Scotland Study Abroad Program at the University of Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh
- Required GPA: 3.0 (4.0 scale)
- Application deadlines: April 15 for fall or full year
October 15 for spring
- Program advisor: Laura Wallman
  Mac & PDF +  Printing Tips
Program Snapshot
University of Edinburgh is a Rapid Response program
What is this?
Hallo agus fàilte! We're so excited that you're preparing to study abroad on an IFSA-Butler program and have chosen the University of Edinburgh as your destination. Edinburgh is a wonderful study abroad destination, combining the rich history of an ancient city with the modern feel of a capital city. We're sure you're going to love studying there!
There are just a few specific form for this program that will need to be completed along with your IFSA-Butler application. The forms can be found under the Forms tab.
What the University of Edinburgh has to offer
- A renowned university founded in 1583 in a glorious city dominated by Edinburgh Castle
- A member of Britain's Russell Group of universities, similar to the Ivy League
- Known for academic excellence and as an international research center
- The third largest library in the U.K.
- University facilities include cafeterias, shops, bars and entertainment venues
- More than 200 societies and 60 sports clubs
- The largest student orientation in the country, Freshers' Week
- Excellent computer support across all disciplines
Housing
- Housing is in university accommodation near the academic buildings or throughout the city, but still close to the central university area
- Housing may consist of a traditional residence hall complex with a mandatory meal plan or a flat with four or five students
- Students in flats purchase or prepare their own meals
Academics
- Faculty at the forefront of their disciplines conduct much of the departmental teaching
- Students take three or four courses per semester
- A member of the prestigious Russell Group of major research universities in the United Kingdom
We look forward to working with you! You can learn more about the University of Edinburgh by visiting their website.
Academics
Courses
Where can I find a list of courses that the university offers?
You can find the University of Edinburgh's course catalogue online here: http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/visiting-exchange/course-finder
What if I need to take a required course?
Please be aware that IFSA-Butler cannot guarantee that your host university will offer a particular course, or that you will be allowed to take that particular course. However, if you need to take a required course, you may indicate that it is required on your course preference form. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor will communicate your needs to your host university.
What courses am I eligible to take?
If you have completed at least three to four courses in a specific subject area and earned at least a B in all of those courses, only then can you consider taking third year/honours level courses. You can consider second-year courses only if you have completed at least one to two courses in a subject area. First-year courses are appropriate for subjects you have not previously studied. These requirements must be visible on the transcript you submit with your application to IFSA-Butler and not on the transcript you will have completed by the time you study abroad.
First- and second-year courses typically have large weekly lectures, some exceeding 300 students. Small discussion groups of around 10 students, called tutorials, complement large lecture courses. Third-year courses are much smaller and typically have 10 to 30 students per course. Failure to adhere to the guidelines outlined above and below will result in a critical delay to your application’s admissions decision, as well as course registration. You will not be considered for courses if you do not meet the guidelines given.
Edinburgh Course Value vs. Academic Background Required
- First Year (100 level) = First-year courses; no background knowledge required.
- Second Year (200 level) = Equivalent to Junior level U.S. courses; some background knowledge required (i.e. one to two classes in the subject area)
- Third Year (300 level) = Equivalent to Senior level U.S. courses; three to four classes in the subject area required as background. These classes must be shown on current transcript with a B or better. Advanced placement high school courses are not considered.
- Fourth Year (400 level) = Equivalent to U.S. graduate courses. These classes are not available to study abroad students.
Special Opportunities
Beginning Piping
The University of Edinburgh offers a beginning bagpiping class for study abroad students. The class includes group piping lessons, as well as coursework on the history of the bagpipes. Students taking this class will need to purchase a chanter from the department for a cost of £40. If you're interested in this class, please list The Highland Bagpipe: History, Context and Performance on your course preference form.
Highlighted Courses
IFSA-Butler has created a special PDF of unique and popular courses at the University of Edinburgh. Click here to download the PDF.
Course Restrictions
Do any of the departments have restrictions?
- Due to the popularity of English literature courses, students who want to take third-year courses in the English department must have taken four English literature courses and received grades of B or better. Please note that Edinburgh does not consider interdisciplinary classes, composition or creative writing classes or workshops, comparative literature classes, or freshman year seminars to be literature courses.
