Studying in Edinburgh - visits to University of Edinburgh and Queen Margaret University
- Suzie Castello
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
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The capital city of Scotland is very much a college town. More than 100,000 study in Edinburgh, about half at the University of Edinburgh. Edinburgh is a hub for financial services and fintech industries, second in the UK only to London. It is also known for AI, data science, software development, biomedical and green energy research, startups, and is a center for publishing. The city hosts many important cultural events including the Edinburgh International and Fringe Festivals.
The city is safe and walkable, and it is easy to get around via public transport. It is also home to Edinburgh Napier University, also located in the city center, and the suburban campuses of Queen Margaret University and Heriot-Watt University.
I had the fortune to visit University of Edinburgh and Queen Margaret University in February. Below is information from these visits.
Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is located in the heart of the city and home to more than 30,000 undergraduates. Like other ancient universities, its campuses house many historic artifacts. The University of Edinburgh is research-intensive, with 20 Nobel laureates have done research there. Some important discoveries from the institution are chloroform anesthesia, the Higgs boson particle and in-vitro fertilization. It is also home of the James Tait Black Prizes – Britain’s oldest literary awards. Important facilities include the ocean simulator FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility, and the UK's National Supercomputer, ARCHER2.
The city center campus is a mix of ancient and modern facilities and is integrated with the surrounding neighborhood There are three other campuses: King’s Buildings about 15 minutes away, and campuses dedicated to the medical and veterinary schools, all connected by campus shuttle.
International students make up 31%. There are more than 300 student societies covering sport, politics, social and community support, and the arts. Student organizations run the oldest student newspaper and oldest purpose-built student union in the world.
University of Edinburgh offers more than 500 undergraduate courses. Popular programs include AI, Robotics, Sustainable Development, English Literature, disciplines in the College of Science and Engineering, and the Business School. Courses in Law and Medicine are also highly sought after, as is the Joint Honors for International Relations and Law.
Accommodation is guaranteed for first year students if they apply before the deadline. Off campus accommodation is available, but students are encouraged to secure their options early.
Admissions are selective and vary by course. Apply via UCAS.
They offer an International Foundation Programme “designed to prepare international students for degree-level study within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences”, and are planning to add a Foundation program for Computer Science in 2026/27.
Queen Margaret University
Situated a very short train ride from the center of Edinburgh is Queen Margaret University. For the student looking for a smaller environment and a traditional campus setting, Queen Margaret is home to 5000 students studying a range of programs within the mission of attending society’s pressing needs and improving quality of life. The campus was renovated in 2007 to provide practical learning spaces for both individual study and collaboration.
Popular programs at QMU are psychology, education, non-medical degree health sciences courses including Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition, and Physiotherapy. The Business School balances theoretical study with a hands-on entrepreneurial focus, as do programs in Media, Communications and Performing arts. They have a unique program focused on Costume Design.
Students come from 80 countries. QMU has a commitment to accessibly priced courses. Accommodation is available on campus for students who apply before the deadline. The campus community is friendly and students are active in clubs and organizations, and outreach with the community.
Admission to QMU is flexible for international students. For example, students who hold a certificate of completion from Ensino Médio may be eligible to apply for direct admission on a case by case basis. Apply through UCAS.
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