The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583 by the Town Council and describes itself as the sixth oldest university in the UK. It is a charitable body registered in Scotland and is acknowledged by the UK authorities as a Recognised body with degree awarding powers. Professor Sir Peter Mathieson has been Principal and Vice-Chancellor since February 2018; he was previously President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong.
Its student factsheet groups students into three colleges: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Medicine and Veterinary Medicine; and Science and Engineering. During the 2025/26 session 48,820 students were matriculated: 29,660 undergraduates, 12,615 taught postgraduates and 6,550 research postgraduates. Peak matriculation was 44,610 at the end of November 2025, and the peak number on campus was 38,565 at the end of October 2025.