Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University is a world-leading institution ranked 287^th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026) and in the top 18 percent of universities in Europe (QS Europe Rankings 2025).

Offering a wide range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Heriot-Watt specialises in STEM (science, engineering, technology and mathematics), business and design – subjects that have an impact on the real world.

It offers a vibrant and global student experience, with over 30,000 students across campuses in the UK, Dubai and Malaysia.

Heriot-Watt is 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for graduate employability in the 2024 Graduate Outcomes survey. In 2025, the university ranked 1^st in Scotland for the highest percentage of CEO and managing director roles filled by graduates (Novuna Business Cash Flow). This is thanks to career-focused degrees and lifetime support from the award-winning careers team.

Students at Heriot-Watt have access to pioneering research and teaching, with almost 90 percent of the university's research output ranked as world-leading and internationally excellent in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

The Scottish campuses in Edinburgh, Orkney and the Scottish Borders are home to inspiring and green surroundings, top-class facilities, and an industry-supported study environment.

Heriot-Watt was the first British university to open its doors in Dubai, where it earned a prestigious five-star ranking from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

The purpose-built Malaysia campus in Putrajaya sits on a stunning lakeside location providing exceptional educational facilities, modern leisure and sports facilities.

With competitively priced tuition fees and international connections, Heriot-Watt combines educational excellence with a unique study experience.

Heriot-Watt employs world-class teaching faculty to support its students. Across each of its schools, the university features a wide range of highly qualified staff with a perfect blend of academic and industry expertise. They provide links to industry and allow students to draw upon their experiences, while offering as much support as necessary to help students achieve their academic goals.

Heriot-Watt has strong expertise across various subject areas. This is reflected in the 2025 QS Rankings by Subject, where Heriot-Watt is named in the top 200 in the world for civil and structural engineering, hospitality and leisure management and architecture and built environment.

It is also ranked 25^th in the UK by The Complete University Guide 2026 and top in Scotland for research output and impact (REF 2021).

Heriot-Watt University specialises in STEM, business and design to address urgent global challenges and find solutions for a sustainable world.

STEM

Heriot-Watt is ranked as one of the top universities in the UK for science, technology, engineering and maths. Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 places Heriot-Watt in the top 20 in the UK for engineering and top 50 for computer science.

Business

Edinburgh Business School (EBS) at Heriot-Watt University is a global leader in accessible, practice-oriented education and research that promotes responsible business.

With campuses in the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, EBS empowers a diverse community of students, academics, and professionals to address society's most pressing challenges. EBS is one of the world's largest providers of postgraduate business education. Currently, EBS serves over 14,000 students from over 130 countries. We have over 49,000 alumni across 158 countries.

Design

With industry-standard facilities and a number of high-profile industry partners on hand, Heriot-Watt is the ideal place to kick start your fashion and design career.

Heriot-Watt is accessible to students from around the world, with a range of qualifications accepted for admission.

Students who do not speak English as their first language must prove their proficiency, which they can do in a number of ways. Whilst various tests are accepted as proof, the level required falls in line with IELTS scores of:

• 5.0 with no score lower than 4.5 for foundation courses (1 year)
• 5.5 with no score lower that 5.5 for foundation courses (4 year)
• 6.0 with no score lower than 5.5 for undergraduate courses
• 6.5 with no score lower than 5.5 for postgraduate courses

Visit the English language requirements page for more information.

Those who do not meet English language requirements can take a pre-sessional academic English course to reach the required level.

Students should check country-specific entry requirements, and should also note criteria can differ for the Dubai and Malaysia campuses.

Fees and funding

Heriot-Watt University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to help students pay for their education and other living costs while studying at university.

A number of scholarships are offered on each of the UK, Malaysia and Dubai campuses. International fee-paying students are also eligible for the International Merit Scholarship which awards ambitious students GBP 1,500 to GBP 5,000 based on academic excellence.

Tuition fees vary according to residency status, level of study and degree programme.

Heriot-Watt features three Scottish campuses, including its main hub in Edinburgh, and two international campuses in Dubai and Malaysia.

Edinburgh

The beautiful parkland campus features a green and safe environment close to the busy Edinburgh city centre. It is home to The National Robotarium, a leading centre for robotics and AI, and Oriam, Scotland's national sports performance centre.

Voted the UK's best city for culture by Time Out, Edinburgh has it all – a vibrant nightlife and cafe culture, designer retailers, nearby beaches, and plenty of green space.

The city is also home to the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe Festival, and is a hub for art, culture, comedy and drama.

Scottish Borders

The campus boasts industry-standard design and production facilities in the heart of the Scottish luxury textiles industry, producing career-ready graduates.

Orkney

A unique living laboratory, the Orkney campus features impressive natural surroundings and creates a stunning base to study the marine environment.

Malaysia

This purpose-built green campus based in Putrajaya is just under 30km from Kuala Lumpur and provides access to a world-class education in South East Asia.

Dubai

As the first British university to set up in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), the Dubai campus pioneers international education in the country and offers outstanding opportunities in the gulf region.

Heriot-Watt University recognises the challenges faced by overseas students and makes a great deal of effort to provide international students with access to outstanding support services no matter where or what you study.

The global student office in the UK helps with everything from advice, visas and immigration to funding and exchange opportunities. In Dubai and Malaysia, international student support offices have a range of services to support international students.

Heriot-Watt also provides a wide range of health and wellbeing services across each of its campuses, supporting physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing to ensure students can reach their potential. It strives to create a welcoming, enjoyable and relaxing environment, helping students deal with any problems they may have.

Each of Heriot-Watt's campuses offer safe surroundings, with a focus placed on security and creating an environment in which students can live and study without any worry.

The SafeZone app is a free app that provides help at a touch of a button. It is a quick and easy way for students to alert Heriot-Watt safeguarding services should they need help or assistance.

In both Dubai and Malaysia, the campuses are based in safe, student-friendly areas and are supported by excellent security services and local policing to ensure students learn and live in a secure environment.

Heriot-Watt creates job-ready graduates who go on to achieve successful careers. Staff pass on experience and advice whilst students have access to outstanding resources, including industry partnerships and work placement opportunities.

The university placed top in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for graduate employability in the 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey, with almost 90 percent of graduates in employment, further study or otherwise 15 months after graduation.

Students receive excellent support when it comes to finding a career after their course ends. The university's careers service offers lifelong careers advice, such as individual advice and group workshops on CVs, application forms, assessment centres, selection tests and interviews. They also facilitate events including careers fairs, networking sessions and other events.

Career advice and support continues after graduation thanks to the University's alumni network of over 166,000 alumni in over 190 countries who are part of The Watt Club, thought to be the oldest alumni association in the UK.

Heriot-Watt offers students exceptional learning facilities. The university was ranked 5th in the UK and top in Scotland for the amount spent on student facilities by the Complete University Guide in 2025.

The National Robotarium

The Heriot-Watt Edinburgh campus is home to the world-leading centre in robotics and artificial intelligence – The National Robotarium. Pioneering research and development at the Robotarium helps students gain hands-on experience and network with industry experts in the fields of data, AI and robotics.

Oriam – Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre

The Edinburgh Campus is also home to Oriam, a cutting-edge facility and training hub for, among others, Scotland's national football and rugby squads.

Oriam aims to be a collaborative environment to support Scotland's up-and-coming athletes, in addition to their coaches and volunteers, to train and prepare for competition at the highest levels. Students can also join over 30 sports societies, regardless of their level of experience or expertise.