Skip to content
Admission Mantra
Flag of United KingdomHeriot-Watt University logo

Heriot-Watt University

Edinburgh, United Kingdom · Public · Est. 1821

Updated 28 Oct 2026

Talk to our counsellorCall usOfficial website (opens in a new tab)

Established

1821

Type

Public

Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

QS World University Rankings 2027

325 in the world (36th in the UK)

About the university

Heriot-Watt University began in 1821 as the Edinburgh School of Arts, often described as the world's first mechanics institute. It became Heriot-Watt College in 1885 and a university in 1966. Today it teaches around 27,000 students from 154 countries across Scotland, Dubai, Malaysia and online.

The university is known for engineering, computing, business and applied science, with strong links to industry. It hosts the National Robotarium and the Lyell Centre, and its Edinburgh Business School is well known for business and finance courses.

Indian students mostly look at its one-year master's courses in data science, artificial intelligence, cyber security, business analytics, project management and engineering. Many of these start in January as well as September, and Heriot-Watt runs merit scholarships for Indian applicants through a dedicated regional team.

The main campus sits in 380 acres of parkland at Riccarton, about six miles from Edinburgh city centre and around 10 minutes by taxi from Edinburgh Airport. Edinburgh is Scotland's capital, with a large student population and good transport links to the rest of the UK.

Roots
Founded in 1821 as the Edinburgh School of Arts; Heriot-Watt College from 1885; university status by Royal Charter in 1966
Type
Public university with its main campus at Riccarton, on the edge of Edinburgh
Total students
Around 27,000 students from 154 countries across all campuses and online (university figure)
Campuses
Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney in Scotland, plus Dubai and Malaysia
Intakes
September for all courses; many master's courses also start in January
Graduate outcomes
Almost 90% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024, quoted by the university)

Rankings

  • QS World University Rankings 2027

    325 in the world (36th in the UK)

  • Guardian University Guide (UK) 2027

    29th in the UK

  • Complete University Guide (UK) 2027

    31st of 130 UK universities

  • THE World University Rankings 2027

    Joint 41st in the UK (as quoted by the university)

Popular courses with Indian students

View all 20 courses with filters

Fees for international students

Course fees
CourseDurationFee / year (GBP)Approx. in rupees
MSc Data Science1 year (full time)£27,080≈ ₹33 lakh
MSc Artificial Intelligence1 year (full time)£27,080≈ ₹33 lakh
MSc Business Analytics and Consultancy1 year (full time)£25,704≈ ₹31.4 lakh
MSc Applied Cyber Security1 year (full time)£27,080≈ ₹33 lakh
MSc Software Engineering1 year (full time)£27,080≈ ₹33 lakh
MSc International Business Management1 year (full time)£25,704≈ ₹31.4 lakh
MSc Project Management1 year (full time)£25,704≈ ₹31.4 lakh
MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management1 year (full time)£29,824≈ ₹36.4 lakh

Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.

Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Heriot-Watt University with similar universities in the UK.

Talk to our counsellorCall us

Scholarships

  • Undergraduate and taught postgraduate, January or September 2027 start

    International Merit Scholarship

    Value: Varies by region; usually a partial fee reduction for the first year

    Eligibility: International (non-EU) fee-paying students living overseas, on full-time campus courses. Indian applicants contact the India, Nepal and Sri Lanka regional team. Only one Heriot-Watt scholarship per student.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Taught postgraduate, January 2027 start

    Diwali Community Scholarship

    Value: £2,000 (fees up to £23,000), £4,000 (fees £23,000–£26,000) or £5,000 (fees over £26,000)

    Eligibility: International students who submit a complete application between 2 and 27 November 2026 and receive an offer. Cannot be combined with the merit scholarship.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Taught postgraduate

    Academic Excellence Scholarship (MSc Data Science)

    Value: £2,000 off tuition fees

    Eligibility: Applicants to MSc Data Science judged to have met the highest academic criteria.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Taught postgraduate

    Alumni Discount Scheme

    Value: 20% off tuition fees

    Eligibility: Heriot-Watt graduates who studied on campus for at least one year, and former study abroad students.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

  • Most undergraduate courses ask for Class XII with an overall average of at least 70%.
  • Computing and design courses ask for at least 65% in Class XII; actuarial science and statistics ask for 75% overall and 80% in maths.
  • Foundation entry is possible with Class XII at 55% or above (or Standard 10 + 1 at 70%).
  • Scottish honours degrees usually take four years; some courses offer a three-year honours option.

Postgraduate

  • A bachelor's degree of at least three years with a final average of 60% is treated as a UK 2:1; 55% is treated as a 2:2.
  • Most master's courses on this page ask for a 2:2; some, such as Robotics, Actuarial Science and Advanced Mechanical Engineering, ask for a 2:1.
  • Vocational degrees are not accepted, and general degrees are accepted only for some courses.

Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Degree certificate and transcripts
  • Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
  • English test score or other accepted evidence
  • Personal statement
  • References and CV where the course asks for them

Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.

