Heriot-Watt University Dubai (HWU)

History of Heriot-Watt University Dubai

The history of Heriot-Watt University dates back to 1821, and the university has a long history of excellence and a track record of challenging, motivating, and teaching tomorrow's professionals. Heriot-Watt University Dubai is among the best business and industrial institutions in the UK, and we are known for our top-notch instruction and cutting-edge, applied research.

Education at Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Adjacent to Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Park is home to over 500 firms and has made a name for itself as a premier hub for professional development and higher education. Thanks to the new business and enterprise location, students will have more opportunities to interact directly with businesses and industries, which will give graduates exclusive educational opportunities. So, you can find the Hwu Dubai. 

Campus Locations of Heriot-Watt University

1. Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh Campus 

2. Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus

About Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus

Situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus is a public institution that was founded in 2005. The university provides a total of 58 courses across seven disciplines, specifically categorized as Business and Management Studies, Accounting and Commerce, and Architecture and Planning. These courses are available across 37 distinct specializations, including Finance, Automobile Engineering, and Business Analytics.

The University offers more than four undergraduate programs, including foundational courses such as Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), and Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Technology (B.E./B.Tech), each with a duration of four years. Additionally, the University also offers 5 courses at the postgraduate level, which are MIM, M.Sc, and MS, with a duration of 1 year.

International students need to take into account the fee component when contemplating the pursuit of education abroad. The tuition fee for the first year of graduate courses is AED 91,990, excluding accommodation expenses.

As a component of the university application procedure, students are required to meet specific minimum criteria and possess a valid score in entrance or language examinations, such as the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

Top Reasons to Study at Heriot-Watt University Dubai Here

• Heriot-Watt University Dubai is the first overseas university to be set up in Dubai International Academic City.
• Hwu Dubai has a strong link with industry and business. We take pride in developing and educating future leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
• With our programmes, you have the option to transfer and undertake part of the degree at your home campus in Scotland.

How do you apply for Heriot-Watt University in Dubai?

To submit an application for Heriot-Watt University programs, kindly utilize the online application form. To submit an application for the on-campus MBA Programme at Edinburgh Business School, you must create an online application form and establish an account. 

However, it is not required to finalize the application in a single session; you can save your progress and return to complete it later.

Heriot-Watt University Dubai Courses and Fees

Know about some of the popular courses at Heriot-Watt University Dubai:

MBA/PGDM (18 courses)

Fees: INR 22 L - 26 L

Duration: 12 months-1 year

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 - 6.5, TOEFL: 79 - 90, PTE: 55 - 60

M.Sc. (12 courses)

Fees: INR 22 L - 24 L

Duration: 1 year

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 55 & Above

MS (12 courses)

Fees: INR 22 L - 38 L

Duration: 1 year

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above

MIM (5 courses)

Fees: INR 22 L - 24 L

Duration: 12 months-1 year

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 - 6.5, TOEFL: 90 & Above, PTE: 60 & Above

B.E. / B.Tech (16 courses)

Fees: INR 18 L

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above

BBA (6 courses)

Fees: INR 16 L

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above

B.A. (3 courses)

Fees: INR 18 L

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above

M.Arch (1 course)

Fees: INR 22 L

Duration: 1 year

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above

B.Arch (2 courses)

Fees: INR 18 L - 19 L

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above

Careers at Heriot-Watt University Dubai

The Careers Service seeks to help students and recent graduates of Heriot-Watt University make educated career decisions by offering professional, top-notch career coaching and information services. We collaborate closely with academic institutions and employers to help students acquire the skills necessary to maximise employability.

Also with the help of SecureMyScholarship, students can get hiring support for their better career opportunities. This is only applicable to students who are coming from India to Dubai for their higher education.

Entry Requirements to Study at Heriot-Watt University Dubai for International Student

Foundation

A minimum aggregate score of 50% is required in Year 12 CBSE/ICSE examinations, as well as in all other state board assessments, including the pertinent subjects. To obtain further information regarding the pertinent subjects necessary for your program, please consult the entry requirements detailed on the program page.

