Guide to University of Edinburgh Scholarships in 2026-27

So the University of Edinburgh has made it onto your radar, which probably means you’ve been binge-watching the campus vlogs at 1 am and spent countless hours stalking those famous cobble streets, to the point where the tuition fee website just makes your bank balance weep. Fortunately, though, scholarships are there to come to your rescue.

There is a range of University of Edinburgh scholarships for international students you could potentially get your hands on for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD-level degrees, ranging from partial tuition discounts all the way up to full scholarships. Let’s look at all the ins and outs of scholarships: types available, the application process, what they cover, and what to do to boost your application.

University of Edinburgh Scholarships at a Glance

Why Study at the University of Edinburgh?

1. 35th in the QS World University Rankings for 2027

Affiliated with 20 Nobel laureates, the University of Edinburgh is ranked 35th in the QS World University Rankings for 2027 and is acclaimed worldwide for its academic and research excellence. Whether you are meeting new people at networking events or making a strong impression with your elevator pitch, having a globally recognised degree can create opportunities you might not expect. 

2. Ranked 4th in the UK for Research Power (REF)

Ranked 4th in the UK for research power in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), the University of Edinburgh is home to Europe’s first AI research group and to breakthrough innovations such as Dolly the Sheep. Almost 90% of the research produced at the university is rated as internationally excellent. Sharing the milieu with such innovators while learning from the very people making major discoveries will give you the opportunity to engage in projects that usually make headlines.

3. A Global Student Community

The student body at the University of Edinburgh is incredibly diverse, hailing from over 150 different countries. Whether it’s through all-night study groups or late-night trips around the city, students from 150+ countries define life at the University of Edinburgh. It’s a hub of diversity that sparks a lifetime of connections.

4. Career Launchpad

Your degree doesn’t end when you throw your cap in the air; for many, that is when “what’s next?” really hits home. The University of Edinburgh is ranked 33rd in the world for graduate employability by employers in the QS World University Rankings. Through internships, careers advice and help with industry connections, you’ll have plenty of chances to develop the practical skills and confidence to take the next step towards the career you have always dreamed of.

Types of University of Edinburgh Scholarships

Merit-Based Scholarships

Heading off to university is fantastic, but student tuition fees and costs of living can quickly mount up. This set of merit-based scholarships can help reduce the cost of studying at the University of Edinburgh.

1. India Merit Scholarship

The India merit scholarship is reserved for Indian students who apply for an eligible full-time, on-campus postgraduate taught Master’s program at the University of Edinburgh.

Scholarship Award

£5,000 towards tuition fees for the first year of your study.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be domiciled in India.
• International fee status
• Firmly accept an unconditional offer for an eligible Master’s programme.
• Be fully or partially self-funded
• Have met the University’s published academic requirements

2. MBA Leadership Scholarship

The scholarship is for candidates with an offer for the Full-time MBA from the University of Edinburgh, who have significant leadership experience or potential, and a minimum of 7 years’ work experience.

Scholarship Award

£10,000 off tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold a conditional or unconditional offer for the Full-time MBA.
• Must have firmly accepted or intend to accept your offer
• Must be able to demonstrate leadership experience or leadership potential
• Must have at least seven years of professional work experience.

3. MBA Achievement Scholarship

This scholarship is reserved for candidates who have had a demonstrable positive impact in improving the business, public sector, or social organisation they were involved with.

Scholarship Award

£7,500 off tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold an offer for the Full-time MBA.
• Must have a record of proven achievements and positive impact within a professional, social or public organisation
• The award will be made on the basis of an applicant’s academic achievements, professional background and their scholarship application.

4. MBA Merit Scholarship

MBA merit scholarship awards outstanding applicants with strong academic records who are applying for the full-time MBA.

Scholarship Award

£5,000 off tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold an offer for the Full-time MBA.
• Must be an academically outstanding applicant
• The award will be made on the basis of academic excellence alone.
  

5. John Fisher High-Performance Scholarship

High-achieving international students applying for a Master’s program at the School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh can target this scholarship.

Scholarship Value 

Up to £16,000, automatically deducted from your tuition fee

Eligibility Criteria

• Must hold an offer for an eligible MSc program in Informatics.
• Indian students: Minimum 80% in a 4-year undergraduate degree.
• Equivalent to a UK 2:1 Honours degree or above.

