Heriot-Watt University: Acceptance Rate, Courses, Fees, Rankings, Scholarship & More
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Heriot-Watt University (HWU) is a globally recognized institution known for its excellence in engineering, business, and technology education. Established in 1821, it has expanded its presence across the world, with campuses in Edinburgh, Dubai, and Malaysia. The university maintains an acceptance rate of around 60%, ensuring a balance between inclusivity and academic rigor. With a placement rate of approximately 95%, HWU graduates secure jobs with top employers like Scottish Power, Bank of Scotland, and Aviva Insurance. This blog explores HWU’s acceptance rate, courses, fees, rankings, scholarships, and accommodation options for students applying in 2025.
Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 1821 |
| Campus Size | Multiple campuses globally |
| QS World University Ranking (2025) | Ranked #256 globally |
| Campus Locations | Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, Malaysia |
| Placement Rate | Approximately 95% of graduates secure employment or further study within six months |
| Top Recruiters | Scottish Power, Bank of Scotland, Aviva Insurance |
| Popular Courses for International Students | MSc Business Analytics and Consultancy, MSc Data Science, MSc International Business Management |
| English Language Exam Required | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 60% |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | Ranges from £17,000 to £25,000 |
| Website | Heriot-Watt University Official Website |
Heriot-Watt University: Courses, Eligibility, and Fees 2025
Heriot-Watt University (HWU) is a globally recognized institution known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and industry-focused education. With a history dating back to 1821, HWU has established itself as a leader in fields such as Business and Economics, Engineering and Technology, Psychology, Arts and Humanities, Mathematics, and Biological Sciences.
The university is home to over 30,000 students across its campuses in the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, offering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Heriot-Watt University popular courses, eligibility requirements, English language proficiency criteria, and tuition fees:
| Course | Eligibility Criteria | English Language Requirement | Annual Tuition Fee (2025/26) |
| B.E./B.Tech | Completion of Class XII with at least 70% for first-year entry; 80% for second-year entry (not applicable for Computing programs). | IELTS: 6.0 overall (no component below 5.5) PTE Academic: Minimum score of 50 | £17,000 – £26,000 (Approx. INR 17.0 Lakh – INR 26.0 Lakh / AUD 31,000 – AUD 47,500) |
| B.Sc. | Completion of Class XII with a minimum of 70% for first-year entry; 80% for second-year entry. | IELTS: 6.0 overall (no component below 5.5) PTE Academic: Minimum score of 50 | £17,000 – £26,000 (Approx. INR 17.0 Lakh – INR 26.0 Lakh / AUD 31,000 – AUD 47,500) |
| BBA | Completion of Class XII with a minimum of 70% for first-year entry. | IELTS: 6.0 overall (no component below 5.5) PTE Academic: Minimum score of 50 | £17,000 – £21,000 (Approx. INR 17.0 Lakh – INR 21.0 Lakh / AUD 31,000 – AUD 38,500) |
| M.Sc. | A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least 55% marks. | IELTS: 6.5 overall (no component below 6.0) PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58 | £16,000 – £32,000 (Approx. INR 16.0 Lakh – INR 32.0 Lakh / AUD 29,000 – AUD 58,500) |
| MBA/PGDM | A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline; some programs may require work experience. | IELTS: 6.5 overall (no component below 6.0) PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58 | £16,000 – £66,000 (Approx. INR 16.0 Lakh – INR 66.0 Lakh / AUD 29,000 – AUD 120,500) |
| M.Arch | A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a related field. | IELTS: 6.5 overall (no component below 6.0) PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58 | £21,000 (Approx. INR 21.0 Lakh / AUD 38,500) |
Heriot-Watt University Rankings 2025
Heriot-Watt University (HWU) is recognized as a top-ranking institution. In 2025, the university achieved remarkable rankings across various platforms, reflecting its dedication to academic excellence, research impact, and international outlook. The university is particularly renowned for its Engineering, Technology, Business, and Petroleum Engineering programs, which consistently rank among the best in the UK and worldwide. Below are the key details of Heriot-Watt University rankings 2025:
| Ranking Body | Global Rank | National Rank (UK) | National Rank (Scotland) | Subject/Category Highlights |
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | 256th | 32nd | 5th | Top 30 in the UK for Engineering & Technology; 16th globally for Petroleum Engineering |
| Complete University Guide 2025 | – | 42nd | 6th | 6th in the UK for Building; 10th for Town & Country Planning |
| The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 | – | 51st | 8th | 3rd in the UK for Building; Top 10 for Chemical Engineering, Mathematics, and Town & Country Planning |
| Daily Mail University League Table 2025 | – | – | – | 1st in the UK for Economics and Electrical & Electronic Engineering; 2nd for Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering |
| Guardian University Guide 2025 | – | – | – | 9th in the UK for Economics; 1st in Scotland for Construction, Surveying & Planning |
| Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 | Joint 45th | Joint 45th | Joint 7th | 41st globally for International Outlook; 5th in the UK for Industry |
Heriot-Watt University Acceptance Rate 2025
Heriot-Watt University (HWU) has an acceptance rate of approximately 60% which means a moderately selective admission process, ensuring that students admitted are academically prepared and motivated to excel. The university evaluates applications based on academic performance, references, relevant work experience, and skills to select the most suitable candidates.
