Study Abroad at University of Edinburgh
This application is for students who would like to study for a semester or academic year at University of Edinburgh as a fee-paying study abroad student. Students who study abroad this way are enrolled as visiting students at University of Edinburgh and take classes alongside degree-seeking students. This is a highly independent and immersive experience. Through this study abroad experience, students pay a study abroad administrative fee to UVA and then pay
tuition and fees to University of Edinburgh directly.
Students can also attend University of Edinburgh as an exchange student, paying UVA tuition and fees to UVA. To study abroad on exchange, complete the
Exchange: University of Edinburgh application instead.
Questions about which option is right for you? Contact Emily Graber (she/hers) at eg9cx@virginia.edu or make an advising appointment.
Housing
Students are responsible for securing their own housing for this program. University of Edinburgh offers a variety of housing options for students across Edinburgh. Learn about accommodation options and costs.
Terms
Semester 1: September - late December
Semester 2: early January - late May
Academic Calendar (to see dates for years, click the "Semester dates" link which will take you to the main University academic calendar)
Course Information
Carefully review University of Edinburgh's Courses and Credits page for information on restricted courses, popular subject areas, and requirements to access upper-level classes.
Some subject areas are in high demand and spaces will be limited or unavailable in those courses. If planning to take classes in popular subject areas which have limited availability, students should ensure they have several back-up classes approved; remember that entry to specific classes is not guaranteed and there may not be space available for visiting students in those subject areas.
Often students must be in their third year and/or meet certain requirements to take third year (level 10) classes. The CAHSS Course pre-requisite flyer (on the Courses and Credits page) lists specific requirements for students who want to take upper level classes in English Literature, Economics, Politics, and Business Studies.
Find courses available for visiting students on the University Course Finder.
Students typically enroll in 60 credits (30 ECTS) per semester; this is often 3-4 classes. Only select courses that are offered in the semester you intend to study abroad, and pay attention to any prerequisites. Explore course options at an appropriate level of study. For example, third-year students, could look at level 2 and 3 courses in their major (checking prerequisites), however if they wanted to take a course outside their major (i.e. a local history or culture course), they should look at lower level or introductory courses.
All courses are based on availability and are not guaranteed. Students typically finalize course selections once they arrive in Edinburgh at the start of the semester.
Resources:
Passport, Visa, and Entry Requirements
All participants will need a valid passport to study abroad. Passports should be valid at least 6-months past the date of return to the U.S. after the end of the semester abroad.
UK entry requirements vary based on length of planned study in the UK and citizenship. All students must consult gov.uk and use the gov.uk visa checker tool for information about immigration and other entry requirements to the UK.
In most cases, US citizens who study abroad in the UK for less than 6-months are required to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), though in some cases a visa may be required. Travelers apply for the UK ETA on the gov.uk website or through the UK ETA app. Scam sites for the UK ETA exist, so be sure you apply through the official site or app. While approvals are predicted to be within three days or faster, students are advised to apply for the UK ETA at least three weeks in advance of planned travel in case of processing delays.
Be aware that if you have a criminal conviction, particularly a recent one, or if you have previously been refused entry to the UK, you may have difficulty obtaining a UK ETA or visa. Those studying abroad for a full academic year typically are required to obtain a UK visa. Students who need to apply for a UK visa should do so through the gov.uk website. The UK visa application and process takes time, so students should plan and work ahead.
International students may have different requirements and should consult the gov.uk website. In addition, international students should meet with their International Student Advisor in the International Studies Office as part of the application process for information about re-entering the US at the conclusion of the program.
Accessibility
The University of Virginia believes in providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities on an individual and flexible basis. If you believe that you would require adjustments in order to fully participate in this program, please contact the Student Disability Access Center at 434-243-5180 as early as possible in order to begin this dialogue.
Health and Safety
All students considering Education Abroad should consult the Students Abroad section of the U.S. Department of State’s web-based travel resources and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Traveler’s Health web resources to research health, safety, and security conditions; visa requirements; immunization requirements; and recommendations on staying healthy and safe in their target destination(s). Students should also carefully review the UVA Education Abroad Health & Safety Abroad web page. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to review all of these resources, as well. UVA students and visiting students enrolled in UVA Education Abroad programs are subject to the University of Virginia’s Policy on Student International Travel.
