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Heriot Watt University Rankings 2026

Q: What are Heriot-Watt the strongest programs?

Heriot-Watt remains a university with strong academic standing and it is ranked at #38 in the UK by Shiksha Popularity rankings which makes it really popular among international students. The Heriot Watt Mathematics and Architecture programs are ranked well the top ranking bodies like Times Higher Education, QS World and more. Given below are some rankings, take a look - Architecture & Built Environment (#151) Mathematics (#151)

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

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#271 in World

#38 in UK

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Last updated on 13 Apr '26

Heriot Watt University Ranking

Table of contents

Heriot Watt University Ranking
Heriot Watt University Course Ranking
Heriot Watt University Ranking by US News and World Report 2025
Heriot Watt University Ranking by The Guardian 2026
Heriot Watt University Ranking by the Complete University Guide 2026
Heriot Watt University Ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds 2026
Heriot Watt University Ranking by THE (Times Higher Education) 2026
Heriot Watt University ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) Ranking 2025
Heriot Watt University Student Reviews

Heriot Watt University
Heriot Watt University Ranking

There in the UK, Heriot-Watt University has been ranked by various ranking bodies globally for its academic excellence, student diversity, job outcomes, and teaching pedagogy.

The university is recognized by Shiksha Popularity Ranking in 2026, listing it at #271, among the top universities in the world. The Shiksha Popularity Ranking also ranks Heriot Watt University at #38 for the same year among universities in UK.

The global ranking of the university has showcased dropped trend from 2025, moving from its previous rank of #220. In 2026, Heriot-Watt University also secured a rank of #287 from QS and a rank of #401 from THE (Times Higher Education).

Here are the three-year trends for Heriot Watt University rankings from various bodies:

Ranking Body	2023	2024	2025	2026
QS	Not Ranked	235	256	287
THE	501	351	401	401
US News	725	832	937	Not Ranked
The Guardian	45	85	66	31
The complete Guide	Not Ranked	44	42	25

#38

Country level

Shiksha Popularity Rank

World rank by different ranking providers

Shiksha

#271

QS Ranking

#128

THE Ranking

#401

ARWU Ranking

#701

US News Ranking

#937

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Commonly asked questions
On University Evaluation

Q: What are Heriot-Watt the strongest programs?

Heriot-Watt remains a university with strong academic standing and it is ranked at #38 in the UK by Shiksha Popularity rankings which makes it really popular among international students.

The Heriot Watt Mathematics and Architecture programs are ranked well the top ranking bodies like Times Higher Education, QS World and more. Given below are some rankings, take a look -

Architecture & Built Environment (#151)
Mathematics (#151)

Q: Is Heriot Watt University ranked by US World and News in 2025?

Yes, Heriot Watt is ranked by some of the top ranking bodies in the latest years like the US World & News, The Guardian, the Complete Guide, QS World and THE.

As per the US World & News rankings 2025, Heriot Watt University is ranked at #937 which is a huge decline from its previous year ranking of #832. These rankings are constantly declining over the years.

Heriot Watt University
Heriot Watt University Course Ranking

According to various ranking bodies, Heriot Watt University courses have been ranked well over the past few years. Some the well-ranked courses are in the stream of Engineering, Business and Management Studies, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences and Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ). The Shiksha Popularity Ranking for its Engineering courses has been recorded at rank of #171, which has a declined from its previous year’s rank of #152.

The Heriot Watt University courses in the field of Business & Management Studies are also ranked by Shiksha Popularity Ranking at #442. Also THE ranks its courses in Business & Management Studies at #251.

According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings, here’s how some of the courses are ranked:

Course Category	2023	2024	2025
Engineering	#142	#152	#171
Business & Management Studies	#394	#386	#442
Science	#213	#193	#213
Humanities & Social Sciences	Not Ranked	#465	#477
Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )	#228	#252	#365

Search for courses/specializations

Showing 3 Courses

#27

Shiksha popularity ranking

Shiksha

#27

#151

ARWU

#151

THE

#251

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Specializations in MS Program

Mathematics

Shiksha

#16

#151

ARWU

#151

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Mechanical Engineering

Shiksha

#16

#251

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#20

Shiksha popularity ranking

B.E. / B.Tech

Shiksha

#20

Guardian

CUG

#16

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Specializations in B.E. / B.Tech Program

Chemical Engineering

Shiksha

#10

Guardian

CUG

#16

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Mechanical Engineering

Shiksha

#16

Guardian

CUG

#23

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#20

Shiksha popularity ranking

M.Arch

Shiksha

#20

#151

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Heriot Watt University Ranking by US News and World Report 2025

US News and World Report is known to be a recognized leader in graduate school and college and other rankings as well. It also releases National, Global, Regional and Subject Rankings. In Global Universy category, university ranks at #937 in 2025 and it shows decreasing trend.

