Study Abroad in Edinburgh
College Study Abroad
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.
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 trip to Edinburgh Castle, a historic military fortress and royal residence situated on Castle Rock, which has been occupied since the Iron Age
- A visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland
- A tour of St. Giles’ Cathedral, an iconic Presbyterian place of worship
- Day trips to the Scottish Highlands, to visit wooded lochs and tucked away villages, and Glasgow, Scotland’s cultural epicenter and largest economy
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.
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), and top five UK Modern universities for: Communications and Media Studies, Drama, Dance, and Cinematics.
Edinburgh Study Abroad Programs
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Arts + Sciences (Napier)
Edinburgh, Scotland
New for Spring '24
Make Scotland’s enchanting capital, Edinburgh, your home away from home.
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Semester in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland
New for Spring '24 Spend your semester living and learning in the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh.
New Programs Coming in 2024
Summer 2024
- Summer Arts + Culture
- Summer Global Internship
January 2024
- January in Edinburgh
Currency Spoken Language Available Transportation Famous Local Climate Local Attraction Airport Social Norms What to Pack
Pound Sterling
English
Bus, tram, taxi
Sean Connery – Scottish actor famous for his portrayal of James Bond
Cold and humid winters; mild summers
Edinburgh Castle – a historic military fortress and royal residence
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Being tardy to a class or meeting is considered ill-mannered; always arrive five minutes early
Waterproof shoes, warm and breathable clothing, and a wind resistant coat
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edinburgh a good place to study abroad?
Click to OpenConsistently 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 between August and September. 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
Is Edinburgh safe?
Click to OpenConsidered 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.
Why study abroad in Edinburgh?
Click to OpenKnown 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
APPLY IN 1,2,3!
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:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
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.
Edinburgh Study Abroad Blog