- Additionally, qualified study abroad students may enroll in a maximum of two third-year (honours) English literature courses per semester, one Core course and one Option course (Core vs. Option). If you need to take more than two English literature courses while you are abroad, you will need to consider first- and second-year literature courses. Edinburgh's Critical Practice courses are not included in this two-class maximum.
- Courses at the Edinburgh College of Art are not available to study abroad students.
- Due to high demand for philosophy courses, students can be pre-approved for only two third-year (honours) philosophy courses prior to arrival; however, after arrival students can request that the university review them for a third.
- Students wishing to take first-year business studies courses at Edinburgh will need to have already taken an introductory level business studies course at college or university and received a grade of B or better.
- In order to be considered for third-year politics or international relations courses, students will need to have taken four previous politics or international relations courses and received a B or better in all of them.
Credits
How many courses am I able to take, and how do I determine U.S. semester credit hours?
IFSA-Butler requires students to enroll in a full course load at the host institution. The number of courses you take depends on the credit value of the courses you select. A full course load for one semester is 60 University of Edinburgh points, or 15 U.S. semester credit hours. For information on the credit weight, please look below:
10 University of Edinburgh Credits = 2.5 U.S. semester credit hours
20 University of Edinburgh Credits = 5 U.S. semester credit hours
Registration
The course preference form is not a registration form; it is a guideline to let your host university know which courses you are interested in taking abroad. You should discuss your course selections with your academic advisor at your home institution and have several backup choices in mind. Accepted students will receive their provisional schedule shortly after an admissions decision is made. This schedule will be based on the courses listed on the course preference form. You will not officially register for courses until you arrive on campus.
What are the registration conditions?
You must take a full University of Edinburgh course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. full course load. All courses are graded on an A–F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses unless pass/fail is the only method of assessment for the course. You are not allowed to register for online, distance education or hybrid courses. You will not officially register for courses until you arrive on campus.
You should also be aware that you may be charged additional fees by your home institution or host university to take or process additional credits. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid.
Exams
What do I need to know about exams?
Because of the differences in the academic systems, you will not know your exam schedule until after you arrive at your host university. Please refer to your program calendar to review the exam period for your host university. Your host university's policies do not permit you to reschedule any exams, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If this occurs, IFSA-Butler cannot assist you in conducting a grade query or academic follow-up for the course in which you made this arrangement. You will need to complete and submit all academic work prior to departing the program.
Transcripts
How will my home university know what my classes were and what grades I received?
After you have returned to the U.S., your home university will receive a Butler University transcript with the credit you earned at the University of Stirling. The Butler University transcript will report the equivalent U.S. semester credit hours and letter grades. We also will send an official transcript to your permanent address.
Housing
Housing Options
What are my housing options?
Please download and review our Edinburgh Housing Guide to see all housing options available at University of Edinburgh. The following types of housing are available during your semester or year abroad:
- Catered housing at Pollock Halls of Residence
Pollock Halls of Residence has a mixture of standard rooms and en-suite rooms (a bathroom in your room). Students living in standard rooms have a sink in their room and share a bathroom with six other residents in their corridor. Pollock Halls of Residence is mixed-gender. All rooms are singles and have ResNet, a portal providing access to the Internet and university intranet. Rooms also include a telephone and voicemail. Pollock Halls of Residence provides bedding for all residents interested in purchasing a bedding pack (flat sheet, fitted sheet, duvet, duvet cover, pillow and pillowcase) for £20. Pollock Halls of Residence has a mandatory meal plan. Breakfast and dinner are provided five days a week, with brunch and dinner served on weekends. As lunches are not included in the meal plan, it is not possible to order a packed lunch. There are vegetarian options, but the selection may not be as extensive as at some U.S. universities. Many students with dietary restrictions find that the selection of food is not adequate at Pollock Halls and therefore prefer the flat option. Pollock Halls requires an average of a 25 minute walk to the main campus.
- Self-catered flats
The University of Edinburgh owns and manages student flats throughout the city. Most flats consist of four to six students sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities. Most rooms are singles, but it is common in older buildings to have double rooms due to larger room sizes. Some flats, such as Kincaid's Court, have up to 12 students sharing a large kitchen and bathroom. The buildings are mixed-gender, although flats are usually allocated on a single-sex basis.
Students living in flats are responsible for supplying their own bedding. Fall semester and year students have the option of purchasing a bedding pack from the university, which typically costs around £25.
