Quick Summary
Based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, Heriot-Watt University is a public with roots dating back to 1821. Ranked #256 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 27000 students including 35% from outside United Kingdom. Known for strengths in Petroleum Engineering, Architecture, Civil Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 80%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Known for world-class engineering, strong industry links, and a unique global campus structure allowing students to study in the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia.
Subject Strengths
Petroleum EngineeringArchitectureCivil EngineeringChemical EngineeringMathematicsActuarial Science
Founded1821
TypePublic
Total Students27000
Intl Students35%
Faculty Ratio17.5
CampusParkland
Campus Size380 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationRoyal Charter, AACSB, Royal Society of Chemistry, Energy Institute
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#256
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#351-400
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#501-600
Academic Ranking
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Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Postgraduate,PhD,Foundation,Graduate Apprenticeships
Programs
PhD in Engineering and Physical Sciences,PhD in Social Sciences,PhD in Mathematical and Computer Sciences,PhD in Textiles and Design
PhD Programs
MSc Business Analytics,Edinburgh Business School MBA,MSc Renewable Energy Engineering
Online Programs
The National Robotarium,The Lyell Centre,Institute of Petroleum Engineering,International Centre for Island Technology
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Royal Charter, AACSB, Royal Society of Chemistry, Energy Institute
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate80%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SAT1200
ACT26
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · June 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 31
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Highlight practical experience and interest in industry-linked projects. For the Edinburgh Business School, emphasis on professional background is beneficial.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in British Pound
UG Tuition
£18,700/yr
per year · GBP
Living Cost
£12,000/yr
per year · GBP
PG Tuition
£20,000/yr
per year · GBP
Application Fee
$35
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
£31,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · GBP
Scholarships AvailableHeriot-Watt Merit Scholarship,Global Selection Scholarship,Chevening Scholarships,Commonwealth Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$3,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Postgraduate,PhD,Foundation,Graduate Apprenticeships programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Actuarial Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| MBA | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Brewing and Distilling | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Robotics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$39,000
Average Salary After Graduation
95%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementYes
Industry Connections
BPShellAmazonLeonardoScottish PowerStandard Life
Notable Alumni
Irvine Welsh,Gary Younge,Adam Crozier,Kyra Phillips
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Oriam: Scotland's Sports Performance Centre,Fitness Suites,Squash Courts,Athletics Tracks
Student Clubs
Watt Club,Heriot-Watt Student Union,Engineering Society,Brewing Society
Library Resources
Cameron Smail Library,Digital Library Access,Special Collections and Archives
Exchange Programs
Go Global,Erasmus+,Inter-campus Transfer Program
Summer Programs
Available