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Heriot-Watt University is one of the best universities to study in Dubai. The university is known for its research-intensive degree programs and ranks =256 in the world (QS World Rankings 2025). Moreover, it is well known for offering courses in business, design, engineering, and physical and social sciences. You can find 82 undergraduate courses and 145 postgraduate programs here. The Heriot-Watt University’s Dubai campus was established in 2005. It was the 1st overseas university to open in the Dubai International Academic City. Keep reading to learn more about the Heriot Watt University Dubai
This Blog Includes:
- Heriot Watt University Dubai Ranking
- Why Study at the Heriot Watt University Dubai?
- Heriot Watt University Dubai Courses & Tuition Fees
- Herriot Watt University Dubai Admission Requirements for Indians
- When Does Heriot Watt University Dubai Intakes Take Place?
- Application Process to Study at Heriot Watt University Dubai
- English Langauge Requirement for Admission
- Scholarships to Study at Heriot Watt University Dubai
- Heriot Watt University Dubai Fees for Hostel Facilities
- What is the Heriot Watt University Dubai Acceptance Rate?
- FAQs
Heriot Watt University Dubai Ranking
The Dubai campus ranking is the same as the overall University ranking. The University’s Dubai campus is known for providing UK education experience to students.
| Heriot Watt University Dubai Ranking | Ranked By |
| =256 | QS World Ranking 2025 |
Why Study at the Heriot Watt University Dubai?
Some of the reasons why you should study at the Dubai campus are as follows:
- The Heriot-Watt University was one of the 1st universities to open in the Dubai International Academic City providing top-quality UK education.
- The University allows intern campus transfers. Therefore, students can experience studying at the Malaysia and UK campuses.
- You can find a range of undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and PhD programmes. The undergraduate programmes include management, fashion, and engineering subjects
- The degrees are recognised and accredited by the Royal Charter in the UK.
- Moreover, those who complete the degree programmes are highly sought after by employers worldwide.
- The Heriot Watt University Dubai is the first university in UAE to light up the Burj Kalifa (for light show)
Heriot Watt University Dubai Courses & Tuition Fees
The courses available at the university can be divided into 4 categories:
- Global college (1 year foundation course that is a pathway to the 1st year degree programme).
- Undergraduate Programmes (4 years)
- Postgraduate taught courses (1 year full-time & 2 years part-time)
- Research/PhD programmes (3-4 years)
Some of the courses and tuition fees available to study at the University are as follows:
| Global College | |
| Course Name | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Advanced Degree Entry (Foundation) Programme in Engineering + Year 1: Engineering | AED 85,857 per year |
| Degree Entry (Foundation) Programme Design Studies | AED 51,514 per year |
| Advanced Degree Entry (Foundation) Programme in Management + Year 1: Management | AED 79,725 per year |
| Degree Entry (Foundation) Programme Management / Psychology | AED 51,514 per year |
| Undergraduate Programmes | |
| Course Name | Annual Tuition Fees |
| BA (Hons) Architecture | AED 82,178 per year |
| BBA (Hons) Bachelor of Business Administration | AED 68,686 per year |
| BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering | AED 76,045 per year |
| BA (Hons) Communication Design | AED 76,045 per year |
| Postgraduate Taught Programs | |
| Course Name | Annual Tuition Fees |
| MSc Artificial Intelligence | AED 99349 |
| MSc Business Psychology with Coaching | AED 103323 |
| MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management | AED 99349 |
| MSc Business Analytics and Consultancy | AED 91990 |
| PhD Programmes | |
| Course Name | Annual Tuition Fees |
| PhD Mathematical and Computer Sciences | AED 95670 per year |
| PhD Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society | AED 95670 per year |
| EngD Energy | AED 60713 per year |
| PhD Engineering and Physical Sciences | AED 95670 per year |
Learn all about pursuing MBA in Dubai
Herriot Watt University Dubai Admission Requirements for Indians
The Herriot Watt University admission requirements are provided below:
- You must meet the academic score required for the subject.
- You need to meet the English language requirements set by the University for the course
- You must have documents proving your academic score and English language proficiency.
- International students must be eligible for the Dubai student visa.