Self-catered housing is an average of 10 to 25 minute walk from the main campus. David Horn House and Kitchener House are located closest to the King’s Building, which houses the School for Science and Engineering. These flats can provide lengthy walking commutes for students not enrolled the Science and Engineering College.
Meals and Linens
Does the University of Edinburgh offer meal plans?
Students living in Pollock Halls of Residence will have a meal plan, while students living in the self-catered flats will not. Please see the housing options tab for more details.
Does the University of Edinburgh provide bed linens?
Yes, the University of Edinburgh provides the opportunity for students to purchase a bed linen pack. These packs are distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
Bed linens are provided at Pollock Halls, but duvets and pillows are not included. A bedding pack containing a pillow and duvet can be purchased for £20.
If you are placed in a flat, Edinburgh does not automatically provide bed linens. However, international students may reserve and purchase a bedding pack for £25. This pack includes:
- 1 single duvet (bedspread)
- 1 pillow and pillowcase
- 1 single duvet cover
- 1 single bed sheet
If you would like to reserve either pack, check the appropriate box on your housing form below. Again, these packs are not guaranteed, as the University of Edinburgh controls the supply. If you reserve a pack, Edinburgh will have it waiting in your housing. You must pay for this pack during the IFSA- Butler orientation.
These packs are completely optional, as there are local stores where students can purchase bedding. Students in the past have found these packs generally easier because they are provided at check-in at the university.
Housing FAQs
Is my housing included in the program fee?
Yes. Your program fee includes accommodation at the university while classes are in session. You will be responsible for the cost of your meals (whether a meal plan or self-catered) and any commuting costs you may incur. Some university housing requires students to move out during winter and spring breaks. If you wish to remain in residence during the vacation period(s), you must notify the university housing office upon arrival to make necessary arrangements. Staying in residence during university breaks may incur additional costs not covered by the IFSA-Butler program fee.
When will I receive my housing assignment?
You will most likely receive your housing assignment one to two weeks before your departure. However, in some cases you may not receive your housing assignment until you arrive in Scotland for orientation. Your program advisor will notify you of your housing assignment via e-mail when it is released by the university.
Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences.
Do I have to pay a housing deposit?
Yes. IFSA-Butler requires a refundable housing deposit of $300 before going abroad. We will return this deposit to you after March 1 for fall programs or September 1 for spring and year programs, less any fines, damages or outstanding debts in your name.
Can I arrange my own housing?
Yes. IFSA-Butler recognizes that some students require independent housing for their time abroad. If you choose not to take advantage of our guaranteed housing, you may sign up for independent housing on the housing preference form. Once you've made this choice, we will not provide housing for you or bill you for the accommodation fee.
Please be advised that housing costs can be high abroad, and many times students living independently end up spending more money than students living in IFSA-Butler arranged housing. If you are hoping to save money by arranging housing on your own, please research your options early so you can compare costs. You must notify us of your intention to live in independent housing by December 1 for spring and semester 1 programs or by May 1 for fall and semester 2 programs. We are not able to accommodate independent housing requests after these dates.
Location Info
Population: 440,000
Location: Edinburgh, East Lothian, in eastern Scotland
City features
- The capital city of Scotland
- One of the most beautiful cities in Europe
- Pubs, trendy cafes, vegetarian restaurants, small boutiques and great clubs
- Excellent shopping and entertainment
- Great facilities for indoor and outdoor sport
- Home of many film, music and cultural festivals, including the International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world
Do more!
- Catch a train to Glasgow or St. Andrews (each one hour away) or to London (five hours)
- Head north into the beautiful Scottish Highlands
Links
Edinburgh & Lothians Tourist Board
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh's Old Town
EdinburghGuide.com
Time Out: Edinburgh
Scottish Highlands
Edinburgh News
Dates & Fees
Program Dates
 Please wait - Loading Dates...
* Independent travelers must arrive at the orientation accommodation in Edinburgh by 3 p.m. on the day marked “Mandatory Scotland arrival.” Students will receive orientation accommodation details and directions in the travel newsletter.
Your program end date may change due to circumstances beyond IFSA-Butler's control. Upon arrival at your host university, be sure to verify your exam schedule and program end date. We also strongly recommend that you investigate fees and penalties associated with your airline tickets in case you need to make date or route changes.
