Undergraduate International Students

The accommodation service allocates places on campus. There are approximately 4,500 students studying at Heriot-Watt's Edinburgh campus and just over 1800 residential places are available. The majority of these places are allocated to new students. This site holds information on our accommodation options and charges, our policy for allocating accommodation, and our procedures for applying. A useful guide on visitor accommodation is also accessible here.

If your first language is not English, it is important that you gain an acceptable English language qualification before joining one of our undergraduate courses. To guide you in this, we have listed some acceptable qualifications and grades. There may be some variations, so please do check with your relevant Admissions Tutor prior to application. If you possess a qualification that is not listed, please contact the International Recruitment Office for further clarification.

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.

Do you have questions about undergraduate study at Heriot-Watt University? Are you looking for information about entry requirements, admissions, accommodation or facilities? Try our Frequently Asked Questions page.

A range of scholarships are available to ease the financial strain on students qualifying for such an award. Applicants should refer to the School of their choice for information on the scholarships or financial support available.

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.

Edinburgh, the second largest city in Scotland, has been the capital since 1437 and is now once again the seat of the Scottish Parliament. The city is dominated by Edinburgh Castle, perched atop an extinct volcanic crag, and the long sweep of the Old Town trailing after it along the ridge and was one of the major centres of the Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century. Edinburgh is well known for the annual Edinburgh Festival, the largest performing arts festival in the world and for its New Year celebrations, which include the largest street party in Europe.

Heriot-Watt is the perfect foundation on which to build a successful career. We are a university for business and industry at the forefront of research and teaching innovation. Often referred to as Scotland's international university, one in three of our on-campus students come from outside the UK and there are over 10,000 students studying Heriot-Watt programmes in their own countries.

You should apply electronically through the UCAS website. All applications are carefully considered by an Admissions Tutor and the offers procedure is explained. Guidance for completing the UCAS application is included here and the closing dates for completed applications. An interview or visit may be necessary in certain cases.

We are acutely aware that you have made a decision to invest in your future. In return you will want a first-class educational experience that equips you for life and your career. Heriot-Watt is firmly focused on this outcome, which is why employers actively seek out our graduates. The percentage of our students who go into full-time degree-related employment is higher than the national average and our graduates have a superb record of achievement in their chosen fields. Our alumni would acknowledge the positive contribution Heriot-Watt has made to their success. Why not let us do the same for you?

You can request a printed Heriot-Watt Undergraduate Prospectus. Simply enter your contact details in the online form attached, indicating your areas of interest and one will be posted to you.

Heriot-Watt has around 7,000 on-campus students in Scotland, more than a quarter of whom are from outside the UK. This international focus creates a very cosmopolitan environment - approximately 10,000 students from 150 countries world-wide are currently studying on international programmes. We welcome students from a variety of routes and consistently perform above the UK average for graduate recruitment.

The International Student Advisors Office manages the Socrates/Erasmus Programme and non-Socrates Exchange Programmes for the University. If your current university has an exchange agreement with Heriot-Watt University (and the agreement covers your subject area) you can ask them to nominate you for an exchange placement. Your International Office should send your nomination with your completed application form. We cannot accept application forms from students who have not been officially nominated by their University.

The International Study Centre (ISC) offers students the best preparation for our undergraduate degrees, leading directly into the second year of study. The Undergraduate Certificate combines academic modules, study skills and English language training. The ISC's expert Student Enrolment Advisors speak many languages and will help you with every stage of the admission process.

Information regarding tuition fee levels and an estimate of living expenses are available here and further details are available from our International Recruitment Office. As a single international undergraduate student, you will be guaranteed a room in one of the University's halls of residence or flats. This requires you to have an unconditional offer from the University and to apply for a room by 1 September in the year of entry.

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.

Scotland is a small and friendly northern European country of around 5 million people. We are part of the United Kingdom, but we have our own devolved parliament based in the capital, Edinburgh, and our own very distinctive culture. From majestic glens and tranquil lochs to exciting concerts and pulsing city night-life, Scotland offers an unrivalled range of things to see and do. As well as being a popular destination for students, Scotland is a fantastic place to live and work.