Why Study with Us?

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

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

 

Did you know that our University is one of the top 25 in the world? 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 27th in the QS World University Rankings (2025).

We are currently ranked 4th in the world and no.1 in the UK for our successful sustainability practices via our research, teaching, partnerships and operations.

Learn more here>

2. Internationally Acclaimed and Sustainable City

Edinburgh was voted the best city in the world by Time Out (2022) for its accessibility, welcoming atmosphere and beautiful setting.

Edinburgh was also recently ranked Europe’s greenest/most sustainable city 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. 95% of the University’s graduates go on to employment or further study (2011 report by the Higher Education Statistics Agency).

4. High Volume of Options for Undergraduate Study

The International Foundation Programme 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, law, international relations and English literature.

5. High Progression Rate on to Undergraduate Study

Successful completion of the programme with good grades and the required level of English language provides guaranteed progression to degree level study at the University of Edinburgh.

In 2024, 96% of our 2023/24 IFP students progressed onto undergraduate study with 100% of those students choosing the University of Edinburgh.

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

6. High Quality Teaching

Our IFP team are made up of highly esteemed University of Edinburgh academics across a number of subject areas.

English for Academic Purposes is another key part of the programme.

You will 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.

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

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.

15 different countries were represented in our 2024/25 IFP cohort.

 

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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