About
Heriot-Watt University is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 1821, it is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the UK and is known for its focus on science, engineering, design, business, and languages. The university has a global presence with campuses in Scotland, Dubai, and Malaysia.
Funding Opportunities
The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)
The Island Scholarship, delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government and Orkney Islands Council, helps fund tuition fees for both UK and International Students on three full-time postgraduate programmes at Heriot-Watt's Orkney Campus: MSc Marine Renewable Energy, MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition, and MSc International Marine Science. The scholarship aims to strengthen Scotland's workforce in marine science, renewable energy, and sustainable industries in Orkney and beyond. It addresses financial barriers to postgraduate education and increases participation from underrepresented groups, while supporting research advancements in renewable energy and environmental resilience. The programme also supports Scotland's Net Zero and Blue Economy strategies by equipping graduates with critical skills. The scholarship award provides up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students enrolling in September 2026 at the Orkney Campus.
The Hoogenboom Scholarship
The Hoogenboom Scholarship programme will provide 30 (6 per year for 5 years) of the brightest female students from selected countries in Africa with a full scholarship to undertake a master's degree focused on one of the key topics shaping our world today within the subject area of environmental sustainability and planetary health. Hosted at the internationally renowned Lyell Centre at Heriot-Watt University, this scholarship offers access to cutting-edge research and teaching in geosciences, marine systems, and environmental policy. The scholarship is open to female offer holders on MSc programmes including Global Environmental Change and Policy, Sustainable Geoenergy, and International Marine Science. Applicants will be judged on their previous academic record, financial need and commitment to becoming a leader in their field and impact upon their home country. The programme will prioritise applications from outstanding female students who are nationals of Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, and Malawi – countries selected for their strategic importance, regional diversity, and alignment with Scotland's international development priorities. Preference will be given to applicants who have completed their undergraduate studies at a university that is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).
The Heriot-Watt Postgraduate Sport Programmes Scholarship
The Sport Scholarship award entitles students to a 20% tuition fee discount and an annual membership to Oriam. This scholarship is specifically designed for students pursuing postgraduate sport programs at Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh Campus. The scholarship will be awarded to any student with UK fee status who secures a 2:1 (second-class honours, upper division) in their undergraduate degree and enrolls onto either the MSc International Sports Management or MSc Sports Psychology programmes at Heriot-Watt's Edinburgh Campus in a full-time capacity. Please note that students can only receive one Heriot-Watt funded scholarship towards their programme of study, so this scholarship cannot be combined with other university scholarships such as the Alumni Discount.
The Duffin Family Future Shapers Scholarship
The Future Shapers scholarship at Heriot-Watt offers a range of high value scholarships to our most talented postgraduate candidates. The scholarship is designed for students who want to use research to create solutions to solve major global challenges. This has been established for 2026 by one of the University's generous donors and is a testament to the talent and world-shaping potential of Heriot-Watt's students and researchers. For each of Heriot-Watt's four global research institutes, a total of 12 scholarships are available (3 per research area) worth 50%, 75%, and 100% of tuition fees respectively. The four research focus areas include Climate Change and Net Zero, Robotics and Automated Future, Quality of Life (health and care technologies), and The Planet (earth and marine sciences). These scholarships are aimed at candidates who have achieved or are aiming to achieve an upper second class or first class grade in their undergraduate degree for entry in September 2026 only. Applications will be judged mainly on two criteria: previous academic performance and how closely the applicant's research interests and ambitions align with projects within the Global Research Institutes. The University is looking for candidates who want to become leaders in their chosen field and show excellence through their application. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with a small panel of academics.
Heriot-Watt MRAC Fellowship
The MRAC Fellowship is a competitive opportunity where students will be offered a 30% discount from their tuition fees. As part of the fellowship, the successful applicants will undertake work within the Marketing, Recruitment, Admissions and Communications Department, working in rotation with each of those teams to gain experience throughout the year alongside their studies. The opportunity is open to those coming to study on any postgraduate taught qualification starting in September 2026. Two fellowships are available for offer-holders with UK tuition fee status applying for any Postgraduate Taught Masters course at Heriot-Watt University's UK campus. Successful applicants gain both financial support and valuable professional experience working across multiple university departments.
Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence
The Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence awards successful recipients with a 20% reduction on their tuition fees. It is available to all students applying to MSc in Actuarial Management, MSc in Actuarial Management with Data Science, MSc Actuarial Science and Management, or MSc Actuarial Science at Heriot-Watt University. All applicants are assessed automatically for this award upon receipt of their application. The award is applied at the programme manager's discretion if the student's past academic performance is deemed deserving, which could include undergraduate degree performance or actuarial professional exams already passed. Recipients are informed of the scholarship award on their offer letter. Students can only receive one Heriot-Watt funded scholarship towards their programme of study.
