Studying abroad

The University of Edinburgh is involved in a number of international exchange schemes, details of which can be found from the Student Exchanges page of the Edinburgh Global website. There are two categories, "University-wide exchanges" and "Subject-specific exchanges". Students who wish to take an optional year abroad programme in Year 3 need to apply online in Year 2.

University-wide exchanges

The University has student exchange agreements with universities all over the world, including universities in USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, South Korea, Singapore, Mexico, Argentina and Chile. 

Subject-specific exchanges

The School has student exchange agreements with universities in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and USA. 

The selection process follows an inclusive policy, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, and applications from students of all backgrounds are welcome.  Selection for Informatics subject-specific exchange programs is based on three criteria: 

1. Academic Record - students must have an average grade of B or higher (60%+) in their first year, with higher requirements for certain partner universities. Selected students must also pass all courses taken in their second year and obtain 240 credits by June. 
2. Personal Statement - personal statements should address academic motivation, qualities representing the University of Edinburgh, and personal benefits you hope to gain from the exchange.
3. Linguistic Suitability - Linguistic suitability is also considered, with applicants to non-English speaking institutions required to meet minimum language proficiency requirements. 

Further detail can be found in the Information and FAQ for Informatics students.

Credit transfer

Students spending a year abroad are expected to take courses that correspond reasonably closely to the courses they would have taken in Edinburgh, both in terms of content and credit weighting (e.g. 60 European Credit Transfer Scheme points correspond to 120 University of Edinburgh points). Because of the difficulty of mapping an overseas mark to an Edinburgh mark, the Senatus has ruled that students will be allocated the appropriate credits for the period spent abroad but that these will be zero-weighted in terms of the final degree classification (unless the period abroad is a requirement of the course). So for students of four-year degree programmes in Informatics who spend their third year abroad, their degree results will be based on their final year marks only. 

Further Information

Online application timeline for study abroad in 2027/28

Information and FAQ for Informatics students

Benefits of going on exchange (Edinburgh Global Website)

Exchange Coordinator - If you have any queries regarding studying abroad please contact the Informatics Exchange Coordinator, Mahesh Marina.