After Graduation

Having progressed from living and learning to living and working, our graduates have a superb record of achievement in their chosen fields. While we cannot take all the credit for this, our alumni would, if asked, acknowledge the positive contribution Heriot-Watt has made to their success.

Post Study: Working in the UK

All non-European students who graduate from Heriot-Watt University with an undergraduate or postgraduate degree can now take up employment anywhere in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies.

Over 6000 international graduates have taken up this outstanding opportunity (previously known as the Fresh Talent Initiative) to develop their graduate career whilst working in Scotland.

Under the UK's new immigration system, international students who graduated from a UK institution with a recognised qualification can apply to stay on in the country as Post Study Workers. You do not need to have a specific job offer, but you will need to pass a points-based assessment to be eligible to apply. Successful applicants will be granted permission to work in the UK for up to two years without a work permit.

Once your two years with Post Study have finished, you may be allowed you to stay and work longer in Scotland if you have been with the same employer for six months and you pass a further point-based assessment.

When to apply
You can apply for Post Study up to one year after you have completed your studies. You can apply:

• after you have received your academic award from the UK, and before your current permission to stay in the UK expires
• from your home country if you return home

More information

For further details see the Post Study Workers page of the Home Office website.

Global Alumni Network

When you graduate from Heriot-Watt University you’ve gained a first-rate education and made friends and professional contacts that will last a lifetime. The Watt club, a social and professional network, keeps you in touch with over 62,000 alumni and the University.

The Watt club recently celebrated its 150th Anniversary, making it the oldest graduate association in the UK. Membership of the Watt club is automatic on graduation and free.

Famous alumni include Irvine Welsh, writer and author of ‘Trainspotting’; Audrey Baxter, chief Executive of Baxters Food Group; Richard Tate, creator of ‘Cranium’ and Dame Muriel Spark, author of ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’.