6. The Kenneth Denbigh Scholarship

This scholarship is reserved for International students who are admitted to the MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering program at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering.

Scholarship Value

£1,000

Eligibility Criteria

• Must hold an offer for the MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering.
• Must have a strong academic background.
• Minimum 75% in undergraduate studies (based on the Indian grading system).
  

7. Global Talent Fund

The Global Talent Fund assists exceptional international students offered a place on selected postgraduate taught courses at the University of Edinburgh. It aims to attract students with high academic achievement, offering financial aid toward their tuition fees.

Scholarship Value

Awards vary depending on the programme and faculty; most awards provide partial funding towards tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be identified as an international student for fee purposes.
• Must have an offer for an eligible postgraduate taught programme at the University of Edinburgh.
• Must meet academic requirements for the chosen programme.
• Awards are given primarily on merit.

8. Business School Dean’s Excellence Scholarship

The Business School Dean’s Excellence Scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis to those students who are accepted onto a limited number of postgraduate taught master’s programs at the University of Edinburgh Business School. If you demonstrate excellent leadership skills, excellent experience, and have the ability to achieve outstanding academic results, you should apply for this scholarship.

Scholarship Value

Awards range from 5,000-10,000 and are presented as a reduction in tuition fee.

Eligibility Criteria

• Receive an offer from the University of Edinburgh Business School for an eligible master’s taught programme.
• Be classified as an international or UK student (depending on scholarship round).
• High academic achievement.
• Demonstrable leadership qualities, professional accomplishments and significant extracurricular activities.
• The scholarship application must be received by the required deadline.

Subject Specific Scholarships

1. School of Biological Sciences Taught Postgraduate Bursaries

Applicants holding an offer for a taught Master’s program at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Scholarship Value

Full tuition fees covered (ranging from £20,100 to £45,410).

Eligibility Criteria

• Must hold an unconditional or conditional offer for a qualifying Master’s course.
• Selection is based on academic merit and potential.
• Open to international students pursuing full-time study.

2. Glenmore Scholarships

International students wishing to study one-year Master’s degree programs in human medicine, veterinary medicine, public health or the life sciences can apply to this scholarship.

Scholarship Value

Full tuition fees for the one-year duration of your Master’s degree.

Eligibility Criteria

• An overseas fee-paying student.
• Holds an offer for an eligible Master’s program.
• Selected for your academic achievement and potential to make a difference in your home country.

3. MBA Diversity Scholarship

The scholarship is typically for candidates who can bring diversity of cultures, experiences, and perspectives to the Edinburgh MBA community.

Scholarship Value

£5,000 off tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold an offer for the Full-time MBA.
• Must be able to demonstrate how their background and experience will contribute to the diversity of the Edinburgh MBA community
• Will be selected based on academic and professional achievement and ability to add to the diversity of the cohort.

4. MBA EU Regional Scholarship

This regional scholarship serves to empower candidates who are domiciled in a European Union (EU) country and are applying for the Full-time MBA.

Scholarship Value

£5,000 off tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold an offer for the Full-time MBA.
• Must be domiciled in an EU country
• Must be able to demonstrate a strong academic record and evidence of professional or extra-curricular achievement.

5. Somewhere MBA LGBTQ+ Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to MBA candidates who are committed to making a positive contribution to the LGBTQ+ community, and specifically the business community.

Scholarship Award

£10,000 off tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold an offer for the Full-time MBA.
• Must be able to demonstrate commitment to supporting and enhancing the LGBTQ+ community
• Will be selected on academic merit, professional experience, and their scholarship application.

6. Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Mathematics Scholarships

These scholarships are reserved for International students applying for an undergraduate degree in Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh.

Scholarship Value

£5,000 per year (approx. ₹5.33 lakhs INR annually). Awarded annually for the duration of the undergraduate course.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be classified as an international student for fee purposes.
• Must apply through UCAS for the undergraduate mathematics programme.
• Must be a new applicant (currently enrolled students are not eligible).
• Must study full-time.

7. Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies International Scholarship 

The scholarship is reserved for International and UK graduate students applying for the full-time BVM&S programme at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh.

Scholarship Value

£5,000 (approx. ₹4.95 lakhs INR)

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to both UK and international graduate applicants.
• Currently enrolled students are not eligible.
• Scholarship cannot be deferred to the following academic year, even if the offer is postponed.