For most programs, applicants can expect a response within three weeks. International students applying for postgraduate programs are advised to submit their applications at least six months before the program start date. For students applying from the United States, a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required for admission. Below are the key details of Heriot-Watt University acceptance rate 2025:
| Admission Aspect | Details |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 60% |
| Application Response Time | Typically three weeks; may take longer for competitive programs |
| Recommended Application Timeline for International Postgraduates | At least six months before program start date to allow time for visa processing |
| GPA Requirement for U.S. Visiting Students | Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) |
| Specializations | Business, Science, Technology, Engineering, Design, Textiles |
| Campuses | Edinburgh (UK), Dubai (UAE), Malaysia |
| Admission Criteria | Academic performance, references, work experience, skills, and motivation |
| International Qualifications | Accepted; applicants should check country-specific entry requirements |
Heriot-Watt University Scholarships 2025
Heriot-Watt University (HWU) is dedicated to providing financial support to talented and deserving students through a wide range of scholarships and bursaries. The university offers over £6 million in scholarships annually, benefiting more than 400 students across its UK, Dubai, and Malaysia campuses. HWU scholarships cater to undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students, with awards based on academic merit, financial need, and specific subject areas. Some scholarships provide full tuition fee coverage, while others offer partial tuition fee discounts or living stipends. Below are the top scholarships at Heriot-Watt University (HWU):
| Scholarship Name | Award Value | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
| Postgraduate UK Merit Scholarship | 20% tuition fee discount | UK fee status students with a 2:1 undergraduate degree or higher, applying for MSc Real Estate, MSc Brewing & Distilling, or MSc Investment Management | 29 August 2025 |
| Heriot-Watt Widening Access Bursary (Scotland) | £1,000 per year for each year of undergraduate study | New Scottish students from widening participation backgrounds | 4 May 2025 |
| Heriot-Watt Future Shapers Scholarship | 50%, 75%, or 100% tuition fee discount | Candidates aiming for a 2:1 or first-class undergraduate degree, applying for MSc programs in Robotics, Environmental Science, or Renewable Energy | September 2025 entry |
| Postgrad Solutions Bursary | £2,000 | Open to all postgraduate students, regardless of subject choice or study mode | 30 September 2025 |
| Robertson Trust Scholarship | Up to £4,250 per year | Scottish residents aged 16-25, entering their first undergraduate degree, nominated by partner schools or colleges | 4 May 2025 |
| The Heriot-Watt Postgraduate Sport Programmes Scholarship | 20% tuition fee discount and annual Oriam membership | UK fee status students with a 2:1 undergraduate degree, enrolling full-time in MSc International Sports Management or MSc Sports Psychology | 30 August 2025 |
| Engineering Scholars Award (Dubai Campus) | AED 25,000 tuition fee discount | Applicants to specific undergraduate engineering programs, paying the tuition fee deposit by 28 February 2025 | 28 February 2025 |
| Heriot-Watt Alumni Discount (Malaysia Campus) | 20% tuition fee discount | Alumni who studied at any HWU campus for at least one year, enrolling in postgraduate programs at the Malaysia campus | Varies by intake |
Heriot-Watt University Accommodation 2025
Heriot-Watt University (HWU) provides a variety of accommodation options tailored to meet the needs of students from different backgrounds. Whether students prefer the convenience of on-campus housing or the flexibility of off-campus private rentals, the university ensures that all students have access to safe, affordable, and well-equipped housing options. Below are the key details of various accommodations available at Heriot-Watt University (HWU):
