University of Edinburgh Academic Program

Academic
Times Top 100
Delivery Method:
In-Person
Duration:
Multi Term, Single Term

About the Program

Founded in 1583 and one of Scotland’s four ancient universities, the distinguished University of Edinburgh has been at the forefront of academic and societal excellence for over 400 years. In the heart of the cosmopolitan Edinburgh, you have everything the Scottish capital has to offer on your doorstep, from historical attractions to an eclectic mix of culture and entertainment. Prepare yourself for a  life-changing study abroad experience.

Regularly named one of the best cities in the UK to live, work, and study

Sporty, creative, entrepreneurial: There’s a society for you

Influential in the politics, engineering, and mathematics worlds

Top historical attractions: Edinburgh Castle, National Monument, Old Town

At a Glance

Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
Advanced
GPA Requirements:
3.00
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Sociology, Biological & Physical Sciences, Business, Economics & Finance, Computer Science, Music, Film & Performing Arts
Housing:
University-owned flat
Visa Required:
Maybe
Credits:
60 UK credits

Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad

WHAT STUDENTS SAY

Sobin Lee

My courses had only a few lectures; the focus was on tutorials and seminars as well as self-study and working with your classmates.

University of Edinburgh SAF Alumni

Sobin Lee

About the University

University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s medieval and Georgian architecture creates a beautiful environment to study in. Internationally renowned for its calendar of cultural events including the world’s biggest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the University of Edinburgh is in a modern cosmopolitan city attracting a large international student population. 

The university’s wealth of support for international students complements SAF's outstanding student support services, and Edinburgh's Global and College Visiting Student Offices guides you through your life-changing study-abroad experience.

Learn more at University of Edinburgh's official website

Academics

University of Edinburgh's Academic Approach

With no fixed-course academic schedule at the university, you have the freedom to craft a flexible timetable that builds expertise, knowledge, and skills in your chosen discipline.

Access to more than 1,500 courses in 42 different subject areas enables you to personalize your studies to suit your goals. You have self-motivation in your academic pursuits to meet the high expectations set by the university. As a SAF scholar, you receive credit from your program to transfer to your home universities.

Courses

Official course registration occurs during new-student orientation.

At time of application, you preregistered for courses you put on your course preference form, so it’s important to ensure you put at least 60-100+ credits per term on our course preference form. If you do not meet the 6.5 band score minimum at application, you will not be able to put upper-level courses on your course preference form.

Course & Departmental Restrictions

The following courses are NOT available:

  • Medicine
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Studio-based courses in Art and Design, Architecture, and Landscape Architecture
  • Education/Sport

The following courses are high pressure courses for registration and are restricted to visiting students. These courses are given priority to degree-seeking majors:

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

  • Art & Design elective courses (all levels)
  • English Literature
  • History
  • Politics and International Relations (all levels)
  • Philosophy
  • History of Art
  • Law
  • Education
  • Nursing
  • Sport
  • Psychology

College of Science and Engineering

  • Geography
  • Informatics *

* You are restricted to enrolling in a maximum of 20 credits of Informatics/Computer Science courses if eligible. If you are studying in the College of Engineering not taking Informatics courses, you can enroll in up to 60 credits.

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Application Requirements

When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university—and SAF is here to set you up for success.

The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
  • Language Proficiency
  • Academics & GPA
  • Application Documents & Materials

Language Test Score Requirements

To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall. A minimum sub-score of 5.5 is required to take 1st and 2nd year courses; a minimum sub-score of 6.5 is required to take 3rd and 4th year honors courses. To meet the upper level entry requirement, applicants can also take the TEAM test at orientation.
  • TOEFL iBT: 92. A minimum sub-score of 20 is required to take 1st and 2nd year courses; a minimum sub-score of 23 is required to take 3rd and 4th year honors courses. To meet the upper level level entry requirement, you can also take the TEAM test at orientation and adjust your schedule of classes at that time. If you do not meet the 23 band score minimum at application, you will not be able to put upper level courses on you course preference form.
    • Home Edition TOEFL is accepted

Your test results must be no more than two years old.

Learn More About Language Requirements

Program Dates

When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.

The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.

Fall 2024 Academic

Program dates:
Mid September - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
£
17,750

Fall 2024 Academic + Spring 2025 Academic

Program dates:
Mid September - Mid May
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
£
32,500

Spring 2025 Academic

Program dates:
Mid January - Mid May
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
£
20,020

Spring 2025 Academic + Fall 2025 Academic

Program dates:
Mid January - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
£
34,840

Housing Information

University of Edinburgh Content 011

University-owned flat

The SAF program fee includes an accommodation within a university-owned flat. 

*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.

About Edinburgh

Why Edinburgh

Framed by medieval and Georgian architecture, Edinburgh is a modern cosmopolitan city. Internationally renowned for its calendar of cultural events, including the world’s biggest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, it has an exciting history that sits neatly alongside its cute coffee shops and welcoming Scottish pubs, fantastic music venues and lively, enduring traditions.

Learn more about Edinburgh

The Student Experience

View All Blogs

Orientation

On Arrival

Your SAF pre-departure process will arm you with all the information you need for a smooth arrival to your new campus, city, and country.

To Housing

Your SAF program will include a safe transfer from your arrival airport to your new study abroad housing. We'll even provide you with top tips to make the most of your new city!

Home Sweet Home

Your SAF Program Specialist will coordinate with you to ensure you have arrived safely and settled into your new secure housing.

Keeping You Safe

As you settle in, you will learn about the SAF emergency alert system, our 24/7 phone support, and any safety concerns relevant to you.

Get Social

Your new university and SAF will arrange social and cultural events so that you can meet other study abroad and local students. Make the most of your adventure!

Advising and Support

The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it. 

Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.

Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad

Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs

Student Blogs

Fit

Staying Fit at DCU

Tips for staying all-around well while studying abroad at DCU.

Informational

Why Travel With SAF?

Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.

Girl Standing in Arch