The University of Edinburgh (2024)

FAQs

Why is Edinburgh taking so long to reply? ›

It's taking us longer than usual to process applications this year, due to the exceptionally high number we have received. We will respond to your application as soon as we can.

The acceptance rate at Edinburgh University can vary depending on the programme and level of study. However, as a prestigious institution, it generally has a competitive acceptance rate, with undergraduate acceptance rates typically ranging from 15% to 47%.

We expect students to achieve an overall High School GPA of at least 3.3, and to have achieved high grades in relevant honors and AP classes (typically B+ or above, although in competitive areas we may require grade A or above) in combination with our selection tests.

Conclusion. With an average of 47 percent acceptance rate, Edinburgh University is one of the most selective universities in the UK. But that doesn't mean you should shy away. Just make sure you get yourself geared up for the application process by visiting their website for a full guide on how to get in.

The majority of applicants will hear back by 30 April. To ensure fair and equal consideration to applicants where competition for places is high, most applications that meet our entry requirements will be held until after the October or January application deadline before we begin selection.

University of Edinburgh Selection Criteria

The University of Edinburgh acceptance rate stands at approximately 33.88%. This figure shows the institution's stringent entry requirements and admissions standards.

The facts. We're consistently ranked one of the top 50 universities in the world. We're 27th in the 2025 QS World University rankings.

A minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent, in your US High School Transcript. We will look for a rigorous academic curriculum with A and B grades in college-level classes, such as advanced and honours level classes, or equivalent, and no grades below a C in your Junior and Senior year.

An Edinburgh degree works for you

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world's top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50 and placed 27^th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. Our graduates are ranked 24^th in the world by employers¹.

The University is a welcoming place for international students and has a large international student community. Students have the chance to make friends from around the world, experiences new things and embark upon new adventures.

How to go to university in Scotland as an American? ›

You can apply for a Student visa if you are over 16 and plan to start a course with a provider who can act as a licensed student sponsor. You do not need a visa to study in the UK for courses up to 6 months, as long as you are studying at an accredited institution. This includes English language courses.

In general terms, you'll be expected to have an outstanding academic record and satisfy the minimum qualifications for your selected course of study. However, it's crucial to dig into the specifics, as each program has unique entry requirements that you'll need to meet.

For American students with strong test scores, Edinburgh can be one of the least problematic admissions offers that they will receive. Crucial to this is making sure that the personal statement is a UK-style statement (in stark contrast to a Common App style statement), and having strong test scores.

Because competition for places is high, you will usually be expected to achieve the upper grade level to receive an offer. However, please note that competition for places can vary by fee status and may be very high where places are limited. We normally make offers to the highest qualified applicants.

Is the University of Edinburgh hard to get into? The University of Edinburgh is not the hardest university to get into in the UK, but to get in you will need to ensure that you have a strong application.

Once you've submitted your application, you can track its progress using the Applicant Hub. Note that processing of applications is currently taking longer this year, due to the exceptionally high number of applications we have received.

If you are sending in documents by email, please keep in mind that the usual response time is within 2 weeks and there may be a delay during peak times. If your offer is unconditional this means that your application has demonstrated that you're ready for postgraduate study.

Edinburgh is also a world-renowned leisure and business destination, attracting more than 1 million overseas visitors every year, making it second only to London in UK terms. Consequently, Edinburgh is always busy but the population swells and peaks in August and again during the Christmas holidays.

Give your contacts at least 1-3 days to answer your email. Following up too soon will make you look pushy or even intrusive. Nobody likes that. Having said that — try not to wait too long with sending a follow-up email either, because your recipient may lose the context.