Heriot-Watt University : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | Top Universities
university logo

Heriot-Watt Universitylink white

Location

Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, Edinburgh United Kingdom

Ranking

# =287QS World University Rankings

PGicon

244Undergrad. & Postgrad. Programmes

International

42 % International students

register interest

About Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University is valued for its pioneering research, informed by the global needs of business and industry. With a rich heritage stretching back to 1821, they are a truly global university bringing together scholars who are leaders in ideas and...
Read more

About Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University is valued for its pioneering research, informed by the global needs of business and industry. With a rich heritage stretching back to 1821, they are a truly global university bringing together scholars who are leaders in ideas and...
Read more

Brochures

Available programmes

+1 More Subject

+1 More Subject

University information

Visit our website to find out what you need to apply for foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate and postgraduate research programmes at the Edinburgh, Scottish Borders or Orkney campuses and how to complete your online application. You can also apply for Academic English programmes at the Edinburgh Campus to help you kickstart your studies with us.

General

3+
590+
30+
1400+
27+
169+
50+
78+
6+

Oriam

The Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre. Whether it's an occasional visit to the gym or a daily squash game, Heriot-Watt can accommodate and help develop all levels of sporting ambition.  

Oriam is recognised as one of the best university sports centres in the UK. Facilities include sports halls, playing pitches, squash courts, gyms and...
Read more

10,223
69%
31%
4,265
42%
58%
812
49%
51%

Student life

Set in 380 acres of beautiful parkland, opt to study at the Edinburgh Campus and you'll find a wide variety of programmes and specialist facilities designed to help you reach your full potential.  

Around 10,000 students are based on the Edinburgh Campus, creating a lively environment for studying and socialising. It is designed to help you work and play and is full of high...
Read more

The award-winning Careers Service provides lifelong support to students and graduates, including looking for job or placement opportunities, writing CVs and job applications, preparing for interviews as well as general career advice. They also host one of the largest Careers Fairs in the whole of Scotland, where students get to meet potential future employers.

Cost of Living

Living costs  

We estimate that you will need around £12,00 a year to meet living costs. We have helpful estimated budgets on our website that give you an idea of how much you might need depending on whether you are living on or off campus.  

Accomodation
$9,920
Food
$3,280
Transport
$960
Utilities
$4,620

Tuition fees

Overall Tuition Fees
Domestic
9,535 GBP
International
20,000 GBP

Many students fund their studies through loans and some secure scholarships or bursaries. Taking on a financial commitment can be a big step but with careful research and planning, university study can be a rewarding choice.   

Tuition fees

Tuition fees will vary depending on your programme of choice and where you come from. You can find fees information on the programme listings on our website.   

Don’t forget that there may be other costs associated with your programme, such as books, travel or study equipment.   

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and other scholarships to support ambitious students who demonstrate academic potential. We awarded £1.25 million in merit-based scholarships to fee-paying international students in 2023/24. The amount you can get will vary depending on your programme and where you are from. Our website will give you the most up-to-date opportunities.

Part-time work

Part-time work is a great way to support your studies and it can help you develop new skills, boost your CV and increase your employability. It’s also a good way to meet new people and build networks. You can find work yourself, get support from our Careers Service or use the Unitemps office if you’re studying at our Edinburgh Campus.   

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

Employability

The award-winning Careers Service provides lifelong support to students and graduates, including looking for job or placement opportunities, writing CVs and job applications, preparing for interviews as well as general career advice. They also host one of the largest Careers Fairs in the whole of Scotland, where students get to meet potential future employers.

Rankings & Ratings

Heriot-Watt University is one of the top public universities in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. It is ranked #=287 in QS World University Rankings 2026.

Created with Highcharts 9.1.02015201720192021202320251100200300400500
  • 2012
    #388
  • 2014
    #369
  • 2015
    #=352
  • 2016
    #318
  • 2017
    #=327
  • 2018
    #312
  • 2019
    #=302
  • 2020
    #314
  • 2021
    #301
  • 2022
    #=270
  • 2023
    #=281
  • 2024
    #235
  • 2025
    #=256
  • 2026
    #=287

Ranking criteria

Overall
46.8
Academic Reputation
25.7
Citations per Faculty
61.8
Employment Outcomes
37
Employer Reputation
34.8
Faculty Student Ratio
27.3
International Faculty Ratio
100
International Research Network
75.7
International Student Diversity
97.2
International Student Ratio
97
Sustainability
77.2

QS World University Rankings

  • 2012
    #388
  • 2014
    #369
  • 2015
    #=352
  • 2016
    #318
  • 2017
    #=327
  • 2018
    #312
  • 2019
    #=302
  • 2020
    #314
  • 2021
    #301
  • 2022
    #=270
  • 2023
    #=281
  • 2024
    #235
  • 2025
    #=256
  • 2026
    #=287

Videos & media

Videos & media

media_view_gallery View Gallery

Campus locations

Main Campus

campus image

Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh Campus

Riccarton

Edinburgh

GB

EH14 4AS

Open in Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

Heriot-Watt specialises in business, science, technology, engineering, and design, with career-focused degrees that allow its graduates to make a real impact on the world and society. The University has strong links to industry and an award-winning careers service who provide lifelong support to students, which is why its graduates are highly employable.  

As a global research-led university, Heriot-Watt has five campuses located in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia. Students are encouraged to join the wide range of events, clubs, and societies to feel part of this global community.  

Many Heriot-Watt graduates progress into leading roles around the world, delivering a positive influence on communities and affecting change. Heriot-Watt is ranked 1st in Scotland and joint 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). This is thanks to the career-focused degrees and the lifetime support that you receive from the Careers Service.  

Whilst most Heriot-Watt graduates are successful in securing professional roles in organisations ranging from large global multinationals to SMEs, studying at Heriot-Watt also opens opportunities for entrepreneurial graduates to start their own business.   

The University has a distinguished history in enterprise and entrepreneurship with a range of academic programmes and key links with industry. This unique learning experience gives students real-life insight into how modern business works and equips them with the confidence, knowledge and experience required to succeed.  

Heriot-Watt University advanced Public Very High 13 yes 20000 4265 M 730