One of the world's leading AI programmes, housed in a department that helped pioneer machine learning and robotics. Specialise in deep learning, NLP, or computer vision — then graduate into the 2-year UK Graduate Route visa.
1 year
Full-time duration
£31,200
Tuition (international)
September 2026
Next intake
IELTS 6.5
English requirement
Overview
One of the world's leading AI programmes, housed in a department that helped pioneer machine learning and robotics. You'll study core AI techniques — search, planning, natural language, deep learning — then specialise through elective tracks and a summer research dissertation.
Compare options
Same field, different universities
See how this programme compares with AI and Computer Science at other universities we work with.
Your counsellor helps you compare and apply to multiple programmes simultaneously — at no cost.
Entry requirements
What you'll need
Academic
Bachelor's (2:1 or equivalent) in Computer Science, Mathematics, or related
English
IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL 92
Documents
Transcripts, SOP, two academic references, passport
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Not sure you meet these? We offer foundation and pre-master's pathways — your counsellor will find the right route.
What you'll study
Core modules
01 Intelligent Robotics
02 Machine Learning & Pattern Recognition
03 Natural Language Processing
04 Computer Vision
05 Reinforcement Learning
06 AI Research Dissertation
After you graduate
Career outcomes
£45,000
Median AI engineer starting salary in the UK
2-year visa
UK Graduate Route post-study work visa
96%
Employed or in further study within 6 months
Top employers
DeepMind, Google, Amazon, NHS AI Lab
How to apply
Application timeline
October – December 2025
Prepare your application
Gather transcripts, IELTS score, personal statement, and two references. Your counsellor reviews everything free of charge.
January – March 2026
Submit via Edinburgh portal
Apply through the University of Edinburgh's online admissions. Early application recommended — popular programmes fill quickly.
March – May 2026
Receive your offer
Edinburgh reviews applications on a rolling basis. Your counsellor follows up on your behalf and helps accept your offer.
May – August 2026
Visa & accommodation
Pay your deposit, receive your CAS, apply for your Student Route visa, and arrange accommodation in Edinburgh.
September 2026
Welcome week & start
Arrive in Edinburgh for orientation and begin your MSc Artificial Intelligence programme.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & deposit
Tuition (international)
Per annum
£31,200
Deposit
Required before CAS / visa
£2,500
IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)
Per year
£776
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
The UK offers strong scholarship options for international students. Your counsellor matches you with every award you qualify for.
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship
University of Edinburgh · Merit-based
£5,000–£10,000
Coverage: Partial tuition fee waiver
Eligibility: International postgraduate students with strong academic record
Duration: Full programme length
Deadline: Varies — typically April for September entry
Source: University of Edinburgh scholarships portal, 2026
Chevening Scholarship
UK Government · Fully funded
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living allowance + flights + visa
Eligibility: 2+ years work experience, return to home country
Duration: 1-year master's programmes
Deadline: November (for September start next year)
Source: chevening.org, 2026
Great Scholarships
British Council · Country-specific
£10,000
Coverage: £10,000 tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: Citizens of 15 eligible countries incl. Egypt, Saudi Arabia
Duration: 1-year postgraduate programmes
Deadline: Varies by university — typically March–May
Source: study-uk.britishcouncil.org, 2026
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Not sure which scholarships you qualify for? Your counsellor reviews every option and handles the applications — at no cost.
Loans & financing
Alternative funding options
Prodigy Finance
International student loan · No collateral
Varies
Covers tuition and living expenses for postgraduate students at top-ranked universities. No cosigner required; rates based on future earning potential.
Part-time work
Earn while you study in the UK
Up to 20 hrs/week
Student Route visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. Edinburgh's tech and hospitality sectors offer strong student employment.
Living costs
Monthly budget in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is more affordable than London while offering a world-class quality of life.
Rent (student housing)£500–£850
Food & groceries£150–£250
Transport£40–£60
Mobile & internet£20–£35
Books & supplies£20–£40
Personal & leisure£100–£200
Estimated total£830–£1,435/month
UKVI maintenance requirement: £1,023/month (outside London) for 9 months — you must show this in your bank statements for the visa.
Student visa
Visa requirements for the UK
Visa type
Student Route visa (formerly Tier 4)
CAS required
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from Edinburgh
Financial proof
£1,023/month × 9 months = £9,207 (outside London)
Health surcharge (IHS)
£776/year — covers NHS access
Visa fee
£490 (standard processing)
Post-graduation
2-year Graduate Route visa — work in any role
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Your counsellor guides you through the full visa process — from CAS letter to biometrics appointment.
Student stories
Hear from our students
"Edinburgh's AI department is incredible — the lectures are taught by researchers who literally wrote the textbooks. My counsellor helped me secure a Great Scholarship that saved me £10,000 on tuition."
KM
Khalid M.
MSc Artificial Intelligence, Edinburgh — Class of 2025 · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
"I applied to three UK universities and got offers from all of them within weeks. The SOP review was a game-changer — my counsellor knew exactly what Edinburgh's admissions team looks for."
NE
Nour E.
MSc Artificial Intelligence, Edinburgh — Class of 2026 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What programming experience do I need?
You should have a solid foundation in programming (Python preferred), linear algebra, calculus, and probability. A CS or maths degree usually covers these. If you're from a different background, pre-sessional courses and bridging modules are available.
Can I stay and work in the UK after graduating?
Yes. The 2-year Graduate Route visa lets you stay and work in any role — no job offer needed to apply. After that, your employer can sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa. AI roles are in high demand across the UK.
How competitive is admission?
Edinburgh's AI MSc is highly competitive. A strong academic record (2:1 or above), relevant coursework, and a well-crafted personal statement are essential. Your counsellor reviews your profile and SOP to maximise your chances.
What is the IHS and do I have to pay it?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £776/year and gives you access to the NHS (UK's public healthcare). It's paid as part of your visa application — not optional for Student Route visa holders.
Is Edinburgh a good city for international students?
Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the UK's best student cities. It's compact and walkable, has a thriving tech scene (often called "Silicon Glen"), and is more affordable than London. The university's international community is one of the most diverse in Scotland.
