Heriot-Watt University : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | Top Universities
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Location

Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, Edinburgh United Kingdom

Ranking

# =287QS World University Rankings

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231Undergrad. & Postgrad. Programmes

International

42 % International students

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About Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University is valued for its pioneering research, informed by the global needs of business and industry. With a rich heritage stretching back to 1821, they are a truly global university bringing together scholars who are leaders in ideas and solutions delivering innovation, educational excellence and ground-breaking research.   

They are specialists in business, engineering, science, technology and design – subjects which make a real impact on the world and society. 

With roots in Scotland, Heriot-Watt’s ambition and reach is truly international.  They are a global university with around 27,000 students, five campuses and over 100 learning partners around the world. They are one of Scotland’s most international universities; around a third of Heriot- Watt students in Edinburgh are from outside the UK. 

Their campuses are based in some of the world’s most inspiring locations in the UK, Dubai and Malaysia. Each offers superb facilities, safe surroundings and an international welcome. They have built connected and integrated learning environments close to the vibrant cities of Edinburgh, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur. 

Heriot Watt’s Global Research Institutes are centres of excellence and collaboration created to translate their world-leading research into practical solutions. The National Robotarium, the UK’s leading centre for robotics and Artificial Intelligence, is a hub for robotic innovation and enterprise, improving efficiencies in areas such as offshore automation, human-robot interaction, soft robotics, assistive living, and health and social care. 

iNetZ+, the Global Research Institute for Net Zero and Beyond, is dedicated to pioneering solutions for a carbon-neutral future, while the Lyell Centre leads in Earth and marine sciences and combines expertise in geology, ecology and marine biology. The Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies delivers innovations to address significant global health challenges and enhance healthcare quality and accessibility worldwide.   

About Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University is valued for its pioneering research, informed by the global needs of business and industry. With a rich heritage stretching back to 1821, they are a truly global university bringing together scholars who are leaders in ideas and solutions delivering innovation, educational excellence and ground-breaking research.   

They are specialists in business, engineering, science, technology and design – subjects which make a real impact on the world and society. 

With roots in Scotland, Heriot-Watt’s ambition and reach is truly international.  They are a global university with around 27,000 students, five campuses and over 100 learning partners around the world. They are one of Scotland’s most international universities; around a third of Heriot- Watt students in Edinburgh are from outside the UK. 

Their campuses are based in some of the world’s most inspiring locations in the UK, Dubai and Malaysia. Each offers superb facilities, safe surroundings and an international welcome. They have built connected and integrated learning environments close to the vibrant cities of Edinburgh, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur. 

Heriot Watt’s Global Research Institutes are centres of excellence and collaboration created to translate their world-leading research into practical solutions. The National Robotarium, the UK’s leading centre for robotics and Artificial Intelligence, is a hub for robotic innovation and enterprise, improving efficiencies in areas such as offshore automation, human-robot interaction, soft robotics, assistive living, and health and social care. 

iNetZ+, the Global Research Institute for Net Zero and Beyond, is dedicated to pioneering solutions for a carbon-neutral future, while the Lyell Centre leads in Earth and marine sciences and combines expertise in geology, ecology and marine biology. The Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies delivers innovations to address significant global health challenges and enhance healthcare quality and accessibility worldwide.   

Available programmes

University information

Visit our website to find out what you need to apply for foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate and postgraduate research programmes at the Edinburgh, Scottish Borders or Orkney campuses and how to complete your online application. You can also apply for Academic English programmes at the Edinburgh Campus to help you kickstart your studies with us.

General

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Oriam

The Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre. Whether it's an occasional visit to the gym or a daily squash game, Heriot-Watt can accommodate and help develop all levels of sporting ambition.  

Oriam is recognised as one of the best university sports centres in the UK. Facilities include sports halls, playing pitches, squash courts, gyms and fitness classes, and in 2024 they opened a new indoor tennis centre with six indoor courts. There are also physiotherapy, podiatry, sports massage, and sports science testing services.  

 

GRID  

GRID is a ground-breaking facility to advance global research, innovation and discovery. It has been designed to create cohesion between academic disciplines, industry partners and the global community, providing an innovative teaching and learning environment for mathematics, engineering, physical sciences and computer science students and staff.  

 

Other Facilities  

At Heriot-Watt, students can expect high quality, technology-enabled study spaces.    

The on-campus library is open 24/7 during semester and exam times to fully support you during this time.

The English Gym is available to all Heriot-Watt University students and provides free academic English language and study skills support via drop-in sessions and workshops at the Edinburgh, Dubai and Malaysia campuses, as well as online materials.  

The Campbell Maths Gym offers additional expertise and encouragement to all Heriot-Watt students in achieving your maths-based goals, no matter what you are studying. You can book one-to-one support appointments or attend drop-in sessions and workshops.  

