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

Key Dates

• 13 August – Our Clearing phone line opens for 7 days

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.

Free accommodation for first semester

Designed to help with the cost of starting university, we offer a free semester of accommodation for all undergraduate students from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland beginning their studies in September 2026, saving you over £3,000 (£2,700 if you are studying at our Scottish Borders Campus).

3 Year honours degree option

Scottish degrees usually last four years, offering broader study, more electives, and opportunities for work experience or study abroad.

A three-year degree reduces costs and lets you graduate and enter the job market at the same time as students elsewhere in the UK. You’ll still enjoy full first-year benefits at Heriot-Watt, including Welcome Week, Freshers’ events, and a Personal Tutor.

Entry to the three-year honours degree depends on meeting requirements; if not, you’ll automatically be considered for first-year or foundation entry.

Study in Dubai or Malaysia

As a Heriot-Watt student, you get the opportunity to study your degree at our global campuses in Dubai and Malaysia for a semester, a year, or even longer. Discover new cultures, gain international experience without interrupting your studies, and become a true global citizen. Find out more about Go Global.

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 contact our call centre for advice and guidance on your next steps.

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