Overview
Edinburgh Napier University has come a long way since gaining full university status back in June 1992. Today, it’s home to around 12,500 students and offers a vibrant mix of old and new—its campuses in Edinburgh’s east end include everything from historic castles to converted school buildings.
Known as one of Scotland’s top universities for graduate employability, Edinburgh Napier makes sure students are career-ready by building work placements into many of its courses. If you’re into film, it’s also got a strong reputation in that field—thanks to a close partnership with the Edinburgh College of Art.
Beyond the UK, the university’s global reach is impressive. Around 3,000 students are enrolled in its international programmes in Hong Kong, Singapore, and India. Plus, dual-degree options with New York State University give students a chance to study across both institutions and earn a four-year degree with international experience baked in.
Edinburgh Napier also stands out when it comes to value. It ranks 8th in the UK for ‘value added’—meaning students often leave with stronger results than their entry qualifications might predict. And to boost your career prospects even further, the university runs ‘Confident Futures’—a programme designed to build essential employability skills so you’re ready for whatever comes next.
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Courses at Edinburgh Napier University:
Foundation
Undergraduate
Pre-Masters
Postgraduate
Pre-Sessional
Courses: 150+
Affordable tuition fee:
From £17,520
Scholarships Available
up to £10,000
Services for international students
Edinburgh Napier University runs a meet and greet service, as well as transport to the University, through Edinburgh Napier Direct during welcome week. This is available at Edinburgh Airport. The Student Union runs a number of activities available during the first week designed to help students settle in and make friends early on. Further into term time, the International Students’ Club provides support and events for international students.
Ranking
- 59th in the Times University Guide 2025
- 96th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
- 133rd in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024
Edinburgh Napier was also the top Scottish modern for research impact in the REF 2021. The activity at the University, assessed as “internationally excellent” and “world-leading” by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) has leapt from 53 to 68 per cent since the last time the exercise was carried out in 2014.
Alumni
- Sharmila Tagore – Bollywood actor
- Tom Kitchin – International Chef
- Chris Paterson – Scottish International Rugby player
- Catriona Shearer – BBC broadcaster.
Accommodation
All accommodation is located in the centre of Edinburgh with good transport links to the University. All first-year students are guaranteed a place in Edinburgh Napier accommodation if the application is submitted before the deadline. There are over 1,400 rooms available, arranged in flats of up to seven people. Private accommodation is also available in and around the city of Edinburgh.
Location
Edinburgh Napier is based around its Merchiston, Craighouse, Craiglockhart and Sighthill campuses. There are also smaller medical campuses at Canaan Lane’s Astley Ainslie Hospital and Comely Bank in Edinburgh, as well as in Melrose and Livingston’s St John’s Hospital at Howden. Other notable Edinburgh buildings have been incorporated, including the former Parish Church at Morningside.
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is listed as a World Heritage Site. It is considered by some as one of the greenest and most architecturally beautiful cities in Europe. Its beauty and reputation for science since the 18th Century has earned it the nickname ‘the Athens of the North’. Since 2001, Edinburgh has consistently been voted ‘Favourite UK City’ by the Observer, Condé Nast (2010 Award Winner for Best City) and Guardian readers. Excellent road, rail and air transport links make Edinburgh accessible from all major cities in the UK and beyond.
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