Heriot-Watt University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Heriot-Watt University is ranked #256 globally in the QS Rankings and holds the #351-400 position in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. The university is known for its excellence in engineering, business, and applied sciences, which are reflected in its strong rankings in specific subject areas.

Here’s how Heriot-Watt University's rankings have changed over the years:

Subject-wise rankings clearly show Heriot-Watt University's academic strengths across specific disciplines. Let's take a closer look.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2024/25

Heriot-Watt University ranks among the top 15 globally for Petroleum Engineering, while its Electrical & Electronic Engineering program is ranked 1st in Scotland (NSS). The university also excels in Economics and Chemical Engineering, with its Economics program ranked 1st in Scotland and Chemical Engineering in the global top 200.

Here’s a closer look at how Heriot-Watt University performs across various academic fields.

Unsure if Heriot-Watt University is the right choice for your master's studies? Check out the Heriot-Watt University Ranking 2025 for detailed insights and see how it stands globally!

While the primary intake for most programs at Heriot-Watt University is in September, some programs, like Finance Management studies, offer additional intake periods in January and April, with corresponding application deadlines and enrollment periods. 

Below are the application timelines for different intakes.

Note: Check the specific program pages for individual course deadlines, as they may vary.

With the requirements and deadlines covered, let’s now understand the cost of studying at Heriot-Watt University.

Heriot-Watt University is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 60%. Understanding the admission process in advance can help you prepare your documents early and take the necessary admission tests to increase your chances. 

Below is a breakdown of the admission requirements and application deadlines for Heriot-Watt University.

Admission Requirements

Heriot-Watt University offers more than 231 programs for the 2025–2026 academic year, each with specific admission criteria. Applicants are required to meet designated language proficiency levels in English, along with academic qualifications based on their country’s education system.

Here are the admission requirements to study at Heriot-Watt University:

Academic Qualification

The academic criteria typically require a minimum score of 75% or above, a 2:1 classification in a relevant field, and academic transcripts or school reports. 

Below is a detailed breakdown of the requirements for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Note: Requirements may vary depending on the specific program. Check the official website for the latest updates.

Language Proficiency

International students are required to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests such as the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Students who have completed previous education in English may be eligible for a waiver.

Here are the language scores needed:

Notes:

• Minimum Scores are general requirements, and some programs may have higher expectations.
• The tests should have been completed within two years of the application date.
• Heriot-Watt University does not accept Duolingo English Test scores.

Competitive Exams

Heriot-Watt does not mandate SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admissions. Also, GRE/GMAT is typically not required, but applicants to specific business-related programs may be encouraged to submit GMAT scores if available. 

Here’s a brief overview:

Note: Always check the specific requirements of the program you're interested in.

Visa Requirements 

If you are coming to study a full-time course for six months or more at Heriot-Watt University, you must apply for a Student Visa for the UK. 

A visa application requires a valid passport and a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) issued by Heriot-Watt University. You can apply for the UK Student Visa through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal.

Here are some types of visas and their key requirements:

Now, let’s determine how application dates and deadlines vary across different programs.

Heriot-Watt University offers a diverse range of programs across various disciplines. The university provides approximately 110 undergraduate programs, 123 postgraduate programs, and 65 research courses. 

These programs are available across multiple campuses, including Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, catering to a global student body.

Below is a look at some popular programs offered at Heriot-Watt University:

• Undergraduate: BEng Civil Engineering, BSc Computer Science, BA Business Management
• Postgraduate: MSc Artificial Intelligence, MBA International Business, MA Design
• PhD Programs: Research-focused programs in engineering, business, and science, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and industry collaboration.

For a clearer understanding of the costs, let’s look at the tuition fees for different programs.

Understanding the cost of studying in UK is crucial for students to plan their finances effectively, covering tuition, living expenses, and other essentials. Knowing the costs in advance can help you properly budget for a comfortable and focused academic experience in Lincoln.

