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

Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, Edinburgh United Kingdom

Ranking

# =256QS 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, we are a truly global university bringing together scholars who are leaders in ideas and solutions delivering innovation, educational excellence and ground-breaking research.  

We are specialists in business, engineering, design and the physical, social and life sciences – subjects which make a real impact on the world and society.

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

Our 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. We have built connected and integrated learning environments close to the vibrant cities of Edinburgh, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur. 

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, we are a truly global university bringing together scholars who are leaders in ideas and solutions delivering innovation, educational excellence and ground-breaking research.  

We are specialists in business, engineering, design and the physical, social and life sciences – subjects which make a real impact on the world and society.

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

Our 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. We have built connected and integrated learning environments close to the vibrant cities of Edinburgh, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur. 

Available programmes

University information

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

General

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At Heriot-Watt University, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with all aspects of your life with us, whether these be academic, personal, technical, financial or social.

Library and Learning Commons

Edinburgh students can expect high quality, technology-enabled study spaces in our Library and Learning Commons areas. The recurrent resources budget ensures easy and plentiful access to textbooks and journals, both online and in paper format. The on-campus library is open 24/7 during semester and exam times, giving you plenty of time to find and use the books, journals and other material.


Oriam

In 2016, our Edinburgh Campus became 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, Scotland's Sports Performance Centre at the Edinburgh Campus 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 new for 2024 we have just 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 new ground-breaking facility to advance our 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.

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Student life

Around 10,500 students are based on our 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.

There are excellent services to ensure you feel fully supported while studying here, including our Student Wellbeing Centre (including counselling and disability services), Global Student Office (international student advice, student funding and Go Global) and Accommodation Office, an award-winning Careers Service, a Health Centre and the Chaplaincy.

In between studying you’ll find the Campus a great place to unwind and relax with so much to do. You can wander the peaceful parkland or access some of Scotland’s state-of-the-art sports facilities at ORIAM, or socialise in our vibrant Student Union, or join one of our many student clubs and societies.

The Careers Service aims to assist Heriot-Watt University students and graduates to make informed career choices by providing a professional, high quality careers guidance and information service for students and recent graduates of Heriot-Watt. We work closely with employers and academic Schools to support students by developing the skills they need to maximise their employability.

Cost of Living

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

Tuition fees

Overall Tuition Fees
Domestic
9,250 GBP
International
20,000 GBP

Rankings & Ratings

Heriot-Watt University is one of the top public universities in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. It is ranked #=256 in QS World University Rankings 2025.

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

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

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Campus locations

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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. A fact recently borne out when the University topped a UK-wide survey that found 15.7% of its graduates transitioned into CEO or MD positions ( Novuna Business Cash Flow, 2023).

 

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