Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University: World Class Education, Research, And Global Community
Heriot-Watt University is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the UK. It is the dream institution of many international students due to its strong ties to industries, a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and vibrant student community.Â
This university is famous for its innovative research, and supportive learning environment, and Heriot-Watt University also boosts vibrant campus life, international student clubs, and societies. Now let’s discuss why this university will be your perfect study abroad destination.Â
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Why Choose Heriot-Watt University UK?
- It has a dynamic and research-driven environment. You will have access to modern facilities, libraries, and research centers.Â
- The university’s 90% of graduates are employed or further studied 15 months after graduation.
- In the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024, this university stood 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for undergraduate employability.Â
- This university’s 86.8 research is ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.
- There is a strong global alumni network at this university that provides valuable connections and opportunities for current students.Â
- With over 200 years of history, this university delivers high-quality education, particularly in engineering, business, and science.
- Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh​ has a small class size, fostering close interaction with peers and faculty.
Being an international student, one usually looks for the rankings and achievements of his desired institution. They are one of the best ways to examine an institution’s standing. Heriot-Watt University United Kindogm has attained the following rankings and achievements over the years.
- According to Times Higher Education, World University Rankings 2025 this university ranks 401–500th.
- In QS World University Rankings, Heriot-Watt University is ranked 235th in the world, 32nd in the UK, and 5th in Scotland.
- According to Guardian University Guide 2025, this university is in 9th position in the UK and 2nd in Scotland for Economics.
- This university is at no 1 in Scotland for Construction, Surveying & Planning by GUG 2025. Â
- In the Complete University Guide 2025, Heriot-Watt University is ranked 42nd overall in the UK and 6th in Scotland.
The university’s rich history reflects its commitment to innovation and education. Heriot Watt University was founded in 1821 and its roots can be traced back to the founding of the Watt Institution and School of Arts in Edinburgh. It received its university status in 1966. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, this university established its campuses in Dubai and Malaysia. Â
Heriot-Watt University has three campuses in the UK. The first one is in Edinburgh, the other two are in the Scottish Borders and Orkney. On the Edinburgh campus, a wide variety of programs and specialist facilities are available for international students.Â
Heriot-Watt Scottish Borders campus provides the best design and production facilities for textiles and fashion in the UK. Additionally, the Orkney campus of this university is one of the UK’s most stunning and unique university locations.
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When To Get Enrolled At Heriot-Watt University?
Heriot-Watt University in UK offers multiple admission intakes for international students. Some of them include;Â Â
- September Intake: It is considered the main intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Â
- January Intake: Some postgraduate courses are offered in January intake. This intake provides a chance for those students who were unable to start in September.Â
- April and May Intakes: Some specialized programs have additional intakes during the spring, particularly in areas like short courses or specific master’s programs. For this particular information, you can contact Aims Education.Â
Heriot-Watt University Scotland offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the following fields. You can contact us to get a detail on all the programs offered in your desired field of study.Â
- Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society
- Architectural Engineering
- Biology, Built Environment
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Management and Surveying
- Petroleum Engineering
- Urban Studies
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Biosciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Electronic & Computational Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- School of Mathematical and Computer Science
- Actuarial Maths & Statistics
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Edinburgh Business School and the School of Social Sciences
- Accountancy and Finance
- Business Management
- Languages
- Psychology
- School of Textiles and Design
- Textiles and Design (fashion, digital, textiles, architectural)
The university has a different fee structure for each undergraduate and postgraduate course. However, tuition fees for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs at Heriot-Watt University range between £19,456 – £25,008. To know more about the tuition fee of your desired program you can contact Aims Education.
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Scholarships you can avail of at Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University has a huge ratio of international students and commits to supporting them in achieving their career goals. This university is providing support to international students by awarding them over £500,000 in merit scholarships.Â
The majority of the time, these scholarships will get paid as a partial fee abatement for the first year of study. There is a wide range of scholarships available for international students at this university, you can contact Aims Education to get detailed information on them.Â
As an international student applying for Heriot-Watt University, you will have to meet the following criteria for your desired program.Â
- For entry into the Foundation Programs at this university a High Secondary Certificate with an average of 55% marks is required.Â
- If a candidate has secured 75% marks overall in Higher Secondary Certificate then he is considered eligible for Undergraduate Programs at this university. Â
- For admission into Pre-Masters, a three-year Bachelor’s honors degree with 50% marks or a four-year Bachelor’s degree with 50% is required.Â
- For Postgraduate Programs, a four-year Bachelor’s degree at 68% or a master’s degree is considered acceptable. Heriot-Watt University has many other acceptance criteria for different postgraduate programs, for that particular information you can contact Aims Education.Â
English language Requirements
The university has different English Language criteria for foundation year one, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs. in the table below we have mentioned some English language tests accepted by this university and the maximum scores accepted for each test. Keep in mind that these tests should not be older than 2 years.