Here's the tuition cost for some popular courses:

Note: The tuition fees are for international students and are subject to change. The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate. 

There are additional costs such as housing and food besides tuition fees. Let’s explore them.

The cost of living in Scotland varies depending on the city and lifestyle. On average, students can expect to spend between £1,100 and £2,330 (INR 1.05L - 2.2L) per month, encompassing accommodation, food, utilities, transportation, and personal expenses.

Here is the breakdown of the costs of living.

Note: The above figures are estimates and can vary based on individual circumstances and lifestyle choices.

Financial aid can ease the cost of studying at Heriot-Watt University. Let's explore the different scholarships and funding opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

A master's degree at Heriot-Watt University typically costs between £17,000 and £26,000 (INR 17L—26L) for an MSc and £17,000 to £25,000 (INR 17L—25L) for an MBA. Depending on the course, undergraduate tuition fees range from £13,500 to £22,000 (INR 13.5L—22L).

Here’s a breakdown of tuition fees for key programs at Heriot-Watt University.

Note:

• Fees may vary depending on the specialization.
• Currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.
• Please refer to the official Heriot-Watt University website for the most up-to-date information.

Heriot-Watt University campus offers distinct specializations and unique features. Let's explore what each has to offer.

Heriot-Watt University Campuses

Heriot-Watt University has five campuses across Scotland, the UAE, and Malaysia, each with unique strengths and specializations. The Dubai campus is the first in the UAE to achieve LEED Gold status, specializing in sustainable construction. The Malaysia campus is Malaysia's first green campus.

Here's an overview of Heriot-Watt University's campuses:

Domestic Campuses (Scotland)

Heriot-Watt University has three campuses in Scotland: Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, and Orkney. 

1. Edinburgh Campus:

• Heriot-Watt's flagship campus in Edinburgh is known for its strong emphasis on science, engineering, and business education. 
• The university's research excellence is evident, with 86.8% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
• The National Robotarium, located here, is a pioneering facility dedicated to robotics and AI research, which collaborates with industry leaders to advance technologies in automation.
• Heriot-Watt's research in renewable energy is prominent, and 97% of its physics research is classified as world-leading or internationally excellent.

2. Scottish Borders Campus

• The Scottish Borders campus is an innovation hub for sustainable energy solutions. 
• The campus is home to projects such as the heat from the wastewater system, which contributes to the university’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. 
• Students here gain hands-on experience in energy-efficient systems, contributing to the future of low-carbon technologies.

3. Orkney Campus

• Situated on the Orkney Islands, this campus is integral to the university’s research in renewable energy, specifically in wind and tidal power. 
• It is closely connected with the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), which conducts leading research in marine renewable energy technologies. 
• This campus is a hub for students and researchers interested in sustainable energy, offering them the chance to work on advanced projects in renewable energy innovation.

International Campuses 

Heriot-Watt University has two international campuses: the Dubai campus and the Malaysia campus.

1. Dubai Campus (UAE)

• Being the first UK university to establish a campus in Dubai, it offers a unique blend of British education within a multicultural Middle Eastern context. The campus is home to students from over 125 nationalities. 
• The Dubai campus is the first in the UAE to achieve LEED Gold status, highlighting its eco-friendly design and energy-saving features, all while offering students an efficient cost of living in Dubai.
• All undergraduate and postgraduate programs have received Initial Programme Accreditation from the UAE's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, ensuring high academic standards. 

2. Malaysia Campus (Putrajaya)

• Malaysia's campus comprises a £35 million purpose-built facility. 
• It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, ensuring quality education recognized internationally.

Now that you've covered the academic environment and campus life, let’s move on to understanding the admissions process.

Financial accessibility is a priority at Heriot-Watt, with each year, over £6 million is disbursed in fee and stipend scholarships, benefiting more than 400 students. 

Scholarships play a crucial role in reducing the economic burden, and Heriot-Watt University offers a variety of internal and external scholarship opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. 

