International Merit Scholarship 2027 | Study in United Kingdom — Heriot-Watt University
A scholarship pool built specifically around the Americas and a set of non-EU European countries is a distinctive regional focus that most UK universities do not attempt at this scale.
About the Scholarship
Heriot-Watt University’s International Merit Scholarship distributes over five hundred thousand pounds each cycle to international fee-paying students from North, Central and South America, along with a defined list of non-EU European countries including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland and Ukraine. Awards are worth between three thousand and five thousand pounds per year and are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate taught students starting full-time study at the university’s UK campus in January or September 2027. Applicants are generally expected to hold a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5, equivalent to a B+ average.
Scholarship Benefits
- Between three thousand and five thousand pounds per year of study
- Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate taught students
- Open to applicants from across the Americas and a specific list of non-EU European countries
- Support for both January and September 2027 intakes
- Part of a scholarship pool worth over five hundred thousand pounds annually
Eligibility Criteria
- Be resident in an eligible country across North, Central or South America, or a listed non-EU European country such as Albania, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or Ukraine
- Hold a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5, or a B+ average, in your prior qualification
- Demonstrate strong academic performance in subject areas related to your intended programme
- Hold an offer for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught course at Heriot-Watt’s UK campus
- Apply before the published deadline in early December for the relevant intake
- Not already hold funding that fully covers the equivalent tuition cost
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship is available across a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes at Heriot-Watt’s UK campus, spanning engineering, business, design, the sciences and mathematics, with the specific list of eligible courses confirmed through the university’s scholarships pages.
Required Documents
- A confirmed offer letter for an eligible full-time Heriot-Watt undergraduate or postgraduate course
- Academic transcripts confirming a GPA of 3.5 or equivalent
- Proof of residence in an eligible Americas or non-EU European country
- A completed International Merit Scholarship application
- English language test results where required by the course
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Confirm your country of residence is on the current eligible Americas or non-EU European list
- Apply for and secure an offer on an eligible full-time Heriot-Watt course for January or September 2027 entry
- Complete the International Merit Scholarship application before the early December deadline
- Submit transcripts confirming your GPA alongside your application
- Wait for Heriot-Watt’s scholarship decision, generally confirmed after the deadline has passed
- Accept your course place and scholarship award according to the instructions provided
Selection Process
Heriot-Watt’s scholarships team reviews eligible applicants from the Americas and the specific non-EU European country list, assessing GPA and overall academic strength, before allocating the limited number of awards within the year’s funding pool.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Confirm your country of residence is on the current eligible list before applying, since both regions have specific country sets
- Apply well before the early December deadline rather than waiting until the final days
- Present a clear, well documented GPA or grade conversion if your home system does not use a standard 4.0 scale
- Consider the January intake if your academic calendar does not align well with the usual September start
- Compare this with the Strathclyde International Merit Scholarship if you are also considering other Scottish universities
- Look at the University of Glasgow Global Leadership Scholarship as a further comparison for postgraduate study in Scotland
Frequently Asked Questions
Which regions are eligible for the Heriot-Watt International Merit Scholarship?
The Americas, including countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil, along with a specific list of non-EU European countries including Norway, Switzerland and Ukraine.
How much is the scholarship worth?
Between three thousand and five thousand pounds per year of study.
Is the scholarship available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students?
Yes, it supports both undergraduate and postgraduate taught students at Heriot-Watt’s UK campus.
What GPA do I need?
A minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5, or a B+ average, in your prior qualification.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline has fallen on the 4th of December for January and September 2027 entry.
Does the scholarship apply to Heriot-Watt’s overseas campuses?
No, this particular scholarship supports study at Heriot-Watt’s UK campus rather than its Dubai or Malaysia campuses.