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About us

Edinburgh. Extraordinary futures await.

We live in a complex, fast-changing world and we’re honest about the significant challenges facing us all. As a leading global university, we know education will play a vital role solving those challenges and relish our shared responsibility to respond to them.

World leading reputation

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world's top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50* and placed 27th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings.

Our entrepreneurial and cross-disciplinary culture attracts students and staff from across the globe, creating a unique Edinburgh experience. Whatever excites you, whatever your ambition, whatever makes you ‘you’, we know one thing; nothing ordinary comes from this extraordinary place.

*Times Higher Education World Rankings

Banner image ©Chris Close

Studying at Edinburgh - student questions and answers

Hear what our students really think about Edinburgh – answering FAQs from applicants and offer holders. In this video, find out what a typical week looks like in first year, favourite places to study and what tutorials and lectures are like. All answers are the opinions and the experiences of the individual.

What makes us different

Our students have been making an impact on the world for more than 400 years. Each year is different – every individual, every degree, every campus experience is unique and a vital part of our mission to make the world a better place. 

Our global links offer you possibilities for fieldwork, industry placements and study abroad opportunities, and our research-led, industry-informed teaching incorporates the latest developments in your field.

When you choose to study with us, you’ll find that many degrees take four years to complete. This is an approach that’s common not just to Scotland but across Europe and in the US.

Studying a four-year degree allows you to benefit from greater flexibility and choice during your studies than might be offered in a shorter degree elsewhere.

As host to more than over 49,000 students from across 180 countries, we’re a wonderfully diverse mix of people of all kinds and minds.

Course locations

Edinburgh College of Art

Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9DF

Moray House School of Education and Sport

The University of Edinburgh, Old Moray House, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AQ

Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Easter Bush, Midlothian, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG

Central area campus

George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ

Main Site

The University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL

King's Buildings

West Mains Rd, Edinburgh, EH9 3JW

Western General Hospital

Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU