University of Edinburgh Admission Requirements
Contents
The University of Edinburgh is renowned for its academic excellence, historic campus, and vibrant student life, making it one of the Best Universities in the UK. For students aspiring to join its diverse community, understanding the admission requirements is a vital first step. This guide provides comprehensive information on academic and English language requirements, application deadlines, and helpful advice for domestic and international students. Whether you're navigating the Education System in the UK or exploring options as an IB student, this article is your roadmap to success.
Academic Requirements of University of Edinburgh
Admission to the University of Edinburgh is highly selective, with acceptance rates and requirements varying by programme. Typical offers range from AAA to ABB in A-Level exams, or 37 to 43 points in IB exams, depending on the course. For the specific entry requirements for your chosen course, including grades, admission tests and interviews, check out the summary below:
| Programme | A-Level Requirements | IB Requirements | Admission Test | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | A*AA | 39 points with 666 at HL. | No | No (but portfolio review is required) |
| Art | ABB | 34 points with 655 at HL. HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5. | No | No (but portfolio review is required) |
| Biological Sciences | AAA - ABB with Biology and Chemistry, both at B or above. You must have a grade A in one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics. GCSEs: Mathematics or Physics at B or 6 and English at C or 4. | 37 points with 666 at HL - 32 points with 655 at HL. HL: Biology and Chemistry at 5. SL: Mathematics: Analysis and approaches, Mathematics: Applications and interpretation, or Physics at 6 and English at 5. | No | No |
| Business and Economics | A*AA with Mathematics at B, or AS Mathematics at A. | 39 points with 666 at HL. HL: Mathematics at 5. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics at 6 (if not at HL). | No | No |
| Chemistry | AAA - ABB with Chemistry and Mathematics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4. | 37 points with 666 at HL - 32 points with 655 at HL. HL: Chemistry and Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 5. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 6 (if not at HL). | No | No |
| Computer Science | A*A*A* - AAB with Mathematics at A. | 43 points with 777 at HL - 34 points with 665 at HL. HL: Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 6. SL: English at 5. | No | No |
| Economics | A*AA with Mathematics at B, or AS Mathematics at A. | 39 points with 666 at HL. HL: Mathematics at 5. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics at 6 (if not at HL). | No | No |
| Engineering | AAA - ABB with Mathematics and one of Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science/Computing, Design & Technology (excluding Food Technology) or Engineering at B. | 37 points with 666 at HL - 34 points with 655 at HL. HL: Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) and one of Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science or Design Technology at 5. SL: Physics at 5 (if not at HL) and English at 5. | No | No |
| English Literature | A*AA with English Literature or combined English at B. | 39 points with 666 at HL. English at 5. | No | No |
| Geography | AAA - ABB with two of Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Electronics, Environmental Science, Geology, Mathematics, or Physics at B. | 34 points with 655 at HL - 32 points with 655 at HL. HL: two of Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) or Physics at 5. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 5 (if not at HL). | No | No |
| History | A*AA | 39 points with 666 at HL. SL: English at 5. | No | No |
| Law | A*AA with English Literature, English Language or combined English at B. | 39 points with 666 at HL. HL: English at 5. | No | No |
| Mathematics | A*AA - A*AB with Mathematics at A*. | 38 points with 766 at HL - 34 points with 765 at HL. HL: Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 7. SL: English at 5. | No | No |
| Medicine | A*AA with Chemistry at A* (A if eligible for minimum entry requirements) and one from Biology/Human Biology, Mathematics, or Physics at A. Only one of Mathematics or Further Mathematics will be considered. | 40 points with 766 at HL (7 in Chemistry). Chemistry at 7 (6 if eligible for minimum entry requirements) and one other science subject. SL: 666 (555 if eligible for mnimum entry requirements) to include Mathematics: Analysis and approaches or Mathematics: Applications and interpretation, English and Biology (if not at HL). | UCAT | Yes |
| Nursing Studies | ABB | 34 points with 655 at HL. HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics at 4. | No | Yes |
| Philosophy | AAA | 37 points with 666 at HL. HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5. | No | No |
| Physics | AAA - ABB with Mathematics at A and Physics at B. | 37 points with 666 at HL - 32 points with 655 at HL. HL: Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 6 and Physics at 5. SL: English at 5. | No | No |
| Politics | A*AA | 39 points with 666 at HL. | No | No |
| Psychology | A*AA with one from Biology or Human Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or equivalent, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology at B. | 39 points with 666 at HL. HL: one of Biology or Human Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or equivalent, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology at 5. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics at 6 (if not at HL). | No | No |
| Veterinary Medicine | AAA with Chemistry and Biology at A. Critical Thinking is not accepted for this degree. | 38 points with 666 at HL. HL: Chemistry and Biology at 6. SL: English at 5 or GCSE English at C or 4. | No | Yes |
The University of Edinburgh offers more than three hundred undergraduate programmes, with the most popular and famous ones shown in the table above. If you’re interested in subjects not shown above, you should refer to the official degree finder page for more details.