Undergraduate 

First Year

Management and Design

Candidates must achieve an aggregate score of 65% in Year 12 CBSE, ICSE, and other state board examinations, with a minimum of 50% in the pertinent subjects.

Should you not fulfill the subject-specific prerequisites, your application will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the admissions committee.

Engineering

Candidates must achieve an aggregate score of 65% in their Year 12 CBSE, ICSE, or other state board examinations, with a minimum of 60% in both Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry.

Computer Science

Candidates must achieve an aggregate score of 65% in their Year 12 CBSE, ICSE, or other state board examinations, with a minimum of 60% specifically in Mathematics.

Psychology

Candidates must achieve a minimum aggregate score of 70% in their Year 12 examinations, including CBSE, ICSE, and other state board assessments, in the pertinent subjects.

Data Science

Candidates must achieve an aggregate score of 65% in their Year 12 examinations, including CBSE, ICSE, and other state board assessments, with a minimum of 65% specifically in Mathematics.

Statistical Data Science

Candidates must achieve an aggregate score of 75% in the Year 12 CBSE, ICSE, and other state board examinations, with a minimum of 75% specifically in Mathematics.

Should you wish to pursue your studies with us but find that you do not fulfill the entry requirements for degree programs, we recommend that you contemplate enrolling in a pertinent Foundation Programme. Upon successful completion, you will be qualified to advance to an eligible undergraduate program of your preference.

Second Year

Management

A minimum aggregate score of 75% is required in Year 12 CBSE/ICSE and other state board examinations in pertinent business subjects.

Engineering

Candidates must achieve an aggregate score of 85% in their Year 12 CBSE/ICSE and other state board examinations, with a minimum of 80% in both Mathematics and Physics/Chemistry.

Computer Science

Candidates must achieve an aggregate score of 85% in their Year 12 CBSE, ICSE, or other state board examinations, with a minimum of 80% specifically in Mathematics.

Psychology

An aggregate score of 80% is required in Year 12 CBSE/ICSE and other state board examinations, including the subject of Psychology.

Data Science and Statistical Data Science

Candidates must achieve an aggregate score of 85% in their Year 12 CBSE, ICSE, or other state board examinations, with a minimum of 85% specifically in Mathematics. Kindly be advised that admission to Year 2 of the Design Programs will be evaluated on an individual basis. For further information, please refer to the entry requirements detailed on the program page.

Postgraduate

For the majority of disciplines, we necessitate a Second Class Lower (2:2) classification, which is equivalent to a minimum of 55% or a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 5.5 out of 10 in the pertinent undergraduate degree program.

• For admission into the Robotics and Global Sustainability Engineering program, candidates must possess a Second Class Upper (2:1) equivalence, which is defined as a minimum of 65% or a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 6.5 out of 10 in the relevant undergraduate degree.
• To obtain further information regarding the requisite degree for your program, please consult the entry requirements detailed on the program's webpage.

English language requirements

Given that our programs are delivered and evaluated in English, applicants are required to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. For further information, kindly consult our English language requirements.

Required Scores in Entrance Tests

For General Test Score

GPA - 3+

GMAT - 590+

ACT - 30+

SAT - 1400+

International Baccalaureate - 27+

Cambridge CAE Advanced - 169 +

PTE Academic - 50+

TOEFL - 78+

IELTS - 6+

For Bachelors

SAT - 1250+

GPA - 3+

ATAR - 80+

IELTS - 6+

TOEFL - 80+

Master

IELTS - 6.5+

Bachelor GPA - 3.3+

Ranking and Rating of Heriot-Watt University Dubai

One of the best public universities in Edinburgh, UK, is Heriot-Watt University. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, it is ranked #=256.

1. 256 QS World University Rankings

2. 11 QS WUR Ranking by Subject

3. 55 Europe University Rankings - Northern Europe

4. 127 European University Rankings 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Why choose Heriot-Watt University?

Heriot-Watt offers career-focused degrees that enable its graduates to impact the world and society truly. The school specialises in business, science, technology, engineering, and design. The university's graduates are highly employable because of its strong industry ties and award-winning careers service, which offers students lifetime support.

