Heriot-Watt University UK

About Heriot Watt University

Heriot-Watt University, established in 1821, is a public research institution situated in Edinburgh, Scotland. Heriot-Watt University operates five campuses globally and collaborates with 53 Approved Learning Partners and educational partners across 150 countries. The Edinburgh campus boasts one of the most diversified international student populations, with one-third of the total student body hailing outside the United Kingdom.

The acceptance rate at Heriot-Watt University is approximately 80%, with an average Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The tuition fees for international students at the university range between INR 15 L to INR 31 L for an academic year. The university operates five campuses globally, located in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia. 

Heriot-Watt University maintains a network of Approved Learning Partners, which includes 15 international educational institutions across more than 12 countries worldwide. According to the most recent data, 95% of graduates have secured employment or are pursuing further studies within six months of graduation.

History of Heriot Watt University

Heriot-Watt University was established in 1821, incorporating the Edinburgh School of Arts, recognized as the world's first mechanics institute. Leonard Horner and Robert Bryson established the university. Subsequently, in 1852, it was renamed and designated as the Watt Institution and School of Arts. By the year 1874, Mary Burton had ascended to the position of the inaugural female member of the School's Board of Directors. The International Centre for Island Technology was inaugurated at the Heriot-Watt Orkney Campus in 1989.

In 1990, the Edinburgh Business School inaugurated its online MBA program for students. The university's Dubai campus was inaugurated in 2005, while the Malaysia campus commenced operations in 2014. Heriot-Watt University received the Queen's Anniversary Prize for the third occasion in recognition of its contributions to higher and further education in 2015.

Heriot Watt University Programs

Heriot-Watt University provides 123 postgraduate programs, 110 undergraduate programs, and 65 research courses specifically designed for international students. The university's most highly regarded programs are those in Business and Economics, Management, Engineering and Technology, Psychology, Arts and Humanities, Mathematics, and Biological Sciences. The MBA Flagship Program at the university spans 12 months to 2 years.

Heriot-Watt University provides the Go Global inter-campus transfer program for international students enrolled at the institution. The students will gain exposure to an international context and its educational framework.

Heriot Watt University Admissions 2025

Heriot-Watt University facilitates undergraduate admissions via the UCAS system and manages postgraduate admissions through its dedicated online application portal. The university primarily conducts admissions each year during the January and September intake periods. There are no universal deadlines for general admission to any postgraduate program. Specific popular courses may impose a deadline, and students must consult the course page for further information. Unless otherwise indicated on the course page, international students must submit their applications a minimum of six weeks before the commencement of instruction for that course.

Application Deadlines for Heriot-Watt University 2025

The admission deadlines for international UG applicants are given as follows:

• Undergraduate applications for the academic year 2024 may now be initiated - May 16, 2025

Acceptance Rate of Heriot-Watt University

According to multiple sources, Heriot-Watt University has an overall admittance rate of approximately 80%, rendering it relatively selective in its admissions process for international students.

Eligibility Criteria for Heriot-Watt University

The fundamental eligibility requirements for Indian pupils seeking admission to Heriot-Watt University are as follows:

• Transcripts of academic work
• Degree certificate Statement of Purpose CV
• Letters of recommendation for academic purposes.
• A minimum overall achievement of 70% in Class 12, along with at least 70% in pertinent subjects, is required for most programs.
• Evidence of proficiency in the English language.

Heriot Watt University Fees

Heriot-Watt has an application fee for UG students based on the UCAS portal. The university provides diverse programs, and the admission criteria will vary based on the specific programs and courses selected. The tuition fees for visiting students at the university are delineated as follows:

• Tuition fees for visiting undergraduate students on a per-semester basis.
• Tuition fees for the campuses located in Edinburgh and the Borders.

• First Semester (Commencing September 2022) - GBP 8,500.
• Second Semester (Commencing January 2023) - GBP 8,500 
• Full Year (Semester 1 and 2) - 17,000 GBP.

