Edinburgh Napier University is one of Scotland's largest modern universities. Established in 1964 as Napier Technical College, it gained full university status in 1992 and is named after John Napier, the 16th-century Scottish mathematician who invented logarithms. The university attracts thousands of undergraduate and postgraduate students from more than 140 nations every year.
The university has three campuses, all located in Edinburgh: Sighthill, Merchiston, and Craiglockhart. It is a member of MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, and of Universities Scotland.
Over the years the institution was known as Napier Technical College, Napier College of Science and Technology, and Napier Polytechnic before adopting the name Edinburgh Napier University. Today it has over 21,000 students, including nearly 9,500 international and EU students from more than 140 nations, studying on campus, online, and with partner institutions worldwide.
- Three campuses located in Edinburgh: Sighthill, Merchiston, and Craiglockhart
- A modern Sighthill campus building with a cafe, gym, and sports hall
- Sports and exercise science laboratories
- A focus on both academic study and sport
- Campuses monitored by CCTV for student safety
- Edinburgh Napier University sits in the 851-900 band of the QS World University Rankings 2026 and the 601-800 band of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
- For 2026/27, a typical overseas undergraduate programme costs around £18,220 per year and the full-time MBA is £12,330 for the whole course, per the university's official course pages
- The standard English requirement is IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, and graduates are eligible for the UK Graduate Route, giving two years of post-study work.
What Is Edinburgh Napier University Ranking?
Edinburgh Napier University is ranked in the 851-900 band of the QS World University Rankings 2026 and the 601-800 band of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. A modern university founded in 1964, it operates three campuses in Edinburgh - Sighthill, Merchiston, and Craiglockhart - and is known for strong graduate employability.
Edinburgh Napier is a member of MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, and of Universities Scotland. Its three Edinburgh campuses each specialise in different subject areas, and the university is regularly recognised as a leading modern university in Scotland.
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In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Edinburgh Napier University sits in the 851-900 band globally, having previously been placed at 801-850. The Times Higher Education 2026 ranking places it in the 601-800 band. These positions reflect its research growth, graduate employability, and a diverse community of students drawn from more than 140 nations worldwide.
Admission criteria at Edinburgh Napier are transparent and based on academic achievement and English proficiency. The university invests heavily in employability, giving students practical experience and industry connections before they enter the workforce.
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The MBA at Edinburgh Napier University is a full-time, two-year postgraduate programme delivered through lectures, workshops, and case studies, finishing with an individual MBA project. Experienced faculty guide students throughout, and applicants normally need IELTS 6.0 overall. For 2026/27 the overseas tuition fee is £12,330 for the whole course, according to the university's official course page.
The MBA is one of the university's flagship postgraduate courses, taught by experienced faculty. Students can align optional modules with their career interests across a range of business specialisms.
- Banking
- Criminal Justice
- Finance
- Health Management
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Human Resource Management
What Are the Edinburgh Napier University Undergraduate Courses?
Edinburgh Napier University is a strong choice for students continuing their education after Year 12 or equivalent. Its undergraduate portfolio spans accounting and finance, computing, nursing, civil engineering, photography, acting, business, and many creative disciplines across three Edinburgh campuses. The standard English requirement is IELTS 6.0 overall, with no individual band below 5.5 for most programmes.
Edinburgh Napier is a popular choice for students moving into higher education after school. Experienced lecturers mentor undergraduates across a wide range of subject areas at its three Edinburgh campuses.
Popular Undergraduate Programmes
- Accounting and Finance
- Acting
- Nursing
- English with Creative Writing and Publishing
- Health and Social Care
- Music
What Are the Edinburgh Napier University Fees?
Tuition varies by course and by whether you are an overseas or home student. For 2026/27, a typical overseas undergraduate programme such as BA International Business Management costs £18,220 per year, per the university's official course page. Scottish and other home students pay rates set by the Scottish Funding Council. Tuition excludes accommodation and living costs.
Fees differ for overseas and home students. Overseas fees apply to most non-UK students, while home fees for Scottish students are set by the Scottish Funding Council. Tuition is payable by the published deadlines and excludes accommodation and other living costs.
Tuition Fees for 2026/27
- Overseas undergraduate (example: BA International Business Management): £18,220 per year
- Full-time MBA (Business Leadership and Practice): £12,330 for the whole course
Tuition fees can be subject to change, so always confirm the current figure on the official course page before applying.
