Selection criteria

Our exchange programmes are competitive. The volume and quality of applications received varies from year to year.  An exchange place is not guaranteed for any student, even if all minimum requirements are met or exceeded. 

For these reasons, it is impossible to provide categorical advice on how to be successful in obtaining an exchange place.  However, hopefully the following provides some guidance to help you submit the best application you can. 

Applications are considered on the basis of the following criteria:

• your academic record
• your personal statement
• your linguistic suitability

Only first year grades are normally taken into account. This is because the exchange application process takes place in Semester 1 of your second year. 

When assessing applications, the demand for particular places and the overall suitability of candidates is taken into account, so there is not necessarily a minimum grade requirement.

Some Schools have additional criteria so it is advised that applicants check with their Exchange Coordinator before applying.

As part of your application, you will be required to submit a personal statement. This gives you the opportunity to:

• outline your academic motivation for applying
• explain why your qualities would make you a good representative for the University of Edinburgh
• explain how the opportunity would benefit you personally

You should focus on your first-choice destination and give equal weighting to each point. Keep in mind that an exchange is an academic programme and your statement should reflect this.

Your personal statement will not be sent to the host institution – it is for internal selection use only.

You must ensure you check the language of teaching at your proposed host institution(s), and only apply for those for which you have the required language skills.

For study at a host institution where the language of instruction will not be English, all applicants must meet a minimum language level in order to be able to take up their exchange place.