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For Indian students aspiring to study in the UK, Heriot-Watt University presents a compelling blend of heritage, innovation, and career focus. Established in 1821, it is renowned for its world-class teaching and research, particularly in science, engineering, and business. The university holds strong rankings, consistently placing in the top 35 in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2026) and is recognized for its exceptional industry connections. For Indian students, this translates into a high return on investment (ROI), with the university boasting a graduate employability rate of over 95% within six months of graduation. This guide provides a verified and detailed breakdown of Heriot-Watt University's courses and fees for the 2025-2026 academic year, specifically tailored for you.
Programs Offered at Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt offers a diverse portfolio of programs across its Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, and Orkney campuses. Indian students can choose from a wide array of disciplines at various levels of study:
- Undergraduate (UG): Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), and Master of Arts (MA - an undergraduate degree in Scotland).
- Postgraduate Taught (PGT): Master of Science (MSc), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and other Master's programs.
- Postgraduate Research (PGR): Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil).
- Diplomas & Certificates: Shorter programs offering specialized skills and pathways to Master's degrees.
Heriot-Watt University Tuition Fees for Indian Students (2026 and Beyond)
Understanding the financial commitment is the first step in your study abroad journey. For the 2025-2026 academic session, the tuition fees for international students at Heriot-Watt University are competitive. While fees for 2026-2027 are yet to be announced, they typically see a minor inflationary increase.
Based on the official 2025-2026 fee schedule, the annual tuition fee range is:
- Undergraduate (UG): £19,456 - £25,008 (Approximately ₹20.5 Lakhs - ₹26.3 Lakhs)
- Postgraduate Taught (PGT): £20,376 - £28,056 (Approximately ₹21.4 Lakhs - ₹29.5 Lakhs), with the MBA being higher.
- Postgraduate Research (PGR/PhD): £25,480 for lab-based programs (Approximately ₹26.8 Lakhs)
(Note: All INR conversions are based on a rate of 1 GBP = ₹105. This rate is for estimation purposes and is subject to change.)
4. Popular Courses & Fees (2025-2026)
Here is a detailed breakdown of popular programs among Indian students, with verified fee data sourced directly from Heriot-Watt University's official 2025-2026 fee schedule.
Popular Postgraduate (PG) Taught Courses
| Program Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fee (GBP) | Annual Tuition Fee (Approx. INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc Artificial Intelligence | 1 Year | £25,480 | ₹26.8 Lakhs |
| MSc Data Science | 1 Year | £25,480 | ₹26.8 Lakhs |
| MSc Civil Engineering & Construction Management | 1 Year | £25,480 | ₹26.8 Lakhs |
| MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering | 1 Year | £28,056 | ₹29.5 Lakhs |
| MSc Robotics | 1 Year | £28,056 | ₹29.5 Lakhs |
| MSc International Business Management | 1 Year | £24,176 | ₹25.4 Lakhs |
| MSc Brewing and Distilling | 1 Year | £28,056 | ₹29.5 Lakhs |
| MBA (Master of Business Administration) | 1 Year | £30,900 | ₹32.4 Lakhs |
As the table illustrates, engineering and technology-focused MSc programs like Robotics and Mechanical Engineering are at the higher end of the fee spectrum, reflecting the advanced lab facilities and resources required. Business and management courses offer strong value, while the world-renowned Brewing and Distilling program carries a premium fee for its specialized nature. It's crucial for students to budget according to their specific program of interest.
Popular Undergraduate (UG) Courses
| Program Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fee (GBP) | Annual Tuition Fee (Approx. INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering | 4 Years | £25,008 | ₹26.3 Lakhs |
| BSc (Hons) Computer Science | 4 Years | £25,008 | ₹26.3 Lakhs |
| BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science | 4 Years | £20,536 | ₹21.6 Lakhs |
| MA (Hons) Business Management | 4 Years | £19,456 | ₹20.5 Lakhs |
| BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences | 4 Years | £25,008 | ₹26.3 Lakhs |
| BEng (Hons) Robotics, Autonomous & Interactive Systems | 4 Years | £25,008 | ₹26.3 Lakhs |
For undergraduate studies, a clear pattern emerges where lab-based science and engineering degrees have a standardized fee of around £25,008 for 2025-26 entry. In contrast, business and actuarial science programs are more affordable, making them attractive options. The 4-year duration is standard for an Honours degree in Scotland, providing deeper academic grounding compared to 3-year programs in the rest of the UK.
Postgraduate Research (PhD) Fees
| Research Area | Duration | Annual Tuition Fee (GBP) | Annual Tuition Fee (Approx. INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD (Lab-based - e.g., Engineering, Computer Science) | 3-4 Years | £25,480 | ₹26.8 Lakhs |
| PhD (Classroom-based - e.g., Business, Languages) | 3-4 Years | £20,376 | ₹21.4 Lakhs |
PhD fees at Heriot-Watt are divided into two main bands: lab-based and classroom-based. This simplifies the cost estimation for aspiring researchers. The lab-based fee is higher to account for consumables, equipment, and facility usage. Indian students with strong research proposals should also actively look for funded PhD opportunities and scholarships like the James Watt Scholarship, which can cover these costs entirely.
Ancillary and Other Fees
Beyond tuition, you must budget for other mandatory and potential costs:
- Application Fee: Heriot-Watt University does not charge a direct application fee for postgraduate courses. Undergraduate applications are made via UCAS, which has a standard application fee (£28.50 for 2025 entry for multiple choices).
- Thesis Resubmission Fee (Masters, PhD): A fee of £100 or £150 is charged for re-submitting a thesis.
- Replacement Student ID Card: £10.
- Replacement Degree Certificate: £50.
It is important to note that unlike some universities, Heriot-Watt does not seem to charge a separate mandatory "student services fee" or "technology fee" on top of tuition for full-time students. Health insurance for Indian students is covered by the National Health Service (NHS) surcharge paid during the UK visa application process.
Payment Schedule, Refund Policy & Scholarships
Payment and Refund Policy
- Payment Schedule: Tuition fees can be paid in full before or at enrolment, or in instalments. The university typically offers a recurring card payment plan that spreads the cost over several months (e.g., 2 to 7 instalments).
- Visa Refusal Refund Policy: This is a critical point for Indian students. Heriot-Watt University has a clear policy for students whose study visa is refused. If you have paid a deposit or full fees and your visa is rejected, the university will refund the amount paid, minus a small administrative fee, upon submission of the official visa refusal notification from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). You must inform the university promptly.
Scholarships for Indian Students
Heriot-Watt is committed to attracting talented students and offers several scholarships:
- International Merit Scholarship: Awarded to self-funding international students with strong academic merit. This is typically a fee reduction of a few thousand GBP.
- James Watt PhD Scholarship: A prestigious, fully-funded scholarship for exceptional PhD candidates, covering tuition fees and providing a living stipend.
- Subject-Specific Scholarships: Various departments offer their own bursaries and awards. It is crucial to check the specific school's website (e.g., School of Engineering and Physical Sciences) for opportunities.
