Heriot-Watt University : A Leader in Applied Research and Industry Collaboration
Heriot-Watt University, established in 1821 in Edinburgh, started as the world’s first Mechanics' Institute, providing practical education for working professionals in science and technology. Named after Scottish inventor James Watt and philanthropist George Heriot, it evolved over the decades, gaining university status in 1966
The university expanded its global footprint by opening campuses in Dubai in 2005 and Malaysia in 2012, becoming one of the UK's most internationally connected institutions. Heriot-Watt is renowned for its strengths in science, engineering, business, and design, and is recognized for its commitment to innovation and research. With a strong emphasis on industry collaboration and applied learning, it continues to shape future leaders and professionals worldwide.
The Heriot-Watt University supports international students with flexible admissions for both Fall (September) and Spring (January) intakes.
The Heriot-Watt University has achieved notable positions in various higher-education rankings:
| Ranking Agency | Global Ranking | National Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | =256 | N/A |
| Times Higher Education 2025 | 401–500 | N/A |
| US News Best Global Universities | #832 | N/A |
| EduRank 2025 | #590 | #46 |
| CWUR 2024 | #727 | #46 |
Note: Rankings are based on various criteria including academic reputation, research output, and international outlook.
Heriot-Watt University Programs
The Heriot-Watt University provides more than 217+ programs across various disciplines for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.30 research programs for those interested in research11 global college courses through the Go Global scheme.
Heriot-Watt University Undergraduate Programs
| Program Title | Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| BA/BSc/MA Honours Degree | £18,000 |
Note: Tuition fees must be paid for each year of your program. How and when you pay tuition fees for your program depends on your level of study.
Heriot-Watt University Postgraduate Programs
| Program Title | Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| MSc Analytical Sciences | £12,192 |
| MSc Quantum Technologies | £12,344 |
| MSc Robotics | £12,344 |
| MSc Robotics with Industrial Application (Year 1) | £12,344 |
| MSc Robotics with Industrial Application (Year 2) | £3,000 |
| MSc Imaging, Vision and High Performance Computing | £15,200 |
| MSc Global Sustainability Engineering | £12,192 |
| MSc Global Sustainability Engineering with Industrial Application (Year 1) | £12,192 |
| MSc Global Sustainability Engineering with Industrial Application (Year 2) | £3,000 |
| MSc Food Process Engineering | £12,192 |
| MSc Energy with Entrepreneurship | £12,192 |
| MSc Renewable Energy Engineering | £12,192 |
| MSc Brewing and Distilling with Entrepreneurship | £12,344 |
| MSc Brewing and Distilling | £12,344 |
| MSc Toxicology | £12,344 |
Heriot-Watt University Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Entry:
- Students must have completed 12th grade or equivalent qualification.
- Qualifications should be recent—dated within the last 3 years before the course start date.
- Students with above 65-70% in core subjects are generally considered for most programs.
- Final admission decisions may vary based on the specific program and academic background.
Postgraduate Entry:
- A recognised bachelor’s degree (usually equivalent to a UK second-class honours degree).
- Each application is individually assessed—relevant work experience and skills are taken into account.
- Applicants with 55–60% and above in UG are typically eligible, depending on the course.
Heriot-Watt University English Language Requirements
Undergraduate Programs:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.0, with no component below 5.5.
- PTE Academic: Overall 63, with a minimum of 59 in each component.
- English Waiver: Possible if:
- You scored 70% or above in English in 12th grade (CBSE/ICSE/state boards).
- You can provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter confirming English was the language of instruction.
Postgraduate Programs:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.0, with no component below 5.5.
- PTE Academic: Overall 60, with a minimum of 59 in each component.
- English Waiver: Possible if:
- You completed your bachelor’s degree in English with above 65–70% in English-related subjects.
- A valid MOI letter is submitted from your university.
Note: English test scores or MOI should be dated within 2 years before your course start date.
Heriot-Watt University Scholarships
The Heriot-Watt University offers students the chance to help cover their expenses by applying for scholarships in the UK each year. Most scholarships do not require a separate application process, making it easier for students to apply.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Amount (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Heriot-Watt University Bursary | Income-related; full-time students from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland | Up to £3,100 |
| Emerging Economies Scholarship | Residents of selected countries | Over £3,000 |
Note: The university disburses over £6 million a year in fee and stipend scholarships, benefiting more than 400 students.
Heriot-Watt University Placements, Campus and Student Life
Career-Focused Education & Graduate Employability
Heriot-Watt University is renowned for its strong emphasis on employability and industry-ready graduates:
- Top Rankings: 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 graduation.
- Industry Recognition: Heriot-Watt University Malaysia has been named as Talentbank’s Employers’ Preferred Universities in the 2025 National Graduate Employability Index (GE Index), reflecting industry confidence in the university's graduates.
- Global Opportunities: The university's strong links with industry and focus on practical skills ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the global job market.
Global Campuses with Unique Learning Environments
Heriot-Watt University operates across five campuses in three countries, each offering a distinctive educational experience:
- Edinburgh Campus: Set in 380 acres of parkland on the outskirts of Scotland's capital, offering a spacious and green environment conducive to learning and research.
- Scottish Borders Campus: Located in Galashiels, this campus specializes in textiles and design, set in the beautiful lowlands countryside.
- Orkney Campus: Situated in the stunning Isles of Orkney, focusing on renewable energy and marine studies.
International Campuses
- Dubai Campus: Located in Dubai Knowledge Park, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a cosmopolitan city known for its innovation and diversity.
- Malaysia Campus: Situated in Putrajaya, offering programs in engineering, business, and more, with a scenic lakeside setting.
Vibrant Student Life and Supportive Community
Heriot-Watt University offers a rich student experience across its campuses:
- Clubs and Societies: With over 70 clubs and societies, students can engage in a wide range of activities, from cultural and academic societies to sports and volunteering opportunities.
- Student Support Services: The university provides comprehensive support, including counseling, academic advice, and assistance for international students to ensure a smooth transition and successful university experience.
- Global Student Life Committee: Established to enhance the student experience across all campuses, ensuring that student feedback is incorporated into university decisions.
- Residence Life: Dedicated teams are available to support students living on campus, fostering a welcoming and inclusive community.
- Sustainable Energy and Engineering:Research in this area explores innovative solutions for renewable energy technologies, energy storage, and sustainable engineering practices to address global energy challenges and reduce carbon footprints.For more info click here
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics:The university conducts cutting-edge research in AI and robotics, including machine learning, autonomous systems, and human-robot interaction, aiming to enhance efficiency across various industries, from healthcare to manufacturing. For more info click here
- Business and Financial Analytics:This research area focuses on developing advanced analytical tools and models to improve decision-making in finance, economics, and business strategy, incorporating data science, machine learning, and risk analysis techniques.For more info click here
