The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583, and is the 4th oldest university in Scotland, and 6th oldest in the UK. It is ranked 4th in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research power, based on the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (Times Higher Education, Overall Ranking of Institutions). It is also the home of the Edinburgh College of Art (ECA).
Courses and students
There are almost 400 degree programmes in 60 subjects on offer, taught through 21 academic schools in three colleges:
The university had 9,400 academic staff teaching 49,485 students in 2023/24, including 25,835 undergraduate students. 9,340 of the undergraduate students were from Scotland.
There are multiple opportunities to study abroad with programs such as Study Abroad and International Exchange. There are over 400 student exchange partners across Europe and over 200 exchange places from partner universities outside Europe.
Facilities and services
The university is home to a wide range of facilities including: one of the UK’s Wellcome Trust research facilities; The Institute of Astronomy at the Historic Royal Observatory in Edinburgh; and The Hospital for Small Animals at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
The university is one of the UK’s leading sports universities. They have excellent facilities managed by the university’s Centre for Sport and Exercise. It includes extensive state-of-the-art gyms, a residential centre for outdoor activities, a swimming pool, games hall, widespread playing fields and a leading sports injuries clinic.
There are 71 sports clubs and over 200 teams to choose from, and clubs cater for all ability levels. Students also have access to the Edinburgh University Students' Association which includes the opportunity to join over 400 student-led societies and volunteer groups.
Ranking
In the Complete University Guide 2025, the university is ranked the 2nd top university in Scotland.
The university is ranked 27th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
In the Complete University Guide 2025, Edinburgh University has 30 subjects in the top ten; it is ranked 3rd in UK for Nursing and Midwifery, and 1st in Scotland for Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine.
Ranked 1st in Scotland, 5th in the UK and 16th in the world for Law (Times Higher Education World University Rankings: Law 2025).
Ranked 3rd in UK and 5th in Europe in the QS Sustainability Ranking 2025.
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Courtesy of University of Edinburgh
