Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
"One of Scotland's most international universities"
At a Glance
Accept Rate
—
Avg Salary/Yr
—
Ranking
#325 (QS)
PSW VISA
18 months (Graduate Route)
About Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University began in 1821 as the world's first mechanics institute. It specialises in business, science, technology, engineering, design and textiles, with five campuses: Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia. Around 27,000 students from 154 countries study with it, and one third of on-campus students in Scotland are from outside the UK. It is eighth in the world for petroleum engineering (QS by Subject).
Rankings & Recognition
#325
Ranked #325 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 (36th in the UK and 6th in Scotland) and 31st in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2027.
Accreditations & Memberships
Top 13% in Europe (QS Europe 2026)
QS 2026 Performance Breakdown
Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with Heriot-Watt University's global standing for that metric.
Academic Reputation
#
Employer Reputation
#
Faculty Student Ratio
#
Citations per Faculty
#
#
Key Facts
1821
Founded
27000 (approx.)
Total Students
154 countries
Student Nationalities
5 worldwide
Campuses
86.8% (REF 2021)
Research World-leading
Popular Programs
Petroleum Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mathematics
Business
Computer Science
Application Details
Application Route
UCAS (UG) / HWU portal (PG)
Intakes
September and January
Accommodation
Guaranteed by deadline
Standardized Test Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
IELTS
|
|
|
TOEFL iBT
|
|
|
PTE Academic
|
|
|
Duolingo English Test
|
|
Study Abroad & Visa Details
Visa Approval Rate
95%
I-20 Processing
Student visa (CAS required)
Post-Study Work
18 months (Graduate Route)
Green Card Pathway
Skilled Worker route (points)
Financials
Application Fee
N/A
Avg Scholarship
N/A
Career Outcomes
Petroleum Eng. 8th
QS Subject Rank
Where Graduates Land
Faculty & Alumni
Campuses — 5
—
Notable Alumni
Campus & Location
Heriot-Watt's main campus is in Edinburgh, Scotland. It also has campuses in the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia.
Campus Details
Edinburgh
main campus
5
campuses worldwide
Campus Forecast
Cool oceanic climate
Rain possible all year
Cold windy winters
Mild summers
Student Life & Housing
Housing
Campus halls guaranteed by the deadline
Dining
Campus cafes and nearby restaurants
Health & Wellness
NHS access via Immigration Health Surcharge
University wellbeing and counselling support
Activities & Clubs
Students union societies
Sports clubs
Cultural events
Diversity & Demographics
Student Nationalities
154 countries
On-campus Intl. Students
One third
Cost Deep-Dive
Tuition - international
N/A
Intakes & Deadlines
Heriot-Watt admits international students in September and January. Undergraduates apply through UCAS and postgraduates apply through the Heriot-Watt portal.
Scholarships at Heriot-Watt University
0 scholarships available
These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate
School leaving qualification equal to UK entry standard. English test needed (check course page).
Postgraduate
Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject. English test needed (check course page).
English Proficiency
IELTS
TOEFL iBT
PTE Academic
Required Documents
Passport copy
Academic transcripts and certificates
English test certificate
Personal statement
Reference letter
CV (postgraduate)
Proof of funds (for visa)
Application Process
1
Choose course
Check the course page and entry rules on hw.ac.uk.
2
Apply
Undergraduates apply through UCAS; postgraduates apply on the Heriot-Watt portal.
3
Offer
Receive a conditional or unconditional offer and accept it.
4
Pay deposit
Pay the tuition deposit so the university can issue your CAS.
5
Student visa
Apply for a UK Student visa online with your CAS and proof of funds.
6
Arrive & enrol
Travel to the UK, complete enrolment and register with the university.
Campus & Location
Heriot-Watt's main campus is in Edinburgh, Scotland. It also has campuses in the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia.
Bachelor's
4
Heriot-Watt University
📍 Edinburgh
Bachelor's
Petroleum Engineering
Heriot-Watt University
📍 Edinburgh
Bachelor's
Chemical Engineering
Heriot-Watt University
📍 Edinburgh
Bachelor's
Civil Engineering
Heriot-Watt University
📍 Edinburgh
Bachelor's
Computer Science
Master's
2
Heriot-Watt University
📍 Edinburgh
Master's
Petroleum Engineering (Master's)
Heriot-Watt University
📍 Edinburgh
Master's
Data Science
Enquire Now
Fill in your details to enquire about Heriot-Watt University