For Global Universities category rankings, some of the factors on which the universities are evaluated are Global Research Reputation, Publications, Normalized Citation Impact, Regional Research Reputation, etc. A few of the subjects of this university that rank well in the U.S. News & World Report Rankings are Arts and Humanities, Mathematics, Social Sciences and Public Health, Economics and Business.

Ranked by	2023	2024	2025
Global Universities	725	832	937

Heriot Watt University Comparison with Other Universities:

A comparison of US News rankings of Heriot Watt University with other UK universities is given as follows:

University Name	2024	2025
Heriot Watt University	832	937
Glasgow Caledonian University	1205	1309
Keele University	902	822
Manchester Metropolitan University	675	667

US News & World Report is renowned for offering ranking to top university around the world. The ranking authority evaluates a wide range of factors such as global research reputation, conferences, total citations, highly citied papers in top 1%, international collaboration, and more. Check the table listed below to know more about U.S. News & World Report ranking criteria they considered while determining rankings of Heriot Watt University:

Metric	Value
Global Score	43
Global Research Reputation	1362
Regional Research Reputation	597
Publications	1295
Books	461
Conferences	1325
Normalized Citation Impact	336
Total Citations	1087
Publications Among the Top 10% Most Cited	1058
Percentage of Publications Among the Top 10% Most Cited	418
International Collaboration (Relative to Country)	651
International Collaboration	298
Highly Cited Papers in the Top 1%	938
Percentage of Highly Cited Papers in the Top 1%	356

Also check: US News Best College Rankings Methodology

Heriot Watt University Ranking by The Guardian 2026

The Guardian University Guide Ranking is one of top ranking authorities in UK providing specific rankings for UK based universities. The ranking authority takes care of wide range of factors while evaluating ranking to top UK based universities. Some crucial parameters are entry standards, student staff ratio teaching quality, feedback, career prospects.

According to the Guardian University Ranking 2026, Heriot Watt Uni ranks at #31 in 2026 and #66 in 2025 which shows a great increase in the ran

According to the Guardian University Ranking 2026, Heriot Watt Uni ranks at #31 in 2026 and #66 in 2025 which shows a great increase in the rankings throughout recent years.

Ranked by	2024	2025	2026
University	85	66	31
Accounting and Finance	59	57	38
Business and Management	104	77	58
Chemical Engineering	15	11	2
Civil Engineering	20	23	25
Economics	14	9	7
Electronic and Electrical Engineering	16	17	25
Mechanical Engineering	45	45	8
Physics	18	17	16

Heriot Watt University Comparison with Other Universities: The Guardian Ranking

According to Guardian, Heriot Watt is ranked #66 in 2025 and #85 in 2024. Showing a increase in ranking position. GCU is ranked #46. Keele Uni is ranked #72 in 2025 whereas it was ranked #74 in 2024, showing an incline. MMU is ranked #57 in 2025 and #59 in 2024. Check table below for The Guardian Rankings:

Particulars	2023	2024	2025
Heriot Watt Uni	45	85	66
Glasgow Caledonian Uni	52	40	46
Keele Uni	32	74	72
Manchester Metropolitan Uni	84	59	57

The Guardian evaluates a large variety of parameters when ranking top universities in the United Kingdom. Some major parameters include student-to-staff ratio, average entry tariff, satisfaction with feedback, and more. The overall score Heriot-Watt received is 55 out of 100 for the year 2026.

Furthermore, check the table below to see the scores attained by Heriot-Watt University:

Parameters	Values
Guardian score/100	41.2
Satisfied with teaching	79.5
Satisfied with feedback	69.4
Student to staff ratio	18.4
Spend per student/10	8
Average entry tariff	176
Value Added score/10	5.2
Career after 15 months	84
Continuation	91.7

Also check: The Guardian Ranking Methodology

Heriot Watt University Ranking by the Complete University Guide 2026

The Complete University Guide is among the top ranking publishers all over the world. The ranking publisher first ranking report was published in 2007. The Complete University Guide evaluates top universities on a wide range of parameters. Major parameters include entry standards, student satisfaction, graduate prospects, degree completion etc.

According to The Complete University Guide Rankings, university ranks at #25 in 2026 and #40 in 2025. This indicates that university has increased in its

According to The Complete University Guide Rankings, university ranks at #25 in 2026 and #40 in 2025. This indicates that university has increased in its ranking by #15 position.

