Heriot-Watt University is a public research university located in Edinburgh, Scotland, with a global presence across five campuses: Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across disciplines such as Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Design, and Energy.
The university offers admissions primarily through the September intake. It also offers a limited January intake for selected postgraduate programmes such as MSc Data Science and MSc Artificial Intelligence. It is ranked #287 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is known for its strong industry links, practical learning approach, programme flexibility, and graduate employability, with nearly 90% of graduates in employment or further study.
Key Highlights
- Established: 1966 (roots in 1821)
- Student Strength: 27,000 students from 154 countries
- Average UG Tuition Fees: £23,222 per year (₹30 lakh)
- Average PG Tuition Fees: £26,000 – £28,000 per year (₹33 lakh – ₹36 lakh)
- Estimated Cost of Living (per month): £850 – £1,250 (₹1 lakh – ₹2 lakh)
- Scholarships for Indian Students: International Merit Scholarship (amount varies)
- Rankings:
- QS World University Rankings 2026: #287 globally
- Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026: #401–500 globally

Currency conversion used: 1 GBP = ₹128.50 as of May 29, 2026
- Heriot-Watt University Popular Courses & Fees
- Heriot-Watt University Admission Deadlines
2.1 Heriot-Watt University Admission Requirements
2.2 Heriot-Watt University Additional Requirements
- Heriot-Watt University Campus
- Heriot-Watt University Accommodation
4.1 Heriot-Watt University On-Campus Accommodation
4.2 Heriot-Watt University Off-Campus Accommodation
- Heriot-Watt University Cost of Living
- Heriot-Watt University Ranking & Recognitions 2026
- Heriot-Watt University Scholarships for Indian Students
- FAQs
Heriot-Watt University Popular Courses & Fees
Some of the popular programmes offered by the university are listed below.
| Course Name | Duration | Total Tuition Fees (GBP/ INR) |
|---|---|---|
| MBA (Online) | 2 years | £11,907 (₹15 lakh) |
| M.Sc Construction Project Management | 1 year | £24,952 (₹32 lakhs) |
| M.Sc Data Science | 1 year | £26,296 (₹34 lakh) |
| M.Sc Artificial Intelligence | 1 year | £26,296 (₹34 lakh) |
| M.Sc Logistics and Supply Chain Management | 1 year | £28,952 (₹37 lakh) |
| M.Sc Civil Engineering and Construction Management | 1 year | £26,296 (₹34 lakh) |
| M.Sc Actuarial Management | 1 year | £24,952 (₹32 lakh) |
| Bachelor of Business Administration | 4 years | £80,320 (₹1.03 crore) |
| M.Sc Information Technology (Software Systems) | 1 year | £26,296 (₹34 lakh) |
| B.Sc Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) | 4 years | £1,03,232 (₹1.33 crore) |
Read more about: Heriot-Watt University Courses & Fees
Heriot-Watt University Admission Deadlines
Heriot-Watt University offers admissions through the September intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The university also offers a limited January intake for selected postgraduate taught programmes such as MSc Data Science and MSc Artificial Intelligence. Listed below are the key deadlines.
September 2026 (Primary Intake)
Undergraduate Admissions:
- Equal consideration deadline (UCAS): 14 January 2026 (Closed)
- Final deadline (UCAS): 24 July 2026
Undergraduate applicants also have the option to apply directly through the university portal. The final deadline for direct applications is 17 August 2026.
Postgraduate Admissions
- No fixed application deadline (rolling admissions)
- Applications for September 2026 entry are currently open
January 2027 (Limited Intake)
- No fixed application deadline (rolling admissions)
- Applications are expected to open later in 2026
Read more about: Application Deadlines for UK Universities
Heriot-Watt University Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for programmes vary by course and level.
| Particulars | Undergraduate Requirement | Postgraduate Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | - Class 12 - 65-70% |
- Bachelor’s degree - 55–60%+ |
| English Language Proficiency | -IELTS 6.0 overall (5.5+ in each section) - TOEFL iBT / PTE equivalents accepted |
- IELTS 6.0- 6.5 overall (5.5- 6.0+ in each section) - TOEFL iBT / PTE equivalents accepted |
*Note: Academic requirements may be higher for competitive courses at both undergraduate (e.g. BSc Computer Science) and postgraduate levels (e.g. MSc Data Science).
Heriot-Watt University Additional Requirements
Listed below are some of the supporting documents required for admission. Requirements may vary depending on the course and level of study.
- Academic transcripts and completion certificates
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- Passport biometric page / copy of the personal information page (
- Certified translations of documents (if not in English)
- Personal statement / Statement of Purpose (especially for PG programmes)
- Academic reference(s)
- CV / Resume and work experience documents (for MBA and selected postgraduate programs)
- Digital portfolio (for School of Textiles and Design courses)
Also Read: What Are Academic Transcripts?
