Heriot-Watt University is pleased to announce the Bursary, designed to support undergraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland with the cost of living while studying full-time at our UK campuses. Offering up to £3,100 per year for eligible students, this bursary reflects the university’s commitment to making higher education more accessible and reducing financial barriers for learners from a range of income backgrounds.
Heriot-Watt University was founded in 1821 in Edinburgh as the world’s first mechanics’ institute, created to provide practical education for working people during the Industrial Revolution. Over time, it developed into a leading global university known for science, engineering, business and innovation. The institution earned university status in 1966 and has since expanded with campuses in Scotland, Dubai and Malaysia. Today, Heriot-Watt continues its long tradition of industry-focused education and research, preparing students for careers across the world.
Table of Briefs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Heriot-Watt University Bursary |
| Award Value | Up to £3,100 per year |
| Study Level | Undergraduate |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Eligible Regions | England, Wales & Northern Ireland |
| Campus | UK campuses |
| Duration | Payable in Years 1–4 Year 5 not eligible |
| Application Required | No automatic based on Student Finance assessment |
Background
The Heriot-Watt University Bursary was established as part of the university’s ongoing commitment to widening access to higher education and supporting students from diverse financial backgrounds. Recognising that living expenses can be a major barrier to completing a university degree, Heriot-Watt designed this bursary to provide consistent financial assistance throughout the duration of undergraduate studies.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Heriot-Watt University Bursary, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Must be a full-time undergraduate student at a UK campus.
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Must be from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
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Must be assessed as ‘Rest of UK’ fee status and liable to pay £9,535 tuition fees.
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Household income must fall within the eligible bands as assessed by Student Finance.
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Student must provide consent to share financial information with the University.
Benefits
The bursary amount is based on household income:
| Household Income Range | Bursary Amount per Year |
|---|---|
| £0 – £25,000 | £3,100 |
| £25,001 – £35,000 | £2,100 |
| £35,001 – £42,600 | £1,100 |
Additional details:
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Paid in three instalments during the academic year typically October, February and April.
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Dedicated to living expenses support, not tuition fee reduction.
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Applies to Years 1–4 only Year 5 not eligible.
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Students on placements, exchange years, sandwich years, or inter-campus transfers remain eligible.
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Students repeating a year remain eligible if still full-time.
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Students who withdraw must repay overpaid bursary based on a pro-rata calculation.
Application Process
One major advantage of this bursary is the automatic award process:
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Apply for student finance through Student Finance England/Wales/Northern Ireland.
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Ensure your household income assessment is completed.
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Give consent to Student Finance to share your financial details with Heriot-Watt University.
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If eligible, the bursary will be awarded automatically no separate application form needed.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: Open
Conclusion
The Heriot-Watt University Bursary is an excellent financial support opportunity for undergraduate students from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. With awards of up to £3,100 per year across four years, it significantly reduces the financial burden of living expenses, helping students focus more on education and less on financial worries.