Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University traces its origins to 1821, when the School of Arts of Edinburgh was founded as the world's first mechanics' institute, and it was granted university status by Royal Charter in 1966. Its main campus is set in extensive parkland at Riccarton on the western edge of Edinburgh, and the university also has a campus in the Scottish Borders at Galashiels, home to its long-established textiles and fashion provision. Overseas campuses operate in Dubai and Malaysia.

Across its global campuses the university educates around 31,000 students, with close to 10,000 based in Edinburgh. Heriot-Watt is known as a specialist institution with a strong focus on science, engineering, technology and business. It is particularly well regarded for petroleum and energy engineering, actuarial science, civil engineering, and building and construction, and it hosts the Edinburgh Business School, known for its MBA. The university reports that the large majority of its research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021, and it has close links with industry.

Information for International Students

Heriot-Watt University has a highly international community, with about a third of its students coming from outside the UK. As a licensed student sponsor, it issues the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) needed for a Student visa and provides guidance on visa and immigration matters, together with an introductory academic programme that helps new students understand UK academic culture and expectations.

The typical English language requirement is IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5, for most undergraduate programmes, while some subjects, such as actuarial science and interpreting and translation, ask for higher scores. Research degree applicants typically need IELTS 6.5. The university has run BALEAP-accredited pre-sessional English programmes for over 25 years, offered in 6, 10 and 14 week formats, online or on the Edinburgh campus, with entry typically from IELTS 5.0 or 5.5 depending on the course. These programmes are also accepted by several other UK universities. Additional in-sessional support is available through one-to-one academic English tutorials. Graduates may be eligible for the UK Graduate Route.