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University of Edinburgh

Ranked
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
29th in World University Rankings 2025
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About

Basic information and contact details for the University of Edinburgh

institution

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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Rankings

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Impact Rankings

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Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at the University of Edinburgh

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
62 F : 38 M (1)
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International student percentage
49% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
12.2 (1)
student
Student total
37035 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2025

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Subjects Taught at the University of Edinburgh

See below for a range of subjects taught at the University of Edinburgh

Life Sciences28th

  • Sport Science
  • Veterinary Science
  • Biological Sciences

Law13th

  • Law

Education33rd

  • Education

Arts and Humanities12th

  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics
  • History, Philosophy and Theology
  • Archaeology
  • Art, Performing Art and Design
  • Architecture

Business and Economics56th

  • Economics and Econometrics
  • Business and Management
  • Accounting and Finance

Clinical and Health23rd

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Other Health

Computer Science26th

  • Computer Science

Engineering83rd

  • General Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Social Sciences=38th

  • Sociology
  • Politics and International Studies
  • Geography

Psychology=25th

  • Psychology

Physical Sciences44th

  • Chemistry
  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Mathematics and Statistics

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