NCUK University Partner
Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University has been operating since 1821, with a focus on career-oriented programmes in business, technology, science, engineering, fashion and design. Courses are shaped around current industry needs, built around hands-on projects, guest lectures from industry professionals and live, real-world briefs.
The university runs five campuses worldwide: Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia, and has more than 30,000 students studying across them, with partner organisations in 150 countries.
The main Edinburgh campus covers around 380 acres of parkland on the edge of a compact, well-connected city, with frequent bus and tram services into the centre. Edinburgh itself has been named the best UK city for culture (Time Out, 2023) and rated in the top two UK cities for students (QS Best Student Cities 2024).
6th
in Scotland (QS World University Rankings 2027)
36th
in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2027)
325th
in the world (QS World University Rankings 2027)
Top 14%
of European universities (QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026)
Best UK city for culture
Edinburgh (Time Out 2023)
Top 2
UK city for students: Edinburgh (QS Best Student Cities 2024)
International Merit Scholarship
Awarded to undergraduate and postgraduate students, with the value varying by academic merit and region of origin. It is usually a partial tuition fee abatement for the first year only, unless the offer letter states otherwise.
Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships
Open to students of all nationalities and years of study, on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and administered through Oriam, Scotland's Sports Performance Centre.
Student life and support
Support services include personal tutors, counselling, a chaplaincy, Student Success Advisors, an NHS health centre, a Disability Service and a Global Student Office dedicated to international students.
Students have access to over £9 million of investment in the Library and Learning Commons, which stays open 24/7 during semester and exam periods, and GRID, a new research and teaching facility for mathematics, engineering, physical sciences and computer science.
There are more than 70 clubs and societies and over 30 sports clubs through the Sports Union, with training based at Oriam, a £33 million Sports Performance Centre that also serves as a training hub for Scottish Rugby, Scottish Football, Scottish Squash and Scottish Handball.
Careers and accommodation
The university provides lifelong careers support across all of its campuses, including employer events and a Target Connect vacancy platform; employers that have engaged with students include PwC and Bloomberg.
Accommodation is single-occupancy, self-catered and en-suite, and new full-time first-year students are guaranteed an offer of accommodation provided they apply before the published deadline and meet the other listed conditions.
Sustainability
Heriot-Watt has a Climate Action Framework that was co-created with students, staff, alumni and community groups.
Veritas Pathways students on the International Foundation Year may progress to Heriot-Watt University, subject to meeting its academic, English language, attendance and non-academic entry requirements.