Heriot-Watt University Campus
Heriot-Watt University’s main campus is located in Edinburgh. The university also operates campuses in the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia.
- Edinburgh campus spread across 380 acres of parkland
- Edinburgh campus is well-connected by public transport
- On-campus student accommodation available at Edinburgh and Scottish Borders campuses
- Modern learning facilities, research centres, and specialist laboratories across campuses
- Strong industry links and specialist facilities in areas such as Engineering, Business, Design, and Energy
Student Experience
Sources: Reddit, YouTube (Indian students)
- Spacious and green campus environment with a peaceful atmosphere
- Strong Indian student community with active cultural events and societies
- Good support system for international students
- Well-connected to Edinburgh city centre by frequent buses
- Winters can feel isolating due to cold weather and distance from the city
- Expensive on-campus food options
Heriot-Watt University Accommodation
The university provides a range of modern on-campus accommodation. It also offers support for students seeking off-campus housing options.
Heriot-Watt University On-Campus Housing
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Application | Online (after the receipt of a firm offer) |
| Student Capacity | 2000+ |
| Accommodation Types | - Single occupancy rooms - Traditional en suite rooms - Contemporary en suite rooms - Self-catered apartments (all single occupancy) - Accessible rooms (for students with disabilities) |
| Average Fees (per year) | £7,500 – £9,500 (₹10 – ₹12 lakh) |
| Housing Priority | First-year students |
*Note:
- Early application is recommended due to limited on-campus accommodation availability.
- On-campus rent usually includes electricity, water, and WiFi
Heriot-Watt University Off-Campus Housing
Many students prefer off-campus shared housing near the university for better affordability, flexibility, and access to Indian groceries and community support.
- Popular residential areas: Gorgie, Fountainbridge, Bruntsfield, Marchmont, Morningside, and Tollcross
- Common accommodation types: Shared houses and apartments (3–6 students) with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities
- Average monthly rent (per person): £500 – £800 (₹64,250 – ₹1 lakh)
Sources: Reddit, Facebook Indian student groups, UniversityLiving, and recent 2025–26 listings.
Heriot-Watt University Cost of Living
The monthly cost of living for international students at Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh Campus) varies depending on accommodation type and lifestyle. These estimates are based on official university data and recent student experiences.
| Type of Housing | Rent (per month) | Other Expenses (per month) | Monthly Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Campus | £625 – £792 (₹80,300 – ₹1 lakh) |
£280 – £450 (₹36,000 – ₹57,900) |
£905 – £1,242 (₹1 lakh – ₹2 lakh) |
| Off-Campus / Private | £500 – £800 (₹64,250 – ₹1 lakh) |
£350 – £550 (₹45,000 – ₹70,700) |
£850 – £1,350 (₹1 lakh – ₹2 lakh) |
*Note: Other expenses include food/groceries, local transport (bus), phone, laundry, personal items, and basic social or entertainment costs.
Read more about: Cost of Living in the UK for Indian Students
Heriot-Watt University Ranking & Recognitions 2026
The university is ranked among the top universities globally. Further, it has strong subject-wise rankings with multiple disciplines ranked among the global top 200. As of 2026, the university is ranked:
- QS World University Rankings 2026: #287 globally | #34 in the UK | #5 in Scotland
- Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026: #401–500 globally
- The Complete University Guide 2026: #25 in the UK and #3 in Scotland
- The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026: #39 in the UK
- Subject Rankings (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026):
- Petroleum Engineering: #15 in the world and #2 in the UK
- Civil and Structural Engineering: Top 200 globally
- Architecture and Built Environment: Top 200 globally
- Hospitality and Leisure Management: Top 200 globally
Also Read: Top Universities in UK 2026
Heriot-Watt University Scholarships for Indian Students
The university offers a range of scholarships and bursaries for international students. Some of the key scholarships available for Indian students are listed below.
