Eligibility

Eligibility to graduate

It is essential in most cases to apply to graduate before your final award has been released and is visible via your online results. You can check when you will receive your final results on our assessment results page.  You can access your results by logging in to Student Self Service (SSS).  If you are unsure whether you will be potentially eligible to graduate at the upcoming ceremonies, you can speak to your Student Advisor or your Personal Tutor.

When can I apply?

It is essential in most cases to apply to graduate before your final award has been released and visible via your online results.  For further information please see our 'When can I apply?' page.  If you are unsure whether you will be potentially eligible to graduate at the upcoming ceremonies you can speak to your Student Advisor or your Personal Tutor.

What happens if I miss the deadline date for applications and I am eligible to graduate?

Please do not worry, you will still be able to graduate in person at a future ceremony, or in absentia.  Applications for attendance at the Summer ceremonies open around mid-April and applications for Winter ceremonies open around mid-September.  If you wish to apply to graduate in absentia, online applications open again the day after your award date (e.g. award date is 17 June, you can apply from 18 June).

What happens if I apply but I am not eligible to graduate?

If you have submitted an application to graduate but do not subsequently receive an award decision by the stated deadline you will not be eligible to graduate.  You will be contacted; your application will be cancelled and you will receive a refund of any fees paid.  The application is not carried over to a future ceremony.

What happens if I want to leave University before the end of my programme?

If you have decided to leave the University before the end of your programme you should meet with your Student Advisor or Personal Tutor so you can complete the University Withdrawal Form.  If you are studying at the Malaysia campus, please complete the Malaysia Campus University Withdrawal Form.  Please do not apply to graduate before you have submitted your withdrawal form and spoken to your Student Advisor or Personal Tutor.  You will be informed if you are eligible for an award and advised of an award date.

What if I have outstanding debt to the University?

You will not be able to apply to graduate or receive your award certificate if you have any outstanding fees due to the University.  You should contact the Finance Office to discuss any outstanding fees and the effect this may have on your eligibility to graduate.

What if I appeal against my award decision?

If you submit an appeal following confirmation of your award, you will no longer be eligible to receive that award on the original award date you were notified of, even if you have applied to graduate.  This rule also applies if the appeal is concluded before the original award date.  Once the appeal has been concluded, you will be put forward to the next available award date.

Why do my online results say 'Subject to the approval of the Senate'?

All Heriot-Watt University awards are subject to the approval of the Senate.  Senate approval is granted on the date stated next to 'Award Date' on your results. Any notification of your award prior to this date will always state 'Subject to the approval of the Senate'.  You can find out more about Senate and it's remit, composition, powers and functions here