Edinburgh's skilled, talented workforce

Edinburgh's workforce is one of the most highly qualified in the UK, with 45.1% of the population holding a degree level or professional qualification. This compares to a UK average of 28.5%.

35.2%of workers in Edinburgh are managers or professionals, compared to 28.5% of UK workers as a whole.

Many of the city region's academic institutions are internationally renowned for their research and teaching excellence. The University of Edinburgh, for example, is ranked fourth out of the UK's 120 universities and 23rd in the world, according to the most recent Research Assessment Exercise and THE-QS World University Rankings.

There are more than 41,000 undergraduates at Edinburgh's universities, with more than 40% studying science, engineering or health.

Scotland is reputed internationally for its education system and high quality university graduates.

Across the central belt alone, there are more than 270,000 students in higher education institutions and further education colleges, one of the UK's highest student concentrations.