University of Edinburgh
About the University of Edinburgh
Basic information and contact details for the University of Edinburgh
Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh (UoE) is the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Britain and Ireland’s seven ancient universities.
It is made up of three colleges: arts, humanities and social sciences; science and engineering and medicine and veterinary medicine. Within these three colleges, there are 20 academic schools.
In total, the university attracts around 35,000 students, the majority of which study within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, the largest of its colleges.
Its College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine is reputed to be a world-leader in its field.
UoE is an internationally-focussed university and welcomes students from all corners of the globe, with the majority coming from China and the United States.
Its students can also take advantage of the Go Abroad Fund, which provides grants for 250 or students to have a short-term international experience each year. Additionally, students are also encouraged to either study or work abroad as part of their course.
The university receives over £200 million in research income. It spends over £26 million on prizes, scholarships, studentships and bursaries. At around £317 million, it has the third largest endowment of any UK university after Oxford and Cambridge.
A total of 20 Nobel laureates are affiliated with the University of Edinburgh. These include winners of Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Peace, Literature and the Memorial Prize in Economic Science.
Alumni include Charles Darwin, David Hume, Alexander Graham Bell and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, among many others.
Situated in the heart of the historic capital of Scotland, the city of Edinburgh is home to the Scottish Parliament, an ancient volcanic rock and an iconic castle.
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Key Student Statistics
A breakdown of student statistics at the University of Edinburgh
- Student gender ratio
- 62 F : 38 M (1)
- International student percentage
- 49% (1)
- Students per staff
- 11.3 (1)
- Student total
- 35350 (1)
Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2026
Subjects Taught at the University of Edinburgh
See below for a range of subjects taught at the University of Edinburgh
Arts and Humanities
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Art, Performing Art and Design
- History, Philosophy and Theology
- Languages, Literature and Linguistics
Business and Economics
- Accounting and Finance
- Business and Management
- Economics and Econometrics
Computer Science
- Computer Science
Education Studies
- Education
Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- General Engineering
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Law
- Law
Life Sciences
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Biological Sciences
- Sport Science
- Veterinary Science
Medical and Health
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Other Health
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Physics and Astronomy
Psychology
- Psychology
Social Sciences
- Communication and Media Studies
- Geography
- Politics and International Studies
- Sociology