UK campus students
Changes to UK's Visa regulations
You may be aware of the recent UK Government announcement regarding international students and some changes to the UK’s visa regulations.
Heriot-Watt welcomes the confirmation that the Graduate Post-Study Work route will remain open and competitive. That means that international students can remain in the UK and work for up to two or three years after completing their studies, gaining experience, and helping to address critical skills shortages.
We are closely monitoring the decision to restrict visas to the dependants of international students below PhD level. It is important to note the policy changes apply to anyone considering starting their studies in the UK from January 2024 onwards. If you intend to join us in September 2023 the proposed changes do not apply to you.
Please be assured that international students continue to be warmly received at Heriot-Watt. Your contribution is hugely valued and your decision to study here is extremely important to us. We will support you at every stage of your student journey.
Our University is proud of its status worldwide as a culturally diverse, warm and welcoming institution. Our global footprint includes campuses in Dubai, Malaysia, Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders and Orkney. Our doors remain firmly open to international students.
If you have any questions about studying with us, please get in touch with us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
International Student Advice (Global Student Office)
The Visa Advice and Compliance team (VAC), part of the Global Student Office (GSO) advises and supports international students based at any of our UK campuses. If you have any concerns or queries, we will be happy to help you. We can provide a wide range of information and support, from immigration advice to welfare issues both before and after you arrive in the UK.
VAC has close links with all academic Schools within the University across all of its campuses, and with support services such as Recruitment and Admissions (International Recruitment Section), Student Wellbeing Services, and the University Chaplaincy.
How to contact us
The main way to contact our team, including our Global Student Advisor is through the Student Portal by raising an enquiry via AskMyHW. We are here to support you before and during your studies and can offer face to face and online appointments which can also be booked through your Student Portal by selecting the appointments tile in your Student Portal.
Our team
We have our Visa and Compliance Manager, Tim Burns, our Global student Advisor Peter Scott and two Global Student Assistants Rory Angus and Alexa Goszleth who can give you support and advice. If you query is more complex, we will offer you a one-to-one appointment with our Global Student Adviser.
Where we are
We are based in the Student Service Centre (SSC) in the Hugh Nisbet Building on the Edinburgh Campus.
Opening hours
The Student Service Centre is open 10.00-16.00, Monday to Friday, however you do need to book an appointment via the Student Portal if you wish to discuss anything in person other than if you are coming to attend one of our weekly drop ins.
Drop in times are Monday to Thursday from 14.00-16.00, no booking required.
Appointments with our Global Student Advisor for more complex visa and immigration specific enquires can be booked through your Student Portal under the appointment tiles. Mondays from 14.00-16.00, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10.00-12.00 (noon).
Contact the Visa, Advice and Compliance team
Our Visa, Advice and Immigration team are available to answer your enquires through the Student Portal. You can also view frequently asked questions (FAQs) for many topics related to international students studying at our Scottish campuses.
If you intend to study at Heriot-Watt University but are not yet a student, if you have an immigration or visa enquiry please email studywithus@hw.ac.uk .