Ranked by	2024	2025	2026
UK University	44	40	25
Accounting and Finance	23	22	27
Art and Design	69	66	58
Biological Sciences	49	50	44
Business and Management Studies UK	41	36	37
Chemical Engineering	16	15	16
Civil Engineering	22	22	25
Computer Science	33	42	33
Electrical and Electronic Engineering	39	34	28
Mechanical Engineering	30	28	23
Physics and Astronomy	32	29	33
Psychology	62	61	32

Heriot Watt University Comparison with Other Universities: The Complete University Guide Ranking

According to CUG, Heriot Watt is ranked #25. Comparatively GCU is ranked at #85 in 2026. Check table below to find the CUG rankings

Particulars	2024	2025	2026
Heriot Watt Uni	44	40	25
Glasgow Caledonian Uni	79	74	85
Keele Uni	65	61	68
Manchester Metropolitan Uni	60	55	50

The Complete University Guide is known for offering best ranking to top universities. Some essential factors included by the ranking publisher include student satisfaction, research quality, student-staff ration, and more. Furthermore, check the parameters table listed below to know about the score achieved by the Heriot Watt University:

Category	Achieved Score
Overall Score	532
Entry Standards	122
Student Satisfaction	3.08
Research Quality	2.86
Research Intensity	0.51
Academic Services Spend	1090
Facilities Spend	579
Student-Staff Ratio	20.9
Continuation	90.0
Graduate Prospects – Outcomes	73.2
Graduate Prospects – On Track	73.8

Also check: The Complete University Guide Ranking Methodology

Heriot Watt University Ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds 2026

QS is one of the most reputed ranking unit worldwide. QS is highly regarded for its “World University Rankings”. The ranking authority publishes an annual report which indicates 1418 institutions in 100 places. Also QS Rankings are based on various factors such as employer reputation, international student ratio, employment outcomes etc.

Heriot Watt Uni was ranked at #287 in 2026. This states that university has a decline in its position in comparison to previous year’s ranking.

Ranked by	2024	2025	2026
Europe	121	127	128
World University	235	256	287
Accounting and Finance	251	251	251
Architecture and Built Environment	101	101	151
Biological Sciences	501	651	651
Engineering and Technology	258	254	207
Mathematics	151	201	151
Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering	251	201	251
Physics and Astronomy	301	301	301

Heriot Watt University Comparison with Other Universities: Quacquarelli Symonds

According to QS, Heriot Watt uni ranks at #416 in 2026 and #449 in 2025. Check out the table below for QS Rankings table.

Particulars	2025	2026
Heriot Watt University	449	416
GCU	1001	1001
Keele University	791	801
Manchester Metropolitan Uni	601	643

Quacquarelli Symonds annual report is highly regarded by students all over the world. The annual report is based on a variety of parameters such as academic reputation sustainability, overall, faculty student ratio, etc. The overall score this university recieved is 46.8 on a scale of 100.

A few more parameters that Quacquarelli Symonds consider while ranking top universities is listed below:

Parameters	Value
Academic Reputation	25.7
Citations per Faculty	61.8
Employment Outcomes	37
Employer Reputation	34.8
Faculty-Student Ratio	27.8
International Faculty Ratio	100
International Research Network	75.7
International Student Ratio	100
Sustainability	5.4

Also Check: Quacquarelli Symonds World University Ranking Methodology

Heriot Watt University Ranking by THE (Times Higher Education) 2026

Times Higher Education is popularly known as THE is renowned for its “World University Rankings”. THE evaluates various factors when ranking the top universities in the world. A few essential factors include: Research, International Outlook, Citations, etc. Some major ranking released by THE annually include World University Rankings, Business & Economics Rankings, Computer Science Rankings, and Engineering & Technology Rankings.

According to THE, Heriot-Watt University ranks at #401 und

According to THE, Heriot-Watt University ranks at #401 under the category of “University Rankings 2026”. The Heriot Watt Uni was ranked at #401 in 2026 and it was the same ranking in the last year.

The Heriot-Watt subjects like Engineering, Life Sciences, PG Business & Economics and Psychology are also ranked well under these rankings.

Ranked by	2024	2025	2026
University	351	401	401
Arts and Humanities	151	251	301
Engineering	176	201	251
Life Sciences	401	401	501
PG Business and Economics	251	251	301
PG Computer Science	251	301	301
Psychology	301	251	301

THE (Times Higher Education) 2026: Ranking Criteria

Times Higher Education evaluate top ranked universities based on five criteria: industry income, research, teaching, citations and international outlook. The Teaching parameter at Heriot-Watt University receives a score of 33.4 on a scale of 100.

