Edinburgh · Founded 1821
Modern UniversityHeriot-Watt University
A STEM-focused university with a parkland campus at Riccarton on the outskirts of Edinburgh plus campuses in Dubai and Malaysia. Heriot-Watt's actuarial science programme is one of the most accredited in the UK, and its petroleum engineering programme draws students worldwide. The Riccarton campus has on-site accommodation, sports facilities and a loch — it functions almost like a self-contained village.
Rankings
- Guardian
- Top 4031
- Times
- Top 4039
- Student satisfaction
- 78%
Cost of Living
- Rent (halls)
- £800/mo
- Rent (private)
- £640/mo
- Other costs
- £820/mo
Heriot-Watt's campus is in Riccarton, southwest Edinburgh. Private rents near campus are lower than the city centre, and many students live on campus throughout their degree.
Known For
Students
10,500
Location
Edinburgh
SAAS code
H24
Entry requirements for Scottish students
Typical Higher offers for 2026 entry. Always check with Heriot-Watt directly.
Mechanical Engineering (MEng)
Maths + Physics or Engineering Science
5-year integrated
Chemical Engineering (BEng)
Maths + Chemistry required
Actuarial Science
Maths required at A
Computer Science
Maths required at grade B
Architectural Engineering (BEng)
Maths recommended
No standalone Architecture degree at Edinburgh campus
Business
No specific subjects
Entry requirements sourced from Heriot-Watt University prospectus, April 2026. Competitive courses may ask for higher grades.
What it actually costs per month
Realistic monthly budget for a student living in Edinburgh, 2026.
The SAAS gap at Heriot-Watt
- SAAS gives you (max, monthly)
- £950/mo
- Your costs (est.)
- £1,200/mo
Riccarton halls and Currie/Balerno private rentals are noticeably cheaper than central Edinburgh, so the SAAS gap is smaller here than at city-centre universities — typically £50-150 per month.
Calculate your exact SAAS packageSAAS tuition — what you’ll actually pay
If you’re a Scotland-domiciled undergraduate, SAAS pays Heriot-Watt University’s tuition fee (£1,820/year) directly — you pay nothing. The SAAS code is H24.
Open days 2026
Confirmed 2026 open day dates for Heriot-Watt. Always book a place directly via the university website.
26 Sep 2026
Campus
9 Oct 2026
Campus
30 Oct 2026
Campus
7 Nov 2026
Campus
Dates sourced from Heriot-Watt’s official open days page, checked April 2026. Confirm current details before travelling.
Scholarships & bursaries
Verified funding available to Scottish-domiciled students at Heriot-Watt. Always check the university website for current eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Widening Access Bursary
£1,000/yr
Scottish students from widening-access postcodes or care experience
Apply / find out moreDr David McGillivray Bursary
£1,000/yr
Scottish Chemistry students; academic merit and financial need
Apply / find out moreWho is Heriot-Watt best for?
Heriot-Watt is genuinely the best value Scottish university for STEM students who want Edinburgh on their CV without paying the Edinburgh University rent premium. Engineering, actuarial science and petroleum programmes are well-regarded by industry — actuarial in particular is one of the most accredited in the UK and graduates regularly walk into £30k+ trainee roles. The Riccarton campus is parkland and quiet, which works for some students and feels too suburban for others. The bus link to central Edinburgh takes around 30 minutes. Solid, focused, employer-friendly.
Student life at a glance
Students’ union
HWUSA — campus-based, strong sports culture (rugby, football, mountaineering, sailing). Smaller society scene than EUSA but tight community.
Social scene
Riccarton has on-site bars and shops but you’ll head into central Edinburgh most weekends — 30-minute bus or about £25/month for an unlimited Lothian pass.
Graduate prospects
Industry-aligned. Strong recruitment from oil & gas (Aberdeen, the Middle East), insurance and pensions firms (London, Edinburgh), and major civil engineering contractors.
Considering Heriot-Watt? Also look at
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View profileCheaper city, comparable engineering and energy industry links
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Frequently asked questions about Heriot-Watt
What is Heriot-Watt University ranked?
Heriot-Watt University is ranked 31 in the Guardian University Guide and 39 in The Times Good University Guide. Student satisfaction (from the National Student Survey) sits at 78%. Rankings shift annually — always check the latest published tables before relying on a specific position.
How much is student rent at Heriot-Watt University?
Average monthly rent in Edinburgh for Heriot-Watt students is approximately £800 in university halls and £640 in private rented accommodation. Other living costs (food, transport, utilities, social) add roughly £820 per month on top. These are indicative averages — actual costs depend on the specific hall or flat. Always check the university's accommodation pages for the latest prices.
What is Heriot-Watt University known for?
Heriot-Watt University's strongest subject areas include Engineering, Petroleum, Actuarial Science, Built Environment. These are the departments most commonly cited in league tables and by employers. Heriot-Watt also has strong graduate employment in these areas — check the university's own graduate outcomes data for the most current figures.
What type of university is Heriot-Watt University?
Heriot-Watt University is a modern Scottish university with a strong emphasis on applied teaching and research with industry links.
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Browse options →Rankings, rent, and living-cost figures checked April 2026.
Rankings source: Guardian University Guide and The Times Good University Guide. Rent figures are indicative averages from council and university accommodation pages. Entry requirements sourced from Heriot-Watt prospectus 2026 entry. Always confirm current prices and requirements directly with Heriot-Watt. See our editorial policy for how we source and update this data.