Heriot Watt University Acceptance Rate for Indian Students

Heriot-Watt University is a Scottish-based public university in Edinburgh. When it comes to the Heriot Watt Univeristy ranking, it ranked #287 in QS World University Rankings 2026, and #34 in the UK and #5 in Scotland. Moreover, Complete University Guide 2026 ranked it at #25 in the UK and #3 in Scotland.

When it comes to Heriot-Watt University courses, there are various courses offered in study areas like Design, Humanities & Social Sciences, Accounting & Commerce, and Teaching & Education. Check details about Heriot Watt acceptance rate below-

Heriot-Watt University Acceptance Rate 2025

There are currently 27,000 students studying at Heriot-Watt University, and according to UCAS, 38% of these are PG students, while 62% of these are UG students. Moreover, the Heriot Watt University acceptance rate stands around 60% as per various unofficial sources, meaning that out of every 100 students who apply to the university's admission process, about 60 are likely to be offered a seat. 

This makes the admission criteria of the university moderately selective. Check more info on HWU enrollment stats below-

Heriot-Watt University Acceptance Rate for International Students

A third of the student body of the Edinburgh campus accounts for international students (approximately 2,300+). Moreover, the total student body of the university hails from 154 countries. The university's alumni community of 173,000 members represents over 190 nationalities, including India. 

The Heriot-Watt University acceptance rate for international students of around 60% suggests that securing a seat at this university is moderately selective for local and foreign students alike. Check more stats on the demographics of the students below:

Source: UCAS

Also read Heriot Watt Univeristy fees for Indian students

Heriot-Watt University Acceptance Rate Trends

The no. of Indian-origin students enrolled by the university has increased by 334.6% in the last five years, as per the data acquired by HESA. On the other hand, the international enrollments at Heriot-Watt University campus have gone up by 22.9%. Either way, this is good news for Indian students targeting HWU since this points to a more welcoming attitude towards Indian-origin aspirants. Check the HWU enrollment trends below-

Source: HESA

Heriot-Watt University Requirements for International Students

Indian students need to follow the given Heriot Watt Univesity admission requirements:

UG:

• Most programs at HWU require an overall average 70%. Some exceptions include Computing/Designing programmes that require an overall average of 65%
• Actuarial Science/Statistics programmes require an overall average of 75% and 80% in maths.

PG:

• A bachelor's degree of at least 3 years with an average score of 60,% comparable to UK 2:1, and a final average mark of at least 55% as, comparable to UK 2:2

Documents:

• Copy of the most recent transcripts of grades
• Copy of passport photo
• UCAS personal statement
• Reference by teacher/tutor/other professional

English Language Requirements: IELTS score of 6.0-6.5. Any student below this criterion should contact the university for advice.

Tips to get selected at Heriot-Watt University

Check the following tips to maximise your chances of selection at Heriot-Watt:

• The university mandates the submission of a UCAS personal statement. This should be carefully crafted and must describe your interests, background, resolve for choosing your course of choice, as well as why HWU is your preference over other universities. 60% of the statement should focus on the programme itself.
• Inform your mentor or counsellor about your need for the letter or recommendation at least 2-3 weeks prior to your actual need, since this will allow them enough time to analyze your strengths and pen them down aptly.
• Make sure to describe your background circumstances or any challenges faced clearly, since the university tries its best to provide access to education to students from backgrounds with comparatively low participation in higher education.

Also check Heriot-Watt University Placement

Heriot-Watt University Acceptance Rate vs University of South Wales Acceptance Rate

The HWU acceptance rate stands around 60%, making the admission criteria of the university moderately selective. On the other hand, the University of South Wales acceptance rate is about 75%, making the admission criteria kind of non-selective. This suggests that its is slightly tougher to secure a seat at Heriot-Watt University as compared to the University of South Wales. But students shouldn't take the admission process of either of the universities lightly since both of these only give admission to the best of the best.