HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY

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  • Overview
  • Accreditation
  • Fees
  • Programmes
  • Required Documents
  • English Proficiency
  • Intakes

About the University

Heriot Watt University in Dubai is a branch campus of the UK-based Heriot Watt University, established in 2006. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, business, and finance, maintaining the same high academic standards as its UK counterpart. The Dubai campus focuses on practical learning, research, and innovation, with strong industry links to support student employability. It is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and is known for its multicultural environment and state-of-the-art facilities, attracting students from around the world.

Accreditation

UAE Ministry of Education and the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)

Tuition fee range for undergraduate programs

from 20,000 USD per year

Tuition fee range for foundation programs

from 28,000 USD per year

Tuition fee range for graduate programs

from 25,000 USD per program

Accommodation

Provided by the third parties

Foundation Programs

  • Advanced Degree Entry (Foundation) Programme in Engineering + Year 1: Engineering
  • Advanced Degree Entry (Foundation) Programme in Management + Year 1: Management
  • Degree Entry (Foundation) Programme Design Studies
  • Degree Entry (Foundation) Programme Engineering / Computing
  • Degree Entry (Foundation) Programme Management / Psychology

Undergraduate Programs

  • BEng (Hons) Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems
  • MA Accountancy and Finance
  • BSc (Hons) Actuarial Data Science
  • BEng (Hons) Architectural Engineering
  • BA (Hons) Architecture
  • BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering
  • BBA (Hons) Bachelor of Business Administration
  • MA Business and Finance
  • BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering
  • BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
  • BA (Hons) Communication Design
  • Sc (Hons) Computer Science
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Computer Games Programming)
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security)
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Data Science)
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering)
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Systems
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Systems (Computer Games Programming)
  • BSc (Hons) Data Sciences
  • BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Branding and Promotion
  • BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design
  • BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
  • BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology and Marketing
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology with Management

Graduate Programs

  • MSc Applied Cyber Security
  • MArch Architecture
  • MSc Artificial Intelligence
  • MSc Business Analytics and Consultancy
  • MSc Business Psychology
  • MSc Business Psychology with Coaching
  • MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management
  • MSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying
  • MSc Construction Project Management
  • MSc Data Science
  • MSc Design Management
  • MSc Digital Marketing
  • MSc Energy
  • MSc Facilities Management
  • MSc Finance and Management
  • MSc Global Sustainability Engineering
  • MSc Information Technology (Business)
  • MSc Information Technology (Software Systems)
  • Postgraduate MA Interior Architecture and Design
  • MSc International Accounting and Finance
  • MSc International Business Management with Finance
  • MSc International Business Management with HRM
  • MSc International Business Management with Marketing
  • MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • MBA Master of Business Administration with a Specialism in Professional Practice
  • MSc Petroleum Engineering
  • MSc Real Estate
  • MSc Renewable Energy Engineering
  • MSc Robotics
  • MSc Software Engineering
  • MSc Sustainable Finance with Fintech

Main Required Documents

  • Last degree certificate and transcript (attested by the UAE Ministry of Education for graduates of universities in the UAE).
  • One passport-sized photograph.
  • Copy of a valid passport and residency visa (if applicable).
  • Equivalency letter from the UAE Ministry of Education.

For undergraduate programs taught in English

The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

For graduate programs taught in English

The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5 except for writing which must be at 6.0 minimum.

Intakes

September, January

Admission to Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Heriot-Watt University Dubai is relevant for students comparing British education in Dubai with engineering, computing, business, finance, design and management routes. The current page lists foundation, undergraduate and graduate options, so the first step is to separate the level of study and then check the exact programme entry route. Students can also compare this profile with British University in Dubai, University of Birmingham Dubai and Middlesex University Dubai.

Who this university is suitable for

The university may suit students who want a UK academic structure, practical learning and industry-facing programmes while living in Dubai. It is especially relevant for applicants considering engineering, computer science, data-related routes, architecture, design, business administration, accounting or finance. Families that are still comparing options can start from the full list of universities in the UAE and the guide on how to choose a university in Dubai and the UAE.

Studying in Dubai and admission specifics

Admission depends on the chosen level. School graduates may need a foundation route or direct undergraduate entry, while graduate applicants need to check the relevance of their previous degree. Before applying, students should confirm academic documents, intakes, subject background and whether the selected route is available after high school. The article about admission after Grade 11 helps families compare foundation and undergraduate options.

Tuition fees, housing and additional costs

The current page lists tuition from 20,000 USD per year for undergraduate programmes, from 28,000 USD per year for foundation programmes and from 25,000 USD per graduate programme. Housing is provided by third parties, so the budget should also include accommodation, transport, food, insurance, visa steps, books, deposits and possible document attestations. Use the guides on tuition fees in Dubai and additional study costs in the UAE before making a final budget.

Documents and English language requirements

Students usually prepare academic certificates, transcripts, passport copy, photo, application forms and, when needed, attested or translated documents. English requirements depend on the programme and level. IELTS, TOEFL, EmSAT or another accepted proof may be used, but the exact score should be confirmed before submission. The Right Step guide to IELTS requirements for UAE universities is useful for early planning.

How Right Step helps with admission

Right Step helps students compare Heriot-Watt University Dubai with similar British and international universities, check programme fit, prepare documents, plan deadlines and coordinate the application. Support can continue after an offer, including student visa assistance. Right Step does not guarantee admission or a specific decision from the university.

Can I apply to Heriot-Watt University Dubai after high school?

Yes, high school graduates can consider foundation or undergraduate routes if they meet the current academic and English requirements for the chosen programme.

What documents are required for admission?

Students usually prepare academic certificates, transcripts, passport copy, photo, application forms and any programme-specific documents requested by the university.

Is IELTS required for admission?

An English language result such as IELTS, TOEFL, EmSAT or another accepted proof may be required depending on the programme and level. The exact rule should be checked before applying.

What tuition fees and additional costs should students consider?

The page lists tuition from 20,000 USD per year for undergraduate programmes, from 28,000 USD per year for foundation programmes and from 25,000 USD per graduate programme. Housing and living costs should be planned separately.

Is the university suitable for international or Russian-speaking students?

It can suit international students who want a British academic model in Dubai and are ready to study in English in a multicultural environment.

How can Right Step help with the admission process?

Right Step helps compare programmes, check documents, clarify English requirements, plan deadlines and coordinate the application process.

How is the British study format different?

The British format usually gives strong weight to independent study, applied assignments, projects and clear progression by programme level. Students should check assessment rules for the exact course.

Which engineering or business areas are worth considering?

The current page lists engineering, computing, business, finance, design and management-related routes. The best choice depends on the student’s academic background and career goals.

Need help applying to this university?

Right Step can help you understand admission steps, prepare documents, compare nearby university options, and plan the student visa process after you receive an offer.

Location