How to apply

Download a useful application guide and learn more about the online application process, including what supporting documents are required.

Online application guide

The application guide is for students applying to study at the University of Edinburgh for one or two semesters on the following programmes:

  • Study Abroad programme
  • International Exchange
  • European Exchange

Please note if you are nominated by your home university to study here on International/European exchange, you must still apply online to Edinburgh.

Download the step-by-step guide on how to complete an online application:

Download the Course Ranking form (which you will need to upload to your online application in the documents section):

Course Ranking form (36.73 KB / DOCX)

Application deadline

All applications must be submitted by the deadline. 

Dates for your diary

Supporting Documentation - Study Abroad and Exchange

Along with your application, you will need to upload copies of your supporting information:

Lists all courses undertaken and grades received at your home university. If you have attended multiple colleges/universities, then you should submit official transcripts from all institutions. Unofficial transcripts will not be considered. Please scan your official transcript to upload it to your online application.

Applicants to the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences will be required to provide a transcript at the point of application demonstrating they have completed a minimum of one full year of study at their home institution. Where one full year has not yet been completed, study at a previous Higher Education institution (not including any completed alongside your high school studies) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants to the College of Science and Engineering will be required to provide a transcript demonstrating that the have completed 1 semester of study. Students may also need to provide a high school diploma to demonstrate competency in the relevant subject area.


A 500 word essay on why you wish to study at the University of Edinburgh. You should provide any additional information (interest in and suitability for chosen courses, extracurricular activities, etc.) which you feel may support your application.


Please see if you need to submit a certificate by checking our English language requirements in the Study Options section:

Study Options


Complete and upload this form to your application if you wish to rank your courses by preference; unfortunately the application portal does not let you do it while selecting your courses, therefore, this form will allow your Visiting Student Office to understand your course preferences and update your course list on your behalf.

Course ranking from


Nominated exchange (European& International) students and Study Abroad Programme applicants are not required to submit a reference at the time of application. However, both College Visiting Student Offices reserve the right to request a reference from an applicant at any point during the application period if they require additional supporting information.

The University reserves the right to request original documentation at any time during the admissions process.


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