Study in the UK
Heriot-Watt is a key institution in a major international city, making an important contribution to Edinburgh's world reputation for education, business and research.
Studying with us will allow you to realise the benefits of living in this world class city while also giving you easy access to all that Scotland has to offer: great hospitality, stunning scenery, and a rich cultural heritage.
On campus you'll find one third of our 9,000 students are from countries outside the UK, bringing a real international flavour to our community. Along with our Scottish students, you will share your academic and social life with people from over 150 countries, giving you a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and build friendships that stretch across the globe.
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Applicants from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan
The UK Government has introduced a temporary restriction - referred to as a visa brake - which prevents nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan from obtaining a Student Visa from outside the UK. This measure was introduced in response to a significant rise in asylum claims from students arriving from these countries.
When does the visa brake take effect?
The visa brake applies to all Student Visa applications submitted outside the UK on or after 26 March 2026. Such applications will be automatically refused.
Which nationalities are affected?
Nationals of:
- Afghanistan
- Cameroon
- Myanmar
- Sudan
Any applicant from these countries applying for a Student Visa from overseas is affected.
Can Heriot-Watt University issue a CAS for affected applicants?
No. We will not issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to support a Student Visa application for nationals of the four affected countries while the visa brake is active. We may be able to issue a CAS to someone already in the UK, but for anyone who would be applying for a student visa from outside the UK, we cannot issue a CAS.
Will I still receive an offer to study?
Yes. Heriot-Watt University will continue to make academic offers to eligible applicants from affected countries.
Your offer remains valid, even though we cannot issue a CAS to study in the UK at this time. Offers to study at our campuses in Dubai or Malaysia or to study online are not affected by the visa brake.
Should I pay my tuition fee deposit?
No. Do not pay your deposit until the visa brake is lifted and we are able to issue a CAS.This is to prevent you from making any financial commitments unnecessarily.
Can I continue working toward my academic or English language conditions?
Yes. We encourage applicants to continue meeting any outstanding academic or English language requirements.
This ensures your offer can progress quickly if and when the visa brake is lifted.
Does the visa brake affect students who are already in the UK?
No. If you are already in the UK on a valid visa and eligible to switch into the Student Route from inside the UK, the visa brake does not apply.
How long will the visa brake last?
The UK Government has stated the measure is temporary, without a confirmed end date. Government impact assessments suggest an initial review period of approximately 18 months, with regular reassessment.
Will submitting a visa application during the brake harm my future applications?
Yes. Any Student Visa application submitted outside the UK on or after 26 March 2026 will be automatically refused and the refusal will appear on your UK immigration record. This must be declared in all future applications.
For this reason, do not submit a visa application during the brake.
What happens once the visa brake is lifted?
If UKVI later permits applications again:
- We will be able to issue a CAS for applicants who have met their offer conditions.
- We will contact affected applicants immediately with next steps
Who can I contact for support?
If you have questions or concerns, please contact: studywithus@hw.ac.uk
We are here to support you throughout your application journey.
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Apply
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English language requirements
Heriot-Watt University English language requirements for foundation students at our overseas campuses.
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Prepare to successfully study in English through our English for University Study and Pre-sessional English programmes.