Application process

If you would like to apply to study at Heriot-Watt as a visiting student, you should first obtain authorisation from your home institution.

We're happy to consider applications supplied through third-party providers. Please make sure that this is stated on the Home Institute and Course Approval Form in the section for key contact info.

Late applications may be considered.

Application Stages

Decide what you want to study

1. Identify which semester you want to study (semester 1 Sept-Dec or semester 2 Jan-April).
2. Identify which courses you want to study (you can study a maximum of four courses per semester or 60 credits (three courses for textiles and design). Request course information and assistance by emailing visitingstudents@hw.ac.uk.
3. Obtain authorisation from your home institute to study abroad and agree the courses you want to study. Your home institute must agree that you have sufficient knowledge for each course and level of study that you choose.
4. Complete the Home Institution Approval and Course Form (Word). Adding your preferred four courses and six additional second choices.

Apply

1. Create an account or sign in.
2. Select the correct study option and complete the application form. If you are applying to study at undergraduate level and join classes for bachelors students then select Visiting Student Programme. If you are applying to study at postgraduate level and join classes for masters students select the relevant visiting student option linked to the school who teach your discipline area:
   • Visiting student (EGIS): Architectural Engineering, Biology, Built Environment, Civil Engineering, Construction Management and Surveying, Petroleum Engineering, Urban Studies
   • Visiting student (EPS): Biosciences, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Elect Electronic & Comp Eng, Mechanical Engineering, Physics
   • Visiting student (MACS): Actuarial Maths & Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics
   • Visiting student (SoSS): Accountancy and Finance, Business Management, Languages, Psychology
   • Visiting student (SoTD): Textiles and Design
   • You must upload as a minimum a copy of the Home Institute Approval and Course Form (Word), a copy of your most recent transcript of grades, proof of English language (refer to this webpage) and a copy of your passport photo page.
3. You will receive an email to tell you that there is an update to your application once a decision has been made. Please log in to your portal and download a copy of the decision letter. If you have any conditions upload the relevant documents. Please accept your place even if your offer is conditional.
4. You will not be sent the relevant information about commencing your studies and applying for accommodation unless you accept your place.

Secure your accommodation

Details about on-campus accommodation can be found at the links below with details of deadlines (if you are studying for only one semester there might be an earlier deadline):

• Edinburgh Campus accommodation
• Scottish Borders Campus accommodation

Accept your accommodation contract and make any deposit payments by the deadlines set or your room will not be reserved.

Carefully read all emails that you receive from Heriot-Watt University and follow the socials so you are well prepared to start your studies. If you have any concerns please email visitingstudents@hw.ac.uk.

Check if you need a visa

Refer to the UK Government website to check if you need a visa. Some nationalities do not require a visa to study in the UK if they are studying for less than six months. However, changes implemented from January 2025 mean that some nationalities are now required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Check if you need an ETA.

Getting started

Aim to arrive in time for Welcome Week and participate! It is important to arrive on time to start your classes but we also encourage you to arrive the week before teaching begins. This gives you the opportunity to participate in Welcome Week activities, get to know the campus, the city/town and make connections.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

Applicants from the US should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) – or equivalent – for admission to the visiting student (study abroad) programme. Applicants with lower GPAs may be considered on a case-by-case basis, so please get in touch if you have questions about your eligibility.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will require IELTS 6.0 or 6.5 to gain admittance to Heriot-Watt programmes. If you are below this level please contact us for advice.