| Scholarship | Duration | Award / Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Merit Scholarship | 1 year (first year) | Varies | - UG & PG students - Merit-based |
| Emerging Economies Scholarship | Full programme | £3,000+ (₹4 lakh+) fee reduction | - Online MBA - Students from emerging economies |
*Note: Indian applicants seeking more information regarding scholarships and funding opportunities can directly contact the university representatives below:
- Meenu Sharma – meenu.sharma@hw.ac.uk
- Sabarinath Vijayakumar – s.vijayakumar@hw.ac.uk
Read more about: Scholarships for Indian students studying in the UK
Student Experiences
Sources: Reddit, Quora, Facebook (Indian student communities), YouTube
- Most Indian students receive partial scholarships ranging from £2,000 – £6,000 (₹3 lakh – ₹8 lakh) rather than full funding
- International Merit Scholarship is the most commonly received and is automatically considered during application
- Emerging Economies Scholarship for online MBA programmes is appreciated for its automatic fee reduction
- Scholarship amounts are considered helpful but usually do not cover full tuition fees
- Students recommend strong academics (typically 65%+ in Class 12 or Bachelor’s degree) and early application for better chances
Overall, based on student ratings from unofficial sources, Heriot-Watt University has a rating of 7.3/10, with strong ratings (8.0/10) for academics and faculty support. The university offers a supportive learning environment along with a wide range of programmes across disciplines. Good graduate outcomes (ranked #1 in Scotland and #2 in the UK as per 2024 data) and scholarships for Indian students further make it a practical choice for students seeking quality education in the UK.
FAQs
Ques. Is Heriot-Watt University good for Indian students?
Ans. Yes, Heriot-Watt University is popular among Indian students due to its active Indian Society, supportive international office, and welcoming student community.
Ques. How is the campus and location of Heriot-Watt University?
Ans. The Edinburgh campus is large, green, and peaceful, though it is located outside the city centre. Central Edinburgh can be reached in around 30–40 minutes by bus.
Ques. What scholarships can Indian students get at Heriot-Watt University?
Ans. Most students receive the International Merit Scholarship (partial scholarship). Students enrolled in online MBA programmes may also benefit from the Emerging Economies Scholarship.
Ques. What are the admission requirements for Indian students at Heriot-Watt University?
Ans. Undergraduate applicants generally require 65–70%+ in Class 12, while postgraduate applicants typically require 55–60%+ in a bachelor’s degree. An IELTS score of 6.0+ is generally required.
Ques. Is Heriot-Watt University safe for Indian students?
Ans. Yes, the Edinburgh campus is generally considered safe, with 24/7 security and a peaceful environment. Students are still advised to remain cautious while travelling at night.
Heriot-Watt University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 35,500 /Yr GBP 26,296 /Yr | - | 55%, IELTS 6, TOEFL 4.0, PTE 65 | |||
Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Jul 2026) | USD 32,638 /Yr GBP 24,176 /Yr | 524 | IELTS:6.0, TOEFL: 4, PTE: 59 | ||
| USD 34,841 /Yr GBP 25,808 /Yr | - | 70%, IELTS 6.0, PTE 65, TOEFL 4.0 |
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Important Alerts
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| International Business Management Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake | Closing in 30 days |
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Heriot-Watt University comparison
| University Name | Heriot-Watt University | Nottingham Trent University | University of Edinburgh | University of Nottingham | Coventry University |
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| Collegedunia Score | 4.3 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 | 6.9 Out of 10 | 6 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 |
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| Acceptance Rate | 55.0 % | 22.0 % | 11.0 % | 11.0 % | 32.0 % |
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Overall 290 out of 824 in Global Ranking

Overall 287 out of 1401 in Global Ranking
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Heriot-Watt University Reviews
Most Popular Tags
8 Reviews Found
Likes
- The city of Edinburgh was amazing, quite student-friendly.
- The Heriot Watt Edinburgh campus is nice, lots of study spaces, green & peaceful campus, well connected to the city.
- Facilities offered by the Uni were really good & the management was cooperative & helpful.
Dislikes
- The faculty was good, though the method of delivery could have been better for some subjects.
- Finding jobs is really difficult & not much awareness about the graduate programmes offered by the companies.
Campus Life
- The campus is amazing, calm, peaceful, lush green environment, a big pond, well connected, many libraries & study places, well connected to the city.
- There is specific infrastructure for sports, Robotics, labs, and libraries
Fees
- 16,000-18,000 GBP for a 1-year MSc Construction Project Management course
Likes
- The campus had a great library, with 24/7 access
- Qualified and helpful faculty, and a personal tutor who guided me throughout the course
- Student community is great, the student union conducts many events across the year
Dislikes
- I actually do not dislike anything about my university. A genuinely good place to study, meet new connections and learn. The only thing that I wish there was at the university was probably any major store (ASDA or sainsbury) nearby. But we do have a student shop for our essentials so that is okay.
Campus Life
- My campus experience has been positive and well-balanced, combining academics with a variety of events and extracurricular opportunities. The university regularly organizes activities that encourage student involvement, cultural exchange, and personal development. These events help students socialize, reduce academic stress, and feel more connected to campus life.