Country-Specific Scholarship

1. GREAT Scholarships

GREAT scholarships fund to empower students from Thailand, Mexico, and Ghana who apply for an eligible one-year postgraduate taught Master’s program at the University of Edinburgh.

Scholarship Amount

£10,000 towards tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a citizen and resident of an eligible country (Thailand, Mexico, or Ghana)
• Have received an offer for an eligible postgraduate taught program
• Have met the University’s academic and English language entry requirements

2. Defne-Muhtar Kent Education Foundation Scholarship

The scholarship is reserved for high-performing Turkish students applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Edinburgh.

Scholarship Award

Full payment of tuition fees and a grant to help with living costs for the duration of your undergraduate degree program.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a citizen of Türkiye.
• Be able to demonstrate financial need and achieve a strong academic performance.
• Have received an offer for an eligible undergraduate program

3. Rosedale OSSD University of Edinburgh Scholarship

This scholarship is specifically reserved for students who are completing the Rosedale Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) program and will be attending an undergraduate degree at the University of Edinburgh.

Scholarship Award

£10,000 towards your living expenses for the first year of your study.

Eligibility Criteria

• have successfully completed the Rosedale Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) program
• receive an offer for an eligible undergraduate degree program at the University of Edinburgh
• Be selected based on your academic merit.

Research and Doctoral Scholarships

1. Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships

This scholarship is reserved for outstanding UK and international students applying for a full-time or part-time PhD program at the University of Edinburgh.

Scholarship Value

• Full tuition fee coverage (Home or Overseas, depending on eligibility) + Annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate
• Funding for 3–4 years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must have applied for an eligible on-campus PhD program at the University of Edinburgh.
• Open to UK and international applicants.
• Applicants must be commencing the first year of their PhD.
• Selection is based on academic excellence and research potential.

2. PhD Scholarships within the School of Engineering for Current MSc Students

This scholarship is awarded to current MSc students at the University of Edinburgh (School of Engineering) seeking to advance to PhD studies at the same institution and within the same discipline.

Scholarship Award

• Full coverage of the tuition fees
• A yearly living allowance
• Costs associated with research and training during the entire PhD duration.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Current University of Edinburgh MSc student at the School of Engineering.
• Intention to apply for an eligible PhD program within the School of Engineering.
• Assessment will consider the applicant’s academic achievements and research aptitude.
• Prospective academic supervision by a faculty member is expected.

3. The Chrystal Macmillan PhD Studentship

The Chrystal Macmillan PhD Studentship is for students pursuing a PhD in fields related to social justice, gender equality, human rights, peace, or conflict resolution.

Scholarship Value

Partial tuition fee + stipend of £21,805 annually.

Eligibility Criteria

• The candidate should have applied to the School of Social and Political Science.
• The area of Research must align with the scholarship theme.

4. College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Awards

This scholarship is reserved for outstanding students applying for an eligible PhD research program within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Edinburgh.

Scholarship Value

The award covers full tuition fees and provides an annual stipend at the UKRI rate for three years. Funding is available for four years for students enrolled in the 4-year Economics (PhD with Integrated Study) or the 4-year Integrated PhD in the Business School.

Note: MSc by Research programs are not eligible.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to applicants commencing their first year of full-time, part-time, or distance-learning PhD study.
• Applicants must apply to an eligible School within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
• Selection is based on outstanding academic achievement and research potential.
• Applicants whose research falls within a UK Research Council remit are also encouraged to apply for the relevant Research Council funding.

5. AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards

This research grant is for students applying for eligible PhD programs in Arts and Humanities disciplines at the University of Edinburgh.

Scholarship Award

• Full coverage of the PhD tuition fee
• Full-time stipend funding for a minimum of 3.5 years (Annual stipend paid at UKRI rate)
• Additional PhD training and career development options.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must apply for an eligible on-campus PhD program.
• Applicants should normally hold a First-Class Honours degree or equivalent; a Master’s degree is desirable.
• Primarily available to Home fee applicants, with a limited number of awards available to international students.

6. ESRC Studentships (Scottish Graduate School of Social Science)

This research grant is awarded to students applying for eligible PhD programs in the social sciences through the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (SGSSS).

