Understanding our entry requirements
Source: https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/understanding Parent: https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/download-guide
Each degree programme has specific entry requirements that you must achieve, or be predicted to achieve, to be considered for an offer.
An overview of our entry requirements
You must meet all of the entry requirements for your chosen degree programme.
For most degree programmes we specify the:
- standard entry requirements (for applicants not eligible for a widening access offer)
- minimum entry requirements (for widening access applicants)
Our minimum entry requirements are for applicants eligible for a widening access Plus Flag offer.
Check if you might be eligible for a widening access Plus Flag offer
For both standard and minimum entry requirements, we list:
- the grades you need to be considered for an offer
- any required subjects
- any additional requirements
- English language requirements
Entry requirements are only one part of your application. Make sure you check everything else you need to include. It is your responsibility to ensure you submit a complete UCAS application.
Where to find the entry requirements for a degree programme
The entry requirements for all undergraduate degree programmes are listed in our degree finder. The entry requirements will vary depending on the degree programme.
For most degree programmes the entry requirements include the grades you will need to be considered for an offer if you are studying SQA Highers, A levels or the International Baccalaureate.
We also accept a range of international qualifications.
Standard entry requirements
Unless you are eligible for a widening access offer, you will need to meet our standard entry requirement. We express these as either a single set of grades, or a range of grades.
Understanding our standard entry requirements
Minimum entry requirements (for widening access applicants)
Our minimum entry requirements are for applicants eligible for a widening access Plus Flag offer.
Understanding our minimum entry requirements
Requirements all applicants must meet
You must meet the following requirements regardless of whether you are applying with standard or minimum entry requirements.
How old your qualifications can be
You must have achieved your qualifications within the last three calendar years before the year of your degree programme’s start date. For example, qualifications awarded during 2024 would be eligible for entry to degrees with a start date up to, and including, September 2027.
Mathematics or Informatics degree programmes
If you are applying for a Mathematics or Informatics degree programme, you need to have achieved your Mathematics qualifications within the last two years before the year of your degree programme’s start date. For example, Mathematics qualifications awarded 2025 or later will be eligible for entry to degrees with a start date up to and including September 2027.
Our degree finder specifies for which programmes this is the case.
Required subject(s)
If the entry requirements include required subject(s), then you must make sure your qualifications include the subject(s), at the required level and grade. The required subjects vary for each degree.
We cannot enter you into the selection process if you do not have the required subject(s).
Preferred subject(s)
Some degree programmes may include preferred subject(s).
If you are studying (or have studied) these, then you will have a competitive advantage in the selection process compared to other applicants who do not have the preferred subject(s).
Recommended subject(s)
Some degree programmes may include recommended subject(s).
These are not a requirement, and we do not consider them in the selection process, but they will help you throughout your degree programme.
English language requirements
You will need to provide evidence of your English language skills as part of your application, regardless of your nationality or where you live.
English language requirements and qualifications
Additional requirements for specific degree programmes
For a few degree programmes we ask for additional requirements. For example, you may be asked to:
- come to an interview, for medicine, veterinary medicine, nursing, or teacher education
- submit a digital portfolio, for art and design
- sit an admissions test, such as the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) for medicine
- provide evidence of relevant work or voluntary experience and meet fitness to practise standards, for professional degrees
Check our degree finder to see if there are additional requirements for the degree programme you are interested in.
Qualifications we accept
English, Welsh and Northern Irish qualifications
Mature applicant qualifications
This article was published on 2026-03-02