Funds For Women Graduates (FFWG) grants
Funds for Women Graduates (FfWG) awards grants to assist with the living expenses of women postgraduate students towards a PhD or equivalent degree. The FFWG offer a number of grants for women studying or researching for any postgraduate qualification. These grants are designed to support women throughout their postgraduate education journey, helping to alleviate financial pressures associated with advanced academic study and research. The funding is specifically targeted at women pursuing postgraduate taught programs, research degrees, or PhD qualifications.
Emerging Leaders in Engineering Scholarship
The Emerging Leaders in Engineering Scholarship is offered by Heriot-Watt University to celebrate the launch of their new MSc Engineering Management programme. This scholarship provides a 20% reduction of tuition fees to recognise one exceptional student who combines academic excellence, leadership qualities and a passion for driving innovation and sustainability within the engineering sector. The scholarship award will be determined based on several criteria including academic results, financial need, passion for the subject, previous work experience and career ambitions. Applicants must hold an offer for the MSc in Engineering Management programme starting in September 2026 and have UK fee status. Following the application deadline, a shortlist will be created and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Please note that only one Heriot-Watt funded scholarship can be received per programme of study, so this scholarship cannot be combined with other awards such as the Alumni Discount.
Coaching Scholarships Programme
The Coaching Scholarships Programme at Heriot-Watt University is designed to attract individuals who are passionate about coaching and developing the sports programme and performance of student athletes. The scholarship offers a tuition fee reduction on postgraduate fees for anyone studying at postgraduate level at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus. The discount typically starts at 20% but could reach as high as 100% for exceptional candidates. Candidates are assessed on three main criteria: whether the applicant's sport is a focus sport, the applicant's coaching and/or playing experience, and the applicant's potential to recruit fee-paying student athletes. The fee reduction is determined based on a combination of candidate assessment, volume of coaching/recruitment work, and the applicant's total tuition fee. In return, the coaching scholar is expected to deliver coaching to one of the constituted clubs of Heriot-Watt University Sports Union. Applications are considered for any club within the Sports Union, with focus sports including Handball, Tennis, Rugby, Basketball, Volleyball, Netball, Rowing, American Football, Gaelic Football, and Football. Three awards are available for this scholarship programme.
Undergraduate European Union Scholarship
The Undergraduate European Union Scholarship provides an automatic £5,000 fee reduction for each year of study for full-time undergraduate programmes at Heriot-Watt University. This scholarship is specifically designed for students from EU countries who will be studying at the UK campus. The award is automatically applied upon enrolment and does not require a separate application. Students can only receive one Heriot-Watt funded scholarship towards their programme of study, and this award is not applicable to students already receiving an EU partner fee reduction. The scholarship is available to students who have EU fee status at enrolment and maintain that status throughout their studies.
Travel Home Bursary
The Travel Home Bursary of £1,500 is provided to undergraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland who are identified as RUK (Rest of UK) students for fee status purposes at Heriot-Watt University. The bursary is designed to support students with travel costs during their first year of study at the university's UK campus. This includes direct entrants to Year 2 or 3. The bursary is paid in three instalments of £500 in October, February and April. Students who withdraw are required to repay any overpaid bursary based on a pro-rata of bursary paid to the point of withdrawal. This bursary is only available for the student's first year (one year only).
The Smith Arthur Bursary
The Smith Arthur Bursary provides £3750 per year to one female student coming to study a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) degree from widening participation backgrounds who are joining Heriot-Watt University in September 2026. The bursary is specifically aimed at supporting students with their living costs and will be paid for each year of their undergraduate studies. This award is designed to help female students from underrepresented backgrounds pursue STEM education at the undergraduate level. Applicants must meet the university's widening access criteria, which targets students from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds. With only one award available, this is a highly competitive opportunity that provides substantial financial support throughout the duration of an undergraduate degree program.
The Riccarton Bursary
The Riccarton Bursary provides financial support for Civil Engineering students from Scotland. The bursary awards £5,000 per year to students from widening participation backgrounds as well as those from rural, isolated or remote parts of Scotland who are joining Heriot-Watt University in September 2026. The scholarship is specifically aimed at supporting students with their living costs and will be paid for each year of their undergraduate studies. Four bursaries are available annually for full-time undergraduate students studying Civil Engineering degrees (BEng or MEng) at the UK campus. Recipients must meet widening access criteria or be from designated rural, isolated, or remote areas of Scotland. The bursary provides sustained financial support throughout the duration of undergraduate studies, helping to ensure that students from underrepresented backgrounds can pursue their engineering education.
