We are globally celebrated for our extraordinary research, development and innovation, providing students with exceptional teaching for over 400 years. World-leading university Our worldwide reputation for teaching and research helps attract some of the international research community’s sharpest minds, which in turn means world-class teaching for you.Embracing innovation and entrepreneurialism, and encouraging our people to push the frontiers of knowledge today, helps ensure we make a positive sustainable mark on the world tomorrow. Our ranking and reputation Top 50 in the world We are consistently ranked one of the top 50 universities in the world. We are 34th in the 2026 QS World University rankings. Top 5 in the UK for research power We are ranked 4th in the UK for research power, based on the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. One of the world’s most international universities We are ranked 18th in the world's most international universities. Research that shapes the world Join us and contribute to research that’s recognised globally. According to the results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), the University is ranked fourth in the UK based on the quality and breadth of its research - known as research power - and is Scotland’s top ranked institution. The REF2021 results reveal that nearly 90 per cent of the University’s research activity is in the highest categories – 4 star and 3 star – which are classified respectively as ‘world leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’, a growth of 10 percentage points since the previous REF in 2014. Browse our range of research opportunities Innovation in teaching We are the largest provider of online distance learning in the Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities and offer more than 80 programmes across a wide range of subject areas. We take the quality of your experience, the delivery of online teaching, and the support you receive, as seriously as we do on campus. Find out more about our online programmes Extraordinary city Ranked 13th in the world’s top student cities, Edinburgh is a compact city with excellent transport links, which makes it easy to get around and to travel to other parts of Scotland.Large enough to offer something for everyone, but small enough to feel like home, Edinburgh is a modern, sophisticated and beautiful European city with a diverse, multicultural community.Student blogs about life in the cityAround 100,000 students call Edinburgh home, giving the city a unique buzz and ensuring you'll be in good company. Edinburgh offers a wide range of entertainment, social activities, architectural beauty and open spaces. Get a sense of student life in Edinburgh from our students. Hidden gems of Edinburgh: A student’s guide to exploring the city By Sanchita, from India, studying MSc Accounting and Finance. Philosophy, performing arts and a functional bus system By Molly, from the USA, studied MSc Philosophy. Take the next step in your extraordinary journey For more than 400 years, our students and staff have been influencing and changing the world for the better. Now it’s your turn. Ready to join us? Explore our degree finder This article was published on 2025-10-07
