--- title: "Heriot-Watt University — check charity number SC000278 | CharityCompare" description: "Is Heriot-Watt University a legitimate UK charity? Check charity number SC000278. the advancement of education charity based in City of Edinburgh. Official OSCR record, key facts and how to claim the profile — on CharityCompare." source: https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/charity/heriot-watt-university retrieved: 2026-08-23T23:59:34.602Z license: "Charity data © Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0" --- Quick answer Heriot-Watt University is a registered charity (number SC000278) on the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) register, so it is a legitimate, regulator-overseen organisation. It is registered for: the advancement of education. Its latest reported income was £308,456,000 (year ending 2025-07-31). CharityCompare shows its official register record below; a Clarity Score is added automatically once detailed filing history is available. ## What are the key facts about Heriot-Watt University? Registered charity number SC000278 Status Registered (active) Charity type Statutory corporation (Royal Charter etc) Location City of Edinburgh Latest income (year ending 2025-07-31) £308,456,000 Website [www.hw.ac.uk](http://www.hw.ac.uk/) ## What does Heriot-Watt University do? From a pioneering institute born out of the Scottish Enlightenment in 1821, to a leader in transnational education, Heriot-Watt has become a global university through a commitment to its vision, mission and ethos. Our vision is to be world leading within all our areas of specialism. Our mission is to create and exchange knowledge that benefits society and ethos. We put our community of students, staff and alumni at the heart of everything we do. Our distinctive strengths will continue to build a global university that pioneers innovation in education, research and enterprise Our Values Inspir… ## What causes is Heriot-Watt University registered for? the advancement of education ## Why is there no Clarity Score for Heriot-Watt University yet? The Clarity Score is computed from full financial filing history. Heriot-Watt University is on the official register but outside the detailed-filing group we currently score (or awaiting its first filings), so we show its official register record instead of a rating. Its score appears automatically once enough filing data exists — never by payment. [How scoring works](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/methodology) ## Is this your charity? Claim this profile free to add your own description, correct details, or respond publicly. Optional [partner plans](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/partners) add your logo, photos, verified badge and supporter features — claiming itself is always free and never changes any score. [Claim this profile — free](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/claim?charity=heriot-watt-university&type=claim) [Visit charity website](http://www.hw.ac.uk/) ## Frequently asked questions Is Heriot-Watt University a legitimate charity? Yes. Heriot-Watt University is a legitimate registered charity (charity number SC000278) regulated by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). You can verify it on the official register. Registration proves status — it is not a Clarity Score or an impact rating. What is Heriot-Watt University's charity number? Heriot-Watt University's charity number is SC000278. Check that number on the OSCR register or this CharityCompare profile before you donate. How do I check charity number SC000278? Search SC000278 on the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) register or on CharityCompare. Confirm the registered name matches the organisation asking for money — scammers sometimes reuse real charity numbers. What does Heriot-Watt University do? From a pioneering institute born out of the Scottish Enlightenment in 1821, to a leader in transnational education, Heriot-Watt has become a global university through a commitment to its vision, mission and ethos. Our vision is to be world leading within all our areas of specialism. Our mission is to create and exchange knowledge that benefits society and ethos. We put our community of students, staff and alumni at the heart of everything we do. Our distinctive strengths will continue to build a global university that pioneers innovation in education, research and enterprise Our Values Inspir… Does Heriot-Watt University have reviews and complaints? CharityCompare does not host public user reviews for Heriot-Watt University. This basic profile confirms registration and register facts. Rated charities also show a filing-based Clarity Score. For formal complaints, contact the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) or the Fundraising Regulator as appropriate. How can I donate to Heriot-Watt University? Heriot-Watt University's website is http://www.hw.ac.uk — donate there directly so the charity receives the full amount. CharityCompare never takes a commission on donations. Source: Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) register extract dated 2026-08-07, used under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). Always verify current details on the [official register entry](https://www.oscr.org.uk/about-charities/search-the-register/charity-details?number=SC000278).