakh
MSc Computer Science1 year (full time)£47,680≈ ₹58.2 lakh
MSc Business Analytics1 year (full time)£36,540≈ ₹44.6 lakh
MSc Finance and Investment1 year (full time)£38,130≈ ₹46.5 lakh
MSc Management1 year (full time)£36,540≈ ₹44.6 lakh
MSc Statistics with Data Science1 year (full time)£34,860≈ ₹42.5 lakh
MSc Electrical Power Engineering1 year (full time)£41,160≈ ₹50.2 lakh

Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.

Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at The University of Edinburgh with similar universities in the UK.

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Scholarships

  • Undergraduate and postgraduate

    University of Edinburgh scholarships

    Value: Varies by award

    Eligibility: The university lists its own and external scholarships by country and level. Many awards need an offer first and close well before the course starts.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • One-year master's at any UK university

    Chevening Scholarships

    Value: Full tuition, a monthly living stipend, return flights and the visa fee

    Eligibility: Indian citizens with at least two years' work experience and leadership potential.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Master's linked to development

    Commonwealth Master's Scholarships

    Value: Full tuition, return airfare and a monthly stipend

    Eligibility: Indian citizens nominated through an approved national nominating body.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

  • Edinburgh accepts CBSE (AISSCE) and CISCE (ISC) Standard XII only; state boards are not accepted for direct entry to most programmes.
  • The minimum is an overall average of 80% across five subjects, with at least 80% in all required subjects (85% where an SQA Higher grade A is required). Some programmes ask for more.
  • CBSE Applied Mathematics does not meet a Mathematics requirement.
  • Exceptional CBSE or CISCE results can lead to advanced entry into Year 2 of many science and engineering degrees.
  • Apply through UCAS. Edinburgh's institution code is E56.

Postgraduate

  • Most master's programmes ask for a UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject; MSc Data Science, for example, lists subjects such as informatics, computer science, mathematics and engineering.
  • Use the degree finder's international equivalence tool to see the Indian percentage or CGPA needed.
  • Entry requirements on the degree finder are for 2027-28; 2028-29 requirements are published in October 2027.
  • Successful applicants pay a £1,500 deposit, which counts towards tuition fees.

Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Degree transcripts and certificate
  • Personal statement
  • English test score
  • References
  • CV where the programme asks for one

Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.

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English language requirements

English requirements
Test or routeTypical requirement
IELTS AcademicFrom 6.5 (6.0 in each skill) to 7.0 with higher component scores, depending on the programme. Informatics programmes ask for 7.0 with 6.5 in three skills; IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted.
Test ageIELTS must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month your programme starts; most other tests can be up to three and a half years old.
Class 12 English (undergraduate)No English test is needed if you score at least 85% in English in CBSE or CISCE Standard XII.
Degree taught in EnglishIf you are not from a majority English-speaking country, a degree used as evidence must be no more than five years old when your programme starts.

Accommodation and living costs

Edinburgh has university-managed residences across the city, but demand is high, so apply as soon as you accept your offer. The university's own estimate of postgraduate living costs, which includes rent, is shown below.

Accommodation and living costs
ItemIn GBPApprox. in rupees
Average living costs for a postgraduate (2026-27)About £1,542 a month, the university's estimate including rent, food and bills£18,504per year≈ ₹22.6 lakh
Money you must show for the Student visaOutside London, for up to 9 months, for applications from 30 November 2026£1,203per month≈ ₹1.5 lakh
Deposit to secure a master's placeCounts towards tuition fees£1,500one-off≈ ₹1.8 lakh

Campus and location

Edinburgh is Scotland's capital, a compact city where most university buildings are within walking distance or a short bus ride of the centre.

  • Central Area around George Square: the Main Library, the Business School and many humanities and social science schools.
  • Informatics Forum and the Bayes Centre for data science and AI are in the Central Area.
  • King's Buildings, south of the centre: engineering and most science subjects.
  • Old College and the Law School sit close to the historic Royal Mile.
  • Edinburgh Airport has connections to the Gulf and Europe for flights to India.

Careers and graduate outcomes

Edinburgh's careers service supports students throughout their studies. After graduating you can apply for the UK Graduate visa: 18 months for bachelor's and master's graduates who apply from 1 January 2027.

Graduate outcomes
WhatFigureSource
Graduate visa length for applications from 1 January 202718 months (bachelor's and master's)GOV.UK
Students per staff member11.3THE World University Rankings 2027

Studying in the UK

Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in the UK. Our country guide covers them in detail:

Other universities in the UK

Compare all universities in the UK

FAQs

How much does a master's at Edinburgh cost?

For 2027-28, informatics master's courses (Data Science, AI, Computer Science) cost £47,680 a year for international students. Business courses on this page cost £33,600 to £38,130.

What IELTS score do I need?

Usually 7.0 with component minimums, though some programmes accept 6.5. IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted.

Does Edinburgh accept state board Class 12 marks?

For most undergraduate programmes Edinburgh accepts only CBSE and CISCE Standard XII, with at least 80% overall across five subjects.

Can I skip IELTS with my Class 12 English marks?

For undergraduate entry, yes, if you score at least 85% in English in CBSE or CISCE Standard XII.

How much is it to live in Edinburgh?

The university estimates about £18,504 a year (£1,542 a month) for a postgraduate in 2026-27, including rent.

Sources

  1. University of Edinburgh: MSc Data Science (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
  2. University of Edinburgh: postgraduate taught programmes A–Z (opens in a new tab)
  3. University of Edinburgh: programme fees (2027-28) (opens in a new tab)
  4. University of Edinburgh: entry requirements for India (opens in a new tab)
  5. University of Edinburgh: student funding (opens in a new tab)
  6. THE World University Rankings 2027: University of Edinburgh (opens in a new tab)
  7. Complete University Guide 2027 league table (opens in a new tab)
  8. GOV.UK: Student visa – money you need (opens in a new tab)
  9. GOV.UK: Graduate visa (opens in a new tab)

Official website: www.ed.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)

Check the latest details

We researched this page on 23 Oct 2026. Fees, entry requirements and scholarships change every year, so confirm them on the university's website before you apply. Listing a university doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents it.

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