ShareUMD Exchange: University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom)
All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.
Host Institution
The University of Edinburgh is ranked 6th in the United Kingdom (Times Higher Education World Rankings 2013-2014) and consistently ranks in the top 50 universities in the world. Edinburgh has approximately 33,000 students and its famous alumni include Charles Darwin and J K Rowling.
Host City
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and an extremely vibrant city. Edinburgh is home to top art venues, a myriad of cafes and new restaurants, and beautiful cobbled streets in the Old Town. The city is known as the world’s festival capital and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The University of Edinburgh and the University of Maryland are both members in Universitas 21 (U21). U21 is the leading global network of research-intensive universities; working together to foster global citizenship and institutional innovation through research inspired teaching and learning, student mobility, connecting our students and staff, and wider advocacy for internationalization.
Learn more about Universitas 21 and its programs and mission on the U21 website: http://universitas21.com/
Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:
- 3.0 GPA
- Completion of 2 semesters at UMD
Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.
Student Visa Information
A student visa is required for participation on this exchange. For more information, please visit our study abroad visa guide to view instructions for the country you will be visiting. Please note that visa information is subject to change and you are responsible for checking the embassy website for updates.
- Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
- Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program.
- After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
- If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
- Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.
Academic Planning
Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:
- Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
- Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
- Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record
Coursework
Edinburgh offers a large variety of coursework and exchange students may enroll courses in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences and the College of Science and Engineering.
Exchange students are not allowed to enroll in any studio based courses (in departments such as architecture, art, and design). Edinburgh has a number of departments with high demand and so there are limited places available in English Literature, History, Art History, Law, Philosophy, and Politics and International Relations.
There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD). If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.
Credit
All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree. Most courses at University of Edinburgh will be converted as follows:
| University of Edinburgh Credit | UMD Credit |
|---|---|
| 1 Edinburgh credit | 0.3 UMD credit |
| 10 Edinburgh credits | 3 UMD credits |
The chart above was last approved by the UMD Transfer Credit Committee on June 10, 2014.
Grading
Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.
| University of Edinburgh Grade | UMD Grade |
| 40 or D or Satisfactory* | C - |
Exchange students are guaranteed university housing provided that they submit the accommodation application by the deadline.
You can learn more about accommodation on the Edinburgh website: https://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.
You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.
Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
- Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)
Additional Financial Resources
Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!
Student Clubs and Organizations
With over 240 student societies and over 60 sports clubs the University of Edinburgh offers many ways for students to get involved. Students may be interested in joining the International Exchange Student Society as a way to get involved on campus.
International Welcome/Orientation
The university hosts an Orientation Day highlighting the culture of Scotland and the university through events, presentations, and workshops.
Counseling & Health Services
The University of Edinburgh offers health services and resources to support mental wellbeing for students.
Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities*
Resource Guide for LGBTQ+ Identities*
*These resource guides provide general information about services at UMD’s partner institution. For more information, consult your EA advisor.
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Admission Notification | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year (Fall-Spring) | 2023 | 03/01/2023 | 03/13/2023 | ||
| Fall | 2023 | 03/01/2023 | 03/13/2023 | 09/11/2023 | 12/21/2023 |
| Spring | 2024 | 09/25/2023 | 09/29/2023 |