FAQs

Frequently asked questions.

Admissions Questions

We do not require any supporting documentation, and you do not need to provide us with any evidence of your English language ability. However, if your first language is not English, we recommend that your English language ability is equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component). This is essential to ensure you can engage fully with the course materials.  


You do not need to provide any supporting documentation, including academic transcript, IELTS certificate, or any other English language certificate. We suggest the minimum IELTS score of 6.5 as an indication, but if you are being fully taught and assessed in English, then your English language level is sufficient to make the most out of the course. 


No, we do not require any kind of supporting documentation. 


After processing your application, provided that you are eligible and have paid the £750 deposit, we will send you a provisional booking confirmation of your place on the course. We rely on a minimum number of students per class to be able to run the course. A booking is provisional until the course is confirmed as running. In the unlikely event that the course does not run due to low student numbers, a full refund of the deposit will be provided.


No, we are only able to issue final booking confirmations after the course confirmed as running. We are unable to provide these upon request. We will send out final booking confirmations as soon as the course is confirmed.   


Yes, students from all over the world, including UK and international students, are welcome to apply and join summer school at the University of Edinburgh. Please note that even if local, all students must stay at the university accommodation for the whole duration of Summer School. 


Yes, if after processing your application we deem you are not eligible to attend the course, we will refund the deposit amount in full.  


All of our Summer School courses are scheduled to be delivered in person and there are no online options available. 


No, unfortunately, Summer School is unable to offer any scholarship or aid with funding.


 

General Questions

The fee includes the delivery of the course, accommodation with breakfast and dinner, and a series of social and educational activities.  


Yes, students will have limited allocated free time to explore Edinburgh on their own. Please note that students are not allowed to leave Edinburgh for the duration of Summer School.


Please refrain from booking any tickets and making travel arrangements until you receive your final booking confirmation for your chosen course. We will contact you to provide your final booking confirmation at the end of May.  


We will provide a packing list prior to arrival. 


Students will need money for lunches, snacks, shopping and for activities during free time. Most venues, cafes and shops accept card as well as cash, while others are card-only. ATM’s and money exchange facilities are available within Edinburgh. For safety we wouldn’t recommend carrying a large quantity of cash on your person.


Course materials will be delivered via the University of Edinburgh's Virtual Learning Environment. To access these materials, you will require a suitable device, such as a laptop or tablet.  


There are plenty of cafés and shops around campus where you can buy your lunch. The university café Levels is near to the Summer School, on Holyrood Road, and it offers both hot and cold lunch options. 


The Summer School team cannot advise you on what documentation you need to travel, and it is students’ responsibility to check they have the necessary documentation. If you are unsure, please visit the UK Government Visas and Immigration website, or the Student Immigration Service website. 


Students are responsible for ensuring they obtain a valid visa to study in the UK. The Summer School team are unable to advise you about visas but if you wish to find out more information, please visit the UK Government Visas and Immigration website, or the Student Immigration Service website.


The Centre for Open Learning is keen to ensure that all students are supported appropriately during the Summer School. Students will be asked to disclose their support needs and relevant medical conditions during their application. Please be assured that any information you provide is confidential. 


Yes, students are provided with a certificate confirming their attendance on the programme. Please note, this is not an academic transcript 


We are unable to provide arrival or departure transfers for students, or organise transfers on their behalf. It is the responsibility of students and/or their guardian to ensure that appropriate transport arrangements are in place, as required.


 

Accommodation Questions

There are 8 bathrooms per floor (6 with showers and W.C., 2 with baths and W.C), and these are shared among approximately 35 students. 


The bathrooms are cleaned by our cleaning staff on a daily basis. 


The bathrooms are provided with hand soap, shampoo, and body wash. 


No, all Pre-University students must reside in University of Edinburgh accommodation for the whole duration of the programme. No exceptions can be made.  


No, unfortunately this option is not available. Pre-University students will all be staying within the same building in catered standard accommodation, where bathrooms are shared. 


No, we regret that check-in and check-out dates cannot be changed. 

Accommodation bookings will begin the Sunday prior to the course start date, and finish the Saturday following the course end date. Students can check-in to the accommodation on Sunday between 3pm and 10pm. 

It is not possible to access the accommodation prior to the check-in time. The check-out is on Saturday by 10:30am.


All Pre-University students will be staying in the same building. Students have individual rooms and these are not shared. Students will share the communal areas and the bathrooms.  


Yes, bedding and towels are provided and changed after the 5th night at the accommodation.  


No, this is catered accommodation, so there are limited cooking facilities. The pantry is equipped with a mini fridge and a kettle, but it is not suited for cooking. 


A small number of hair dryers are available from Pollock Halls reception. A deposit will be required to borrow. Availability may be limited at busy times.


There are plenty of shops within walking distance from the accommodation, as well as the on-site university’s Pollock Halls Shop, open 7 days a week.  


Yes, the accommodation is provided with a pay-as-you-go laundry, with washing machines and driers.  


This article was published on