The academic scores required vary depending on the level of study. You can see the same in the table below:
| Level of Study | Academic Score Required |
| Foundation courses | 50% overall (year 12th CBSE/ICSE) |
| Undergraduate courses (management and design, engineering, data science and computer science) Year 1 | 65% overall (year 12th CBSE/ICSE) |
| Undergraduate courses (Statistical Data Science ) Year 1 | 75% overall (year 12th CBSE/ICSE) |
| Undergraduate courses (Psychology ) Year 1 | 70% overall (year 12th CBSE/ICSE) |
| Postgraduate courses (most courses) | 55% or 5.5 CGPA (in a relevant undergraduate degree) |
| Postgraduate courses (Robotics and Global Sustainability Engineering) | 65% or 6.5 CGPA (in a relevant undergraduate degree) |
When Does Heriot Watt University Dubai Intakes Take Place?
The admission process in the Dubai campus follows a rolling year-round admission process. When one intake period ends applications for the next intakes becomes open. You can apply for a selected course 6-10 months in advance.
| Intake Month | Description |
| September | Most of the courses |
| January | Available for a few courses |
Application Process to Study at Heriot Watt University Dubai
To application process to gain admission at the Dubai campus is as follows:
- Visit the official website of the University
- Go to the menu, and choose the study option
- Go to the application page, and click on Apply Now to fill out the application form
- Fill out the application form for the selected course
- If you have been selected, then the university will issue you the offer letter
- You will have to accept the offer letter and pay the tuition fees
- At this stage, you can start the application process for the Dubai student visa
- Once your visa has been approved, you can go to Dubai for studies
English Langauge Requirement for Admission
To study at the Heriot Watt University Dubai you need to meet the English language requirement. To meet the requirement you can either clear the IELTS examination or any other English language test that is recognised in Dubai. For example, TOEFL/PTE.
| Level of Study | IELTS | PTE | TOEFL ibt |
| Global college | 5.5 | 5000 | 70 |
| Undergraduate Programmes | 6.0 overall (no score less than 5.5) | 50-57 with 51 in each component | 78 |
| Postgraduate taught Programmes | 6.5 overall (no score less than 6.0) | 60 overall with a minimum of 58 in each component | 90 |
| PhD programmes | 6.5 overall (no score less than 6.0) | 60 overall with a minimum of 58 in each component | 90 |
Scholarships to Study at Heriot Watt University Dubai
The Herriot Watt Unievrsity offers several scholarships for incoming students. The scholarships are mostly offered as tuition fee discounts. You need to meet the specific requirements of the scholarship to obtain the same. Some of the scholarships provided by the University are provided below:
| Scholarship | Benefit |
| Heriot-Watt Dubai T20 Cricket Award | 30% of the tuition fee discount for the duration of the course. |
| Tomorrow’s Leaders MBA Scholarships | 50% tuition fee reduction |
| Future Made for Success Scholarship | AED 14,000 tuition fee discount for 1st year of study |
| Civil Engineering ICE Scholarship | 20% 1st year tuition fee discount |
| Edinburgh Business School – Shaping ‘Women Entrepreneurs’ Scholarship | 50% tuition fee reduction for entrepreneurial women |
Learn about the fully funded scholarships in Dubai
Heriot Watt University Dubai Fees for Hostel Facilities
The Herriot Watt University offers hostel facilities to its students. There are a variety of accommodation options available. You can stay at a stylish hotel, a classic student or in a self-contained community. The average fees for hostel facilities are provided below:
| Number of Rooms | Cost |
| Single Room | Up to 4750 per month |
| Sharing Room | Up to 3200 per month |
| 1 Bedroom (serviced apartment)/ Hotel Stay | 5000 |
| 2 Bedroom (serviced apartment) Hotel Stay | 3750 |
What is the Heriot Watt University Dubai Acceptance Rate?
The application process for Herriot Watt University is competitive. The university’s acceptance rate stands at 24%. The admissions are based on the academic performance and the English language levels of the student. Your overall student profile like the previous academic record and course-specific criteria is taken into account.
FAQs
Yes. Heriot-Watt Dubai University’s admission process is competitive. Admissions to undergraduate programs require you to score at least 65% to 75%. However, the university;’s acceptance rate is only 24%
The Heriot-Watt University is expensive if you compare it with public universities abroad. However, in Dubai, the University is considered inexpensive among private universities. The tuition fee for undergraduate studies can vary from AED 55,000 to AED 70,000 per year.
Yes. The Heriot-Watt University’s Dubai campus is one of the best in the world. The University has been ranked =256 in the world. The University reviews on study portals stand 4.4 out of 5.
We hope now you know all about the Heriot Watt University Dubai campus. To learn more, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
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