Immigration and visas

EEA or Swiss nationals

If you are a European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss National you will need to obtain a Student visa to come to study in the UK if you do not have pre-settled or settled status and will be studying with us longer than 6 months.  If you are coming to study at Heriot-Watt University for less than 6 months you can study as a Visitor.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website contains detailed guidance on the rights and responsibilities of EEA nationals coming to the UK for study including information on the EU Settlement Scheme.

Non-EEA nationals

If you are a NON EEA national you will need to obtain a visa to come to study in the UK. Some non- EEA nationals coming to study for less than 6 months may be able to obtain this visa at the airport (Non Visa Nationals). Read more about the visa requirements for your country before entering the UK.

More information is also available on the Home Office website and the Vista Visa webpage.

Read our detailed guidance on making a Student visa application and the documentation required. We strongly recommended that you read the Student Visa Policy Guidance which is published on the Home Office website.

If you require a visa to study in the UK then you may need to apply for an ATAS certificate. Only certain programmes are affected by the scheme and your school or institute will send you more information about this with your unconditional offer.
Once granted, this certificate should be printed and submitted with your visa application.

For more information and to check the list of programmes that require an ATAS approval certificate, please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

You will only be able to bring your dependants to the UK if you are coming to study at Post Graduate Research level, or if you are a government-sponsored student following a course which lasts longer than 6 months at Post Graduate Taught level.  All other students no longer have permission to bring Dependents to the UK. 

Please note, if you are eligible to bring Dependents to the UK, you may wish to travel to the UK separately in order to arrange suitable family accommodation for you and your dependants before they arrive.

You can find further information for International students with families including schools, healthcare, English languages classes and more.

In most cases, the PBS dependant application form should be completed online. Refer to our detailed guidance on making a Student dependant application.

Further information is also available from the UKVI, UKCISA and the British Council.

You should ensure you are carrying a telephone number for the University and that you have it readily available; the main telephone number for Heriot-Watt University is 0131 449 5111.  You should also ensure you have documents relating to your studies, accommodation arrangements and finances.  You are likely to be asked for your visa Share Code or eVisa when travelling so it is best to create a UKVI account and gain access to your eVisa before you travel to the UK. 

View this UKCISA page on information on documents to have readily available for immigration control at the airport.