What is the history of the University of Edinburgh?
-
1 Answer
-
University of Edinburgh, in 1583 opened its gates for its first students. It was formed after Bishop Robert Reid of St. Magnus Cathedral made a will in 1557, containing an endowment of 8,000 marks to build a college in Edinburgh. However, the bequest was delayed for more than 25 years due to the religious revolution of 1560. Following the Scottish Enlightenment of the 18th century, the university was positioned at the forefront of academia and critical thinking.
Similar Questions for you
Similar to the Ivy League in the US, 24 of the best universities are part of the Russell Group in the UK. The main difference between RG universities and others comes in research, teaching, and overall standing. RG university faculty members are usually Nobel Prize winners or world-class researchers. You get a low Student to faculty ratio and a better environment.
All 3 universities are ranked by top ranking publishers for their Nursing courses. The table below shows rankings for Nursing courses 2025 -
Top Ranking Bodies | King's College London | University of Edinburgh | University of Manchester |
|---|---|---|---|
QS Ranking 2025 | #1 | #46 | #10 |
THE Ranking 2025 for Medical and Health | #12 | #21 | #48 |
Shiksha Popularity Ranking (UK) | #13 | #2 | #4 |
The Guardian Ranking 2025 | #13 | #1 | #41 |
The acceptance rate at the University of Edinburgh stands at 51%, according to an unofficial source. This acceptance rate suggests that out of every 100 applicants, 51 students are offered admission. To be eligible for the University of Edinburgh admissions, mentioned below are the requirements:
| Eligibility Criteria | Undergraduate (UG) | Postgraduate (PG) |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Score | 75-85% overall in Class XII with 3 subjects at 75% | Good Bachelor's degree with a minimum 60% (or 55% from Institutes of Eminence or National Importance) |
| Academic Qualification | Higher Secondary Certificate (CBSE/ISC/State Board) | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university |
| Application Fee | No application fee (via UCAS) | Typically no fee for most courses; some master’s courses may charge £60 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 6.5 overall (or accepted equivalents) | IELTS 6.5-7.0 overall (or accepted equivalents) |
| Additional Requirements | Personal statement, references, possible interview or portfolio for some courses | Personal statement, references, research proposals (if applicable), possibly GRE/GMAT for some courses |
| Special Notes | Some courses may require interviews, portfolios (Art/Design programs) | Institutes of Eminence may have slightly relaxed criteria; some courses require standardized tests like GMAT for MBA |
International students are not required to take an entrance test or attend an interview for most of the University of Edinburgh courses; however, they are required for competitive programs like Medicine (it requires a UCAT test). Additionally, courses in Medicine may require portfolios.
Below mentioned are the programs, the students might be asked to meet the mentioned requirements for:
| Program/Faculty | Admission Requirements | Additional Entry Tests or Interviews |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | UCAS application, academic transcripts | UCAT test, interview |
| Veterinary Medicine | Academic transcripts | Interview |
| Nursing | Academic transcripts | Interview |
| Teacher Training | Academic transcripts | Interview |
| Art, Design, Fine Art | Academic transcripts, portfolio submission | Portfolio review |
| Most Other UG Programs | Academic transcripts, personal statement | Usually, no tests or interviews |
| Postgraduate Programs | Bachelor's degree, personal statement, references | Tests may be required for some competitive programs |
| MBA | Degree, work experience, personal statement | GMAT score required |
The University of Edinburgh offers one of the best Computer Science programs to international students. The is taught by excellent faculty through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical classes. The programme helps students to work on projects that build their understanding in building computer systems from scratch, developing system, doing experimental work, working on projects with supervisor guidance. Students must definitely take admission to Computer Science curriculum as it opens a door in big companies.
Overseas Admission Counselling by Shiksha Abroad
- Transparent Process
- Fast Response
- Wide choice of Universities
- 100% Free
Planning to study abroad?
Get end-to-end expert guidance on University Shortlisting, University Application, Visa and Education Loan
Sign Up on Shiksha Study AbroadOn Shiksha Study Abroad, get access to
- 60 Countries
- 4k Universities
- 161k Courses
- 196 Scholarships