Talk to our counsellorCall us

English language requirements

English requirements
Test or routeTypical requirement
IELTS Academic6.0 with no score below 5.5 for most master's and undergraduate courses; non-STEM master's need 6.0 in writing; actuarial courses need 6.5 with no score below 6.0.
PTE Academic63 overall (minimum 59) for STEM master's courses; non-STEM master's also need 63 in writing.
TOEFL iBT79 (Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 21) for master's courses; for tests from 21 January 2026, 4 overall with writing at 4.5.
Duolingo English Test120 overall with 110 in each part for master's courses; 100 with 100 in each part for undergraduate.
Class 12 English68% in Class XII English from CBSE, CISCE or a recognised state board (not NIOS, Punjab or Haryana boards), taken within the last five years.

Accommodation and living costs

Postgraduates at the Edinburgh campus can live in university halls on a 50-week contract from 4 September 2027. Rent includes internet, scheduled heating, power, contents insurance and 24/7 support. Rooms for January starters are limited and not guaranteed. Prices below are 2027/28 weekly rates.

Accommodation and living costs
ItemIn GBPApprox. in rupees
Traditional non en suite room (50 weeks)£8,050 for the tenancy£161per week≈ ₹19,642
Traditional en suite room (50 weeks)£9,800 for the tenancy£196per week≈ ₹23,912
Contemporary en suite room in a flat (50 weeks)£11,550 for the tenancy£231per week≈ ₹28,182
Studio (traditional or contemporary, 50 weeks)£14,000 to £15,050 for the tenancy£280–301per week≈ ₹34,160 – ₹36,722

Campus and location

The Edinburgh campus at Riccarton is set in 380 acres of parkland, with teaching buildings, halls and sports facilities on one site.

  • Home to Oriam, Scotland's national sports performance centre, with discounted student membership.
  • The National Robotarium and the Lyell Centre (with the British Geological Survey) are on the Edinburgh campus.
  • Edinburgh Business School teaches business, finance and management courses.
  • Other campuses in the Scottish Borders (textiles and design), Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia.

Careers and graduate outcomes

Heriot-Watt designs many courses with industry input, and several are professionally accredited, such as MSc Data Science (BCS). After graduating you can apply for the UK Graduate visa; see our UK guide for the current rules.

Graduate outcomes
WhatFigureSource
Graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduatingAlmost 90%Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024, quoted by Heriot-Watt

Studying in the UK

Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in the UK. Our country guide covers them in detail:

Other universities in the UK

Compare all universities in the UK

FAQs

How much is a master's at Heriot-Watt?

For September 2027 entry, most master's courses on this page cost £25,704 to £27,080 a year for international students. Engineering courses such as Robotics and Advanced Mechanical Engineering cost £29,824, and finance courses £22,528.

Can I start in January?

Yes. Many master's courses, including Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Project Management, start in January as well as September. Check each course page, as some courses start only in September.

Is IELTS needed if I studied English in Class 12?

Heriot-Watt accepts 68% in Class XII English from CBSE, CISCE or a recognised state board (not NIOS, Punjab or Haryana boards), taken within the last five years. It does not accept this for every route, so confirm with admissions.

What scholarships are there for Indian students?

The International Merit Scholarship is handled by the India, Nepal and Sri Lanka regional team, and the Diwali Community Scholarship gives £2,000 to £5,000 for January 2027 master's applicants who apply between 2 and 27 November 2026. Only one Heriot-Watt scholarship can be held.

Is the campus in Edinburgh city centre?

No. The main campus is at Riccarton, about six miles from the city centre. The number 25 Lothian bus runs from Princes Street to campus in about 30 minutes.

Sources

  1. Heriot-Watt University: our rankings (opens in a new tab)
  2. Heriot-Watt University: about the university (opens in a new tab)
  3. Heriot-Watt University: our history (opens in a new tab)
  4. Heriot-Watt University: Edinburgh campus (opens in a new tab)
  5. Heriot-Watt University: MSc Data Science (opens in a new tab)
  6. Heriot-Watt University: BSc (Hons) Computer Science (opens in a new tab)
  7. Heriot-Watt University: information for your country (opens in a new tab)
  8. Heriot-Watt University: English language requirements (opens in a new tab)
  9. Heriot-Watt University: International Merit Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
  10. Heriot-Watt University: Diwali Community Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
  11. Heriot-Watt University: postgraduate accommodation (Edinburgh) (opens in a new tab)
  12. Complete University Guide 2027 league table (opens in a new tab)

Official website: www.hw.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)

Check the latest details

We researched this page on 28 Oct 2026. Fees, entry requirements and scholarships change every year, so confirm them on the university's website before you apply. Listing a university doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents it.

Talk to our counsellor

Ask about courses, fees, scholarships and your eligibility for Heriot-Watt University.

IELTS / PTE status
Best way to reach you

#YouInspireUs

Stories from our students and parents

#StudyAbroadSample
ft. Student nameMSc Data Science · United Kingdom

#1 Student name

MSc Data Science, United Kingdom · Study Abroad

Sample text. A short story in the student's own words: how the counsellor helped them shortlist universities, understand the full cost and prepare their visa file.

Design preview: sample cards show where real stories will appear. They are replaced by real students' stories (with written consent) before launch.

All student stories