University of Edinburgh
Language of instruction
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 |
View Edingburgh's academic calendar.
Edinburgh is available for single-semester exchange only.
Guides and additional information
The University of Edinburgh has online resources to help get the most out of your exchange:
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Student testimonials
- B Commerce/EconomicsSemester 2, 2018
My semester exchange was the best four months of my life and I would go back to Edinburgh in a heartbeat.
- B Mechanical Engineering/CommerceSemester 2, 2018
I now know and have the confidence and abilities to do anything I set my mind to. I also have an insatiable appetite for travel and and enduring love of Scotland.
- B Arts & Dip LanguagesSemester 2, 2018
One semester is short but it's also really long - take every opportunity you get.
Full-time study load
60 credits at The University of Edinburgh is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
Minimum academic requirements
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 5 to study at The University of Edinburgh.
Find courses
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.
Search Edinburgh's course catalogue if courses do not appear in the database.
Study areas taught in English
Course restrictions
To study 3rd year undergraduate courses at Edinburgh, you will need to have completed at least 3 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.
Courses in the following are in high demand and fill very quickly:
- English Literature* (Entry to Honours (Year 3) courses can be very competitive)
- History
- History of Art
- International Relations
- Law
- Philosophy
- Politics
Very limited spots are available for students looking to study advanced law courses only.
The following programs are not available to exchange students:
- Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
- The Parliamentary Programme
- Studio-based programs such as Architecture, Art and Design
The university provides a full list of restrictions and course pre-requisites.
Additional academic information
The University of Edinburgh has online resources to help navigate their academic policies:
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 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.
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 the Student Exchange Program 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
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 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 UQ Abroad 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 UQ Abroad 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, UQ Abroad programs to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Register your travel plans
We recommend that you register your travel plans on the Smartraveller website so that the Australian Government can contact you or your family in an emergency.
Non-Australian citizens should register with their closest consulate.
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.