The International Merit Scholarship 2026 offered by Heriot-Watt University is a valuable funding opportunity for international students who want to study in the United Kingdom.
With over £500,000 in scholarship funding available, this award supports talented students enrolling in January and September 2026 intakes. If you’re searching for an easy-to-apply UK scholarship with flexible deadlines, this guide provides everything you need to know.
Overview of International Merit Scholarship 2026
Heriot-Watt University welcomes students from around the world and offers this scholarship to help reduce tuition fees for international applicants.
Unlike many scholarships, this award is:
- Merit-based
- Automatically considered in most cases
- Applied as a tuition fee discount
- Available across multiple regions
Scholarship Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | International Merit Scholarship |
| University | Heriot-Watt University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Study Level | Undergraduate & Postgraduate (Taught) |
| Funding Type | Partial (Tuition Fee Reduction) |
| Value | Varies by region |
| Intake | January & September 2026 |
| Deadline | Rolling (No fixed date) |
| Eligibility | International (Non-EU) Students |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
Application Deadline (2026 Intake)
The International Merit Scholarship does not have a fixed deadline, but this does not mean you should delay your application.
Key Deadline Insights:
- Applications are open year-round
- Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis
- Funding is limited and can run out early
Recommended Application Timeline:
| Intake | Suggested Deadline |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | October – November 2025 |
| September 2026 | May – July 2026 |
Best Strategy: Apply at least 2–4 months before your course starts to increase your chances.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Tuition fee reduction
- Financial support for the first year of study
- Scholarship amount based on region
The exact value will be clearly stated in your admission offer.
Eligible Countries
The scholarship is open to international (non-EU) students, including:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- India
- Pakistan
- Countries in Asia, Africa, and the Americas
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be classified as an international fee-paying student
- Meet academic requirements for their chosen program
- Receive an offer of admission from Heriot-Watt University
- Enrol in a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course
Note: Eligibility may vary slightly by region.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
The application process is simple:
- Apply for Admission: Submit your application to Heriot-Watt University for your preferred course.
2. Contact the Regional Team
- CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States): Saniya Gabbassova (S.Gabbassova@hw.ac.uk)
- Europe (Countries outside of the EU): Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship
- Europe (EU Countries): Undergraduate – Undergraduate European Union Scholarship, Postgraduate – Postgraduate European Union Scholarship
- East Asia: Karen Zhu – N.Zhu@hw.ac.uk
- India, Nepal and Sri Lanka: Meenu Sharma (meenu.sharma@hw.ac.uk) or Sabarinath Vijayakumar (s.vijayakumar@hw.ac.uk)
- MENA (Middle East and North Africa): Wazeem Fazal (Wazeem.Fazal@hw.ac.uk)
- Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa: Olufunke Etu (olufunke.etu@hw.ac.uk)
- North, Central and South America: Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship
- Pakistan: Srishti Agarwal (S.Agarwal@hw.ac.uk)
- South East Asia: scholarships@hw.ac.uk
- Other overseas areas not listed: scholarships@hw.ac.uk
Reach out to your regional representative for scholarship details and confirmation.
3: Receive Scholarship Offer
If eligible, your scholarship will be:
- Included in your admission letter OR
- Communicated by your regional office
For more details, click here.
Why Choose Heriot-Watt University?
Heriot-Watt University is known for:
- Strong global reputation
- Career-focused programs
- High graduate employability
- International student support
- Campuses in the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia
FAQs
1. Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. Most students are automatically considered after applying for admission.
2. Is the scholarship fully funded?
No. It is a partial scholarship that reduces tuition fees.
3. Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes. Students from Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa are eligible.
4. Is IELTS required?
Yes, if your course requires proof of English proficiency.
5. When will I receive the scholarship decision?
Usually alongside your admission offer or shortly after.
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