Heriot-Watt University is ready to help support students as they take the first step in their success story. Based in Edinburgh, a top 2 UK city for students, the university has a history stretching back more than 200 years, and has become widely known for its ground-breaking research and educational impact.
Ranked 2nd in the UK for positive graduate outcomes (Graduate Outcomes, 2025), Ranked 31st in Complete University Guide 2027 and Scotland's top CEO producer (Novuna, 2025), Heriot-Watt is known for its world-leading programmes and research excellence in business, science, technology, engineering, and design – subjects that truly impact the world and society. Its graduates are highly sought after by global employers.
As Scotland's most international university, Heriot-Watt University has campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia. Through its Go Global programme, students can seize new opportunities, expand their horizons and make friends around the world as they study at the university's Dubai or Malaysia campuses for a semester, year or longer.
Based in Edinburgh, the Heriot-Watt University main campus is set within 380-acres of parkland just outside the city and offers the best of both worlds to its community of 27,000 students.
The campus is served by excellent transport links to both Edinburgh's city centre and further afield. The city of Edinburgh has a vibrant nightlife and cafe culture in addition to plenty of green space and stunning beaches nearby.
Heriot-Watt University students on Whatuni say:
''This is a great school with supportive teachers and a positive learning environment. The lessons are well-organized, and the facilities are clean and safe. I would highly recommend this school to students who want a good education.''
''Fantastic university. I really like the subjects. Campus is very modern.''
''Heriot-Watt University has a great campus, with a supportive community and top tier lecturers.''


Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
All campuses across Heriot-Watt are well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities with access to a range of library facilities that offer all the resources required for learning, as well as numerous study spaces for individuals or as part of a group. Lecture halls, seminar rooms, laboratories, and workshops have the most up-to-date technology.
Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre is based at Heriot-Watt's Edinburgh campus. Student memberships give access to the Technogym, fitness classes, an active wellbeing programme and a range of sports halls, courts, and pitches.
Heriot-Watt University students on Whatuni say:
''The campus and facilities are great. Lots of different places to work.''
''Campus is lovely and facilities are generally good.''
''Everything is available and the campus is huge.''


Heriot-Watt University provides a range of secure on-campus accommodation options, with inclusive bills, situated within easy walking distance of the university's lecture theatres, libraries, and laboratories.
First-year students are guaranteed accommodation if they study full-time, live outside Edinburgh postcodes, and meet housing deadlines. Borders campus accommodation has been consolidated in the modern Jean Muir Student Village, offering standard and deluxe rooms.
The university offers all full-time undergraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland starting in September 2026, free accommodation for the first semester to support the initial costs when starting at Heriot-Watt University.
Heriot-Watt University students on Whatuni say:
''Great value for money, location is close to campus.''
''The location of the building is very convenient as it is one of the closest halls to the main entrance of the uni making it easily accessible. Everything was included in my room as listed online, fitted with a desk, chair, shelves, bed, mattress, and private bathroom.''
''Safe and clean environment, perfect for those in first year. For value of money it's good as all bills are included. Lovely staff in building.''
Heriot-Watt University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries designed to help students focus on their studies and achieve their full potential regardless of their personal or financial circumstances.
Other bursaries include those for students from low-income households, care-experienced backgrounds, or those who may otherwise face barriers to entering higher education. Additionally, high-performing athletes can apply for specialised sports scholarships designed to support both academic and athletic development.
A comprehensive list of available awards is published in the university's scholarship directory.
Entry requirements for undergraduate courses vary on a course-by-course basis. While some courses may have specific entry requirements in terms of prior qualifications, every application to the university is judged on an individual basis.
Heriot-Watt University also offers alternative pathways to university courses for applicants who have not had the opportunity to attain the necessary pre-requisites for undergraduate courses through the Global College, which offers six focused programmes that prepare students for university-level study. Successful completion of these courses allows students to enter the second year of a connected undergraduate programme.
Anyone who wishes to apply is encouraged to do so, although those who do not meet the minimum entry requirements are advised to check the university's fair access policy to see how else they may qualify for a place. Mature students (21 years of age or over at the time of application) can use relevant work experience as part of their application in lieu of the necessary pre-requisite qualifications.
Scottish students typically do not pay tuition fees when studying at Heriot-Watt University. Instead, tuition fees are covered by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), provided students meet the eligibility criteria and submit their application through the appropriate channels.
Students applying from England, Wales or Northern Ireland do pay tuition fees, although many students will be eligible for a tuition fee loan to cover the costs. Students can refer to the university's website to further fee details.
There are over 100 world leading programmes to choose from at Heriot-Watt University, with all courses taught by an expert faculty who possess invaluable experience in their specialist fields.
Most courses are offered at Heriot-Watt Edinburgh's campus, aside from fashion, textiles, and design programmes. These courses are offered instead at Heriot-Watt's Scottish Borders campus in Galashiels, a town which is world-renowned in the textiles industry.
Courses at the university are offered over 20 diverse subject areas. Popular degrees at Heriot-Watt include computer sciences and mathematics, but the university offers a wide range of eclectic and innovative courses including sport and exercise science, brewing and distilling, and constructed and virtual environments.
There is a rich and progressive research environment at Heriot-Watt, which in turn helps to shape and drive course syllabuses to reflect the latest developments and trends in subject specific areas. This also means that students engage with a curriculum that is informed by the latest research methods and best practices, giving them a significant advantage if they choose to study a postgraduate course after graduation.
Heriot-Watt University students on Whatuni say:
''Some of my classes are relatively small which means the support from lecturers is really great, they are very approachable and will give meaningful advice or feedback.''
''Amazing management, great lecturers, and a beautiful campus.''
''Heriot-Watt is amazing, the professors are very supportive and lively.''

