Semester in Edinburgh
Unique Experiences
Discover the Story Behind Edinburgh’s Nickname
“Athens of the North”
Take Trips to the Highlands, Loch Ness, and Glasgow
with CIEE to participate in various cultural and social activities
Make Use of Edinburgh Napier University’s Amazing Facilities
and discover firsthand why this institution is recognized internationally as award-winning for Higher and Further Education
11
Major Arts Festivals. While most people know about Edinburgh's Fringe Festival there are actually 11 unique festivals that take place throughout the year
10 %
Of Employed Residents Work in Finance and Insurance; Twice as Many as the Average Across Major U.K. Cities
112
Parks in Edinburgh and More Trees per Head of Population Than Any Other City in the U.K.
Your Destination
Edinburgh’s beauty is both staggering and inimitable. But the city is far more than just a pretty face. Take a closer look and there’s much more to discover. The capital city of Scotland and home to the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh is modest in size with a population of 0.5 million people, but with a large and diverse student population.
Edinburgh was the center of the Enlightenment in the 18th century and was nicknamed “The Athens of the North.” Then, the city was a world leader in medical science, philosophy, and literature. Today, Edinburgh is a European center for financial services and biotech, and its universities are world leaders in fields as diverse as FinTech, AI, Celtic Studies, architecture, and biomedical and environmental sciences. The city is also a cultural hub, and home to the largest arts festival in the World, the Edinburgh International Arts Festival, which takes place in August every year. And, whether you’re looking to be entertained with live music in a traditional pub or be awe-struck by a grounding show packed with drama, when it comes to entertainment the options are endless.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Edinburgh.
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
Ample activities and excursions will be offered to immerse you in Scottish culture and Scotland’s historic heritage. On an excursion, you might:
- 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 .
Projects
Internships: There are plenty of options to earn credit and beef up your resume with international experience in the Scottish working market. Help improve logistics and customer relations, build finance reports in Excel, analyze competitors, develop marketing plans, audit local companies, and more. Students applying for an internship are required to submit additional materials during the course selection process.
Directed Independent Research: Directed Independent Research is for qualified students who have demonstrated academic rigor and curiosity toward a particular research topic. Independent research topics will be approved by the CIEE Center Director and home institution and must reflect a topic that is relevant to Edinburgh or Scotland.
Service-learning Projects: Combine course-based learning with practical, relevant project experience to meet a community-defined need.
Program Blogs
Top 3 Reasons to Study Abroad in Edinburgh this Spring!
Edinburgh is the perfect city to study abroad in during your Spring semester. From the natural beauty, international festivals and unique shopping, there is something for everyone!
Don't Forget to Wander
Hello! I’m the Program Manager here at CIEE Edinburgh. I’m originally from the US and studying abroad in Prague and Seville inspired me to continue living abroad after graduating. I... keep reading
Ireland vs. Scotland Travel: Where Should You Study Abroad?
When you think of Ireland and Scotland, you might be imagining two very similar countries – lots of greenery, the U.K., cafés, and packed, early histories. And although there are... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Edinburgh offers comfortable housing in single rooms in central Edinburgh. Edinburgh has a robust public transport network – including trains, buses, and bike paths – and a welcoming community.
Standard Housing: Includes a single room in a shared apartment/residence hall with an ensuite bathroom, shared kitchen, and living area, or a limited number of single rooms in homestays
In homestays, students live with a family, with or without another CIEE student, and immerse themselves in the city’s culture. Homestays boast a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family, but each student has an individual room, and three meals a day are provided. Host families can be located across the city and be up to 45 minutes commute from CIEE Edinburgh and the University Campus. Homestays are limited and will be allocated based on availability.
Meals
Residence Hall/Apartment: Meals are not included.
Homestays: Hosts provide two meals a day during the week.
Academics
All students can take courses at the CIEE Center and at our partner university, Edinburgh Napier University (Napier). Students register for a minimum of two and a maximum of three courses at Napier. Students can register for up to four total courses per semester.
CIEE Edinburgh
Edinburgh Napier University (Napier)
Founded in 1964 as Napier Technical College, Napier took its name from John Napier, who was born in 1550 in the medieval tower house of Merchiston Castle (the site of the university's Merchiston campus). His statue stands in the tower of Merchiston Castle today. In June 1992, the institution officially became Napier University, and its three main campuses are located in south and south-central Edinburgh, providing students with a metropolitan city-based experience. Today, Napier is a top-ranked institution serving around 12,500 students in engineering, computing, nursing and midwifery, science, business, timber engineering, and transport studies programs. The university offers a range of creative courses, including film, graphic design, music, acting, publishing, and product design. Ranking as the top university for student satisfaction in Edinburgh and the top in Scotland for environmental sustainability and ethics, Napier is an internationally award-winning institution that has been twice recognized by the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.
Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals.
Course Information
Academic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
History, Philosophy, Religion
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Visual and Performing Arts
Psychology
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) courses
Students register in two to three ENU courses per semester, and each course is 20 ENU (Scotcat) credits (10 ECTS credits).
Napier offers an impressive option of courses for students studying abroad across the following schools/ disciplines:
- The Business School: Law, Marketing, Accounting, Tourism & Hospitality, Financial Services, Human Resources, Strategy & Management, Entrepreneurship.
- School of Arts & Creative Industries: English, Journalism, Music, Photography, Film, TV, Mass Communication & PR, Product Design, Graphic Design, Interior & Spatial Design.
- Computing, Engineering & The Built Environment: Building & Surveying, Civil Engineering, Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Management, Electronics, Electrical, Mathematics, Computer Security and Forensics, Computer Systems and Networks, Digital Media and Interaction Design, Games, Software Engineering.
- School of Applied Sciences: Sport & Exercise Science, Psychology, Social Sciences, Biology.
- School of Computing: Computer Security and Forensics, Computer Systems and Networks, Digital Media and Interaction Design, Games, Software Engineering.
Students will be assigned to a school based on the courses selected, therefore at least two courses out of the three preferred and alternative courses must be from the same school.
Courses listed within departments including:
- Accounting
- Biology
- Building & Surveying
- Business And Management
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Security & Forensics
- Computer Systems
- Digital Media
- Electronics & Electrical Math
- English
- Entrepreneurship
- Film
- Financial Services
- General
- Graphic Design
- Human Resource Management
- Interior & Spatial Design
- Journalism
- Law
- Marketing
- Mass Communications & PR
- Mechanical Materials & Manufacturing Management
- Music
- Photography
- Product Design
- Psychology
- Soc Games
- Social Science
- Software Engineering
- Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences
- Television
- Tourism
Full list of Host Institution courses can be found online.
Some courses may have specific requirements. These can be found listed for each module.
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Edinburgh boasts a lively business sector, education and tourism center, and key financial and tech firms. As the seat of the Scottish Parliament, it offers numerous public sector opportunities and a thriving social enterprise landscape. Festivals and a creative community support Edinburgh's arts and culture scene.
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.
Finance
Study global markets, financial systems, and cross-border investment strategies in international firms, banks, and companies.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2025 17 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $19,950 |
| Program Fall 2025 16 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $19,950 | |
| Program Fall 2024 15 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $19,950 |
| Program Academic year 2024-2025 37 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $38,900 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $13,456**
Housing = $6,000***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $19,950Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $1,679†
International Airfare = $1,300
Local Transportation = $300
Books & Supplies = $100
Visa Fees = $0††
Personal expenses = $300†††
Total Costs = $3,679Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††Unless a student is completing an internship, there are no visa fees for academic programs under six months in the UK for US-passport holders. US-passport holders stay in the UK on a Visitor visa.
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $13,456**
Housing = $6,000***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $19,950Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $1,680†
International Airfare = $1,300
Local Transportation = $300
Books & Supplies = $100
Visa Fees = $0††
Personal expenses = $300†††
Total Costs = $3,680Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††Unless a student is completing an internship, there are no visa fees for academic programs under six months in the UK for US-passport holders. US-passport holders stay in the UK on a Visitor visa.
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $14,956**
Housing = $4,500***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $19,950Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $1,400†
International Airfare = $1,300
Local Transportation = $300
Books & Supplies = $100
Visa Fees = $0††
Personal expenses = $260†††
Total Costs = $3,360Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††Unless a student is completing an internship, there are no visa fees for academic programs under six months in the UK for US-passport holders. US-passport holders stay in the UK on a Visitor visa.
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $27,906**
Housing = $10,500***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $38,900Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $1,400†
International Airfare = $1,300
Local Transportation = $300
Books & Supplies = $100
Visa Fees = $0††
Personal expenses = $260†††
Total Costs = $3,360Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††Unless a student is completing an internship, there are no visa fees for academic programs under six months in the UK for US-passport holders. US-passport holders stay in the UK on a Visitor visa.
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Jacqui Bassett
Center Director
Jacqui is a born and bred Scot from Edinburgh. She has a postgraduate MSc in International Development from the University of Edinburgh and a degree in Psychology from the University...
Devon Garufi
Program Manager
Devon's passion for International Education began during her own study abroad experiences in Prague and Sevilla. Since then, Devon has dedicated her career path to working with people.
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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