Heriot-Watt Online and Approved Learning Partner students

We are delighted that you have chosen to study with Heriot-Watt. As one of the most progressive and international institutions, we are confident that you will have the opportunity to thrive, both personally and academically, during your time studying with us.

Enrolment

All students are required to enrol with the University annually. Enrolment is the process through which you check and update your personal details and agree to the University's terms and conditions. The process will activate access to online tools like Canvas (our virtual leaning environment) and will allow you to register and pay for courses.

Who should enrol online?

New students studying independently (distance learning) should complete the online enrolment unless otherwise instructed.

New students studying a Heriot-Watt University programme through another institute (such as an Approved Learning Partner) will need to complete online enrolment, but you should contact your local institution in the first instance.

Online enrolment

You log in using your Heriot-Watt University username, which will be sent to you in an email. 

You will need this username to set up your password. By clicking on the link to set up your password you accept the University's IT and Communications Acceptable Use Policy.

Set up your password here. 

To help keep your Heriot-Watt account safe you will need to set up Multi-Factor Authentication.  You may have used a similar system to access online banking or a personal email account.   

Course registration (online students only) 

You can register and pay for course(s) via the Student Portal (myHWU), once you have completed online enrolment. Consult your programme structure for a full list of available courses on the relevant programme pages on the website. 

Once the payment has been completed, the Online Student Support Team will check the course selection before updating your record. If you experience any problems or have any questions relating to a credit or debit card payment, please contact the Online Student Support Team. 

Students who will have their fees paid for by a sponsor must submit a scanned copy of a current sponsor letter to the Online Student Support Team (on the sponsor’s headed paper). It should confirm the following: 

• The sponsor will pay the fees 
• Details of where the invoice is to be sent/emailed  
• Course details (Course code, Course name, Semester)  

Student card

If you have uploaded a photograph during online enrolment and would like a student card, please email studentcentre@hw.ac.uk to ask for one. If you did not upload a photograph you can email one to studentcentre@hw.ac.uk as a jpeg, pjpeg, gif, png or x-png file. Please make sure you provide your HW person ID and contact details in the email.

Heriot-Watt University services

Find out how to get connected to all Heriot-Watt University services.