Hwu, Dubai, is a global research-led university with five campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia. Students are encouraged to participate in many events, clubs, and groups to feel a part of this global society.

What opportunities are available with a degree at Heriot-Watt University?

Many Heriot-Watt graduates go on to hold influential positions worldwide, bringing about change and having a positive impact on communities. The University recently topped a UK-wide poll that revealed that 15.7% of its graduates became CEOs or MDs, supporting this fact (Novuna Business Cash Flow, 2023).

Heriot-Watt Dubai offers entrepreneurial graduates the chance to launch their own company, even though most of its alumni are successful in landing professional positions in companies ranging from SMEs to major international corporations.

With various academic programs and important connections to industry, the university has a long history of enterprise and entrepreneurship. Through this exceptional educational opportunity, students gain a practical understanding of how contemporary companies operate, which also gives them the experience, expertise, and confidence they need.

Is Heriot-Watt Dubai hard to get into?

Students worldwide can easily apply to Heriot-Watt University because English is the primary language of instruction. With an admissions rate of around 24.2%, Heriot-Watt University bases its admissions decisions on a student's academic performance and grades.

What is the ranking of Heriot-Watt University Dubai?

According to TopUniversities' QS World University Rankings, Heriot-Watt University Dubai is ranked 256th. On this page, you can see the university's ranking in worldwide rankings and read student reviews of their academic experience.

How much is the tuition fee for Heriot-Watt University Dubai?

The following is a list of fees for the Dubai campus: The annual cost of tuition for undergraduates ranges from AED 60,000 to AED 70,000, and the annual cost of tuition for postgraduate studies is about AED 60,000.

What is the average package of Heriot-Watt University Dubai?

Employees who graduate from Heriot-Watt University Dubai typically make between ₹14.8 and ₹19.9 lakhs annually, with an average salary of ₹16.0 lakhs. Over ₹19.1 lakhs is the annual salary of the top 10% of workers.

1. Undergraduate Merit Scholarships

A. High Achievers Scholarship

• Overview: Awarded to students who perform exceptionally well in their high school qualification (e.g. high A-Level, CBSE, IB score etc.).
• Typical Award: Generally a cover very small percentage of tuition fees i.e. (20% or greater depending upon the academic profile of the applicant). 

Eligibility Criteria

• Excellent academic performance in high school (meeting or above the minimum grade level set by the university).
• Must have an offer to join Heriot-Watt University Dubai for an undergraduate program.

Application Process

• Most of the time, it is done automatically based on your academic notes. Only some cases would require additional documents/short personal statements. 

B. Other Undergraduate Scholarships/Discounts with a Merit Component

• Many bursaries or discounts, although not strictly speaking "merit scholarships," nonetheless do consider academic performance (along with other criteria like date of application and financial need). A few examples include:

• Founder´s Scholarship (most of the time, 10%-15% fee reduction from academically strong students).

Early Application Discount (fixed discount when you apply prior to a certain deadline and meet the academic requirements).

2. Postgraduate Merit Scholarships

A. Postgraduate Merit Scholarship

• Overview: This post-graduate merit scholarship is targeted to students with strong undergraduate academic results who were applying for a Master's program. 

• Typical Award: Awards generally run between 10% up to 50% contribution towards the tuition fee on the basis of merit and the particular program.

Eligibility Criteria

• High undergraduate grade-point average or its equivalent (specific cutoff varies by program).

• An offer to study a postgraduate course at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, which may be conditional or unconditional.

Application Process

• Some scholarships are automatically awarded on the basis of admission documents; others may require a separate form or essay.

• Submission of official transcripts, references, and possibly a personal statement highlighting accomplishments may be requested. 

B. Other Scholarships/Discounts with Merit Considerations

• Alumni Scholarship: This may apply to students who completed their undergraduate studies at Heriot-Watt with discounts for further postgraduate degrees. Academic performance may elevate such discounts.

• Corporate/Partner Scholarships: For those working in partner companies or with shown professional histories. Academic ability will not necessarily decide merit; however, a decent academic profile could increase the probability of a better award.