Current International Students

If your first language is not English, it is important that you gain an acceptable English language qualification before joining one of our courses. We offer a range of flexible, student-centred, innovative courses for students preparing to study undergraduate or postgraduate degrees and for professional teachers and interpreters. The courses are delivered by our School of Management and Languages.

International students i.e. non-EU students, are asked to complete a detailed form which enables us to assess the fees payable by them. The fees payable by international students i.e. their 'fee status' are higher than those payable by a UK or EU national. The form enables the University to assess whether the student has a 'relevant connection' to the UK which might positively influence their fee status. Guidance notes are available to clarify the procedure.

Overseas students who need to extend their visa or wish to invite their spouse to join them in the UK can seek advice from the Heriot-Watt International Student's Advice Office. Forms and advice are available to assist you with your arrangements.

Guidance and support for international students is provided by our International Students Advice Office (ISAO). They can help you with practical advice such as setting up a UK bank account, driving in the UK, registering with the police for visa renewal, local travel arrangements, the details of embassies and consulates in Edinburgh and much more. The International Student Guide also provides much of the information that you will need.

This Guide is intended to help you with your preparations for coming to Heriot-Watt and also contains lots of information which you will find useful during your time with us. Leaving home to study in a different country is an exciting experience but we appreciate that you may also be feeling a little anxious or apprehensive. As you will see when looking through the Guide, there is a whole team of people here at Heriot-Watt who will be very pleased to help you with any questions or difficulties that you might encounter either before you come here, or once you arrive.

The staff in our International Students Advice Office (ISAO) are on hand to help you make the transition to life in a new country. They can help you with practical advice such as setting up a UK bank account, driving in the UK, registering with the police for visa renewal, local travel arrangements, the details of embassies and consulates in Edinburgh and much more. The International Student Guide also provides much of the information that you will need.

Heriot-Watt University's online payments facility is available so that fees and International Deposits for postgraduate students can be paid quickly and efficiently by credit or debit card.

The International Student Advisors Office (ISAO) manages the Socrates/Erasmus Programme and non-Socrates Exchange Programmes for the University. Heriot-Watt students wishing to avail of the opportunity to exchange with another university should consult the information and guidance produced by the ISAO or contact them to discuss your options.