Edinburgh is a historical-study-united-kingdom/”>city in the UK with a vibrant cultural scene and many events for students throughout the year. Although living costs can be high, students may be able to reduce their expenses by choosing university accommodation, sharing private housing, or living outside the main tourist areas and commuting by public transportation.
Eligible Scottish-domiciled undergraduate students can have their tuition fees paid directly to their university by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). Most new students from European Union and European Economic Area countries are charged international fees unless they qualify under specific residence or immigration-status rules. Students from the rest of the UK and most international students are generally responsible for paying tuition fees.
Below are five Edinburgh-area institutions, together with current tuition examples for international students. Fees vary by program, study level, and delivery mode, so applicants should confirm the exact amount on the institution’s official course or fees page. Let’s take a look at the cheapest universities in Edinburgh for international students.
Affordable Universities in Edinburgh for International Students
1. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across the arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, medicine, and veterinary medicine.
For students beginning an undergraduate degree in 2026/27, the standard fee for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland is £9,790 per year. International fees vary by program. For example, Accounting and Business MA (Hons) costs £29,600 per year, while the international fee for the Medicine MBChB is £54,650 per year.
2. Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University has campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia. Its programs cover areas such as business, accountancy and finance, computing, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, and brewing and distilling.
For 2026/27, undergraduate students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland generally pay £9,790 per year. International fees vary by program. For example, the BBA and MA Accountancy and Finance cost £20,080 per year, while several science, engineering, and computing degrees cost £25,808 per year. Scholarships and bursaries are available, but eligibility and award amounts vary.
3. Queen Margaret University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: from £9,725/year for international undergraduate programs | from £9,725/year for certain postgraduate programs, with taught master’s fees generally starting at £16,725/year
Founded in 1875 as the Edinburgh School of Cookery, Queen Margaret University was established partly to expand educational opportunities for women. The institution later broadened its programs and student population and became Queen Margaret University in 2007. It is named after Margaret, Queen and Saint of Scotland.
The university has a School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management and a School of Health Sciences. It offers a BA (Hons) in Costume Design and Construction, as well as programs in areas such as nutrition, nursing, occupational therapy, art psychotherapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, and other health-related disciplines.
4. Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Napier University traces its origins to Napier Technical College, which opened in 1964, and it gained university status in 1992. It offers programs through subject areas including business, computing, engineering and the built environment, applied sciences, health and social care, and the arts and creative industries.
International tuition depends on the course and degree level. For example, the BEng/BEng (Hons) Computing costs £21,120 per year for overseas and EU students beginning in 2026/27.
5. Scotland’s Rural College SRUC
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: £17,000/year for full-time undergraduate programs | £20,000 for a full-time taught MSc or MRes | £18,000/year for a full-time PhD
Scotland’s Rural College, commonly known as SRUC, was established in 2012 through the merger of the Scottish Agricultural College with Barony, Elmwood, and Oatridge Colleges. It has locations across Scotland, including a campus at King’s Buildings in Edinburgh.
SRUC offers college- and university-level courses in land-based and related subjects, including agriculture, animal care, animal sciences, rural business, conservation, environmental management, horticulture, and sustainability.
For fee purposes, SRUC generally classifies European Union and European Economic Area students as international students. For 2026/27, international fees are £17,000 per year for a full-time HNC, HND, BA, or BSc; £20,000 for a full-time taught MSc or MRes; and £18,000 per year for a full-time PhD.
Studying in the UK can provide valuable academic and professional opportunities, but tuition and living costs vary considerably. Before applying, compare the exact program fee, course length, accommodation costs, scholarships, and other required expenses at each institution.
We hope this article helps you compare institutions in Scotland’s capital. If you are interested, see this Study in the UK guide and this list of Available Programs for International Students.
