The University and Europe

A European University

As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. We celebrate and strengthen our deep-rooted and distinctive internationalism, attracting the world’s best minds and building innovative global partnerships for research, teaching and impact.

Edinburgh is a truly global university and we have always had a commitment to diversity and a community in which students and staff feel valued and welcome. Our international students now represent 44% of our total community, coming from 180 nations, including more than 4,800 students from the EU. While 29% of our staff come from outside the UK. We are currently the top UK University for incoming Erasmus+ exchanges and have agreements with over 250 universities across Europe. We are an active member of international networks including Una Europa, the League of European Research Universities (LERU), the Coimbra Group, Eurolife, UNICA, Universitas 21, and the U7 Alliance of over 30 universities from G7 countries. 

The University of Edinburgh has stood proudly for 436 years and it will continue to be a beacon of excellence, with a determinedly international outlook, for generations to come. 

We are a proud member of the Una Europa alliance and alongside seven other European universities, we are working towards building the University of the future.

The UK will change as a result of Brexit but the University of Edinburgh remains as committed as ever to European collaboration. Read our article on how we will continue to strengthen our ties with our European partners.

Students walking on Calton Hill

Information for prospective students from the EU who have applied to study at the University of Edinburgh.

International students relaxing in the George Square labyrinth

Information for EU students currently studying at the University of Edinburgh and Erasmus+ students.

Photo of Old College quad

Information for staff and job applicants who are EU citizens, including EU-funded Horizon 2020 projects.