If you are thinking of applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Edinburgh, it’s essential to understand the entry requirements clearly. Meeting these requirements is a first step in being eligible — but note: it does not guarantee an offer. Below is a simple-to-read guide.

What you must meet

Every applicant must satisfy certain baseline conditions regardless of the degree programme. These include:

1. Meeting either the standard entry requirements or the minimum entry requirements (depending on your eligibility).
2. Meeting any required subject(s) listed for your chosen programme.
3. Meeting the English language proficiency requirements.
4. Achieving your qualifications within specified time-limits (for example, math or informatics qualifications may have stricter recency rules).

Standard entry requirements

These are the typical grades most successful applicants obtained in recent years. Key points:

1. They may be expressed as a range of grades (e.g., A*AA to AAB for A levels) or as a single set of grades.
2. Example formats:
3. A levels: “from AAA to ABB” in one set of exams.
4. SQA Highers: expressed as a single set (e.g., AABB).
5. Important: Just meeting the published standard entry requirement may not be sufficient if competition is high — some offers may require grades higher than the published range.

Minimum entry requirements

These apply for applicants who are eligible for a widening access Plus Flag offer (for certain under-represented groups). Key facts:

1. The minimum entry requirement grades are lower than standard entry requirements.
2. They are expressed as a single set of grades, regardless of qualification type. For example:
3. SQA Highers: ABBB
4. A levels: ABB
5. IB: 34 points with 655 at Higher Level (HL)
6. Important: Only applicants who are eligible for widening access may receive an offer based on minimum entry requirements. Standard applicants must meet the standard requirement.
7. Even eligible applicants are not guaranteed an offer by just achieving the minimum. The number of places and competition still apply.

English language requirements

Since teaching is in English, all applicants must demonstrate enough language proficiency, no matter their country of origin. Key details:

1. For school‐level English proficiency (e.g., GCSE, National 5): Example requirement: National 5 English at grade C; GCSE/IGCSE English Language at grade C or 4.
2. For formal tests: Acceptable tests include IELTS Academic (or IELTS Academic for UKVI), TOEFL-iBT, Trinity ISE, Oxford ELLT, etc.
3. Timing/validity:
4. If using IELTS/TOEFL/Trinity ISE etc., results must be no older than two years before the first of the month your degree starts.
5. For certain school qualifications, the expiry can be up to three and a half years.
6. Some programmes (e.g., Medicine, Veterinary Medicine) may have higher English language thresholds.

Mature applicant / adult returner qualifications

If you are a mature applicant (often defined as aged 21 or over at the start of your degree) or an adult returner, there are special provisions:

1. Generally, you are expected to meet the standard (or minimum, if applicable) entry requirements
2. The university may accept other forms of qualification such as professional qualifications or relevant work experience, provided you can show you are prepared for university-level study.
3. Recent study is important: You should show evidence of study within about three years, unless in exceptional cases (for maths/informatics, this may be two years).

How to use this information

1. Check your qualifications: Identify whether your last school-level or test results meet either the standard or minimum entry requirement depending on your eligibility.
2. Check subject requirements: Some degree programmes require specific subjects (for example A level Chemistry for some science degrees) or certain grades in those subjects.
3. Verify English requirements: Determine what your English qualification or test result needs to be, and check the expiry/validity.
4. Check competition: Even with required grades you may not receive an offer if many strong applicants apply. So aim as high as you can.
5. For mature or adult returner applicants: Prepare evidence of recent study or professional experience and review the specific adult returner policies.

Final word

Meeting the entry requirements of the University of Edinburgh is a necessary step for application, but not sufficient on its own to guarantee admission. You need to satisfy grades or equivalent qualifications, required subject areas, English language proficiency and any additional criteria (such as portfolio, interview, test) for your chosen programme. For mature or non‐traditional applicants, alternative pathways may be available but you must still demonstrate readiness for university study. Always review the specific requirements for the exact degree you want, as these can differ significantly.

References

1. https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/understanding
2. https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/understanding/standard
3. https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/understanding/minimum
4. https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language
5. https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/mature-applicant-qualifications
6. https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/mature/undergraduate/choose-apply/entry-requirements