Heriot-Watt University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

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.

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.