Studying at Heriot-Watt

Scottish (UK) campuses

Scotland is an exciting country to live in and explore. Our Edinburgh campus is a short bus ride from Edinburgh city centre, Scotland's capital city, offering shopping, sightseeing, incredible architecture, galleries, and museums. Whilst our Orkney and Scottish Borders campuses are surrounded by breath taking Scottish landscapes for those interested in outdoor activities and nature.

Edinburgh

Steeped in history, a walk down the Royal Mile, the oldest street in the city, takes you from the Castle, parts of which date to the 12th century, to Holyrood Palace – a royal palace since before Mary Queen of Scots and still used by the Royal Family today. From King Arthur to Alexander Graham Bell and Arthur Conan Doyle, the city buzzes with stories and tradition. Home to over 15 festivals each year, including the Hogmanay New Year celebrations and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh's streets are constantly filled with music, dance and performance art.

Exploring Scotland

The bus and train networks allow you to explore Scotland easily, so you can spend your spare time visiting some of the world's most beautiful wild landscapes from the Trossachs in the West, the Highlands in the North, and the Borders in the South. Our Edinburgh Campus is also close to the city airport, giving you access to many major cities in the UK and other European capitals.

Malaysia Campus

Our modern campus is located at Putrajaya, 25km south of Kuala Lumpur, the campus is situated in a stunning lakeside location of 4.8 acres. The striking building design reveals itself within the landscape, from beneath a living glass roof. Located in a fantastic area, part of Putrajaya Lake's 'green continuum', the building is consciously designed with the environment in mind. The University provides access to four modern halls of residence nearby in Cyberjaya.

We recommend you to take a virtual tour of the campus by watching this video.

Putrajaya

Putrajaya is a city and the administrative centre of Malaysia, located south of Kuala Lumpur. It’s known for its late 20th century architecture including the Putra Mosque, made from rose-coloured granite with a pink dome. Nearby is the immense, green-domed Perdana Putra and the three-tiered Putra Bridge which was inspired by Iranian architecture, with four minaret-type piers overlooking the man-made Putrajaya Lake.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, commonly called KL, is the capital city and a federal territory of Malaysia. It is the largest city in Malaysia with total population of over 2 million in 2024.

Exploring Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most affordable study destinations in Asia. Currently ranked within the top 10 most peaceful countries in the world and 3rd most peaceful nation in the Asia-Pacific region (Global Peace Index for 2024).

With its diverse culture and natural beauty, Malaysia offers a blend of experiences for travellers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, with popular destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Pinang, and the historical city of Melaka. It has over 4,600km of coastline and stunning natural scenery.

The official tourism website of Malaysia

The official video of Visit Malaysia 2026

Dubai campus

The futuristic Heriot-Watt University Dubai campus is designed to offer interactive and collaborative learning experiences with innovative classroom styles fostering group work and engagement.

The Dubai Knowledge Park sits adjacent to the Dubai Media City as well as the Dubai Internet City and boasts excellent transport links such as the Dubai Metro and Tramway.

Exploring Dubai

Integrated Transportation Dubai is a world transport hub connecting the east and west. Within the city it is easy to get around using the integrated public buses, water buses, trams, and metro system. Taxis are also plentiful and good value.

Dubai is one of the most sophisticated, futuristic, connected and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Its residents come from more than 180 different countries and 105 different nationalities study with us at our Dubai campus.

Global Tourism and Entertainment Hub Dubai is a booming tourist destination with an array of options for shopping, eating, socialising and entertainment. Whether you prefer hiking, biking, swimming, desert safaris, jet skiing, skydiving or theme parks, there will be something for you.

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world and the UAE is ranked the world’s 2nd safest country. Dubai is virtually crime-free as the Dubai police ensure maximum safety.

A Modern Design Capital Dubai is the modern art and design capital of the Middle East. It is home to the Dubai Opera, Dubai Design District and Burj Khalifa to name a few of the city’s most iconic infrastructures.

Global Business Hub Dubai is a centre of trade and commerce for the Middle East and the wider world corporations and holds many global business events.

Choosing Heriot-Watt

By joining us at Heriot-Watt you will benefit from new teaching experiences in an exciting new environment.

Our history dates back to 1821, Heriot-Watt has established a reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research, which has made us one of the top UK universities for business and industry.

We are also Scotland's most international university with 33% of our on-campus students coming from outside the UK.

Programmes offered

To find out which programmes are available for visiting students or to request more information, please contact visitingstudents@hw.ac.uk.

Five good reasons to study at Heriot-Watt University

1. The experience will provide you with the opportunity to develop academically as well as personally.
2. It will provide you with fantastic opportunities to travel.
3. You'll gain first-hand experience of a new culture, helping you become more globally literate.
4. You will make new friends, get involved in new and exciting social opportunities and be a true ambassador for your country.
5. It will look fantastic on your CV!

How to apply

If you would like to apply to study at Heriot-Watt as a visiting student, please read our guidance and submit your application.