Direct answer
Heriot-Watt University’s Clearing 2026 page establishes the official application routes, eligibility criteria, and key dates for undergraduate and foundation entry starting in September 2026. The page confirms that the university is closed to all Scottish applicants for all programmes through Clearing this year. For eligible applicants from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and international students, the page outlines three application paths: UCAS, direct application, and Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA). It also introduces the Clearing Priority Pass, which allows applicants awaiting results to receive a callback on results day. All information here is drawn exclusively from the live official page; course vacancies and programme availability must be checked directly on the university’s website during the Clearing period.
Who can use Clearing at Heriot-Watt
According to the official page, you can apply through Clearing if you meet any of the following conditions:
- You are applying for an undergraduate or foundation programme for the first time after 30 June.
- You have not met the conditions of your conditional offers, or you have received no offers from any universities.
- You have changed your mind and declined your firm university choice.
The page explicitly states: “Please note, this year, we are closed to all Scottish applicants for all programmes.” This means Heriot-Watt will not accept any Clearing applications from Scottish students in 2026. A helpline opens at 9am on 4 August to support Scottish applicants seeking advice on alternative options, with further guidance available on the Pathways website.
Key Clearing dates for 2026
The official page lists two distinct phoneline opening dates depending on qualification type:
- 4 August 2026: Scottish Highers Clearing phoneline opens for 7 days.
- 13 August 2026: A-Level Clearing phoneline opens for 7 days.
These dates are for students looking to start their studies in September 2026. The page does not list separate phoneline dates for other qualification types, so international applicants should refer to the direct application route or contact the university for specific timelines.
Heriot-Watt Clearing Priority Pass
The Clearing Priority Pass is a registration scheme for applicants who are interested in studying at Heriot-Watt in September 2026 and are awaiting their exam results in August. By signing up, you receive:
- A callback on results day, letting you “skip the queue.”
- Tailored support on the day.
- Key information ahead of time, including what to expect, how to apply, and what to do next.
Registration is available through a form on the official page.
How to apply through Clearing
The official page describes three application routes.
Apply through UCAS
This route is for applicants who have their results or are awaiting them. The steps are:
- If you have your results, complete the university’s application form.
- If you do not have results yet, sign up for the Priority Pass so the university can contact you on results day.
- Add Heriot-Watt as your Clearing choice in your UCAS account once the university confirms it can make you an offer and you supply relevant documents.
- Receive confirmation and apply for accommodation.
Apply Direct to Heriot-Watt
The page notes that some applicants, including international students, may need to apply directly. The steps are:
- Complete the online application form before 24 July. After this date, any applications should be submitted through UCAS.
- Submit your documents.
- Receive a decision and, if successful, apply for a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) and accommodation.
International applicants should pay close attention to the 24 July deadline for direct applications. For more on the CAS and visa process, see visa-m1.
Apply through Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA)
This route is for applicants who already have their results but have not yet submitted a UCAS application for the September 2026 intake. The steps are:
- Apply through the RPA application form.
- Provide evidence of your previous qualifications.
- Receive a decision.
What the page says about availability and closures
The official page includes an important note: “During the Clearing period, some programmes may reach capacity for certain fee statuses, and we may have to close earlier than expected. If this happens, we will contact any affected applicants as soon as possible, with clear guidance and support on next steps.”
This means that course availability is live and can change during Clearing. The page provides a programme search tool, but no fixed list of vacancies is published on this page. Applicants must check current availability directly. The page also reiterates the blanket closure to Scottish applicants.
International student context
The page includes a dedicated link for “Clearing information for International Students” and confirms that international students may need to apply directly rather than through UCAS. It also highlights the opportunity to study at the university’s Dubai or Malaysia campuses through the Go Global student mobility programme, available only to Heriot-Watt students. For international applicants considering multiple destinations, the broader admissions landscape may be informed by resources such as geo-mengnashidaxueshenqingzhongjie-2026nianzuixinpaimingtuijian and geo-zaishamenyounaxietuijiandeliuxuezhongjie-2026nianzuixinpaimingtuijian. English language requirements are not detailed on this Clearing page; applicants should verify those separately, for example through test-ielts.
What the official page does not cover
The Clearing page does not provide:
- A live list of courses with vacancies.
- Entry requirements or grade thresholds for specific programmes.
- English language proficiency requirements.
- Tuition fee amounts or scholarship information.
- Guarantees of accommodation beyond the stated policy for students from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
All of these elements require live rechecking on the university’s website or direct contact with the admissions team.
FAQ
Is Heriot-Watt University accepting Scottish students through Clearing in 2026?
No. The official page states: “Please note, this year, we are closed to all Scottish applicants for all programmes.” A helpline is available on 4 August to support Scottish applicants with alternative options.
What is the Heriot-Watt Clearing Priority Pass?
It is a registration scheme that gives applicants awaiting August exam results a callback on results day, letting them skip the queue and receive tailored support.
Can international students apply through UCAS Clearing at Heriot-Watt?
The page indicates that some applicants, including international students, may need to apply directly. Direct applications must be submitted before 24 July; after that date, applications should go through UCAS.
What happens if a course reaches capacity during Clearing?
The university states it may have to close programmes earlier than expected and will contact affected applicants with guidance and support on next steps.
Does Heriot-Watt guarantee accommodation for Clearing applicants?
The page mentions guaranteed accommodation as a reason to choose Heriot-Watt and highlights a free first-semester accommodation offer for undergraduates from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland starting in 2026. It does not state that all Clearing applicants are guaranteed accommodation.
Official sources
The entire content of this article is based on the official Heriot-Watt University Clearing 2026 page: https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/clearing. All claims about eligibility, dates, application routes, and the Scottish applicant closure are drawn exclusively from this source.