Exams must be taken where and when scheduled. Under no circumstances may students request that an exam time be changed. In Scotland, exams are taken under formal examination conditions and changes cannot be made for individuals.
Program Fees
Please wait - Loading Fees...
What's included in our Scotland program fees
Expense calculator
Academic Year and Fall Payments Due: July 1
Spring Payment Due: November 15
Program Fee Bills
IFSA-Butler will send a single bill for the entire program fee, which includes tuition, services and housing. Students who opt for independent housing will not be charged the housing component of the program fee.
Housing
The housing component of our program fee is based on the average cost of local student self-catering accommodation, usually a shared room in a regular dormitory, apartment or house without any extra features.
† Housing Deposit
This program requires a housing deposit of $300. This payment is in addition to the program fee but is due on the same date. The deposit is held separately from the program fee and should be paid separately. The deposit is refunded to the student after the program, less any damages, fines or outstanding debts in the student’s name.
Personal Cost Estimates
Please wait - Loading Personal Costs...
Expense calculator
These figures are designed to assist students with financial planning but are only estimates based on past students’ experiences at the current exchange rate. They do not include any entertainment or vacation travel costs.
The above numbers are general estimates of expenses during a program abroad. We recommend taking into account your current spending habits, the cost of living in your host country and the current exchange rate. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor can be helpful as you attempt to work on a personal budget for your experience abroad.
*Student Visa: U.S. citizens studying in the U.K. for less than six months (180 days) do not need to apply for a visa, but can instead enter the country as a student visitor at no cost. Student visitors are allowed to remain in the U.K. for up to six months but are not allowed to undertake any paid work or unpaid volunteer activities. Citizens of some countries may be required to obtain a student visa. If this applies to you, your IFSA-Butler program advisor will notify you. Detailed instructions regarding U.K. visas will be sent to all students upon acceptance.
Personal Miscellaneous: Covers general expenses of college life, including course supplies, photocopying, toiletries, snacks, personal care, etc.
All costs are in U.S. dollars.
Forms
To apply to the University of Edinburgh program, use our easy online application.
Applicants to the University of Edinburgh must complete five additional forms as part of the application process:
Course Preference Form Instructions
Complete only the College of Humanities and Social Sciences application if two-thirds or more of your courses will be in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Complete only the College of Science and Engineering application if two-thirds or more of your courses will be in the College of Science and Engineering.
Returning Your Forms
We must receive these forms before we can send your application to the University of Edinburgh for an admissions decision. They can be sent to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail. Please submit these forms with the remainder of your program application.
If you have already started an application to the University of Edinburgh program, you can check the status of your application using the Student Portal.
Meet Your IFSA-Butler Team
IFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their program in Scotland:
 Senior Program Advisor Laura Wallman assists with the application process and is here to answer program, cultural, and academic questions before departure. Laura can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229, ext. 4224. Laura studied abroad in both high school and college and has been with the Institute for Study Abroad for the past five years. She currently acts as a senior program advisor for English-speaking programs and focuses on advising students studying in the United Kingdom and Australia.
 Student Accounts Coordinator Angelita Shaffer assists with the financial side of study abroad and processes payments and invoices. Angelita can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4221.
 Student & Parent Services Manager Donnetta Spears is available to both students and parents for travel questions and information. Donnetta has worked with IFSA-Butler since 2000, and she has traveled through parts of Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. As the mother of 4 college students (including one who studied abroad on an IFSA-Butler program), she has a deep understanding of the ins-and-outs of study abroad from a parent perspective. Donnetta can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4252.
Once abroad, our students are in the capable hands of our on-site office in Edinburgh. Click here to read more about Resident Director Ruth Casey.
 Upon return from your study abroad program, Academic Affairs Coordinator Paige Ward processes your Butler University transcript and assists with any academic record queries. Paige graduated from Butler University, and she studied abroad for a semester in Paris, Belfast, London and the English Lake District. Studying abroad for Paige was an eye-opening and knowledge-gaining experience, and she is excited to work with students who are looking for the same. Paige can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4254.
Get Connected
Connect with IFSA-Butler Students
If you really want to know what it's like to study abroad, connect with IFSA-Butler alumni and students who are currently abroad on an IFSA-Butler program. Check out the following:
|
close (x)
University of Edinburgh
