Study at Edinburgh Napier University

Location and student life

Teaching takes place on three campuses in the west of Edinburgh: Merchiston, Craiglockhart and Sighthill, all served by public transport. Merchiston hosts computing, engineering and creative subjects; Craiglockhart houses the Business School; Sighthill is home to nursing, health and applied sciences, with hospital-ward style clinical skills rooms. The students' association (ENSA) is based at Merchiston and runs clubs, societies and sports teams that are open to all students. University-managed accommodation and private housing used by students sit within easy reach of the campuses.

Courses and subjects

Students join one of five schools: Applied Sciences; Arts and Creative Industries; the Business School; Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment; and Health and Social Care. Recognised areas include cybersecurity, where Napier was the first UK university with both undergraduate and postgraduate courses certified by the National Cyber Security Centre, alongside nursing and midwifery, music, business and tourism. Applicants who do not yet meet direct-entry requirements can apply through Edinburgh Napier University International College (ENUIC), which offers an International Foundation Year and International Stage One and Two routes, plus pre-sessional English programmes.

Entry requirements for international students

International applicants apply with school or university qualifications from their own country, and the university publishes country-specific requirements, so applicants should check the page for their country and course. For most taught undergraduate and postgraduate degrees the standard English requirement is IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, while research degrees ask for 6.5 with no component below 6.0. Students who narrowly miss the required score can take a pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes programme, and foundation or stage-one routes are available through the International College. Exact grades and tests vary by course, so always confirm on the course page before applying.

Accommodation

The university guarantees an offer of accommodation to all first-year and direct-entry undergraduate students who meet its criteria, including applying by the published deadline (3pm on 18 August for 2026 entry). Options include university-managed halls close to the campuses, alongside guidance on private renting in Edinburgh. Demand is high, so early application matters. Visiting and exchange students are not covered by the same guarantee and should consult the private accommodation guide.

Scholarships and funding

Edinburgh Napier publishes regional partial scholarships for self-funding international students, and the list changes each year. Current examples include the South Asia Scholarship for students from India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka (from £2,000 for undergraduates), the Sub-Saharan Africa Scholarship worth £2,000, and the Middle East and North Africa Scholarship worth £2,000. EU students have dedicated awards, including a £4,000 first-year undergraduate discount and an £8,000 postgraduate award. Awards are limited in number, so check the funding pages for current eligibility and deadlines before applying.