Why Study with Us?

There are many reasons to choose the International Foundation Programme at the University of Edinburgh.

Former IFP Director and current Director of Students and IFP Lecturer, Dr Anya Clayworth, shares more about why the University of Edinburgh is the first choice institution for so many students.

"The city itself has such a strong sense of tradition and history, and I love how Edinburgh blends the old and new."

Jumana IFP Alum and current Law and International Relations undergraduate student at the University of Edinburgh

 

Did you know that our University is one of the top 50 in the world and one of the UK's leading universities for research? Founded in 1583, it's also one of Britain's oldest higher education institutions.

All IFP classes take place at the University's Holyrood Campus, which is conveniently situated in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town.

Our campus is not only centrally located but is just a short walk from both the city centre and the University accommodation where our IFP students usually reside during the programme.

We've put together a list featuring just some of the many draws and benefits that attract students from across the globe to study with us each year in Scotland's capital city.

1. Highly Esteemed Global Reputation

The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked one of the best 50 universities in the world. We were ranked 35th in the QS World University Rankings (2027) out of more than 1,500 universities worldwide.

Learn more about our rankings here >

With our academic reputation rated at almost 100% (99.6%), we are ranked 4th in the world and number 2 in the UK for our successful sustainability practices.

Learn more here >

2. Internationally Acclaimed and Sustainable City

Edinburgh was voted the 3rd best city in the world by Time Out (2026) for its accessibility, public transport, green spaces and culture.

View the full article here >

Edinburgh was also ranked the UK's greenest/most sustainable city in 2025 for its low pollution levels, vegan friendly options and abundance of nature all over the city.

3. High Employability Rate

The University is held in high regard by employers all around the world. University of Edinburgh graduates are highly regarded by employers all around the world. 

We scored 98.4% for Employer Reputation in the 2027 QS World University Rankings.

4. High Volume of Options for Undergraduate Study

Our International Foundation Programme (IFP) provides an entry route to more than 150 degrees within the University’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. This includes degrees in Business, Economics, Law, International Relations, Literature, Politics and Social Science.

On our Biological, Chemical and Biomedical and Environmental Sciences (BCBES) IFP, you can progress to more than 30 undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) degrees including Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences and Environmental Sciences. 

View our full list of progression degree options here >

5. High Progression Rate on to Undergraduate Study

Successful completion of our international foundation year (with good grades and the required level of English language) provides guaranteed progression to degree level study at the University of Edinburgh.

Students will also receive a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) after successful completion of our programme. This is a formal University qualification at SCQF Level 7. Its level and credits can help other institutions understand the study you have completed.

We consistently have more than 95% of our IFP students progress to undergraduate study at our university or elsewhere.

IFP teachers and support staff share what makes the programme, University and city so internationally friendly.

6. Taught by University of Edinburgh Academics

Our IFP team are made up of highly esteemed University of Edinburgh academics across a number of subject areas. This foundation year, taught by the University of Edinburgh, gives you key skills from academic to transferrable (such as communication skills, essay writing, critical thinking and collaborative working) to help you thrive at undergraduate study and beyond.

You will also receive English language tuition for academic purposes from the University’s English Language Education department. The University of Edinburgh's Centre for Open Learning is one of the largest higher education centres for English language teaching in the UK.

Learn more about our IFP teaching staff here>

7. Safe Campus Experience in the City Centre

You will be taught by University of Edinburgh academics at our historic, central and leafy Holyrood Campus - located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town just steps from the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh is frequently ranked one of Europe's safest cities and has a low crime rate. It's also a compact capital city and very accessible.

8. Extensive Student Support

Throughout the programme, you will receive dedicated one-to-one and group support for both academic and non-academic needs from your teachers, academic cohort lead and Student Support team.

You can learn more about our IFP Student Support here>

9. Internationally Friendly and Multicultural

You will have the opportunity to meet students from all over the world! More than 13,000 international students study at the University of Edinburgh - from over 150 countries.

We welcomed students from 12 different world nations in our 2025/26 IFP cohort.

 

The city’s cultural life is another major highlight. From the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery to small local art spaces and live music venues, I'm always discovering new and inspiring things to do in the city in my free time!

Petr Former IFP student and current Law and International Relations student at the University of Edinburgh

10. Access to Undergraduate Services, Resources, Facilities and Student Societies

You will be a fully enrolled student at the University of Edinburgh and will have access to all of the University’s academic, support, social and sporting facilities including student societies.

Learn more about student support and resources available>

Learn more and student life and sports facilities available including societies>

IFP staff members talk about some of their favourite things to do in Edinburgh including popular places for IFP students to visit.

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