Edinburgh · Founded 1964
Post-1992 UniversityEdinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh's largest modern university, with three campuses across the city and strong NHS partnerships for nursing and allied health programmes. Napier has a practical, employment-focused culture — graduate employment rates are consistently above the Scottish average. The Craiglockhart and Sighthill campuses are well-connected by city bus routes.
Rankings
- Guardian
- 50+94
- Times
- 50+51
- Student satisfaction
- 76%
Cost of Living
- Rent (halls)
- £820/mo
- Rent (private)
- £660/mo
- Other costs
- £850/mo
Edinburgh costs apply across all campuses. Students at Merchiston or Craiglockhart can find cheaper private rentals in the south of the city.
Known For
Students
13,800
Location
Edinburgh
SAAS code
E59
Entry requirements for Scottish students
Typical Higher offers for 2026 entry. Always check with Napier directly.
Nursing (Adult / Mental Health / Child)
No specific subjects
PVG check required
Computing
National 5 Maths required
Business Management
No specific subjects
Film (BA Hons)
English or literary subject required
Portfolio and interview required
Civil Engineering
Maths required
Applications of Maths not accepted
Psychology
No specific subjects
Entry requirements sourced from Edinburgh Napier University prospectus, April 2026. Competitive courses may ask for higher grades.
What it actually costs per month
Realistic monthly budget for a student living in Edinburgh, 2026.
The SAAS gap at Napier
- SAAS gives you (max, monthly)
- £950/mo
- Your costs (est.)
- £1,200/mo
Edinburgh rents typically leave a £100-200 per month gap against SAAS support. Living further from the campus you study at (e.g. Sighthill or Leith) is the most common way to close it.
Calculate your exact SAAS packageSAAS tuition — what you’ll actually pay
If you’re a Scotland-domiciled undergraduate, SAAS pays Edinburgh Napier University’s tuition fee (£1,820/year) directly — you pay nothing. The SAAS code is E59.
Open days 2026
Confirmed 2026 open day dates for Napier. Always book a place directly via the university website.
26 Sep 2026
Campus
24 Oct 2026
Campus
Dates sourced from Napier’s official open days page, checked April 2026. Confirm current details before travelling.
Scholarships & bursaries
Verified funding available to Scottish-domiciled students at Napier. Always check the university website for current eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Baillie Gifford Scholarship
£1,500/yr
Scottish-domiciled students in Business, Finance or related degrees; merit and need
Apply / find out moreWho is Napier best for?
Napier is the practical, vocational alternative to Edinburgh University in the same city. It’s the right shout if your child wants to live in Edinburgh, has solid but not stellar Highers, and wants a degree that lands them straight in a job — particularly in nursing, computing, business, or film. Graduate employment rates are above the Scottish average. Edinburgh rents are the catch (£720/mo halls vs £540 in Dundee or £450 in Paisley), so factor in either part-time work or a living-cost gap. Three campuses spread across the city — choose your hall location carefully.
Student life at a glance
Students’ union
ENSA — runs welfare and representation across the three campuses. Smaller society scene than EUSA but well-run social events.
Social scene
You’re in Edinburgh, with all that brings. Craiglockhart and Merchiston are leafy and quiet; Sighthill is closer to nightlife but further from the centre.
Graduate prospects
Strong NHS pipeline (nursing), tech and finance roles in central Edinburgh, creative industries via the Screen Academy.
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Frequently asked questions about Napier
What is Edinburgh Napier University ranked?
Edinburgh Napier University is ranked 94 in the Guardian University Guide and 51 in The Times Good University Guide. Student satisfaction (from the National Student Survey) sits at 76%. Rankings shift annually — always check the latest published tables before relying on a specific position.
How much is student rent at Edinburgh Napier University?
Average monthly rent in Edinburgh for Napier students is approximately £820 in university halls and £660 in private rented accommodation. Other living costs (food, transport, utilities, social) add roughly £850 per month on top. These are indicative averages — actual costs depend on the specific hall or flat. Always check the university's accommodation pages for the latest prices.
What is Edinburgh Napier University known for?
Edinburgh Napier University's strongest subject areas include Nursing, Computing, Business, Film & Creative Industries. These are the departments most commonly cited in league tables and by employers. Napier also has strong graduate employment in these areas — check the university's own graduate outcomes data for the most current figures.
What type of university is Edinburgh Napier University?
Edinburgh Napier University is a post-1992 university — meaning it was granted university status after the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. Post-92 universities typically have a career-focused teaching approach with strong vocational programmes and industry placement links.
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Browse options →Rankings, rent, and living-cost figures checked April 2026.
Rankings source: Guardian University Guide and The Times Good University Guide. Rent figures are indicative averages from council and university accommodation pages. Entry requirements sourced from Napier prospectus 2026 entry. Always confirm current prices and requirements directly with Napier. See our editorial policy for how we source and update this data.