Language of instruction
Limited places available. Unlikely to be available as a second or third preference.
The University of Edinburgh is ranked among the Top 20 universities in the world and has been at the forefront of knowledge since it was founded in 1583. Famous alumni include Charles Darwin and J K Rowling.
The University is at the heart of the city of Edinburgh. Scotland’s inspiring capital is one of Europe’s great cultural hubs and a stimulating place to study. Edinburgh’s famous Fringe Festival takes place each year during August.
Semester dates
| UQ Semester | Host Semester | Dates |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | January–May |
| Semester 2 | Semester 1 | September–December |
Guides and additional information
The University of Edinburgh has online resources to help get the most out of your exchange:
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Student testimonials
- B Engineering/MathematicsSemester 2, 2019
Edinburgh has convinced me that it's the best small city in the world.
- B Advanced Science (Honours)Semester 2, 2019
I got to meet heaps of really cool people from so many different places!
- B Psychological Science (Honours)Semester 2, 2019
Living in Edinburgh was an absolute fairy tale.
Full-time study load
60 UK credits at The University of Edinburgh is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
You are not permitted to study fewer than 60 UK credits at Edinburgh (8 UQ units)
Host university requirements
GPA
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 5 to study at The University of Edinburgh.
Study Options
Sem 1, 2023 exchanges and prior: Not applicable to this university (for the purpose of applying to UQ). You can choose courses from any of the faculties at Edinburgh which are open to exchange students, however, there are numerous course restrictions outlined below.
Sem 2, 2023 exchanges and later: You must choose one admission stream from either uni-wide, law or business and take the majority of courses within the chosen stream. Further details are outlined in the Additional Academic Information section below.
Semester Restrictions
Students are typically only able to participate in a single semester of exchange at the University of Edinburgh, due to the popularity of this university.
Other Requirements
- 3rd year Undergraduate course requirement: To study 3rd year undergraduate courses at Edinburgh, you will need to have completed at least three advanced 2nd or 3rd-year courses in a relevant study area and have received a grade B (a 5 at UQ) or above to be considered.
- Gaining credit for two disciplines at Edinburgh may only be possible if you have at least one general elective remaining in your UQ program. Dual major/dual degree students should consult IGET and faculty before selecting Edinburgh.
Note: Host university eligibility criteria are at the discretion of the host and may change without notice.
Find courses
Search Edinburgh's course catalogue if courses do not appear in the database.
Law courses: Please avoid choosing co-requisite courses as these require a full-year exchange at Edinburgh. Exceptions to co-requisite courses are not made. Law students should read the course profiles carefully when making choices.
Search the Credit Precedent Database to find courses offered by your host university that have been previously approved for credit at UQ. The database should be used as a general guide only.
You must still check the host university course catalogue to see if courses from the Credit Precedent Database are still on offer and in the correct semester of your exchange.
Study areas taught in English
Academic restrictions
Additional academic information
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Accommodation
Exchange students who comply with application requirements are guaranteed an offer of university accommodation. Edinburgh provides the list of application requirements as well as everything you need to know about visiting student accommodation.
Cost of living
Budgeting for living costs is an important part of planning for your exchange. The University provides a guide to estimated monthly costs of living in Edinburgh.
The Which? Student Budget Calculator is also a useful tool to help you create a budget and manage your finances while studying in the UK.
Financial support
A range of funding for student exchange including scholarships, grants and loans are available to UQ students.
A $4,000 Travelling Scholarship is offered by Emmanuel College. For enquiries, please contact Emmanuel College directly.
Insurance
Students approved to participate in a Semester-based Exchange are automatically covered by UQ’s Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (login required).
If you plan to travel outside of your host country, you should purchase additional insurance.
Students are not required to purchase additional insurance.
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Organise your visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
Edinburgh provides visa and immigration information for incoming exchange students.
Contact the British High Commission for more visa information.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow students to travel to any country with a risk level of 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.
If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, experiences to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice, and sign up to receive updates for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)