Scholarship Award

• Full tuition fees
• Annual maintenance stipend at the UKRI rate
• Research training support and development funding.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must apply for an eligible PhD program at the University of Edinburgh that is part of the SGSSS Doctoral Training Partnership.
• Selection is based on academic excellence, research proposal quality, and research potential.
• Open to eligible UK and international applicants, subject to UKRI funding regulations.
  

7. BBSRC Studentships

These studentships are awarded to excellent candidates who pursue PhD research in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, and related disciplines.

Scholarship Amount

• Full tuition fees
• Annual stipend at UKRI rate
• Research training, laboratory support, and professional development funding.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must apply for an eligible BBSRC-funded PhD program at the University of Edinburgh.
• Selection is based on academic merit and research potential.
• Open to eligible UK and international applicants, depending on the studentship scheme.

Need-based Scholarship

1. Undergraduate Asylum Seeker Scholarship

The Undergraduate Asylum Seeker Scholarship is for asylum seekers living in the UK who are applying to an undergraduate degree at the University of Edinburgh. This scholarship is for aspiring students, who, due to financial constraints, struggle to attain a higher education.

Scholarship Value

The scholarship offers to waive the entirety of the Home (Scotland) tuition fee and an annual living-cost stipend of around £21,805 (the UKRI rate) for the entire course duration for all accepted undergraduate students.

Eligibility Criteria

• You have applied for an eligible undergraduate programme at the University of Edinburgh.
• You are assessed as a Home (Scotland fee rate) student according to the University’s asylum seeker fee status policy.
• You are seeking asylum in the UK and have not already attained a first undergraduate degree.
  

2. Education Beyond Borders Scholarship

The Education Beyond Borders Scholarship assists displaced students currently living in the UK with the intention of undertaking a full-time taught postgraduate programme at the University of Edinburgh. The scholarship helps to facilitate asylum seekers, refugees, and individuals with other humanitarian protection statuses in accessing University study.

Scholarship Value

This scholarship programme contributes to both the costs of Home tuition fees and provides a partial or full living-cost stipend. Where an individual qualifies, the stipend can be up to £21,805 (UKRI rate) per year, subject to their immigration status and eligibility to government support.

Eligibility Criteria

• You apply for an eligible full-time taught postgraduate programme at the University of Edinburgh.
• You have an eligible immigration status – including asylum seeker, refugee, humanitarian protection, leave to remain on protection grounds, leave under a UK resettlement scheme.
• You have an academic profile sufficient to satisfy the entry requirements for the chosen programme.

3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme

This scholarship is for academically talented students from African countries who have faced financial or social barriers and are applying for eligible postgraduate programmes at the University of Edinburgh.

Scholarship Amount
It is a fully funded scholarship covering tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, travel costs, visa fees, and leadership development opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a citizen, resident, or refugee in an African country.
• Be 35 years or younger.
• Meet the entry requirements for an eligible postgraduate programme.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and financial need.
• Show a commitment to creating positive change in their community.

Externally Funded Scholarships

1. Commonwealth Scholarships

These scholarships are reserved for citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries who wish to undertake postgraduate Master’s and PhD programs.

Scholarship Value

Usually includes full tuition, airfare, a living allowance, and other allowances and fees, depending on the award.

Eligibility Criteria

• A citizen or permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Meets the admission criteria for an eligible Master’s or PhD program.
• Administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
  

2. Chevening Scholarships

This scholarship is awarded to future leaders from Chevening-eligible countries applying for a one-year taught Master’s degree.

Scholarship Value

A fully funded scholarship which typically covers tuition fees, monthly living allowance, airfares, and thesis allowance.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country.
• Have the required work experience and leadership skills.
• Must have an offer of admission to a relevant Master’s course.

Also Read: UK Government Scholarships for International Students 2026

What do University of Edinburgh Scholarships Offer?

Tuition Fee Waivers

The tuition fee can constitute more than half of all expenses related to your degree. Luckily for many students studying at the University of Edinburgh, multiple scholarship options are available to offset this amount partially or even fully. The Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships or the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, for instance, are known for high tuition fee coverage.

Living Expenses

An average student in Edinburgh spends around £1,546 a month, according to the University’s own 2026–27 estimate. Of course, rent, grocery shopping, and the general costs of everyday life in a city you’re not yet familiar with are bound to accumulate. For this reason, certain scholarships include a living stipend to assist you in financing housing, food, transport, and other necessary living costs during your degree. For example, the Undergraduate Asylum Seeker Scholarship contains an annual living-cost stipend in addition to tuition assistance.

