This program allows you to directly enroll at the University of Edinburgh, taking classes alongside full-degree students as well as other international and study abroad students. There are a huge range of subjects available for study abroad students to choose from. You will earn a full course load for the semester, typically 15 UW credits.
Due to high demand, many departments will only allow you to pre-enroll in a limited number of classes before arrival. If you wish to enroll in an additional class beyond this limit, you must wait until the class change period (typically the first two weeks of the academic semester) before making a request to add a class. Please be aware that there is no guarantee of available space for study abroad students. For specific details on courses and class restrictions, visit the IFSA program page.
Students choosing to study abroad in Edinburgh need to have great flexibility when it comes to course selections. It's advised that you discuss specific academic requirements with the IFSA team directly.
Affiliate Institution(s)
University of Edinburgh Partnership
Foreign Courses
Academics at the University of Edinburgh
Course Equivalents
Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken
on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes
pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of
courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the
semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course
equivalent process after acceptance.
View Course Equivalents
Location
Edinburgh is Scotland's capital city. The University of Edinburgh campus is located in the heart of the city, one of the world's most desirable places to live.
History is everywhere, from the university paper—The Student, founded in 1887 by Robert Louis Stevenson—to Edinburgh Castle, a mark of Scottish resilience and strength for centuries. Take time out to recharge in one of the city’s countless green spaces. Explore iconic Old Town and the streets that influenced the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Take the legendary pilgrimage to the top of Arthur’s Seat and see the city spread at your feet.
Housing
UW Madison students are required to live in IFSA provided housing for the duration of their program. Housing is included in your program fee.
Most students live in shared furnished apartments provided by university housing partners. Apartments generally house groups of four to six. Most have a single room for each student and shared bathrooms, kitchens, and living space. Pollock Hall residences have dining halls—keep in mind that if you’re placed in this housing, there is a supplemental fee to cover your meals. In all other locations, students prepare their own meals or eat out.
Apartments are typically a 10- to 30-minute walk from campus, close to restaurants, shops, and many of Edinburgh’s prime sites.
Some housing options feature extra amenities—like private bathrooms—that warrant higher rent. Please note that if you’re placed in more expensive housing, you’ll need to pay an additional fee to cover these costs.
Program Considerations
In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.
For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.
How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.
We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.
Excursions and Activities
IFSA activities and excursions are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.
Visit IFSA's website to review a selection of activities and excursions from previous terms; options may vary for your program. Due to the seasonal nature of many of program activities, IFSA cannot guarantee a specific activity or excursion will be available in a given term or program.
You are also welcome to join University of Edinburgh clubs/organizations to get involved with local people/culture. Some past examples include:
•Edinburgh University Sports Union oversees over 60 sports clubs ranging from mainstream sports like football, rugby, and rowing to niche activities like ultimate frisbee, quidditch, and mountaineering. These clubs offer regular training, competitions, and social events, along with more casual and social engagement opportunities with a less competitive environment.
•International and Cultural Societies: These societies celebrate different cultures and countries, such as the African Caribbean Society, the Japanese Society, and the Spanish Society. They often host cultural events, language exchanges, and social gatherings.
•Edinburgh University Students’ Association Volunteering Service: This service connects students with local volunteer opportunities in various fields, such as education, health, and community development.
On-Site Support
IFSA Scotland staff members assist students on the program
Orientation
We expect you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an approved program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
IFSA will provide a pre-arrival orientation session to help you prepare to depart. Once on-site, you'll attend a 2-3 day orientation session hosted by IFSA staff. You'll attend walking tours during orientation with trained guides to become acquainted with your new environment/campus/city, along with a Welcome Event to build relationships with staff and other students on the program. You'll also meet with IFSA staff one-on-one to discuss all aspects of the program including registration, housing etc.
Visa
US citizens must have a US passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program.
IFSA will provide you with entry/visa information. In most cases, a student visa is not required.
Non US passport holders may have different requirements. Contact IFSA if you have questions.
If you are a UK national you must have a valid UK passport and use it when entering the UK. If you or your parents were born in the UK, you might automatically be a British citizen. Check if you're a British citizen.
Getting to Your Program
You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements. You should wait to book a plane ticket until your program dates and acceptance to the program have been confirmed. Review the Study Abroad Handbook for more info about booking flights & airport logistics.
IFSA will provide airport pickup for students who arrive during their "arrival window." You'll get more information once you are officially accepted to the program.
Insurance
IFSA offers mandatory international health insurance for education abroad opportunities provided through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). Students on IFSA sponsored programs are covered by this policy. The cost of this insurance is included in the program fee. IFSA will send you instructions on how to access your policy and insurance card.
If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.
All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.
Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business. All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.
Spring 2025-26 Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 Cost Details
Fall 2027-28 Cost Details
Year 2027-28 Cost Details
Financial Aid
UW–Madison students can typically use their financial aid on UW–Madison study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programs. You need to complete a FAFSA if you want to be eligible to receive federal and state financial aid.
Beginning in 2026-27, the Office of Student Financial Aid will require all incoming undergraduate students to submit a CSS profile.
Review our financial aid and funding your experiences pages for more information.
Scholarships
Check out our scholarships page to find:
- A scholarship chart listing internal and external opportunities, with descriptions, deadlines, and amounts.
- Timelines of when UW-Madison study abroad scholarship applications open and close.
- Tips for writing scholarship essays.
Find scholarships
How to Apply
First, make sure you have reviewed the information for Prospective Students on the IAP website.
There is also specific Academic Planning information that you should review.
Next login to the IAP Online Application.
Wondering when applications will open for this program?
View our application schedule.
After the Deadline
IAP completes a review of all applications to determine if students meet minimum eligibility requirements.
Disclosure
Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.
International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.
Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.