The Duffin Family Access Scholarship
The Duffin Family Access Scholarship awards £1,000 annually to a Widening Participation Scottish student starting any of the Engineering Degrees in September 2026. The scholarship is specifically for students who are studying within the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University. This bursary is exclusively for new students who will be joining Heriot-Watt in September 2026; current students who are already enrolled are not eligible to apply. Applicants must be Scottish students that meet the widening access criteria and must hold an offer to study at Heriot-Watt in September 2026. A short statement of up to 300 words is required regarding the applicant's financial situation.
The Brodie Family Scholarship (UG)
The Brodie Family Scholarship provides financial support to four undergraduate students from widening participation backgrounds commencing their studies in September 2026 at Heriot-Watt University. The scholarship offers £2,500 per year for up to 4 years (or £2,000 per year for students on 5-year degree programmes) to help with living costs. Two scholarships are specifically designated for students commencing a Mechanical Engineering degree, while two additional scholarships are available to students joining any undergraduate programme at the university. This scholarship aims to support students from widening participation backgrounds throughout their undergraduate studies at Heriot-Watt University's UK campus in Scotland.
Robertson Trust Scholarship
The Robertson Trust Scholarship is jointly funded by The Robertson Trust and Heriot-Watt University, supporting up to 10 students per year for the duration of their chosen undergraduate degree programme. The scholarship provides financial support of up to £4,250 per year to improve access and retention for eligible students. Successful nominees receive both the financial bursary throughout their time at university and a full programme of wrap-around support. The scholarship is designed to support young people aged 16-25 who are resident in Scotland and accessing undergraduate study at Scottish universities. Applications must be made by nomination from partner schools, colleges, universities, or access programmes. At Heriot-Watt University, the institution nominates 10 potential Robertson Trust Scholars from their Widening Access Bursary applicants. Candidates must be eligible for SAAS (Student Awards Agency for Scotland) support, as the scholarship is intended to complement statutory support rather than replace it.
Ramadan Community Award
The Ramadan Community Award offers scholarships of up to £6,000 to international students applying to Heriot-Watt University. This award is applied as a tuition fee discount for students who complete their application and the scholarship form between February and March 2026. The scholarship amount varies based on the programme fee level: £2,000 for programmes up to £23,000, £4,000 for programmes between £23,000 and £26,000, and £6,000 for programmes over £26,000. To be eligible, applicants must be classified as international (non-EU) students for fee status purposes, submit a complete application to study at Heriot-Watt University by the deadline, complete the Ramadan Community Award form, and receive a conditional or unconditional offer. Upon receiving an offer, applicants must accept it to make it firm, and those with conditional offers must meet all requirements stated in their offer letter. The scholarship is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes starting in September 2026 at the UK campus. Students can study full-time, and there is no limit to the number of awards available. However, the Ramadan Community Award cannot be combined with any other Heriot-Watt scholarship. International students requiring a visa should allow sufficient time to obtain their CAS number and complete visa procedures before the start of studies in September 2026.
Norway Early Bird Scholarship
The Norway Early Bird Scholarship is offered by Heriot-Watt University to support students from Norway pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees. This scholarship provides a tuition fee reduction for the first year of study, with the award value dependent on when students firmly accept their offer. Students who firmly accept by April 1st receive £6000, while those accepting between April 1st and May 1st receive £3000. The scholarship is automatically applied to eligible students' offers and is designed to encourage early enrollment for September 2026 entrants onto full-time study programmes at the UK campus. This is an automatic award requiring no separate application beyond firmly accepting the university offer by the specified deadlines.
Milton Access Bursary
The Milton Access Bursary awards students from widening participation backgrounds coming to study a Chemical Engineering degree £1000 per year. The scholarship is aimed at supporting students with their living costs and will be paid for each year of their undergraduate studies. This bursary provides students from widening participation backgrounds joining Heriot-Watt University in September 2026 with extra financial support to help towards living costs. The award is specifically for new students who will be joining the university in September 2026 and is renewable for each year of undergraduate studies. Applicants must hold an offer to study at Heriot-Watt in September 2026 and meet the university's widening access criteria, which supports students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. Current students who are already enrolled are not eligible to apply.