Check below the ranking parameters:

Ranking Parameters	Performance Indicators	THE Scores 2026
Teaching	Reputation survey Staff-to-student-ratio Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio Institutional income	33.4
Research	Reputation survey Research income Research productivity	30.3
Citations	Field Weighted Citation Impact	58.8
International Outlook	Proportion of international students Proportion of international staff International collaboration	70.3
Industry Income	Research income from industry & commerce/ academic staff	95.5

Heriot Watt University
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) Ranking 2025

Ranked by	2023	2024	2025
Universities	901	801	701
Mathematics	151	151	151
Physics	– / –	401	– / –

Heriot Watt University
Students Ratings & Reviews

4.2/5

4 Verified Reviews Info Icon

Student Views (Based on Reviews)

67% students never faced discrimination in this university

Vibe of Campus

Friendly

Academically oriented

Multi-dimensional

Easy going

Internships3.5

Part time work4

Post study jobs3.8

Quality of faculty4.5

Student Life5

Value for money3.8

Public transportation4.5

Safety5

Indian Food4.5

Permanent Immigration3.8

Jagatheesh P Verified Icon

MSc in Data Science - Batch of 2024

3.8

Great faculty and highly engaging student life.

Tips: Students should be prepared to work hard since they'll be on their own a lot. The cultural shift was noticeable but manageable. The university has good faculty, but it's really up to you how you use it. Don't slack. Do lots of personal projects, go to career fairs, and network like crazy. Above all, though, if you're in IT, build a portfolio website. The country is safe and offers a warm welcome, and there are no other issues based on gender, sex or colour.

Total Monthly ExpensePound 950

Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryPound

Reviewed on 10 Apr 2025Read more

Vaishnav Vijayakumar Sasikala Verified Icon

MSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying - Batch of 2023

4.5

Heriot-Watt university where safety, peace and future lies ahead

Tips: First of all life and the thought process change after coming to a different country. Britain is a place where most people are open-minded hence coming from a religious background makes us think as normal human beings. I got a scholarship of 1500 pounds from my university for an interview that they conducted before providing CAS. University life was so good that never made me regret it during my entire course. United Kingdom is a place where nature is touched with development so the feel while living in Edinburgh is perfect. The course and the study structure are so good that enable us to get a deep understanding of the course as well as prepares us for the current engineering situation.

Likes (Student Life): I study at Heriot-Watt University at Edinburgh, the university is situated towards the countryside which has a nice view. This provides the peaceful experience that I and other students have at the university. Each day we would go to the university for our daily classes and is most enjoyable when we are friends with the professor. Our university conducts different events. The most fun is the beer festival which of course is one good experience. Participation in the events depends on our classes and the timing of the events. There are different student clubs that are active all throughout the year.

Dislikes (Post study jobs): There are wide variety of jobs here in UK which can obviously be found in the largest job-serving platform called "indeed". No matter what the job is the candidate must go through the interview process. The hiring people look into the candidate's capability of doing the work and the ability to adapt to their environment. The minimum wage in UK is 10.42 pounds so usually the starting salary range is around 21000 pounds. As we all know each job has its own value and the pay of the job lies in parallel to the nature of the work done. One thing I like to point out is about visa sponsorship, many companies offer work visa sponsorship and the number of companies that offer Tier-2 work visas is growing day by day. All the details of it can be found on the official website of UK Visa and Immigration. The chance of getting an offer for visa sponsorship depends on the candidate's performance in the company.

Total Monthly ExpensePound 947

Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryPound

Reviewed on 10 May 2023Read more

Rushikesh birhade Verified Icon

MSc in Construction Project Management - Batch of 2023

4.2

One of the best experience

Tips: There are scholarships provided at the start of the admission. You need to ask about those. The university is very particular about the assignments. Lots of skills are polished. Personality is developed overall. The country and university are really safe for students.

Likes (Student Life): There are lots of activities present in the student union. The library has an immense collection of books. The student union weekly has some other activities for students to keep them engaged. Games night, movies are also planned to make you feel less homesick.

Dislikes (Internships): The university helps in the preparation of CV and cover letter for applications. It helps you in interview preparation. They do not give interview opportunities. There are no on-campus placement options. The student has to take their own efforts to grab any internship.

Total Monthly ExpensePound 745

Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryPound 27367

Reviewed on 9 May 2023Read more

Gurwinder Singh Verified Icon

BBA (Hons) in Bachelor of Business Administration - Batch of 2015

4.4

Helpful teachers at Heriot Watt University.

