Incoming exchange students

Students at partner institutions of Heriot-Watt University can study with us for a full year or just a semester.

European and non-European exchanges

If you are interested in coming to study at Heriot-Watt University as an exchange student you should check with the international office at your institution to see if a bilateral agreement has been signed with us.

Please note you must be officially nominated by your university before you can study with us.

If your institution is one of our exchange partners and covers your subject area, you should then contact the exchange coordinator at your home institution and ask them how you can be nominated to come to study at Heriot-Watt University.

Once nominated, your home institution will send us your contact details so we can send you an appliction form.

Deadlines

  • Applications for study placements in the first semester or full academic year must be returned before 15th June prior to the start of the first semester.
  • Application forms for study placements for the second semester must be returned before 15 October prior to the start of the second semester.

Email applications only

Applications must be completed electronically and will not be accepted if handwritten. Electronic signatures will also be accepted.

Please note that we do not require the original, so please do not airmail your application form.

Next steps

Once we have reviewed and accepted your application, we will send you an email with your student ID along with guidance on how to enrol, how to secure your accommodation and general information on starting your studies in Heriot-Watt, Edinburgh.

Semester / junior year abroad / non-graduating students

If you would like to study at Heriot-Watt University for one or two semesters, or as a junior year abroad or non-graduating student, please see our information for visiting students.

Registration and arrival procedures

Before arriving for your study placement, you will be sent an information pack by the School you will be studying in with the date of your pre-enrolment meeting. At this meeting you will meet your programme coordinator.

Enrolment is done electronically. We will tell you how to complete the online enrolment in your acceptance letter and in your Freshers' Guide.

Once enrolled, you will be issued with a student ID card which you will need to borrow books at the University library, and use the computers, etc.

At the beginning of your placement you can bring your arrival certificate to the Institutional Exchange Co-ordinator (IEC) to get it completed and signed. A completion certificate will have to be completed and signed by the IEC at the end of your study placement. You will also be contacted at the end of your placement by the IEC to complete our exchange placement questionnaire.

Find out about accommodation (temporary accommodation, on and off-campus accommodation and council tax).

Key information

Global Student Office