Information for International applicants and prospective students

The University An ancient university, founded in 1583 One of the largest universities in the UK Over 30,000 students, more than 20,000 undergraduates, 10,000+ postgraduates Over 11,000 international students from more than 150 countries 8,000 staff 3 Colleges, 22 Schools Merged with Edinburgh College of Art Located in the heart of Scotland’s capital city Numerous networks and global partnerships:

The University Historic & Prestigious One of the top UK universities and study destinations within Europe Ranked 5 th in UK, 6 th in Europe by THE World University Rankings 2012 Ranked 21 st in the World by QS World University Rankings 2012 One of the world’s leading research universities (Research Assessment Exercise, RAE 2008) Excellent reputation for teaching & research - over 80% academic staff active in research Innovative and quality assured teaching standards Associated with 15 Nobel Prize winners - in areas such as Physics, Medicine, Economics The University of Edinburgh: rated as the best place to be in the UK by international students ISB Survey

The City of Edinburgh Europe's Leading Destination in 2012 World Travel Awards 2012 Population around 500,000, students make up over one tenth Historic, cosmopolitan, safe, cultured city One of the most vibrant cities in Europe and most desirable places to live in the world World’s first UNESCO City of Literature UNESCO World Heritage Site 12 annual festivals, including the world’s largest arts festival Financial centre Excellent transport network “Edinburgh isn’t so much a city, more a way of life… I doubt I’ll ever tire of exploring Edinburgh, on foot or in print.” Ian Rankin, best-selling crime writer and University of Edinburgh alumnus

The University in the city Scale = 0.5 mile

Distinguished Alumni Charles Darwin, Naturalist David Hume, Philosopher Joseph Lister, Surgeon Piers Sellers, NASA Astronaut Gordon Brown, previous UK Prime Minister Adam Smith, Economist James Clerk Maxwell, Physicist Sir Walter Scott, Writer Ian Rankin, UK's bestselling crime author JK Rowling, Writer John Witherspoon, Clergyman, signatory of US Declaration of Independence Sir Chris Hoy, the UK’s most successful Olympian

Academic Structure 3 Colleges: College of Humanities & Social Science College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine College of Science & Engineering 22 Schools: All research-active 119 academic disciplines 500 Undergraduate degrees 160+ Postgraduate taught courses 130+ Research degrees “You are now in a place where the best courses upon earth are within your reach… such an opportunity you will never again have.” Thomas Jefferson, Founding Father and US President speaking to his son-in- law as he began his studies at the University of Edinburgh in 1786

College of Humanities & Social Science Ranked 11 th in the world, 4 th in Europe by THE World University Rankings 2012/13 Schools Business Divinity Economics Edinburgh College of Art Education Health in Social Science History, Classics and Archaeology Law Literatures, Languages and Cultures Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences Social and Political Science Average first year UG intake: 2,500

College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine Schools Biomedical Sciences Clinical Sciences & Community Health Molecular & Clinical Medicine Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Average first year UG intake: 300

College of Science & Engineering Schools Biological Sciences Chemistry Engineering Geosciences Informatics Mathematics Physics & Astronomy Average first year UG intake: 1,500

UK Undergraduate Degrees In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the majority of Honours degrees are 3 years in duration with specialisation from the outset In Scotland, the majority of degrees are 4 years (Honours) This is because Scottish degrees have lots of flexibility and choice of subjects to study in lower years, with specialisation by third year Often this gives students the opportunity to sample several subjects before choosing in which to specialise For A Level / IB holders, 3 year Honours degrees are often possible Ancient universities confer Master of Arts (MA) for undergraduate degrees in social sciences

Encourage independent thinking, reasoning and research skills Emphasis on independent study, self-motivation and critical thinking Taught through lectures, seminars, tutorials Contact hours vary by subject Humanities: average hours per week Science: average hours per week Normal study week around 40 hours Assessment by coursework and examination Study abroad option often available in 3rd year Academic year is divided into 2 semesters: Semester 1 16 Sep - 20 Dec 2013 Semester 2 13 Jan - 23 May 2014 Edinburgh degrees

Australia University of Melbourne University of New South Wales University of Queensland University of Sydney Canada University of British Columbia Carleton University McGill University Queen's University University of Toronto China Fudan University Hong Kong University Peking University ERASMUS 180 links, 20+ countries India University of Delhi New Zealand University of Auckland Massey University University of Otago South Korea Konkuk University Korea University Singapore National University of Singapore South America Universidad de San Andres, Argentina Universidad de las Americas, Mexico Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile USA Barnard College CalTech University of California University of Chicago Georgetown University George Washington University Haverford College Iowa State University University of Miami Michigan State University University of Mississippi University of North Carolina Chapel Hill University of Pennsylvania University of Richmond University of Austin Texas University of Virginia University of Washington Washington University St Louis Exchange Partners