Tips: Students can expect a great time studying here. The campus is amazing, classrooms are upbeat and equipped with modern technology. Faculty is up to the mark. Just hunt out for cheaper accommodation if you can near the campus to save on traveling cost.

Likes (Quality of faculty): The teachers are great here. Very helpful when it comes to taking special classes and attending student queries. They have a great sync-up with students and encourage doubts even after classes. Every professor is highly acclaimed and qualified to deliver great learning.

Dislikes (Value for money): The university is quite expensive when it comes to transportation and living. I am living with my relatives but still due to lack of time for pursuing part time opportunities, the cost goes way higher for students with a tight monthly budget. Fee is high as well.

Total Monthly ExpensePound 319

Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryPound

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2022Read more

(1)

1 person found this helpful

KRANTHI KUMAR SHOLINGAPURAM

BSc (Hons) Data Sciences - Batch of 2023

4.3

Best campus experience. Good opportunities at HERIOT WATT UNIVERSITY.

Tips: With the number of international students here, it's a very easy transition just the weather is a little cold so be prepared for that. Other than that, feel right at home! Scholarships are available if you apply for them early on in the process. Overall, quite happy with my choice of course and the HERIOT WATT University is a beautiful place to live, would definitely consider studying here. Likes;- The university has a job board through which students can apply for part-time jobs and internships. However, they should also check LinkedIn regularly for any new openings. Often, professors and university staff post vacancies on LinkedIn as well as emails, so keep a tab on your emails as well. Dislikes;-Hostel may improve the taste of food.

Total Monthly ExpensePound 0

Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryPound

Reviewed on 27 Nov 2023Read more

(1)

1 person found this helpful

Ram Pradev

MSc Business Strategy, Leadership and Change - Batch of 2023

4.9

This university is worth for money and a respectable one in Edinburgh.

Tips: Do research about your course details correctly before selecting one, go through the entire website for courses, accommodation and the living culture. Talk to the seniors if have chance to contact them. Join groups in social media to find the information.

Likes (Safety): High safety rules and always monitored in the city and inside university. Good ethical safety culture maintained in the university. No need to worry on getting lost inside university as you can find security officials everywhere who can guide you.

Dislikes (Indian Food): If you can self cook, then you have no issues, if not then getting native food is expensive. You can still get ready to eat food inside university but not in large volume. If you have good baggage weight then pack good amount of packed foods from India itself.

Total Monthly ExpensePound 1476

Prepping time for classes34 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryPound

Reviewed on 29 Sep 2022Read more

(1)

1 person found this helpful

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Comments

Heriot Watt University

Student Forum

Anything you would want to ask experts?

Write here...

How many programs does Heriot Watt University offer for international students?

Answered 3 days ago

Heriot Watt University is regarded for offering best academic programs for its international students. Heriot Watt University programs features around 81 degree programs at both UG and PG levels for its international students. Some popular programs at Heriot Watt University include-

MBA
Engineering
Con

Ishita Kalra

Contributor-Level 10

Do online students at Heriot Watt take their exams online as well?

Answered 2 weeks ago

Online degree students of the Heriot-Watt Uni take their exams at approved and secure testing centers near their home location. The university partners with several centers across the globe to conduct exams for its online students.

Some tests can also be taken on a student's PC using a safe and invig

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

Is an online degree at Heriot-Watt worth the same as a degree on-campus?

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, an online degree at Heriot-Watt Uni carries the same value as a degree on-campus. Both degrees follow the same curriculum. The mode of delivery is the only difference.

An online degree at HW Uni allows studies for lower costs and less hassle of travel.

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

What did the Heriot Watt University graduates study before getting placed?

Answered 2 weeks ago

As per HWU's LinkedIn the graduates of the university studies the followng subjects before securing top placement-

Business Administration and Management, General (13.11%)
Civil Engineering (6.72%)
Mechanical Engineering (6.61%)
Business/Commerce, General (6.22%)
Petroleum Engineering (5.53%)

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

What is the placement support provided at Heriot Watt University?

Answered 2 weeks ago

Heriot-Watt University students and graduates get confidential career advice and guidance from specialist Careers Advisers related to University's academic disciplines. Professionals will come and speak to students in class and guide students about making informed career choices, managing their futu

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

Loveleen Sharma

Study Abroad Expert

Loveleen Sharma is a B.Com graduate, working as a Study Abroad Expert with Shiksha Study Abroad. With nearly three years of ... Read Full Bio