MBA/PGDM (38 courses)

Fees: INR 16 L - 66 L

Duration: 12 months-2 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 - 6.5, PTE: 58 - 68

M.Sc. (36 courses)

Fees: INR 16 L - 32 L

Duration: 12 months-2 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 - 68

MS (34 courses)

Fees: INR 17 L - 32 L

Duration: 12 months-2 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 - 6.5, PTE: 58 - 68

B.E. / B.Tech (21 courses)

Fees: INR 17 L - 26 L

Duration: 4-5 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 - 6.5, PTE: 50 - 65

B.Sc. (24 courses)

Fees: INR 17 L - 26 L

Duration: 4-5 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 - 6.5, PTE: 50 - 65

BBA (11 courses)

Fees: INR 17 L - 21 L

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, PTE: 50 - 65

B.A. (7 courses)

Fees: INR 17 L - 22 L

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, PTE: 50 - 65

M.A. (4 courses)

Fees: INR 17 L - 21 L

Duration: 1 year

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 - 68

B.Arch (1 course)

Fees: INR 18 L

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, PTE: 65 & Above

M.Des (2 courses)

Fees: INR 21 L - 26 L

Duration: 12 months-1 year

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 - 68

Heriot Watt University Placements

Heriot-Watt University provides various career services to assist international students in attaining their professional objectives. As reported in the Heriot-Watt University Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, 84.2% of graduates have secured full-time employment or pursued further studies within 15 months of graduation.

Heriot Watt University Alumni Statistics Sectors Placed

The alumni placement statistics for Heriot-Watt University are presented as follows:

• Prominent organizations that have employed alumni from Heriot-Watt University include Ernst & Young, Deloitte, AECOM, Jacobs, Turner & Townsend, ADNOC Group, Aramco, and Microsoft.
• Several prominent industries in which alumni of Heriot-Watt University are employed encompass Sales, Education, Operations, Finance, Business Development, Information Technology, and Engineering.
• The foremost preferences for alumni courses at Heriot-Watt University encompass Business Administration and Management, Mechanical Engineering, Business and Commerce, Finance, and Economics. 

Heriot Watt University Rankings 2025

As of 2025, Heriot-Watt University has achieved notable positions in various university rankings:

• QS World University Rankings 2025: Ranked 256th globally.
• Complete University Guide 2025: Placed 42nd in the UK and 6th in Scotland.
• The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025: Advanced 13 places to 51st in the UK and 8th in Scotland.

In subject-specific rankings, the university has excelled in several areas:

• Building: 3rd in the UK and 1st in Scotland.
• Chemical Engineering, Mathematics, and Town & Country Planning: Top 10 in the UK.
• Economics: 9th in the UK and 2nd in Scotland.

These rankings reflect Heriot-Watt University's commitment to academic excellence and its strong reputation in both national and international contexts.

Admission Requirements for International Students at Heriot-Watt University

The general admission criteria for international applicants at Heriot-Watt University encompass the applicant's experience, competencies, and academic accomplishments.

Heriot Watt University FAQs

Q1. What is the acceptance rate of Heriot Watt University?

The acceptance rate of Heriot Watt University is 70%. 

Q2. How many campuses does Heriot Watt University have?

There are five campuses in Edinburgh, Dubai, Scottish Border, Orkney, and Malaysia.

Q3. What are the popular programs in UK for International Students at Heriot Watt University?

Among the university's most highly esteemed programs are those in Business and Economics, Management, Engineering and Technology, Psychology, Arts and Humanities, Mathematics, and Biological Sciences.

Q4. Is Heriot-Watt a prestigious university?

Yes, Heriot-Watt University is a prestigious one and highly ranked across universities in UK.

Q5. Is it worth studying at Heriot-Watt University?

Yes, Heriot-Watt University UK is worth studying at, especially for international students, because of its high-class academics and quality of education.

Q6. How much does Heriot-Watt cost per year?

Heriot-Watt University costs around £9,535 for the first year, which is approximately 1.3 crores.

Heriot Watt University Scholarships

Heriot-Watt University provides a diverse array of scholarship opportunities for international students. In most instances, the scholarship conferred to international pupils is granted as a reduction of EUR 1,500. Among the most sought-after scholarships are:

• Alumni Discount Scheme
• Centre for Social and Economic Data Analytics Scholarship
• PhD Studentship at Edinburgh Business School
• QUEST Undergraduate Scholarship Program
• Leaders Scholarships from the Royal Academy of Engineering
• The Brewgooder Work in Progress Bursary Scholarships for the Master of Science in Actuarial Science

The university offers a variety of international scholarships, which are detailed as follows:

• First Tier Merit Scholarship: GBP 3,000 
• Second Tier Merit Scholarship: GBP 2,500 
• Third Tier Merit Scholarship: GBP 1,500