Fees, accommodation and funding

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Cost of living
• Funding and federal loans

Tuition fees for visiting students

As a visiting student, you will need to pay tuition fees for each semester of study.

If your home institute has an agreement with Heriot-Watt then a fee discount may be applicable.

* The Malaysia fee excludes registration and visa fees, and a personal bond deposit (visa requirement).

**The Dubai fee includes visa discount, medical insurance, and a deposit. It is inclusive of 5% VAT.

Accommodation for visiting students

Accommodation fees vary depending on the campus location and the type of accommodation you are allocated.

UK campuses

All of our Edinburgh Campus accommodation is single occupancy and self catered. We have a variety of accommodation from traditional non en suite rooms to contemporary studio flats. Apply for a single semester contract (Fall semester 15 weeks or Spring semester 22 weeks) via the exchange page.

At our Scottish Borders Campus accommodation, you can choose from a selection of contemporary rooms. Single semester contracts available (Fall semester 15 weeks or Spring semester 22 weeks).

Malaysia campus

There are a few accommodation options at our Malaysia Campus. A complimentary shuttle bus operates between the student residences and the campus and there is also easy access to public transportation.

Dubai campus

Accommodation at the Dubai Campus ranges from modern hotels or self-contained community to more classic student residences.

Some accommodation options have amenities such, restaurants and cafes, housekeeping service, as well as numerous facilities to enjoy such as fitness centres, swimming pools and recreational rooms.

Cost of living

Every student's financial situation will be different, but we normally suggest that you budget for approximately GBP2,500 to GBP3,000 for each semester in Scotland and Dubai. Cost of living at our Malaysia campus is lower.

You must make sure that you have adequate resources to finance your studies before arriving at your chosen campus.

Expenses to consider

Any additional utility bills (most bills will be included in student accommodation fee but make sure there are no hidden fees if renting independent of Heriot-Watt)

• Groceries/Food shopping
• Transportation (buses/trains)
• Mobile phone bill
• Entertainment (eating and drinking out)
• Entertainment (cinema or other)
• Books/academic resources

Cost of living in Malaysia

Every student's financial situation will be different, but we normally suggest that you have a monthly budget of MYR 3,000.

*These estimated costing were based on students’ feedback and are subject to change. 1.000 MYR = 0.2037 EUR | 1.000 MYR = 0.2236 USD (as at 7 April 2025).

Funding and federal loans

To cover the costs of your tuition fees, accommodation fees and other expenses, you can apply for a federal loan from Stafford and Plus. (Stafford and Plus Loans are the only federal funds that can be used to study at a foreign school.) More information about federal loans is available on the Student Aid website.

How to apply for federal loans

You can apply for a federal loan by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online on the Federal Student Aid website.

Heriot-Watt is a FAFSA-approved institution; our school code is: G22739

By completing the FAFSA you will create a Student Aid Report (SAR). Once you have received your SAR please email us with your details.

Contact

For more information about studying at one of our Scotland, UK campuses email the International Recruitment Office at visitingstudents@hw.ac.uk

For more information about studying at one of our Malaysia campus email the Global Student Office at myinternationaloffice@hw.ac.uk

For more information about studying at our Dubai campus email V.Thanki@hw.ac.uk or naomi.rodrigues@hw.ac.uk