Since 1821, Heriot-Watt University has provided a superb standard of higher education tuition with a strong culture of research and industry impact. Some of the areas in which the university has built academic expertise include science, technology, engineering, business, and design.
As a globally recognised research university ranking 287th in the world, 3rd in Scotland (Complete University Guide, 2026) students can expect to benefit from innovative research across a diverse array of emerging fields, and are provided with numerous opportunities to gain real-world industry experience during their studies.
Heriot-Watt University connects students to the wider research community, and has developed strong partnerships with other leading research universities in the UK and abroad. These collaborations provide unique research opportunities and prepare students for competitive roles within their chosen fields both locally and internationally, with many options to undertake work placements and internships while studying.
The university's Scottish Borders campus boasts some of the best facilities in the UK through its specialised programmes in design, textiles, and fashion.
Heriot-Watt University students on Whatuni say:
''Great environment, supportive staff, and strong academic resources.''
''The best experience are the professors they are very knowledgeable and passionate about their courses and the courses are also designed well.''
''It is a really good school for chemistry.''
A vibrant nightlife, eclectic food scene, designer retailers and plenty of green space – Edinburgh has it all. It's a safe, friendly city and a great place to be a student.
Edinburgh is extremely culturally vibrant, and is famous for hosting some of the world's premier arts events, such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the renowned International Festival. Numerous free museums and art galleries can also be found around the city. For outdoor relaxation, students can explore the green expanse of the Meadows, hike up Arthur's Seat for impressive views, or easily access the nearby coastline, including a beach just a brief bus ride from downtown.
There are many different clubs and societies offered by the students' union at Heriot-Watt University, from robotics to the arts. The university's sports union also offers students access to over 30 different sporting clubs.
Students at all of HWU campuses have access to students' union representatives, who can help to make sure that all students have a voice in how their university is run.
Heriot-Watt University students on Whatuni say:
''The campus is on the outskirts of Edinburgh, it is far more peaceful than the city centre. The greenery and wildlife you see on a daily basis gives a more relaxing environment.''
''I love the campus, the greenery and space is really nice and found the people here are really nice.''
''It has a good environment, it has a lot of activities and facilities.''
At Heriot-Watt University, the health and wellbeing of students is of primary importance, and the university has developed an extensive platform of support services that are available to all students throughout their time studying.
A central student support team acts as a first point of contact and directs students towards services that can help with any problems students may face. Specialist services range from accommodation support to wellbeing support, mental health support, financial support, and disability support. If students disclose that they have a disability, the university will provide ongoing advice and support throughout their time studying.
Heriot-Watt University also provides lifelong support through it's award-winning careers and graduate futures service, which helps students find part-time work, internships and tailor CVs whilst studying to help them prepare for future careers following graduation.
There is additionally a safeguarding service that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year as well as a SafeZone app for any issue that arises. These safeguarding officers are all first aid and mental health first aid trained, and provide a constant reassuring presence on campus to respond to a range of safety situations. The campus is also home to an NHS health centre, including both a doctors and dentist surgery.
Heriot-Watt University students on Whatuni say:
''Good student support and cares a lot about student wellbeing.''
''I feel very welcomed, the campus is gorgeous and all the teachers are fantastic in wanting to support each student.''
''The lecturers are always emailing asking if everyone is understanding of the course and always offer support.''
All undergraduate courses are geared towards equipping students with the qualifications, transferable skills, and experiences they need to succeed in future professional careers.
HWU is ranked 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for positive graduate outcomes (Graduate Outcomes, 2024), and all degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of business and industry. Top employers around the world actively seek out HWU graduates due to the university's reputation for developing work-ready individuals.
Graduates will have lifelong access to career support services including a graduate vacancies platform and support with CVs and applying for jobs. Whether pursuing a new job opportunity, aiming for a promotion, seeking interview preparation, or simply looking for professional guidance, the university's dedicated careers team is committed to supporting the professional journey of all its graduates, supporting their success long after they have completed their studies.
Heriot-Watt University graduates join The Watt Club, the university's global alumni association which has over 173,000 alumni based in more than 190 countries forming a widespread global community of professionals working across a huge range of industry fields.