On-Campus Accommodation at HWU
HWU’s Edinburgh campus offers approximately 2,000 self-catered, single-occupancy rooms, ensuring students have a comfortable and independent living space. The residences are designed to foster a supportive and community-driven atmosphere, providing easy access to:
- Laundry facilities and bike shelters
- Shared kitchen areas
- Secure 24-hour campus safeguarding
- Support from the Residence Life team
Applications for on-campus accommodation open on 3 March 2025, with priority given to first-year students holding Conditional Firm or Unconditional Firm offers. While the university guarantees housing for eligible first-year students, returning students are not guaranteed on-campus accommodation due to high demand. Below is an estimate of on-campus housing at Heriot-Watt University expenses for the 2025 academic year:
| Room Type | Estimated Cost per Week (GBP) | Estimated Annual Cost (GBP) | Estimated Annual Cost (INR) | Estimated Annual Cost (AUD) |
| Standard Single Room | £120 – £150 | £5,500 – £7,000 | INR 5.5 Lakh – INR 7.0 Lakh | AUD 10,000 – AUD 12,700 |
| En-Suite Single Room | £160 – £190 | £7,000 – £8,500 | INR 7.0 Lakh – INR 8.5 Lakh | AUD 12,700 – AUD 15,400 |
| Studio Apartment | £200 – £250 | £9,000 – £11,000 | INR 9.0 Lakh – INR 11.0 Lakh | AUD 16,300 – AUD 20,000 |
Off-Campus Accommodation at HWU
For students looking for off-campus housing, Heriot-Watt University offers guidance through its Accommodation Office, helping students secure private rental options. Students can choose from a wide range of apartments, shared flats, and private houses in Edinburgh, Dubai, and Malaysia.
While off-campus housing is not directly managed by HWU, students can use university resources to find listings, understand tenancy agreements, and get advice on safe renting practices. The cost of private rentals varies based on location, amenities, and type of accommodation. Below is an estimated cost breakdown for off-campus housing near HWU’s Edinburgh campus:
| Accommodation Type | Estimated Monthly Rent (GBP) | Estimated Annual Rent (GBP) | Estimated Annual Cost (INR) | Estimated Annual Cost (AUD) |
| Shared Apartment (2-3 students) | £400 – £600 | £4,800 – £7,200 | INR 4.8 Lakh – INR 7.2 Lakh | AUD 8,700 – AUD 13,000 |
| Private Studio Apartment | £800 – £1,200 | £9,600 – £14,400 | INR 9.6 Lakh – INR 14.4 Lakh | AUD 17,500 – AUD 26,200 |
| One-Bedroom Apartment | £1,200 – £1,500 | £14,400 – £18,000 | INR 14.4 Lakh – INR 18.0 Lakh | AUD 26,200 – AUD 32,700 |
Conclusion
Heriot-Watt University stands out as a top choice for international students, offering world-class education, strong industry connections, and global learning opportunities. With high-ranking programs in engineering, business, and petroleum studies, students benefit from a research-driven and career-focused education. The university’s scholarships and financial aid make studying at HWU more accessible, while on-campus and off-campus housing options ensure students have a comfortable living environment. If you’re looking for an institution that combines academic excellence with real-world impact, Heriot-Watt University is a fantastic choice for your educational journey in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campuses of Heriot-Watt University located?
HWU has multiple campuses worldwide, including Edinburgh (UK), Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia.
What is the acceptance rate of Heriot-Watt University?
HWU has an acceptance rate of approximately 60%, making it moderately selective.
What is the minimum GPA requirement for U.S. students?
Students applying from the U.S. should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for admission.
What are the tuition fees for international students at HWU?
The annual tuition fees at HWU range from £17,000 – £25,000 (INR 17.0 Lakh – INR 26.0 Lakh / AUD 31,000 – AUD 47,500), depending on the program.
How does Heriot-Watt University rank globally?
In 2025, HWU is ranked:
- #256 globally (QS World University Rankings)
- #32 in the UK
- #5 in Scotland
