University of Edinburgh Entry Requirements & Grades

University of Edinburgh Entry Requirements and Grades

Search "Edinburgh entry requirements" and you will find an average grade that may not match your course at all. Edinburgh's offers swing from ABB right up to A*AA, so guessing wrong can waste one of your five UCAS choices.

This guide breaks down exact requirements by qualification, subject, and nationality. By the end, you will know precisely which grades you need before you submit your application.

What Are Edinburgh's Entry Requirements?

Edinburgh's offers typically range from ABB to A*AA at A-Level or 34 to 43 points at IB, depending on how competitive your chosen degree is. Always confirm the exact figure for your course on the official Degree Finder.

A few factors shift your offer up or down before you apply.

• High demand courses like Medicine sit near the top
• Some degrees need named subjects at grade A
• Certain courses set GCSE or National 5 subject rules
• Selective degrees review every application individually
• Non-selective degrees accept anyone meeting the minimum

What A-Level Grades Does Edinburgh Need?

Most degrees ask for three A-Levels in one sitting, typically ABB to A*AA. Named subjects sometimes need a specific grade, and Mathematics is often required for Engineering, Economics, and related courses. Students preparing a strong application often work through structured A-Level tutoring to hit these subject specific targets.

Here is a general idea of how typical A-Level offers compare across a few popular degree areas at Edinburgh, though your exact requirement may differ once you check the Degree Finder for your specific programme.

Degree Area	Typical A-Level Grades	Subject Requirements
Medicine	A*AA to AAA overall	Chemistry and Biology at grade A
Engineering	AAA including Mathematics	Physics also required at grade A
Law	AAA overall, no set subjects	Strong essay writing subjects preferred
Economics	AAA to AAB overall	Mathematics needed at grade A
History	ABB to AAB overall	Essay based subject strongly preferred
Informatics	AAA including Mathematics	Grade A in Mathematics required

These are general offer patterns only. Confirm the exact grades and subjects for your programme using the official Degree Finder.

A few extra rules apply across every A-Level application.

• Science subjects need no separate practical pass
• General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted
• Extended Project can support borderline applications

What IB Score Do You Need For Edinburgh?

Edinburgh generally asks for 37 to 43 points overall at IB, with specific Higher Level grades in relevant subjects. You also need at least grade 5 at Standard Level English to meet the general requirement.

IB offers vary widely by subject area, so use this table as a starting benchmark rather than a guarantee, then confirm the exact points and Higher Level grades on the Degree Finder.

Degree Area	Typical IB Points	HL Requirements
Medicine	38 to 40 points	Chemistry and Biology at HL 6
Engineering	37 to 39 points	Mathematics HL 6 required
Law	37 points	No specific HL subjects needed
Economics	36 to 38 points	Mathematics HL 5 recommended
Informatics	38 points	Mathematics HL 6 required

Higher Level grades matter as much as the total score, especially for competitive science and engineering courses.

A couple of extra IB rules apply across every degree.

• Standard Level English needs at least grade 5
• The IB Career-related Programme is accepted where two IB HL subjects are combined with one BTEC

Students working toward these targets can explore subject specific IB tutoring to strengthen weaker Higher Level subjects.

Can You Combine A-Levels And IB?

Yes. Edinburgh considers combinations of two A-Levels and one IB Higher Level subject on a case by case basis. Where an A* is required, you need HL grade 7. Where an A is required, you need HL grade 6.

You should outline the reasons for taking both qualifications in your personal statement, or ask your school to explain it in your reference.

A short grade equivalency guide helps you plan your combination.

• A* at A-Level equals HL grade 7
• Grade A at A-Level equals HL grade 6
• Grade B may need HL grade 5 or 6 depending on demand

What Are The Requirements For International Students?

International applicants are assessed against qualifications equivalent to A-Level or IB, including the European Baccalaureate and national curricula from around the world, alongside the US High School Diploma. You will also need to meet Edinburgh's English language requirement alongside your academic qualification.

A few country specific routes are worth knowing about.

• Edinburgh accepts many national curricula as equivalent qualifications
• The Foundation Programme offers international students a route into an Edinburgh degree
• Advanced Entry to Year 2 may suit strong applicants
• Visa and study route guidance is available separately

Wherever you are studying, personalised online tutoring can help bridge the gap between your local curriculum and Edinburgh's expectations.

What English Language Score Do You Need?

According to Edinburgh's own admissions data, undergraduate applicants need an overall IELTS Academic band of 6.5, with no band below 5.5. A number of other English tests are also accepted for undergraduate applications.

Test	Overall Score Needed	Minimum Per Section
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall	5.5 in each section
TOEFL iBT	Around 92 overall	Check current component minimums
PTE Academic	Around 62 overall	Check current component minimums
Cambridge English	Advanced grade C or above	Check current component minimums

Scores must usually be under two years old when you apply, and exemptions exist for applicants from English medium education systems.

A couple of exemptions can remove the test requirement altogether.

• Prior study in an English medium system may exempt you
• Certain GCSE or A-Level English grades can count too

Building strong scores early with focused IELTS tutoring or TOEFL tutoring gives you room to retake if your first attempt falls short.

How Does Undergraduate Admission Work At Edinburgh?

Edinburgh uses the UCAS system for undergraduate admissions. You will submit predicted grades, a personal statement, and references, and some courses such as Medicine also require an admissions test or interview.

A few key dates and steps shape your application timeline.

• Applications for 2027 entry open from September 2026
• Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Oxbridge close on 15 October 2026
• Most other courses close on 13 January 2027
• Predicted grades matter most, since final grades come later
• Medicine applicants must also sit the UCAT before applying

What If You Don't Meet The Requirements?

Edinburgh's Foundation Programme offers international students a route into a degree through an extra preparatory year. Contextual admissions and resit grades are also considered for some applicants.

A few alternative routes exist if your grades are not quite there yet.

• Foundation year suits eligible widening access applicants
• Contextual admissions consider your background and circumstances
• Resit grades can support a fresh application

Students retaking specific subjects often benefit from focused subject tutoring to close the gap before resitting exams.

What Should You Do Before Applying?

Edinburgh's entry requirements are course specific, not fixed. The ABB to A*AA and 34 to 43 point ranges are starting benchmarks, not guarantees of a place.

Use the Degree Finder to confirm exact grades and subjects for your chosen programme, and note application deadlines early. Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Oxbridge close on 15 October 2026, while most other courses close on 13 January 2027.