Are you searching for ways to study at one of the UK’s top universities without the financial burden? The Edinburgh University Scholarship offers a range of funding opportunities designed to support talented students from all backgrounds.
Overview of Edinburgh University Scholarship Options
Edinburgh University provides an extensive list of scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate, and international students across various disciplines. These awards are often based on merit, need, or specific eligibility criteria.
- Undergraduate scholarships for UK, EU, and international students
- Postgraduate taught scholarships for master’s programs
- Research-based scholarships for PhD applicants
- Need-based bursaries for low-income students
- Subject-specific awards in science, arts, law, and engineering
- Regional scholarships for students from Africa, Asia, and the Americas
- Fully funded programs covering tuition and living costs
- Partial fee waivers to reduce financial strain
- Scholarships for women in STEM and leadership
- Additional funding for refugees and asylum seekers
Apply also: Glasgow University Scholarship
Undergraduate Scholarships at Edinburgh University
Edinburgh offers several scholarships to help undergraduates manage tuition fees and living costs, particularly for those from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Mathematics Scholarships
- Robertson International Scholarships
- Humanitarian Scholarships for displaced students
- School-specific awards like Business and Informatics
- Access Edinburgh financial support scheme
- Fee status-based financial assistance
- Performance-based scholarships for academic excellence
- Bursaries for care-experienced students
- Awards for UK students from low-income families
- Accommodation scholarships for first-year students
Apply also: Glasgow Caledonian University Scholarship
Postgraduate Scholarships and Master’s Funding
Postgraduate students at Edinburgh can access a wide range of scholarships, many offering full tuition plus stipends.
- Edinburgh Global Masters Scholarships
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships (via UK FCDO)
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Africa focus)
- Informatics Global PhD Scholarship
- College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine awards
- Business School Dean’s Excellence Scholarships
- School of Law LLM Scholarships
- Climate Change and Sustainability awards
- Regional funding for specific countries
Apply also: Warwick University Scholarship
PhD and Research Scholarships at Edinburgh
The University supports research excellence with fully funded PhD scholarships across numerous disciplines.
- Principal’s Career Development PhD Scholarships
- Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships
- China Scholarships Council – University of Edinburgh Joint Awards
- EPSRC DTP (Engineering and Physical Sciences)
- AHRC PhD Studentships (Arts and Humanities)
- EUCLID PhD Studentship portal
- Research scholarships for specific projects
- Industry-linked doctoral training centers
- Collaborative PhD programs with external partners
- International research travel grants
Apply also: Bristol University Scholarship
Scholarships for International Students
International students make up a large part of Edinburgh’s student body, and many tailored scholarships are available.
- Edinburgh Global Undergraduate and Master’s Scholarships
- Global Research Scholarships for PhD programs
- Commonwealth and Chevening partnerships
- Saltire Scholarships (for selected countries)
- GREAT Scholarships (co-funded by British Council)
- South Asia and East Asia Regional Awards
- Latin America and Caribbean Scholarship Scheme
- USA Undergraduate Excellence Awards
- Africa-focused Mastercard Scholars Program
- Asylum Seeker and Refugee Scholarships
Apply also: University of Manchester Scholarship
How to Apply for Edinburgh University Scholarships
Applying for a scholarship at Edinburgh requires careful planning and timely submission of applications.
- Research scholarships via the university’s official site
- Use the EUCLID application system for most awards
- Note deadlines—many close in January or February
- Prepare a strong personal statement
- Include academic transcripts and references
- Demonstrate leadership, impact, or financial need
- Apply separately for university admission
- Some awards auto-consider applicants
- Use scholarship portals like Chevening or Commonwealth
- Contact departments for faculty-specific options
Apply also: Imperial College London Scholarship
Deadlines and Key Dates to Remember
Missing a deadline can mean missing out on funding. Keep track of the application cycles.
- Undergraduate scholarships: open by October, close in March
- Master’s funding: most deadlines fall between January and May
- PhD scholarships: often follow UK Research Council deadlines
- Chevening: typically opens August, closes November
- Commonwealth: varies by country, often November to December
- Mastercard Foundation: open in October, deadline in December
- Accommodation scholarship deadlines: May–June
- Subject-specific awards: check individual schools
- Regional schemes may have separate timelines
- Use the Scholarships Calendar tool on the university website
Apply also: Cambridge University Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship Applicants
Each scholarship has its own requirements, but common criteria apply across most awards.
- Academic excellence with high grades
- International or home fee status
- Admission to a full-time program
- Demonstrated financial need (for some awards)
- Country of origin or residence (for regional scholarships)
- Research proposal quality (PhD applicants)
- English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Career goals aligned with scholarship values
- Volunteering or community engagement
- First-generation university student (for access programs)
Apply also: Oxford University Scholarship
Benefits of Edinburgh University Scholarships
Scholarships at Edinburgh offer more than just financial relief—they support a well-rounded academic experience.
- Full tuition fee waivers or reductions
- Monthly living expense stipends
- Free accommodation options
- Health insurance for international students
- Access to research funding and travel grants
- Career mentoring and alumni networking
- Participation in leadership programs
- Priority access to student services
- University-branded awards that enhance resumes
- Long-term impact on employability and growth
Apply also: Strathclyde University Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for multiple Edinburgh scholarships at once?
Yes, you can apply for more than one scholarship as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each.
Is the Edinburgh University Scholarship available for online learners?
Some scholarships are available for distance learning and online degree programs, particularly at the postgraduate level.
Do scholarships cover full living expenses?
Certain fully funded scholarships, like the Mastercard Foundation or Chevening, include a living stipend. Partial awards do not.
Are Edinburgh scholarships open to asylum seekers?
Yes, the university offers specific scholarships and support packages for asylum seekers and students with refugee status.
When should I start applying for scholarships?
It’s best to start researching and preparing at least 6–9 months before your intended start date to meet all deadlines.
Can I receive a scholarship and a student loan?
In many cases, yes. However, it depends on the terms of the scholarship and the loan provider.
What documents do I need to apply?
You’ll typically need academic transcripts, references, a personal statement, and proof of English proficiency.
Are there age limits for applying to scholarships?
Most scholarships have no age restrictions, though some government-funded awards may have age caps.
Do I need an offer of admission before applying?
Some scholarships require an offer letter, while others allow concurrent application.
How competitive are these scholarships?
Very competitive. High academic achievement and strong personal statements are crucial.
Conclusion
Edinburgh University Scholarships open doors for students worldwide to achieve academic success without financial strain. These funding options reflect the university’s commitment to access, excellence, and global talent.