Research Funding

If you’re considering a research degree at the University of Edinburgh, there are a variety of funding sources for postgraduate researchers. You can make an application for scholarships like the Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship, College Research Awards and UKRI-funded studentships that cover full-time tuition fees and also include living expenses, including any required travelling, lab work and fieldwork, specific training and conferences. Funding depends on the institution plus area of research, so try to consider which sort of scholarships can be available for the degree you intend to study on.

Travel Grants

A number of our PhD studentships cover much more than just a living stipend and fees. Studentships funded by UKRI, as well as some University-funded PhD scholarships, often include additional financial support, typically known as a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG), to assist with essential research expenses. This might cover expenses like: laboratory costs, fieldwork, specialist equipment, research material, and conferences.

Documents Required For Applying To University of Edinburgh Scholarships

1. Admission offer

A large proportion of the UoE scholarships are restricted to those students who already hold an offer of study from the University of Edinburgh at the time of their application for, and their offer of, the Scholarship.

2. Official Academic Transcripts

Official certified transcripts of previous academic study are required as a part of your application. Provisional degree certificates or attested transcripts might also be accepted if your final transcripts are due. It is always advisable to check with the admissions team.

3. Passport

A valid passport is required to demonstrate that you are eligible to travel and study overseas.

4. Statement of purpose

The Statement of purpose is usually 500–1,000 words long, depending on the programme. It should set out your academic and professional history and explain your desire to undertake a degree program. Students also include their current, middle-term and long-term academic and career aspirations and what they are already doing towards these goals, indicating how this programme can help to fulfil these aspirations, and what makes them deserving of the university’s support in their education.

5. Recommendation letters 

Two letters of support. Ideally, one will come from your current or previous school. The other can come from an employer, a community leader, or anyone else who knows you well outside the classroom.

6. English Language Test Scores

English language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or other acceptable equivalent) where your programme requires proof of English Language skills.

7. CV/Resume (if required)

List details of education, work experience, internships, research and any additional skills and experiences you may possess.

Tips to Increase Your Chances Of Securing a University of Edinburgh Scholarship

1. Apply Early

You often need to have received an offer of admission before you can apply for many University of Edinburgh scholarships, or their deadlines might be many months before your course begins. As soon as you’ve sent off your university application, start identifying and shortlisting scholarships to give you plenty of time to gather your documents, request references and avoid last-minute panic.

2. Write a Scholarship Essay That Feels Personal

If a scholarship is asking for personal statements or essays, don’t list all your achievements. Tell them why you are applying for Edinburgh University, which student clubs you’d want to be a part of,  what skills or knowledge you want to gain through the specific course to further your future career path, and what you would want to do once you leave. Scholarship panels are looking for more than academic excellence; they want ambition and intent behind how you plan to contribute to their cohort.

3. Match Your Application to the Scholarship

A one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work when applying for scholarships. If you’re aiming for the India Merit Scholarship, showcase your academic achievements. For leadership-based awards, such as the MBA Leadership Scholarship or the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, place emphasis on your experience as a leader, community engagement, and demonstrable impact.

4. Keep Your Academic and Supporting Documents Ready

You’ll almost certainly need supporting documents for your scholarship applications, such as your transcripts, English language results, references, and proof of admission. Having all of these ready will allow you to hit the submit button as soon as the scholarship portal opens, rather than scrambling around trying to collate them as the deadline looms.

5. Don’t Count Yourself Out

So many students don’t apply for scholarships because they assume they’re too competitive. In reality, various scholarships are looking for very different things. Some value academic excellence, but others seek leadership experience, evidence of financial need, research potential, or simply your country of origin. If you fit the bill – it’s probably worth a shot.

Conclusion

Although the University of Edinburgh is a huge financial investment, it’s not impossible. There are so many available ways to fund your studies to make it easier for you. Scholarships at the University of Edinburgh typically range from country-specific scholarships and merit-based awards to research funding and need-based financial assistance across bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, and PhD level programmes. The key is to begin the scholarship search early, pay careful attention to the eligibility criteria and have a good application. A little extra effort during the application process could make a meaningful difference to your overall study abroad budget.

Frequently Asked Questions