Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University is a world-leading institution, ranked 235^th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024).

Offering a wide range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Heriot-Watt specialises in STEM (science, engineering, technology and mathematics), business and design – subjects that have an impact on the real world.

It offers a vibrant and global student experience, with over 30,000 students across campuses in the UK, Dubai and Malaysia.

Heriot-Watt was 1^st in Scotland and 4^th in the UK for graduate employability in the 2023 Graduate Outcomes survey.

In 2023, the university ranked 1^st in the UK for the highest percentage of CEO and managing director roles filled by graduates (Novuna Business Cash Flow). This is thanks to career-focused degrees and lifetime support from the award-winning careers team.

Students at Heriot-Watt have access to pioneering research and teaching, with almost 90 percent of the university's research output ranked as world-leading and internationally excellent in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

The Scottish campuses in Edinburgh, Orkney and the Scottish Borders are home to inspiring and green surroundings, top-class facilities, and an industry-supported study environment.

Heriot-Watt was the first British university to open its doors in Dubai, where it earned a prestigious five-star ranking from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

The purpose-built Malaysia campus opened in Putrajaya in 2014 and sits on a stunning lakeside location providing exceptional educational facilities, modern leisure and sports facilities.

With competitively priced tuition fees and international connections, Heriot-Watt combines educational excellence with a unique study experience.

Heriot-Watt employs world-class teaching faculty to support its students. Across each of its schools, the university features a wide range of highly qualified staff with a perfect blend of academic and industry expertise. They provide links to industry and allow students to draw upon their experiences, while offering as much support as necessary to help students achieve their academic goals.

The university's academic excellence is reflected in the QS World University Rankings 2024: Heriot-Watt is ranked 235th in the world.

It is also ranked 44th in the UK by The Complete University Guide 2024 and top in Scotland for research output and impact (REF 2021).

Heriot-Watt University specialises in STEM, business and design to address urgent global challenges and find solutions for a sustainable world.

STEM

Heriot-Watt is ranked as one of the top universities in the UK for science, technology, engineering and maths. Times Higher Education World University Rankings places Heriot-Watt in the top 20 in the UK for engineering and top 30 for computer science.

Business

Heriot-Watt is home to the Edinburgh Business School, an internationally recognised institution boasting accredited graduate programmes and industry-informed expertise. Live projects with partner companies provide hands-on experience and opportunities to network.

Design

With industry-standard facilities and a number of high-profile industry partners on hand, Heriot-Watt is the ideal place to kick start your design career.

Heriot-Watt is accessible to students from around the world, with a range of qualifications accepted for admission.

Students who do not speak English as their first language must prove their proficiency, which they can do in a number of ways. Whilst various tests are accepted as proof, the level required falls in line with IELTS scores of:

• 4.5 for foundation courses in accountancy and finance, business, economics, engineering, psychology, science and technology delivered through the Global College
• 6.0 for undergraduate courses
• 6.5 for postgraduate courses

Visit the English language requirements page for more information.

Those who do not meet English language requirements can take a pre-sessional academic English course to reach the required level.

Students should check country-specific entry requirements, and should also note criteria can differ for the Dubai and Malaysia campuses.

Fees and funding

Heriot-Watt University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to help students pay for their education and other living costs while studying at university.

Tuition fees vary according to residency status, level of study and degree programme.

A number of scholarships are offered on each of the UK, Malaysia and Dubai campuses, including International Merit Scholarships which award GBP 1,500 to GBP 3,000 based on academic excellence.

The university awarded over GBP 500,000 in merit scholarships to international fee-paying students who enrolled in September 2023 and January 2024. In most instances, scholarships were awarded as a GBP 1,500 reduction in fees.

For more information on available scholarships, international fee-paying students should email their regional team manager. Contact details are available on the university website.

Heriot-Watt features three Scottish campuses, including its main hub in Edinburgh, and two international campuses in Dubai and Malaysia.

Edinburgh

The beautiful parkland campus features a green and safe environment close to the busy Edinburgh city centre. It is home to The National Robotarium, a leading centre for robotics and AI, and Oriam, Scotland's national sports performance centre.

Voted the UK's best city for culture by Time Out, Edinburgh has it all – a vibrant nightlife and cafe culture, designer retailers, nearby beaches, and plenty of green space.

The city is also home to the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe Festival, and is a hub for art, culture, comedy and drama.

Scottish Borders

The campus boasts industry-standard design and production facilities in the heart of the Scottish luxury textiles industry, producing career-ready graduates.

Orkney

A unique living laboratory, the Orkney campus features impressive natural surroundings and creates a stunning base to study the marine environment.

Malaysia

This purpose-built green campus based in Putrajaya is just under 30km from Kuala Lumpur and provides access to a world-class education in South East Asia.

Dubai

As the first British university to set up in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), the Dubai campus pioneers international education in the country and offers outstanding opportunities in the gulf region.

Heriot-Watt University recognises the challenges faced by overseas students and makes a great deal of effort to provide international students with access to outstanding support services no matter where or what you study.

The global student office in the UK helps with everything from advice, visas and immigration to funding and exchange opportunities. In Dubai and Malaysia, international student support offices have a range of services to support international students.

Heriot-Watt also provides a wide range of health and wellbeing services across each of its campuses, supporting physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing to ensure students can reach their potential. It strives to create a welcoming, enjoyable and relaxing environment, helping students deal with any problems they may have.

Each of Heriot-Watt's campuses offer safe surroundings, with a focus placed on security and creating an environment in which students can live and study without any worry.

The SafeZone app is a free app that provides help at a touch of a button. It is a quick and easy way for students to alert Heriot-Watt safeguarding services should they need help or assistance.

In both Dubai and Malaysia, the campuses are based in safe, student-friendly areas and are supported by excellent security services and local policing to ensure students learn and live in a secure environment.

Heriot-Watt creates job-ready graduates who go on to achieve successful careers. Staff pass on experience and advice whilst students have access to outstanding resources, including industry partnerships and work placement opportunities.

The university placed top in Scotland and 4th in the UK for graduate employability in the Graduate Outcomes Survey in 2023, with almost 90 percent of graduates in employment, further study or otherwise 15 months after graduation.

Students receive excellent support when it comes to finding a career after their course ends. The university's Careers Advisory Service offers individual advice and group workshops on CVs, application forms, assessment centres, selection tests and interviews.

In 2023, the university provided over 70 employer events at its campuses including careers fairs, insight events, presentations, and networking events.

Career advice and support continues after graduation thanks to the Careers & Graduate Futures service and the university's alumni network, The Watt Club.

Heriot-Watt offers students exceptional learning facilities. The university was ranked 3rd in the UK and top in Scotland for the amount spent on student facilities by the Complete University Guide in 2023.

The National Robotarium

The Heriot-Watt Edinburgh campus is home to the world-leading centre in robotics and artificial intelligence – The National Robotarium. Pioneering research and development at the Robotarium helps students gain hands-on experience and network with industry experts in the fields of data, AI and robotics.

Oriam - Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre

The Edinburgh Campus is also home to Oriam, a cutting-edge facility and training hub for, among others, Scotland's national football and rugby squads.

Oriam aims to be a collaborative environment to support Scotland's up-and-coming sports men and women, in addition to their coaches and volunteers, to train and prepare for competition at the highest levels.