Admissions Very popular and competitive study destination Over 47,000 applications for c.5,500 undergraduate places in September 2012 Approximately 18,000 offers were made for 2012 undergraduate entry Admission statistics are available on our website: departments/student- recruitment/admissions- advice/admissions-statistics

Admission requirements and How to Apply Encourage applications from well- qualified students Recognise a wide range of qualifications for entry Entry requirements vary from programme to programme Details of specific country requirements can be found here: Undergraduate applications are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)

"Home" students – split into Scotland/EU and Rest of UK (RUK) o There are a limited number of places funded by the Scottish Government for students from Scotland and European Union countries. o RUK students now liable for fees = > popular programmes = competition = > gathered pool International Students o Seeking to attract similar calibre of international students. o International student applicants who meet or are predicted to meet the minimum entry requirements are likely to be made an offer for all programmes = > minimum entry requirements = > rolling admissions Admissions and Fee Status Exception: Medicine The number of medicine places for international students is limited by UK Government restrictions to 7 percent of the total medicine entrants. Consequently, international entry to medicine is also extremely competitive.

Personal Statement (1) Q: Why is it important? Large numbers of students applying through UCAS – impossible to interview for all courses Admissions staff want to see evidence that students are enthusiastic, well- prepared and have the right skills to do well at university Provides a platform to create a positive impression and indicates potential, creates an opportunity to differentiate and select At confirmation (if grades missed)

Personal Statement (2) Subject Choice Why have you chosen this area? Do you fully understand what the subject entails? Have you gone the extra mile? How to your current studies relate to your choices? Work experience and key skills Evidence you understand the career implications of your choice Work placements/voluntary work which is relevant Knowledge, skills you have gained as a result Personal interests and achievements How can you contribute to University life? Skills – teamwork, leadership, time management, responsibility

Personal Statement (3) You can only write one personal statement for all 5 choices Don’t just list achievements / skills Make sure it reads well (do a spell check!) Demonstrate that you are an all- round achiever with the ability to contribute to university life If possible relate your achievements / experiences/ courses studied back to your application – a focused and relevant statement is very effective.

Undergraduate Tuition Fees Annual fees for academic year Most courses£13,300 (non-lab / class based) £17,500+ (laboratory / studio arts) Medicine£21,650(Years 1 & 2) £36,600 (Years 3, 4 & 5) Veterinary £27,900 Medicine(varying for each year) Cost of living£8,000 (estimate) For up to date information on course fees and any additional programme costs:

Scholarships and Finance The University offers a number of scholarships for international students, all of which are awarded on the basis of academic merit Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships 15 worth £2,000 Online application, deadline 1 April Further information can be found on our website: student-funding

Learning Facilities 17 libraries Main library undergoing a £60 million refurbishment Europe’s 3rd largest academic library Special collections UK’s largest campus computer network Located close to key learning resources, including the National Library and National Gallery of Scotland Well established links with professions and industry State of the art facilities and the opportunity to work with top academics

International Student Support Pre arrival advice and guidance Visa and immigration advice Airport welcome Personal Tutor / Supervisor Study support Careers service MyEd Social events programme: Global Horizons Hospitality schemes International Student Centre Chaplaincy centre On campus health centre

University Accommodation Guaranteed housing for first year Over 6,000 residential places for students Centrally located, easy access to teaching facilities and city centre 95% single rooms / en-suite or shared Flats / apartments Catered / self-catered residences 24-hour residential wardens / ResLife team After first year, approximately 1,000 University places for returning students Majority choose to live in private accommodation after first year Applications open February to August

Cost of Accommodation Cost per week depends on the accommodation you choose: £57 - £102 for self-catered £110 - £216 for catered Rent includes central heating, electricity, cleaner, phone and data facilities, personal contents insurance Rooms have 24 hour access to the internet Private accommodation alternatives Accommodation Office can offer guidance and advice on finding a place to live Virtual Tours: students/accommodation/virtual-tours

Student Experience Over 260 student societies 65 sports clubs, 5* rated sports facilities Student radio station, weekly newspaper and the UK’s oldest student-run theatre company The University has finished in the top 5 in the British Universities and Colleges Sport rankings every year for the last 5 years 5 student union buildings International Students Centre The University of Edinburgh: voted the best UK university for clubs and societies by international students ISB Survey