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51%

Student life

Set in 380 acres of beautiful parkland, opt to study at the Edinburgh Campus and you'll find a wide variety of programmes and specialist facilities designed to help you reach your full potential.  

Around 10,000 students are based on the Edinburgh Campus, creating a lively environment for studying and socialising. It is designed to help you work and play and is full of high quality facilities to accommodate your needs, be they academic, social, sporting, cultural, religious, transport or health related.  

The Student Union is run by students, for students. It hosts a packed calendar of daytime and evening events open to all students. It offers over 60 free student societies that give you a chance to meet people outside your programme through shared interests. At the Edinburgh Campus, the Student Union has a café, bar, and event space for students to relax and socialise.   


There are excellent services to ensure you feel fully supported while studying at Heriot-Watt, including the Student Wellbeing Centre (including counselling and disability services), Global Student Office (international student advice, student funding and visa information), a 24/7 SafeGuarding service, an award-winning Careers Service, a Health Centre, dentist and the Chaplaincy.

In between your studies, you can connect to the rest of Scotland and major cities in the UK via train or coach and Edinburgh Airport connects to cities across the UK, Europe and internationally. A frequent bus service runs from the Edinburgh Campus into the city centre, and it's free for those under 22. Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns are a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can spend hours walking the streets of this compact city and find something new at every turn.

The award-winning Careers Service provides lifelong support to students and graduates, including looking for job or placement opportunities, writing CVs and job applications, preparing for interviews as well as general career advice. They also host one of the largest Careers Fairs in the whole of Scotland, where students get to meet potential future employers.

Cost of Living

Living costs  

We estimate that you will need around £12,00 a year to meet living costs. We have helpful estimated budgets on our website that give you an idea of how much you might need depending on whether you are living on or off campus.  

Accomodation
$16,540
Food
$3,280
Transport
$960
Utilities
$4,620

Tuition fees

Overall Tuition Fees
Domestic
9,535 GBP
International
20,000 GBP

Many students fund their studies through loans and some secure scholarships or bursaries. Taking on a financial commitment can be a big step but with careful research and planning, university study can be a rewarding choice.   

Tuition fees

Tuition fees will vary depending on your programme of choice and where you come from. You can find fees information on the programme listings on our website.   

Don’t forget that there may be other costs associated with your programme, such as books, travel or study equipment.   

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and other scholarships to support ambitious students who demonstrate academic potential. We awarded £1.25 million in merit-based scholarships to fee-paying international students in 2023/24. The amount you can get will vary depending on your programme and where you are from. Our website will give you the most up-to-date opportunities.

Part-time work

Part-time work is a great way to support your studies and it can help you develop new skills, boost your CV and increase your employability. It’s also a good way to meet new people and build networks. You can find work yourself, get support from our Careers Service or use the Unitemps office if you’re studying at our Edinburgh Campus.   

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

Rankings & Ratings

Heriot-Watt University is one of the top public universities in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. It is ranked #=287 in QS World University Rankings 2026.

QS World University Rankings

  • 2012
    #388
  • 2014
    #369
  • 2015
    #=352
  • 2016
    #318
  • 2017
    #=327
  • 2018
    #312
  • 2019
    #=302
  • 2020
    #314
  • 2021
    #301
  • 2022
    #=270
  • 2023
    #=281
  • 2024
    #235
  • 2025
    #=256
  • 2026
    #=287

QS World University Rankings

  • 2012
    #388
  • 2014
    #369
  • 2015
    #=352
  • 2016
    #318
  • 2017
    #=327
  • 2018
    #312
  • 2019
    #=302
  • 2020
    #314
  • 2021
    #301
  • 2022
    #=270
  • 2023
    #=281
  • 2024
    #235
  • 2025
    #=256
  • 2026
    #=287

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Frequently Asked Questions

Heriot-Watt specialises in business, science, technology, engineering, and design, with career-focused degrees that allow its graduates to make a real impact on the world and society. The University has strong links to industry and an award-winning careers service who provide lifelong support to students, which is why its graduates are highly employable.  

As a global research-led university, Heriot-Watt has five campuses located in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia. Students are encouraged to join the wide range of events, clubs, and societies to feel part of this global community.  

Many Heriot-Watt graduates progress into leading roles around the world, delivering a positive influence on communities and affecting change. Heriot-Watt is ranked 1st in Scotland and joint 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). This is thanks to the career-focused degrees and the lifetime support that you receive from the Careers Service.  

Whilst most Heriot-Watt graduates are successful in securing professional roles in organisations ranging from large global multinationals to SMEs, studying at Heriot-Watt also opens opportunities for entrepreneurial graduates to start their own business.   

The University has a distinguished history in enterprise and entrepreneurship with a range of academic programmes and key links with industry. This unique learning experience gives students real-life insight into how modern business works and equips them with the confidence, knowledge and experience required to succeed.  

Heriot-Watt University advanced Public Very High 13 yes 20000 4265 M 730