International Merit Scholarship
Heriot-Watt University welcomes students from all over the world and is providing support by awarding over £500,000 in merit scholarships to international fee-paying students enrolling in January and September 2026. The scholarship is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate taught programs at the UK campus for full-time students with international (non-EU) fee status. In most instances, scholarships awarded to international fee-paying students will be paid as a partial fee abatement for the first year of study only, unless stated otherwise on the offer letter. The scholarship aims to support international students in accessing higher education at Heriot-Watt University across various regions including CIS, Europe, East Asia, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, MENA, Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa, North, Central and South America, Pakistan, and South East Asia. Eligibility criteria vary by region, and prospective students should contact the relevant Regional Team Manager for specific details about their region's scholarship opportunities.
Heriot-Watt Widening Access Bursary (Scotland)
The Heriot-Watt Access Bursary provides students from widening participation backgrounds who are joining in September 2026 with extra financial support to help towards living costs and will be paid for each year of their undergraduate studies. A recent survey showed that receiving an Access Bursary alleviated an immediate financial challenge for 92% of recipients, while 94% said their Access Bursary allowed them to focus on their studies. Similarly, recent analysis has shown that students from challenging backgrounds who receive a bursary or scholarship are significantly more likely to progress to the next stage of their degree. The bursary awards £1,000 per year for each year of undergraduate study (typically 4-5 years), with approximately 50 awards available each year to new Scottish students from widening participation backgrounds.
Heriot-Watt University Bursary
The Heriot-Watt University Bursary is an income-related bursary of up to £3,100 a year available to eligible full-time undergraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The bursary is payable in years 1, 2, 3 and 4 of study. There are three levels of support depending on household income as assessed by Student Finance: £3,100 for household incomes between £0 and £25,000, £2,100 for incomes between £25,001 and £35,000, and £1,100 for incomes between £35,001 and £42,600. The bursary is intended as a contribution to living costs and is paid in three instalments throughout the academic year, normally in October, February and April. Students on years with an exchange, placement, sandwich or inter-campus transfer remain eligible for the bursary during placements. Students repeating years are also eligible if their course load makes them a full-time student.
Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships
The Heriot-Watt University Sports Scholarship Programme is delivered in partnership with Heriot-Watt University, Oriam and Heriot-Watt University Sports Union. The programme is designed to embed a high-performance training environment into a student-athlete's weekly schedule. The scholarships operate on a top-up support basis, acting as a fully inclusive method to ensure each athlete can reach their full potential in their chosen sport while simultaneously reaching their full academic potential studying at Heriot-Watt University. Students of all nationalities and years of study are eligible to apply and be considered for a sport scholarship, on both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes at Heriot-Watt University. The programme has a range of scholarship levels available to support student-athletes in achieving excellence in both sport and academics.
Free accommodation for first semester
This scholarship is designed to support undergraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland as they move to Scotland to begin their university studies at Heriot-Watt University. The offer provides eligible undergraduate students starting in September 2026 free accommodation for first semester, saving over £3,000 in living costs in the first year. The accommodation for the Edinburgh campus is a traditional ensuite room and a contemporary standard room at the Galashiels campus. No separate application is required as the bursary will be included in the accommodation offer once students apply for accommodation. This is available to students with a Rest of UK (RUK) fee status who are starting a full-time undergraduate degree at Heriot-Watt in September 2026.
Dr David McGillivray Access Bursary
The Dr David McGillivray Access Bursary awards £1,000 annually to a Widening Participation Scottish student starting a Heriot-Watt Chemistry Degree in September 2026. The scholarship is aimed at supporting students with their living costs and will be paid for each year of their undergraduate studies. This bursary is designed to provide students coming from widening participation backgrounds with extra financial support to help towards living costs. Applicants must meet the university's Widening Access criteria and hold an offer to study at Heriot-Watt in September 2026. The bursary is renewable for each year of the undergraduate studies.
Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship
This scholarship is for the most talented students coming to study at Heriot-Watt University in September 2026 from Europe (Non-EU countries) and the Americas. The scholarship provides tuition awards ranging from £3,000 to £5,000 per year for undergraduate students or as a one-time award for postgraduate taught students. Undergraduate scholarships provide £3,000 to £5,000 tuition award per year of study for a full-time undergraduate programme, dependent on merit and quality of application. Postgraduate scholarships provide £3,000 to £5,000 tuition award for a full-time postgraduate programme of study, dependent on merit and quality of application. The scholarship is open to applicants from specific European non-EU countries including Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland and Ukraine, as well as North, Central, and South American countries. There are a limited number of awards available, and only one tuition award from Heriot-Watt University may be held by any student.
At a Glance
- Total Funding Opportunities
- 27
- Active Now
- 26
- Source Domain
- hw.ac.uk
Catalog Data
This funder profile was automatically extracted from grant listings. Information may be incomplete.
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