Language Tests  | Foundation (One-Year) | Foundation (Four-Year) | Undergraduate (Direct) | Pre Masters |
IELTS Academic | 5.0 with no score lower than 4.5 | 5.5 with no score lower than 5.5 | 6.0 with no score lower than 5.5 | 5.5 with no score lower than 5.5 |
PTE Academic | 55 (minimum 50) | 60 (minimum 59) | 65 (min 59) | 60 (minimum 59) |
TOEFL iBT | Not accepted/SELT required | 72 (Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17) | 79 (including reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20, and writing 21) | 72 (Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17) |
Documents RequiredÂ
As an international student applying for Heriot-Watt University, you will be required to submit the following documents:
- Two references, based on the course you choose to study at Â
- Copy of degree certificate and transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae
- Evidence of English language ability
- An SOP (Statement of Purpose) or personal statement may be required for some degree programs
You will receive student support services for university life, accommodation, disability, and personal safety, as an international student at this university.Â
- Health and wellbeing support
- Careers and Graduate Futures Service
- Support for widening participation
- Student Counselling Service
- Peer Mentoring SchemeÂ
- Disability Support
- English Language Support
- E-Mentors
- Accommodation at the Edinburgh Campus
- Accommodation at the Scottish Borders Campus
Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s best-connected locations with transport networks. These networks link with the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond. In the city center, you can easily find many transportation options. It is also easy to get around on foot and a very pleasant city to discover by walking.Â
Female passenger boarding bus service is also available. There are two mainline train stations, one is Edinburgh Waverley and the other one is Haymarket in the West End. If you decide to live at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus then it is a short 15-minute taxi ride from Edinburgh Airport to the Edinburgh campus and costs around £15 only.Â
As an alumnus of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, you will be entitled to a range of exclusive alumni services. The university has a network to guide students about exciting job opportunities. The university inspires and nurtures industry collaboration, cultivates entrepreneurship, and accelerates enterprise. Moreover, you can also get a 20% Discount on further studies.Â
This university focuses on the Career Development of students. You will have several opportunities to work in the form of internships, part-time jobs, fieldwork, and developing your skills, knowledge, and qualifications. Heriot-Watt University holds the Athena SWAN bronze award which recognizes its commitment to advancing the careers of women in Higher Education and research. You will be provided with academic and research jobs, professional, support services, and technical jobs.Â
The university offers modern accommodation services at its Edinburgh campus. There are 2,000 residential places available there, with a range of room types and prices. The accommodation is self-catered, single occupancy, and mixed-gender. Each hall of residence has access to laundry facilities and bike shelters. This university also involves its students in the process of design, gathering their views and opinions to ensure the residences are tailored to their needs and priorities.Â
There is no lengthy or time-consuming procedure for application to Heriot-Watt University. In case of any difficulty while applying, you can contact our expert admission team. You will have to ensure all these steps, to secure your place at this university:Â Â
- First, decide what you want to studyÂ
- Decide on the intake
- Identify which courses you want to study Â
- Apply online, select the correct study option, and complete the form.
- You will receive an email telling you that there is an update on your application.
- Receive your unconditional offer letter
- Secure your accommodation
- Apply for Visa
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies letter is issued by this university in support of your application for a student visa. This CAS letter contains the CAS number which is needed for a student visa application and each student is assigned a different number. A payment of a £4,000 deposit is normally required to secure your place at Heriot-Watt University. The university issues a CAS letter within 5-10 working days of receipt of your CAS evidence request.Â
Final WordsÂ
This was your complete guide to Heriot-Watt University: World Class Education, Research, And Global Community. The university is among the top-ranked universities in the UK, offering high-quality education and advanced research facilities. In case of any query feel free to contact Aims Education.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
It varies on the financial situation or budget of a student, but the university suggests international students come with approximately £2000 to £2500 budget for each semester.
Heriot-Watt University has embraced modern educational practices over time. It has incorporated online learning and partnerships with industries to enhance student experience and employability.
The university is recognized for its contributions to research and teaching, it has been consistently ranks among the top institutions in the UK.Â
Heriot-Watt University is famous for its strong emphasis on research, particularly in areas like engineering, energy, and sustainable development.
In the Scottish campus of the university, there are a wide range of research-informed degree programs in a global study environment.Â
The university offers flexibility to international students in starting their degree programs. The main intake is September Intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Some postgraduate courses are offered in the January intake. Additionally, some courses are offered in April and May intakes.
There are three campuses of this university in the UK. The first one is in Edinburgh, the other two are in the Scottish Borders and Orkney.Â
