University of Edinburgh

29th
World University Rankings 2025
=89th
Impact Rankings 2024
=30th
World Reputation Rankings 2023
Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, United Kingdom

About 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.

Explore rankings data for University of Edinburgh

All ranked institutions have an overall score and 4 pillar scores. However for each pillar, only institutions ranked in the top 500 overall or the top 500 in this pillar have a publicly visible score

Compare universities on their key stats

Key statistics

  • 49%
    Percentage of International Students
    (1)
  • 12.2
    No. of students per staff
    (1)
  • 27%
    Proportion of ISR Publications
    (1)
  • 62 : 38
    Student Ratio of Females to Males
    (1)
  • 37,035
    Number of FTE Students
    (1)
Based on data collected for the (1) 2025 World University Rankings

Subjects taught at University of Edinburgh

  • Arts & humanities

    • History, Philosophy & Theology
    • Archaeology
    • Art, Performing Arts & Design
    • Architecture
    • Languages, Literature & Linguistics
  • Engineering & technology

    • Civil Engineering
    • General Engineering
    • Electrical & Electronic Engineering
    • Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering
  • Social sciences

    • Politics & International Studies (incl Development Studies)
    • Communication & Media Studies
    • Sociology
    • Geography
  • Computer science

    • Computer Science
  • Psychology

    • Psychology
  • Life sciences

    • Biological Sciences
    • Agriculture & Forestry
    • Veterinary Science
    • Sport Science
  • Business & economics

    • Business & Management
    • Economics & Econometrics
    • Accounting & Finance
  • Clinical, pre-clinical & health

    • Medicine & Dentistry
    • Other Health
  • Physical sciences

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

    • Law
  • Education

    • Education