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Clearing information for International Students

Key dates for 2025

  • 15 May – Clearing Priority Pass goes live
  • 5 July – Clearing applications open
  • 14 August – A-Level results day and our Clearing phone line opens
  • 20 October – Clearing applications close

Join a global community

Heriot-Watt University is a global institution. We have an international reputation, five global campuses, and a global community with over 27,000 students and alumni network of over 166,000.

Where is Heriot-Watt?

Our campus is six miles from Edinburgh city centre and buses take just 30 minutes, stopping outside our main entrance. It's easy to get to the city and there is a night bus service, so you have a safe route home if you're out late. Buses are free too – students under 22 can apply to the free bus travel scheme that covers all of Scotland.

Edinburgh is a very well-connected city so you can travel by plane, direct train or coach to most UK cities. Use our travel page to plan your journey.

Could Heriot-Watt be the place for you?

Explore Heriot-Watt through a virtual tour of our campuses.

3 Year honours degree option

Degrees in Scotland typically take four years and include a broader range of study, allowing you to choose more elective modules, take time to gain work experience and study abroad.

Advantages of completing your degree in three years include lower overall cost (one less year of tuition fees and accommodation funding) and you get to enter the job market at the same time as if you studied in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Plus, you get to enjoy all of the same perks as those joining Heriot-Watt in first year, including Welcome Week and Freshers events, and introduction to your Personal Tutor.

You may be eligible for our International Merit Scholarship too if you are coming from overseas.

Entry into the 3 Year honours degree is subject to entry requirements. Should you not meet the requirements, we will automatically consider you for first year and foundation entry levels.

Reasons to choose Heriot-Watt University

1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for employability (Graduate Outcomes, 2024)

You’ll also have lifelong access to our award winning careers service.

Top 2 best city for students (QS Best Cities, 2025)

A vibrant nightlife, eclectic food scene, designer retailers, beaches, mountains and plenty of green space – Edinburgh has it all.

Guaranteed accommodation

Stay on campus in modern and comfortable student rooms – all bills included.

A safe and green campus

Study and live on 380 acres of parkland campus all within walking distance of teaching buildings, sports facilities and our Student Union.

Information for International students

Visas and immigration

Classes begin on 8 September 2025. Find out how to apply for a variety of visas and get help with visa and passport issues.

Adjusting to life in the UK

Moving to Scotland is exciting but we understand that this will be a big transition for you. Read the advice from our team and current students on adjusting to life in a different culture.

Living in the UK

Learn more about living in the UK, including accessing healthcare and practical advice for students with families.

Chat to a student

Got a question about a course or student life at Heriot-Watt University? Send a message to one of our friendly student ambassadors.

Virtual tour

Take a virtual tour of our Edinburgh or Scottish Borders Campuses.

Foundation programme

An alternative and supportive route into our undergraduate programmes. Study a one-year foundation programme and gain direct entry into second year of your chosen undergraduate degree.