Postgraduate students
You’re so close to starting your postgraduate degree at Heriot-Watt. We’re here to support you at each step of the way.
If you are set to start in January, please enrol online now using the Student Self Service . Your induction takes place 6 to 10 January 2025 and this starts with Kick-Start Your Success so please make sure you complete the online registration form .
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Campus accommodation open to applications | 3 March 2025 |
| Campus accommodation deadline | 23 June 2025 |
| Enrolment open | June 2025 |
| Arrivals Weekend for campus accommodation | 30-31 August 2025 |
| Welcome Week | 1-5 September 2025 |
| First day of semester | 8 September 2025 |
Get ready for postgraduate study
Tech and getting connected
Visit the enrolment page for guidance on how to enrol as a student and in your classes. Your academics and support staff will outline any other tech that you need to know about during Welcome Week.
MyHWU is your student portal which you can access from the website or app – we recommend the app so that your key resources are all easy to access.
You will need a laptop or tablet during your studies. We have a laptop loan scheme if you require this.
Campus facilities
Public transport and getting around
Edinburgh
Bus
Buses run from campus to the city centre every 10 minutes. There are also cycle routes to the city centre and bike storage on campus.
Car
Students with cars can either utilise the Hermiston Park & Ride or park on campus.
Scottish Borders
Buses to the town centre do stop near campus, or walking in can take 30-45 minutes. There’s a car park on campus which is shared with Borders College.
Orkney
The easiest way to get around is by car and there is parking near campus.
Accommodation
For international students
Pre-arrival checklist
Visit our Living in the UK page to learn about banking, healthcare, working in the UK, and access a checklist so you can avoid any issues or delays when you arrive.
Visas and immigration
Check if you will need a visa to study in Scotland. If you’re studying here for up to 6 months you may not need a visa, but you will likely need Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Our visa advice and compliance team have put together guidance on visa requirements.
Travelling with an eVisa
Access up to date travel information from the UK Government.
If for any reason your airline is unable to check your permission to travel (your eVisa) or you have been unable to access your eVisa, you can ask them to contact the UK Border Force Carrier Support Hub.
Alternatively, if you are unable to demonstrate your permission to travel to your airline, you can call the passenger support helpline on 0800 876 6921 at any time. Calls are free of charge. If you cannot call UK 0800 numbers, use +44 203 337 0927. You may have to pay - check with your phone provider. This service cannot help with general visa advice or technical issues. You can contact UKVI for questions about your eVisa, UKVI account or sharing your immigration status.
Students should also check their immigration permission is correct before travelling and if there are problems this UKVI page gives advice on what they can do.
Flights and arrival
If you’re arriving by plane, we recommend flying to Edinburgh Airport as its only 30 minutes to the Edinburgh campus and 1 hour to the Scottish Borders campus. Staff and students from the University will be at Edinburgh Airport 30-31 August to greet you and help you find the best way to campus.
Cultural integration
As a new international student, you'll be joining one of the largest international student cohorts at a Scottish university.
There are opportunities to socialise with those from specific cultures and countries through student societies, events and our Chaplaincy. There will also be an international student welcome event in your first week so you can meet peers and get advice from our friendly teams to help you settle in.
What to expect during Welcome Week
Induction takes place during Welcome Week, 1 to 5 September 2025, and is an organised programme of welcome and introductory activities you will participate in as a new student joining a particular programme of study. It is mandatory as we want to ensure you are connected, clear on expectations, and have had a chance to meet your lectures and fellow students before teaching starts.
There will also be a range of social activities during the daytime and evening that are free and open for all students, whether they live on campus or commute. This will include some postgraduate-only events. They will be listed on the student events calendar and on Canvas.
Watt Welcome Fair
Watt Welcome Fair is the main event of the week, where you’ll find all student societies, sports clubs and University services under one roof. Watch the highlights video from last year.
Getting prepared for your first few weeks
Example timetable
Use the timetable explorer to check your classes.
Student Union
Discover the 60+ student-led societies, events and opportunities to engage with your Student Union.
Sports Union
Learn about the 30+ sports clubs available to you regardless of your sporting ability.
Oriam
Scotland's national performance centre for sport based on the Edinburgh Campus.
Residence Life
Our Residence Life team is here to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of all resident students living on the Heriot-Watt campus.
Part-time work
There are a host of part-time, term-times roles available on campus. We’d advise signing up to Unitemps and checking out the roles in the Student Union.
Preparing for your studies
Check out the tips and resources available to help you manage your studies.
Develop your skills
Our friendly teams in the library and Careers Service host workshops, events and drop-ins to develop different skills. There are online resources on the Skills Hub.
Your support services
Named contact
Your Personal Tutor or Student Advisor will be there throughout your whole student journey.
Student Success Advisors
Get support from the team of recent Heriot-Watt graduates.
Chaplaincy
Open to all students regardless of their faith.
Disability service
The disability service provides you with advice and guidance and assess support needs.
Counselling
Access support and information to help you deal with difficulties you may face.
Visa advice
Get support in applying for a student visa and any other student immigration queries.
Student Wellbeing Services
Access a wide range of support, guidance and activities to help with your wellbeing.
Student Service Centre
Located on the Edinburgh campus, the centre offers drop-in and bookable appointments to help with with enrolment, issuing of ID cards, support with student finance, visa advice, and more.