Below, let’s break down the available scholarships to help you plan your educational expenses.

Internal Scholarships at Heriot-Watt University

The university provides multiple fully funded scholarships, along with both merit-based and need-based options for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students. These are awarded at entry to a foundation, undergraduate, or postgraduate programme. 

Unless otherwise stated, recipients must maintain a minimum of a Grade A (70% average score) to retain their scholarship.

Here are some key internal scholarships:

In addition to university scholarships, you can explore financial aid opportunities provided by government programs and trusts. Let's take a closer look.

External Scholarships for Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University students have access to various external scholarships funded by governmental bodies, private organizations, and international institutions. These study abroad scholarships are often region-specific and aim to promote global education and research collaboration.

They are typically competitive and may require additional application materials such as research proposals, LORs, or standardized test scores.

Below are some valuable external scholarship options for international students:

Prospective students should explore both internal and external scholarship options early in their application process.

Placement outcomes are a strong indicator of both academic quality and employer trust. Let’s take a look at the placement rates at Heriot-Watt University.

With a strong emphasis on student engagement, well-being, and community involvement, the university provides a rich student experience across its global campuses in Edinburgh, Dubai, and Malaysia to enrich their academic journey beyond the classroom.

Here's an in-depth look at what makes student life at Heriot-Watt enriching:

• Student Union Activities: With over 60 societies and 30 sports clubs, the Student Union offers a variety of student-led initiatives, including academic, cultural, and recreational groups.
• Music and Performance: Students can participate in various music groups and performances, ranging from classical ensembles to contemporary bands performing at events nationwide.
• Well-being Services: Comprehensive well-being support includes counseling services, fitness programs, and initiatives like the WattBuds buddy system in Dubai, which pairs new students with senior peers.
• Global Campus Events: Each campus hosts unique events, such as Watt Fest and International Days in Dubai and Dragon Boating sessions in Malaysia, promoting cultural exchange and student engagement.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students can access modern facilities like the Oriam Sports Performance Centre in Edinburgh and the new Dubai campus, featuring a gymnasium, food court, and student accommodation.
• Student Governance: The Student Council in Dubai represents student interests, organizes events, and ensures student voices are heard in university decisions.

Heriot-Watt University's commitment to a well-rounded student experience ensures students have ample opportunities to engage, grow, and thrive academically and personally.

Heriot-Watt University's alumni have made significant contributions across various diverse fields. Let's learn about them ahead!

Heriot-Watt University maintains strong industry connections, resulting in a high graduate employability rate. Approximately 95% of graduates secure employment or further study within six months of graduation.

The university's strong industry connections, career-focused programs, and global campuses contribute to its graduates' high employment rates.

Here are a few more snapshots of key placement highlights:

• Graduate Employability Rate: Heriot-Watt University is ranked 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for graduate employability, with over 84% of graduates in full-time employment or further study 15 months after completing their studies.
• Postgraduate Employability: The university has been ranked 1st in Scotland for postgraduate employability for two consecutive years, highlighting its strong track record in preparing doctoral students for the job market.
• Industry Engagement: Heriot-Watt's commitment to industry engagement is evident through its various programs, which incorporate practical experience, such as the Master of Science and industry placements.
• Employer Recognition: Heriot-Watt University Malaysia has been named Talentbank's Employers' Preferred University, reflecting the strong preference of leading employers for Heriot-Watt graduates.
• Graduate Salary Potential: Graduates from Heriot-Watt University, particularly in fields like Chemical Engineering, can expect a salary averaging around £23,000 (INR 22.1L) on graduation, with potential to rise to over £56,000 (INR 53.8L) for Chartered Chemical Engineers.

These statistics underscore Heriot-Watt University's commitment to providing education that aligns with industry needs, ensuring its graduates are well-prepared for successful careers.

Let's look at some of the top recruiters hiring graduates from Heriot-Watt University.

