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Study Abroad in Edinburgh

College Study Abroad

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Explore Edinburgh, Scotland

Widely considered one of Britain’s crown jewels, Edinburgh is the staggering and inimitable capital city of Scotland, famed for its striking architecture, rich 1,000-year history, remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and more. As the powerhouse of Scottish literary arts, comedy, culture, and education, Edinburgh is an incredible place to live and learn abroad.  

When you study abroad in Edinburgh, you’ll make one of the world’s top cities for international students your classroom. As a European center for financial services and biotech, Edinburgh's local universities are world leaders in fields like financial technology, Celtic studies, and biomedical and environmental sciences. Here, in southeastern Scotland close to the North Sea, you’ll quickly become captivated by the country’s best-preserved medieval buildings, literary heritage, historic cobblestone streets, and renowned museums. With its centuries-old architecture, streets, and castles, life in Edinburgh, Scotland beckons you. 

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  • weekend excursion edinburgh countryside
  • students in edinburgh scotland ocean view

Study Tours & Cultural Excursions in Edinburgh

Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions and a multi-day study tour uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Edinburgh, study tours and excursions may include: 

  • A walking tour of the city center. Popular attractions include Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Princes Street Gardens. 
  • Hike up Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano and hill located in Holyrood Park which offers superb walks and stunning views over the city. 
  • Day trips to soak up Scotland’s stunning geography, such as Stirling, Glasgow and the beautiful Scottish Highlands .

If you’re a student looking for an authentic study abroad experience in Edinburgh, our cultural excursions and tours allow you to do just that! Whether you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, visit famous sites, or make new friends, studying abroad in Edinburgh offers something for everyone.  

castle in edinburgh scotland

Where Students Study

Edinburgh Napier University
The Edinburgh Napier University nearly has 20.000 students from over 100 countries. It offers more than 300 undergraduate and postgraduate courses on its three campuses located in the capital of Scotland, the historical city of Edinburgh. Napier delivers meaningful, difference-making education and research for a rapidly changing world. Napier is ranked the number one modern university in the UK for Computer Science, Criminology, English, and Nursing (ST GUG 2023), top five UK Modern universities for: Communications and Media Studies, Drama, Dance, and Cinematics, number one university in Edinburgh for student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2020, 2021, 2022), and top university in Scotland for environmental sustainability and ethics (2022 People and Planet University League). 

Edinburgh Study Abroad Programs

Edinburgh skyline during the day
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Study Program

Make Scotland’s enchanting capital, Edinburgh, your home away from home.

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Life by the Sea
  • Small City
Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Spend your semester living and learning in the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh.

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Life by the Sea
  • Small City
edinburgh monument and city skyline
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
New for Summer '24
  • Study Program
  • Full-Time Internship

Intern abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital and thriving business sector.

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Life by the Sea
  • Small City
edinburgh dean village and river
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
New for Summer '24
  • Study Program

Study abroad in Edinburgh, a Scottish gem known for its medieval architecture, cultural festivals, and artistic heritage.

Program Interests
  • Host Institution
  • Life by the Sea
  • Small City
edinburgh snowy calton hill
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
New for January '25
  • Study Program

Spend your winter break studying abroad in Edinburgh, the powerhouse of Scottish arts, culture, and education.

Program Interests
  • Life by the Sea
  • Small City
student overlooking edinburgh foggy day

New Programs Coming in 2024

  • January in Edinburgh
Pocket Guide to Edinburgh

Currency 
Pound Sterling

Spoken Language 
English

Available Transportation 
Bus, tram, taxi

Famous Local 
Sean Connery – Scottish actor famous for his portrayal of James Bond

Climate 
Cold and humid winters; mild summers

Local Attraction 
Edinburgh Castle – a historic military fortress and royal residence

Airport 
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

Social Norms 
Being tardy to a class or meeting is considered ill-mannered; always arrive five minutes early

What to Pack 
Waterproof shoes, warm and breathable clothing, and a wind resistant coat

Frequently Asked Questions

Consistently recognized as one of the best cities for students to live and learn abroad, Edinburgh is a great place to take your studies. As a cultural hub, it should come as no surprise that Edinburgh is home to one of the largest art festivals in the world, the Edinburgh International Arts Festival, which takes place annually in August. Moreover, this historic capital boasts well-preserved architecture, a buzzing atmosphere, and rich Scottish tradition that will mesmerize you. Whether you’re looking to be entertained with live music in a traditional pub or be awe-struck with a dramatic performance, the options in Edinburgh are endless. 

Read More: The Top 10 Best Places to Study Abroad for College Students

Considered the safest place to live in Great Britain, Edinburgh is a very safe city with low crime levels. As with any study abroad destination, we recommend that students keep their belongings secure, stay aware of their surroundings, and travel in groups when possible.

Known for its superior teaching and research quality, Edinburgh is an excellent city for international students to live and learn. In Scotland’s capital, you’ll receive a top-class education while immersing yourself in a culture famous for its proud heritage and unique charm. Join tens of thousands of international students who travel from around the world for Edinburgh study abroad.

Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants

edinburgh nighttime aerial view city

Apply in 1,2,3!

You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Edinburgh. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Edinburgh to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:

  1. Search for and apply to your dream program
  2. Review all available funding opportunities
  3. Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
edinburgh student at city overlook taking photo

Study Abroad Scholarships

NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.

VIEW OUR SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

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