A-Z of Student Societies Aberdeen FC Supporters Club (EU) African & Arabic Dance Society African & Caribbean Society African Relations Circle AIESEC Air Squadron Amnesty International Anime and Animation Society Archaeology Society Architecture Sans Frontier Society Art Society Baha'i Society Ballroom Dance Society Barnardo’s Society Bhangra Crew Big 2 BioSoc Bisexual Lesbian or Gay (BLOGS) Brass Band Bridge Club Bright Futures Edinburgh Buddhist Bulgarian Society BUNAC Capoeira Society Catholic Students' Union Celtic Supporters Club Chamber Choir Chamber Orchestra Changeringers (Guild of) Charity Fashion Society Cheerleading Society 'The Vixens' Chemical Engineering Society Chemical Society Chess Club Chi Soc Childrens Holiday Venture Chill Out Society Chinese Cultural Society Chinese Students' Association Choc Soc Christian Union Classics Society Clinical Psychologists in Training Comedy and That Composers' Orchestra Computer Society Confucianism Study Society Conservative & Unionist Association Create Society Debates Committee Diabetes Society Diagnostic Society Dirty Weekenders (Conservationists) Drumming Society Duke of Edinburgh Award Economics Edinburgh Exchange Support Society Edinburgh Global Partnerships Edinburgh Worshippers of Cthulhu Society Engineering Engineers Without Borders Edinburgh English Language and Linguistics Society English Literature Society Entrepreneurial Society Exmoor Pony Trekking Section Exped Fair Trade Café Film Society First Aiding Society Flamenco Folk Song Society Fonelisco Orphanage Project Society Football Supporters Association Footlights Formal Attire Running Club of Edinburgh Frequently Asked Questions Society Fresh Air (Student Radio) GameSoc GEAS (Roleplaying) Geography Society Geolsoc German Society Goth and Rock Society Hellenic Society Highland Society History Society Hitch Hong Kong International Society Humanist Society Hung Ga Appreciation Society iCUE Indie Ink Magazine International Relations Forum

A-Z of Student Societies continued…! Irish Islamic Society Italian Society Japanese Jazz Orchestra Jewish Society Juggling Society Korean Society Labour Club Law Society Liberal Democrats Malaysian Students Marrow Society Mathematics & Statistics Mature & Grad Medics Mature Law Students' Society Meadow’s Half Marathon Medics Mediterranean Gastronomic MedSIN-UK Mexicanos En Edimburgo Middle Eastern Society Model United Nations Modern Dance Society Movie Production Society Music Society Musical Medics Society New Scotland Country Dance Nightline Nomad Magazine Nursing Society Officers Training Corps Oxvol (Oxfam Volunteers) Palestine Solidarity Society People & Planet Persian Society Philosophy Society Photographic Society Physics Society Pizza Hereos Poker Society Politics Society Pool Society Portuguese & Brazilian Society Postgrad Society Pro Evolution Soccer Society Psychology Society Reeling Club Renaissance Singers Revelation Rock Gospel Choir Romanian Society Russian Society Save the Animals Campaign Savoy Opera Group Scandinavian Society Science Fiction & Fantasy Scottish Ethnology Society Scottish Romanian Language Link (SCROLL) Scottish Socialist Students' Society Self defence Society Shekter Soc Sign Society Singapore Students Singers (EU) Snooker Society South Asian Society Spanish and Latino Society Standing Ovation Stop Aids String Orchestra Student Action for Autism Student Action For Refugees (STAR) Student Cancer Fund Student Christian Movement Student Newspaper Student Scout and Guide Organisation Students Supporting Street Kids (SSSK) Studio Opera Swahili Club Swing Dance Society Tai Chi Chuan Taiwanese Society Tango Tennent's Lager Appreciation Society Theatre Company (Bedlam) Tibet Society Trading & Investment Club Travel Society Twisters Association Untapped Talent Vedic Society Veterinary Zoological Wargames Water of Life Welsh Society Yoga Society

Student Sports Clubs Archery Club Association Football Club M Association Football Club F Athletics Club Badminton Club Basketball Club Boat Club Boxing Club Canoe Club Cricket Club Cross Country Curling Club Cycling Club Exmoor Pony Trekking S. Fencing Club Gliding Club Golf Club Hare & Hounds Hillwalking Club Hockey Club (Male) Hockey Club (Female) Hot Air Balloon Club Ice Hockey Club Judo Club Ju Jitsu Club Karate Club (Shotokan) Karate Club (Shukokai) Kendo Club Korfball Club Lacrosse Club F Lacrosse Club M Motor Sport Club Mountaineering Club Netball Club Orienteering Club Rifle Club Roller Hockey Club Rugby Club (Male) Rugby Club (Female) Sailing Club Shinty Club Skydiving Club Snowsports Club Squash Club Sub Aqua Club Swimming & Water Polo Club Table Tennis Club Tennis Club Trampoline Club Triathlon Club Ultimate Frisbee Club Volleyball Club Weightlifting Club Windsurfing & Surfing Club

We’re Here to Help Jenny Thacker International Officer The International Office The University of Edinburgh 33 Buccleuch Place Edinburgh EH8 9JS Scotland, UK Call: +44 (0)