What Is the Edinburgh Napier MBA Fee?
For 2026/27, the full-time MBA (Business Leadership and Practice) tuition fee for overseas and EU students is £12,330 for the whole course, as listed on Edinburgh Napier University's official course page. The programme runs two years full-time. Applicants normally need IELTS 6.0 overall, with no individual component below 5.5, or an equivalent English qualification.
The full-time MBA runs over two years and can be combined with optional specialisms. Applicants normally need IELTS 6.0 overall, with no individual band below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent such as PTE.
- Banking
- Criminal Justice
- Finance
- Health Management
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Human Resource Management
MBA Fee Structure (2026/27)
- Full-time MBA overseas and EU fee: £12,330 for the whole course
- Duration: two years full-time
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5 (PTE and equivalents accepted)
What Courses Does Edinburgh Napier University Offer?
Edinburgh Napier University offers programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels across six schools, covering computing, engineering, business, nursing, law, arts, and design. Teaching emphasises practical, industry-relevant skills. The university has over 21,000 students, including nearly 9,500 international and EU students from more than 140 nations, studying on campus, online, and with partner institutions.
Programmes are offered at undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels, on campus and online. The list below shows some of the broad subject areas available across the university's schools.
- Accounting
- Business and Management
- Law
- Applied Sciences
- Engineering
- Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Health and Social Care
- Computer Science
- Creative Industries
- Graphic Design
- Music, Communication and Publishing
- Film, Acting and Product Design
- MBA (full-time and online)
What Is the Edinburgh Napier University Acceptance Rate?
Edinburgh Napier University does not publish an official acceptance rate. Independent estimates describe it as moderately selective, with roughly half to two-thirds of applicants receiving offers. Admission decisions are based on your academic record and English proficiency rather than a single entrance test. Most programmes require IELTS 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5.
Rather than relying on a single entrance test, Edinburgh Napier assesses each application on academic records and English language ability. Meeting the published entry requirements for your chosen course is the best guide to your chances of an offer.
What Is the Edinburgh Napier University Campus Like?
Edinburgh Napier University was established in 1964 as Napier Technical College and gained university status in 1992. It is named after the mathematician John Napier and operates three campuses in Edinburgh - Sighthill, Merchiston, and Craiglockhart. Facilities include sports and exercise laboratories, computing labs, a journalism newsroom, and design studios serving over 21,000 students worldwide.
The Sighthill campus is home to applied sciences and health and social care; Merchiston houses computing, engineering, and the creative industries; and Craiglockhart is home to the Business School. Together they serve over 21,000 students from more than 140 nations.
Who Are Edinburgh Napier University Notable Alumni?
Edinburgh Napier University has produced accomplished graduates across journalism, film, sport, and politics. Notable alumni include Shehzad Afzal, a screenwriter and film director; Alan Fisher, a senior correspondent at Al Jazeera; Neil McIntosh, a BBC Online managing editor; Jim White, a broadcaster and news presenter; and Jamie Mayer, a former Scotland international rugby player.
Notable Alumni
- Shehzad Afzal (screenwriter and film director)
- Alan Fisher (Al Jazeera senior correspondent)
- Neil McIntosh (BBC Online managing editor)
- Jim White (news presenter)
- Jamie Mayer (former Scotland rugby international)
- Jayne Baxter (Scottish politician)
What Is the Edinburgh Napier University Address?
Edinburgh Napier University is one of Scotland's largest modern universities for undergraduate and postgraduate study. It operates three campuses across Edinburgh - Sighthill, Merchiston, and Craiglockhart - with Sighthill serving as the main site. The university's main switchboard is +44 (0)333 900 6040, and full campus addresses and maps are available on its official website.
Edinburgh Napier University is one of Scotland's largest modern institutions for undergraduate and postgraduate study, and its campuses are well served by Edinburgh's public transport. Full addresses, maps, and directions for each campus are published on the university's official website.
What Is the Edinburgh Napier University Contact and Location?
For questions about admissions or any other matter, prospective students can contact Edinburgh Napier University on +44 (0)333 900 6040. The university is based in Edinburgh, Scotland, and welcomes students from more than 140 nations. Dedicated support for international students is provided through its international team, covering visas, English language, arrival, and settling-in advice.
If you have a question about the admissions process, you can call the university's main switchboard or contact the international team, who support applicants with visas, English language, and pre-arrival advice.