Study Abroad in Edinburgh
College Study Abroad
Explore Edinburgh with CIEE
When you study abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, you'll be enchanted by the city's breathtaking architecture, rich history, and cultural prominence. Studying in Edinburgh on a CIEE program allows you to explore the city's well-known cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and famous museums, thanks to its rich 1,000-year history and remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It's easy to imagine that Edinburgh's captivating blend of history, innovation, and cultural significance creates an enriching experience that offers personal growth, academic achievement, and a deep appreciation for Scotland's remarkable heritage.
While abroad, students may complete a full- or part-time internship in Edinburgh, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Top Activities in Edinburgh with CIEE
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 to visit popular attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Princes Street Gardens.
- Hiking 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, St. Andrews, and the beautiful Scottish Highlands
Where You'll Study
Edinburgh Napier University
The Edinburgh Napier University nearly has 20,000 students from more than 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 U.K. for Computer Science, Criminology, English, and Nursing (ST GUG 2023); top five U.K. 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 the top university in Scotland for environmental sustainability and ethics (2022 People and Planet University League).
Edinburgh Study Abroad Programs
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Full-Time Internship
Spend 12 weeks interning abroad FT (30-40 hours/week) and earning academic credit while immersing yourself in Scottish culture in historic Edinburgh.
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Study Program
Take a course on Scotland in the best place to study it – Edinburgh – where you can explore castles and dine on traditional foods over your winter break.
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Study Program
Spend a month in Edinburgh, where you'll take one for-credit college class, but explore many more Scottish festivals, pubs, castles, and dishes.
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Designed for STEM majors, enroll in engineering, technology, and science courses that align with your degree while exploring all Edinburgh has to offer.
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
Get an internship in areas like communications, business, or finance in Edinburgh, where you'll also get to explore the outdoors, cuisine, and landmarks.
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Dive into Scottish culture when you plan a semester studying in Edinburgh, a cultural hub known for festivals, culture – and the fintech/biotech worlds.
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Study Program
Take 16 weeks to check out Scotland and Napier University, a CIEE partner school in Edinburgh that's a European center for financial services and biotech.
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.
The cost of studying abroad in Edinburgh varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Edinburgh study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Edinburgh with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
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:
- 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
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