If you’re worried you can’t meet the academic requirements above, it is advised to consider an A-Level Tutor or IB Tutor. If your subject requires the new UCAT test, think about hiring a UCAT Tutor to boost your chance of success. If you want to best prepare for your potential interviews ahead, check out the article Common University Interview Questions and Answers to know how to start.
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English Language Requirements for International Students
For non-native English speakers, demonstrating proficiency in English is crucial for admission. The University of Edinburgh accepts a variety of language qualifications:
Accepted Tests
- IELTS Academic: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no component below 5.5.
- TOEFL iBT: A score of at least 92, with a minimum of 20 in each section.
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): Minimum grade of 176 with no component below 162.
Alternative Qualifications
- International Baccalaureate English A or B at a certain level can fulfil the requirement.
- GCSE or equivalent qualifications with a grade C/4 or above in English Language.
Pre-Sessional English Programmes
- For applicants who narrowly miss the required English scores, the university offers pre-sessional English courses designed to enhance language skills before the academic year begins.
Ensuring your proficiency aligns with these standards is vital for securing a place when Applying to UK Universities as an International Student.
Application Deadlines and Timeline
Edinburgh University aligns with the rest of the universities in the UK Education System by following the UCAS application timeline. Below is an overview of key dates:
Application Timeline
- 3 September 2024: UCAS opens for applications.
- 15 October 2024: Deadline for Medicine-related programmes.
- 29 January 2025: Main UCAS deadline for all other courses.
- March–May 2025: Interviews (if applicable) and decisions are made.
- May 2025: Applicants accept offers via UCAS.
- July 2025: Deadline for meeting conditional offers (e.g., final grades).
- August 2025: Confirmation and Clearing open.
Conclusion: Admission Requirements of Edinburgh University
The University of Edinburgh values diversity, academic excellence, and ambition. With its historic legacy and commitment to innovation, it’s a top choice for students worldwide. For IB students, exploring applying to UK universities as an IB student offers tailored advice to meet your specific needs. Prepare thoroughly, stay organised, and take the first step toward joining this prestigious institution. Good luck!
FAQ
What are the minimum requirements for Edinburgh University?
The minimum requirements for admission to the University of Edinburgh vary by programme and qualification. For A-level students, typical offers range from AAA to ABB, depending on the course, with specific subjects required for certain degrees like Medicine or Engineering. For IB students, the requirement is generally 37-43 points, with Higher Level grades specified for competitive courses. Other qualifications, such as the US High School Diploma, must meet equivalent standards. International students also need to demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent tests. Always check the specific entry requirements for your chosen programme on the university website.
What subject is Edinburgh University famous for?
The University of Edinburgh is internationally renowned for a range of subjects, particularly Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Law, and Informatics (Computer Science). Its Medical School is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world, producing groundbreaking research and exceptional graduates. Veterinary Medicine is consistently ranked among the best globally, attracting students with its rigorous curriculum and excellent facilities. The university also excels in Arts and Humanities, offering renowned programmes in English Literature, History, and Philosophy. Science and Engineering courses, including Artificial Intelligence, further enhance its reputation for academic excellence across diverse disciplines.
What GPA do you need to get into the University of Edinburgh?
For students applying with a GPA, the University of Edinburgh typically looks for a competitive score depending on the education system. In the US system, a GPA of 3.3–3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) is generally considered competitive for most undergraduate programmes. Highly competitive courses, like Medicine or Veterinary Medicine, may require an even higher GPA, along with strong SAT/ACT scores or equivalent qualifications. International students should also ensure their GPA aligns with the university’s specific requirements for their home country’s education system. For precise GPA expectations, refer to the admissions section for international applicants.
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Written by: Vicky Liu
Vicky has an undergraduate degree from The University of Hong Kong and a Masters from University College London, and has a background in legal and educational writing.