Top Recruiters at Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt graduates are approached by various employers across various sectors. Here are some notable companies that actively recruit from the university:

• SLB: A leading energy services company, SLB employs numerous Heriot-Watt graduates, particularly in engineering and geoscience roles.
• bp: The global oil and gas company bp recruits Heriot-Watt alumni for positions in engineering, energy, and technology sectors.
• Lloyds Banking Group: This major UK financial institution hires graduates from Heriot-Watt for finance, analytics, and business services roles.
• Shell: Shell, a global energy company, employs Heriot-Watt graduates in various engineering and technical positions.
• Scottish Power: As part of the Iberdrola Group, Scottish Power recruits Heriot-Watt graduates for roles in energy, engineering, and environmental sciences.
• Bank of Scotland: This central UK bank hires Heriot-Watt alumni for finance, risk management, and business analysis positions.
• Aviva Insurance: Aviva, a leading insurance company, recruits graduates from Heriot-Watt for roles in actuarial science, data analytics, and business operations.
• PwC: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) hires Heriot-Watt graduates for consulting, audit, and advisory services positions.
• Siemens: Siemens, a global technology company, recruits Heriot-Watt alumni for roles in different types of engineering, automation, and digital industries.
• Telekom Malaysia: As a leading telecommunications provider, Telekom Malaysia hires graduates from Heriot-Watt University Malaysia for various technical and business roles.

These employers value the practical skills, innovation, and global perspective Heriot-Watt graduates bring.

Heriot-Watt career services and resources play a crucial role in helping students secure internships and full-time employment. Let's explore these in more detail.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities

Heriot-Watt University offers diverse internship and co-operative programs (co-op) opportunities across its global campuses in Edinburgh, Dubai, and Malaysia. These programs are designed to provide students with practical experience, enhance their employability, and facilitate connections with industry professionals.

They provide various resources, such as,

Internship Opportunities:

• Vacation Internship Programme (UK Campus): 10-week paid internships during the summer, focusing on research tasks such as data analysis and literature reviews.
• I-SPHERE Research Internships: Collaborating with the Oak Foundation, these internships focus on social justice, housing, and homelessness, offering students independent research projects.
• ECOWILD Internship Programme: Paid 6–10 week research placements in environmental science through NERC's Research Experience Placement scheme, aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds
• Saltire Scholars Programme: Fully funded summer internships with leading Scottish companies, including professional development workshops.

Co-operative Education (Co-op) Opportunities:

• Engineering and Computing Co-op Programs: Integrates academic study with paid work placements, developing practical skills in engineering and computing fields.
• Industry Placement Scheme: Mandatory summer placements start in the second year, with support from student placement coordinators to match students with employers.
• Unitemps Employment Service: Part-time on-campus jobs in hospitality, events, and student ambassador roles to gain work experience while studying.

These opportunities ensure that Heriot-Watt students acquire essential industry experience, uplifting their prospects in the competitive job market.

For better decision-making, it's essential to understand how Heriot-Watt performs across different parameters compared to other universities. Let's take a look at its performance.

Heriot-Watt University V/S University of Lincoln V/S  Glasgow Caledonian University: Which is Better?

Choosing a university for higher studies is a big decision; to make the right choice, it's essential to compare it with similar institutions in terms of rankings, acceptance rate, or other factors. This helps build a better understanding of what each university has to offer.

So, let's have a quick comparison of Heriot-Watt University to similar schools, such as the University of Lincoln and Glasgow Caledonian University.

Now that you have a better understanding of how Heriot-Watt compares to similar universities, let's look at the student life it offers.

Heriot-Watt University has cultivated a diverse and accomplished alumni network of over 1.6 lakh from over 190 countries spanning various fields, including science, business, and entrepreneurship. 

Graduates have made significant contributions globally, reflecting the institution's commitment to excellence and innovation.

Here are some distinguished alumni from Heriot-Watt University:

These alumni exemplify Heriot-Watt University graduates' impactful contributions and encourage talent that drives innovation and societal advancement.