Heriot-Watt University Scholarships for Indian Students [Updated]
- Heriot-Watt University offers multiple scholarships for Indian students, including sports, merit-based, and subject-specific options with tuition fee waivers of up to 25%.
- Many scholarships, such as the Actuarial and International Merit Scholarships, have rolling deadlines and are either auto-awarded or require simple application processes.
- The overall cost of studying in Edinburgh includes annual tuition fees ranging from GBP 9,000–20,000 and living expenses of GBP 12,000–20,000.
Thinking about studying in the UK? Heriot-Watt University could be a great choice, especially for Indian students looking for financial support. The university offers a range of scholarships to help ease the burden of tuition and living expenses.
Whether you’re a talented athlete aiming for the Sports Scholarship or a high-achieving student applying for actuarial programs, Heriot-Watt has options tailored for you.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key scholarships available for Indian students, who can apply, and what it costs to study and live in Edinburgh.
Heriot-Watt University Scholarships
Heriot-Watt University offers several undergraduate scholarships and postgraduate scholarships to Indian students. We have summarised their details along with the amount, eligibility, application process and deadline.
| Scholarship | Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarship | 25% tuition fee reduction | 31st August 2025 |
| Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship for Academic Excellence | 20% tuition fee reduction | Rolling Deadlines |
| International Merit Scholarship | Partial fee waiver | Rolling Deadlines |
| IMechE Scholarship | Up to GBP 21,800 | Rolling Deadlines |
Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships
The Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarship is provided under the Heriot-Watt University Sports Scholarship Program to all Indian undergraduate students who are eligible for a sports scholarship.
- Scholarship Amount: 25% tuition fee reduction
- Deadline: 31st August 2025
- Application Process: Can be applied on the sports scholarship portal of Heriot-Watt University
- Eligibility: Must be involved in Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth sports (2024 Summer Olympics/Paralympics, 2026 Winter Olympics/Paralympics)
Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence
The Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship for Academic Excellence is provided by Heriot-Watt University to all international students, including Indians applying to MSc in Actuarial Management or MSc in Actuarial Management with Data Science, MSc Actuarial Science and Management, and MSc Actuarial Science.
- Scholarship Amount: 20% tuition fee reduction
- Deadline: Rolling deadlines
- Application Process: Automatically awarded, no separate application necessary
- Eligibility: All successful applicants to the MSc in Actuarial Management, MSc in Actuarial Management with Data Science, MSc in Actuarial Science and Management (2-year MSc programme), and MSc in Actuarial Science.
International Merit Scholarship
The Heriot-Watt University is offering merit scholarships to all eligible Indian students, desiring to study at the institute in upcoming fall and spring intakes.
- Scholarship Amount: Partial fee abatement for the first year of study only
- Deadline: Rolling deadlines
- Application Process: Contact the Regional Manager for India
- Eligibility: Varies by region; connect with the regional manager on the university website for more info.
IMechE Scholarship (for Mechanical Engineers)
Institute of Mechanical Engineering at Heriott-Watt University is awarding this scholarship to international students including Indians, to study IMechE-accredited degrees.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to GBP 21,800 (tuition fee waiver)
- Deadline: Rolling deadlines
- Application Process: Can be applied on the official website of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Heriot-Watt University
- Eligibility: Varies by undergraduate and postgraduate programs
External Scholarships to Study at Heriot-Watt University
There are several external scholarships available for Indian students, who desire to study at Heriot-Watt University. We have summarised their details along with the amount, eligibility, application process, and deadline.
| Scholarship | Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | 100% tuition fee | TBA for 2026-27 |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | 100% tuition fee | TBA for 2026-27 |
| GREAT Scholarship | GBP 10,000 | TBA for 2026-27 |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | GBP 78,000 | TBA for 2026-27 |
| National Overseas Scholarship Scheme | Covers tuition fees on an actual basis | May-June 2025 |
Chevening Scholarship
The UK government awards Chevening Scholarships to Indian students who aspire to be future leaders, influencers, and key decision-makers in their fields.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver
- Deadline: TBA for 2026-27
- Application Process: Apply through the Chevening Portal on their official website.
- Eligibility: Students must return to India for at least 2 years after course completion. The student must also have an unconditional offer letter, and have work experience of at least 2,800 hours.
Commonwealth Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship, offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), is a fully funded opportunity for Indian students to pursue their studies at Heriot-Watt University.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver
- Deadline: TBA for 2026-27
- Application Process: Apply through the Commonwealth Portal
- Eligibility: Applicants need to have an undergraduate honours degree of at least upper second class (2:1)
GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarship is a UK-based financial aid program for Indian students pursuing one-year postgraduate courses. It is offered by various UK universities, including Heriot-Watt University, across a range of subjects.
- Scholarship Amount: GBP 10,000 towards tuition fees
- Deadline: TBA for 2026-27
- Application Process: Apply through the British Council Portal
- Eligibility: Applicants need to have an undergraduate degree
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships support Indian students pursuing full-time master’s programs at UK universities, including Heriot-Watt University, by providing funding for their studies.
- Scholarship Amount: GBP 78,000 towards tuition fees
- Deadline: TBA for 2026-27
- Application Process: Apply through the official portal
- Eligibility: Undergraduate degree with a minimum B+ grade, for Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, minimum 65%. For Mathematics, Sciences, Environment, and related subjects, a minimum academic grade of 70%.
National Overseas Scholarship Scheme
The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme, funded by the Government of India, offers financial support to eligible Indian students from backward and scheduled castes to pursue higher education in any course at UK universities, including Heriot-Watt University.
- Scholarship Amount: Annual maintenance of GBP 15,400 and Annual contingency and equipment allowance of GBP 1,500
- Deadline: May-June 2025
- Application Process: Apply through the official portal
- Eligibility: Applicable for only SC, ST, Denotified & Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers, Traditional Artisans, etc. Applicants should possess an excellent academic record, with at least 60%, and should be no more than 35 years of age.
Cost of Study at Heriot-Watt University
The cost of studying at Heriot-Watt University consists of tuition fees and living expenses. The exact tuition fees depend on the course and degree level, whereas the living expenses depend on the type of accommodation, meals, transportation options, etc., that students are seeking.
| Tuition Fees (Per Year) | GBP 9,000-18,000 (undergraduate) GBP 18,000-20,000 (postgraduate) |
| Living Expenses in Edinburgh (Per Year) | GBP 12,000-20,000 |
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
Heriot-Watt University offers strong financial support for Indian students through a variety of scholarships and funding opportunities. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, talent, and need, and are available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
In addition to university-funded options, Indian students can also benefit from several external scholarship programs backed by the UK and Indian government bodies.
FAQs
What scholarships are available for Indian students at Heriot-Watt University?
Indian students can apply for the Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarship (25% tuition fee reduction) at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and the Actuarial Scholarship for Academic Excellence (20% tuition fee reduction) at the postgraduate level.
Who is eligible for the Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarship?
Students actively involved in Olympic, Paralympic, or Commonwealth sports are eligible. The scholarship applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate Indian students.
How can I apply for the Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarship?
Applications must be submitted through the Heriot-Watt University sports scholarship portal by 31st August 2025.
Is a separate application required for the Actuarial Scholarship for Academic Excellence?
No, this scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible applicants of select actuarial MSc programs. No separate application is needed.
What are the estimated costs of studying at Heriot-Watt University?
Tuition fees range from GBP 9,000–18,000 for undergraduates and GBP 18,000–20,000 for postgraduates. Annual living expenses in Edinburgh are estimated between GBP 12,000–20,000.