- Major campus events include Freshers’ Week, cultural and international festivals, academic workshops, guest lectures, and career fairs. There are many clubs and societies covering sports, culture, academics, and hobbies. Students can participate in sports, cultural activities, volunteering, and student organizations, which help develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills while making the overall campus experience enjoyable and meaningful.
Fees
- £27200 was the initial fees, but I was provided with a £5000 scholarship.
- The tuition fee was charged yearly, but we were provided with many options, to pay the advance first, and then opt to a monthly payments. The finance department at the university is very considerate and will try to help students as much as possible to help them with the finance-related issues.
- The monthly expenses come around £1000 - £1200, including the living expenses and depends whether you are living in the city, or in the university halls.
Likes
- I liked the Library and cafeteria for quick snacks and coffee; they had a loyalty system in place.
Dislikes
- Disliked the distance to reach campus from the town centre (Galashiels) - had to walk a little over a mile or choose taxis at 5-8 pounds.
Overview
After lot of research on affordability in terms of fees, living expenses in the city etc. I wanted to study in a English speaking country to easily find partime jobs to manage my living expenses as well. Overall I would rate my experience 7/10.
Campus Life
Masters might not be the centre of co-curricular activities - it will depend on how well you make time and participate in events. The campus is very lively and the infrastructure is excellent.
Overview
So Heriot-Watt, it was actually last minute decision, I must say because I was planning on going to Canada actually. And then I was going to do a food and nutrition course. Okay, but then the plan changed in the end. And then because I was interested in psychology from before, like in 10th grade and then 12. One of my close friends was joining Heriot watt University, and she told me about this university that okay, this sounds like, you know, I'm joining first year and then I had, you know, look like I saw the courses that were available in Heriot-Watt University. And that's when I thought, okay, maybe I should be going forward with psychology, because I've been wanting to do for a while. So that's how I got to go to a friend you can say
Campus Life
The Library and the resources are definitely better in UK because the library in Dubai is smaller, and the resources that we get also is lesser. So I would say that, like in terms of like the study rooms, or even the individual spaces, I think there's a lot more availability in UK than in Dubai, because the campus in itself is much smaller. So I would say experiences definitely much better. So, it has a lot of clubs actually. Like in the sense like, it's called clubs, but like, I wasn't a part of many you can say, but there was those ones in drama club, social club. So it's like there's one for dance as well as a dance club. So like, there were extracurriculars dance, as far as I remember those ones for sports and gym as well. These are the extracurriculars I can remember. So we used to have lectures, and we should have tutorials, so they would do separate parts and tutorials, it used to be similar to seminars where they make us do activities, or the makers read a case study, and then you would discuss it or answer some questions based on that. So it was two separate elements and our lecture folder towards so we used to have tutorials as well, but it wasn't a part of the lecture.
Overview
University accepted a bachelor degree of 3 yrs as UK curriculum and Indian are on similar structure. Applying for US, Canada or Australia all require 4 yrs of graduation or 3yrs + 2yrs work experience
Campus Life
Lot of activities in the undergrad side, however since postgrad was night or weekend no activities were there. Undergrad perspective it has a lot of activities and clubs to enjoy. Campus infrastructure was also very nice, well maintained and clean
Overview
I chose Heriot-Watt University because of their faculty and the opportunities it offers. The teachers who teach this program are highly qualified and really helpful too. Also the course coordinators and other staff members were helpful.
Fees
My course fee was around £15,000 for 2 years.
Overview
It was close to home (Saudi Arabia) and my siblings also attended the university.
Fees
12,500 pounds
Overview
2+2 program lets me learn and go to a different part of the world and get educated at the same time which was desirable to make me a more global person. In addition to that, Heriot-Watt was a well-known university that had good accreditation like from IMechE.
Fees
14148 pounds for as a go global student and since I live in campus in the more expensive dorms the total is approximately 20000 pounds per year.
Heriot-Watt University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Saltire Scholarships | Scholarship per student$8,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Commonwealth Rutherford Fellowship | Scholarship per student$3,105 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| India Postgraduate Taught Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,555 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific |
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Heriot-Watt University Admissions
September Intake 2024 Deadlines
Important Date: August15 (Application deadline)January Intake 2023 Deadlines
Important Date: November15 (Application deadline)May Intake 2023 Deadlines
Important Date: April15 (Application deadline)
HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees






















Comments
Found 2 Comments
Heriot-Watt University accepts transfer admission. However, you cannot join directly from the thrid year of a bachelors degree in this university.
Heriot Watt University offers various types of scholarships for undegraduate and graduate students separately. The eligbility criteria differ from one schoalarship to another. You can check the detailed information from the Scholarships section on the official website of the university.