Clearing information for students from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Key dates for 2025

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

Find out more about how to apply through clearing.

Could Heriot-Watt be the place for you?

Book a guided tour of our Edinburgh campus or arrange a visit of our Scottish Borders campus by emailing studentrecruitment@hw.ac.uk. It’s a great opportunity to explore the campus, the area and chat to academics about subjects you are interested in. You can also take a virtual tour of our campuses.

Funding at a Scottish university

If you're from England, Wales or Northern Ireland the variable tuition fee will be £9,535 per year for our degrees (BA/BSc/MA Honours). This is the same as the fees in many English universities because these fees are regulated by the UK Government.

We also give students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland a £1,500 travel home bursary. This no strings attached bursary means you can visit home anytime during your first year (or spend it on something else). Find all our scholarships and bursaries.

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.

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.

Our foundation programmes

Our alternative pathways are a great option if you do not meet the entry requirements to enter into first year of an undergraduate course through Clearing. After successfully completing the one-year foundation programme, you will gain direct entry into second year of your chosen undergraduate degree without having to apply again. Find out more about our foundation programmes.

Widening Access vacancies for English, Welsh and Northern Irish applicants

At Heriot-Watt University, we’re committed to making university more accessible for students from a wide range of backgrounds. We look at more than just grades to understand your full potential.

As part of our Widening Access work there is additional practical and financial support we can provide through Clearing and once you’re a student with us.

Are you eligible?

To check if you qualify as a widening access student, have a look at our widening access page. If you’re not sure you can please contact us for help and advice – access@hw.ac.uk.

If you are a Widening Access student from Scotland, please find more information here.

Find out why it’s important to declare yourself Widening Access