Applying from outside the UK
Financial requirements
The most common reason for a visa refusal is not meeting the financial requirements. You are required to hold tuition fees and maintenance for a period of 28 days and the University will ask to see your documentation prior to issuing a CAS letter. Please take time to read the information contained in the ‘Financial documentation' section below.
If you are coming to the UK to study a full time programme for six months or more, then you must apply to the Home Office for entry clearance (visa) before leaving your home country. In most cases you will need to obtain a student visa.
Students coming to study for less than six months will also need a student visa if they want the right to work. It is also advisable to apply for a student visa if you still have part of your programme to complete and that programme was longer than six months. If you are coming to study at Heriot-Watt University for 6 months or less then you could apply for a visit visa which allows for study of up to 6 months. If you are a non-visa national you could travel to the UK without applying for a visit visa in advance.
Student Portal
Our Visa Advice & Compliance team are available to answer your enquires through the Student Portal. You can also view information on topics related to international students studying in the UK. If you have a question before you enrol online you can email studywithus@hw.ac.uk.