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Heriot-Watt University

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Heriot-Watt  heritage dates back to 1821 since when our community of scholars has been developing transformational solutions to specific global problems. 

History

Heriot-Watt University is proud that since its foundation in 1821, they have been outward looking pioneers of education, in pursuit of knowledge to the benefit of society and the world. 

Education

Heriot-Watt University is organised into five academic schools plus the Edinburgh Business School

Research

At Heriot-Watt University, the mission transcends the boundaries between research and enterprise. Heriot-Watt University has created an environment where academia, industry and partners collaborate to shape a future that's sustainable, inclusive and forward-thinking.

Career

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

Heriot-Watt University Key Statistics & Highlights

  • #287 Ranking
  • 29,000 Students
  • 7,000 Students (int'l)
  • Public Institution Type

Heriot-Watt University Overview

Heriot-Watt University Scholarships

Heriot-Watt University Scholarships

Below you will find scholarships related to Heriot-Watt University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.

Complete overview of scholarships

Heriot-Watt University Rankings

Study Portals Meta Ranking

Top 6.8% United Kingdom
Top 5.9% Worldwide

Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.

QS World University Rankings

287

By TopUniversities

Dropped 31 places compared to 2025

QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.

3 year trend QS World University Rankings

2024 2025 2026
235 256 287

World University Rankings

401

By Times Higher Education

The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.

World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.

3 year trend World University Rankings

2024 2025 2026
351 401 401

Academic Ranking of World Universities

701

By Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Climbed 100 places compared to 2024

ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.

3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities

2023 2024 2025
901 801 701

Best Global Universities Rankings

937

By U.S. News & World Report

Dropped 105 places compared to 2025

Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.

3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings

2024 2025 2026
725 832 937

Student services

As a current student of Heriot-Watt you have access to myHWU, the Heriot-Watt student portal, which connects you to everything that students need in order to study, all in one place.

Housing services

  • Jean Muir Student Village

We know how important good quality accommodation is to the student experience. That's why, in 2012, we invested £12 million replacing all of our on-campus accommodation with a state-of-the-art Jean Muir Student Village.

What you'll really notice throughout the new student village is its first-class building design, the fantastic modern furniture, and the amount of communal space for you to study and socialise in.

Library services

Arranged over 4 floors, the Edinburgh Campus Library offers a wide variety of great places to study - whether you want to study alone or in a group, in silence or in quiet discussion, during the day or at the evenings and weekends – all students and staff are welcome to visit.

The library is open 24/7 during semester 1 and 2 and staffed 7 days a week. 

ICT services

Heriot-Watt University provides the eduroam wireless service for staff and students on campus.

Medical services

Student Wellbeing Services aim to provide a range of support, guidance, activities and advice to help students to be their best, and get the most from their university experience.

At the Edinburgh Campus we have a purpose-built health centre housing the University Health Service and Dental Practice, which provides a full range of UK National Health Service (NHS) medical and dental services.

Campus life

The Scottish campuses offer an extensive range of research-informed degree programmes in a global study environment with strong links to business and industry.

The campuses in Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney each offer bespoke facilities and a distinctive learning environment.

Sports facilities

The Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre. This cutting-edge development transforms Heriot-Watt into the training hub for, among others, Scotland's national football and rugby squads. It is housed in a stunning £33 million purpose-built sports facility.

All of our Clubs offer recreational sessions for any member. These sessions are open to everyone and to all abilities. Whether you have played before or completely new to the sport, our clubs offer something for everyone. 

Student clubs

The Heriot-Watt University Student Union is very active and plays a key role in bringing students together through a wide range of student-run clubs and societies. From the Computer Games Society to the Dance Club, we're sure you'll find something that interests you!

Accreditation

Heriot-Watt University was granted University status and degree-awarding powers by Royal Charter in 1966. As an accredited institution, all degree programmes undergo rigorous internal academic approval processes to ensure high academic standards.

Heriot-Watt University offers over 160 accredited programmes across various disciplines, with accreditations from leading professional bodies such as: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Energy Institute, the British Computer Society, and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Heriot-Watt University Campus Locations

#1 Main Campus
United Kingdom Country
Edinburgh City
#2 Branch Campus
United Kingdom Country
Stromness City
#3 Branch Campus
United Kingdom Country
Galashiels City
#4 Branch Campus
Malaysia Country
Putrajaya City
#5 Branch Campus
United Arab Emirates Country
Dubai City

Heriot-Watt University Student Reviews & Awards

4.3

Based on 73 reviews

  • 5 Star
    30 Reviews
  • 4 Star
    35 Reviews
  • 3 Star
    6 Reviews
  • 2 Star
    1 Review
  • 1 Star
    1 Review

How Students Rated This University

  • Overall Satisfaction 4.4
  • Student Teacher Interaction 4.6
  • Student Diversity 4.4
  • Admission Process 4.7
  • Quality of Student Life 4.4
  • Career Development 4.3
5/5

Heriot-Watt University offers a strong learning.

I had such a great experience visiting Heriot-Watt University! The campus is modern and welcoming, and I loved seeing all the facilities they offer for students. What really impressed me was how their programs focus on both academics and real-world skills – you can tell they genuinely prepare students for their careers. The staff were friendly and helpful, making the whole visit enjoyable. I left feeling inspired and excited about the opportunities here. Definitely a university I’d recommend to anyone looking for a practical, supportive, and innovative learning environment.

Posted by Anonymous
Studied from Sep 2024 - Sep 2027
Posted on Mar 2026
5/5

Im motivated to apply and look forward to start

I reviewed this program and university carefully because I am planning to apply and become a student here. After researching the curriculum, teaching approach, and career opportunities, I found that this program matches my academic qnd professional goals very well. What I like most is that the program focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The course structure is clear, up to date, and aligned with current industry requirements. I also appreciate that the university offers flexible learning options and strong academic support, which is important for students who want to balance study with other responsibilitie. In addition, the university has a good reputation and positive feedback from current and fromer students, which increased my confidence in this choice. Based on my research, this program seems well designed to prepare students for real-world challenges and future careers.

Posted by Jamal Salama
Studied from Jan 2026 - Jan 2030
Posted on Jan 2026
3/5

Hoping to study in Scotland

I have not started my study yet. I hope to get funding support so that I will be able to start my studies soon

Posted by Stephen Acquah
Studied from May 2026 - Sep 2027
Posted on Jun 2026
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Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025

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