Engineering
1 year / Undergraduate (Foundation)
One-year compressed foundation + Year 1 programme for students who do not yet meet direct entry into Heriot-Watt Dubai engineering or computer science degrees. Mandatory modules: Approaches to Learning, Entry Mathematics, Academic English for Science & Engineering. Optional: Entry Physics, Entry Chemistry, Entry Computer Science. Successful completion (minimum C / 50% in each course) progresses students into Year 1 of 8 engineering specialisations (Architectural, Automotive, Chemical, Civil, Electrical & Electronic, Mechanical, Mechanical + Energy, Robotics / Autonomous & Interactive Systems) or 8 computer science specialisations (general, AI, Cyber Security, Data Science, Software Engineering, Games Programming, Computer Systems, Computer Systems Games Programming). Entry: A-Level BBBCC; IB MYP Year 11 (3x grade 5 + 2x grade 4); UAE Tawjihiyya 70%; CBSE 50%; American HS 70% (no SAT required); BTEC L3 Merit. Mandatory subjects: English + Maths + Physics/Chemistry. IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.0). September intake. Tuition AED 93,765/year (incl. VAT).
Business & Finance
1 year / Undergraduate (Foundation)
One-year compressed foundation + Year 1 programme for students who do not yet meet direct entry into Heriot-Watt Dubai business or psychology degrees. Mandatory modules: Approaches to Learning, Business Management, Academic English for Management. Optional: Introduction to Leadership, Motivation and Psychology. Successful completion (minimum C / 50% in each course) progresses students into Year 1 of: BBA Business Administration; MA (Hons) International Business Management; MA (Hons) Business and Finance; MA (Hons) Accounting and Finance; MA (Hons) Marketing; BSc (Hons) Psychology; BSc (Hons) Psychology with Management. Entry: A-Level BBBCC; IB MYP Year 11 (3x grade 5 + 2x grade 4); IBCP/BTEC L3 Subsidiary Merit + SL grade 5 or IGCSE B(6); BTEC L3 Diploma Merit; BTEC L3 Extended Diploma Pass; UAE Tawjihiyya 70%; CBSE 50%; HSSC 55%; American HS 70% (no SAT); WASSC five C4s; Philippine HS Diploma 75%; Russian/Kazakhstan Attestat grades of 4. English mandatory. IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.0). Assessment via coursework and exams. September intake (Foundation) → January intake (Year 1). Tuition AED 87,150/year (incl. VAT). Inter-campus transfer available via Go Global to Heriot-Watt Edinburgh or Malaysia. Three consecutive KHDA five-star ratings.
Design
1 year / Undergraduate (Foundation)
One-year standard Degree Entry (Foundation) Programme (DEP) preparing students for direct entry to Year 1 of Heriot-Watt Dubai design undergraduate degrees. Mandatory modules: Introduction to Design Studies, Academic English, Approaches to Learning, Business Management. Successful completion (minimum C / 50% in each course) progresses students into Year 1 of: BA (Hons) Architecture; BA (Hons) Interior Design; BA (Hons) Fashion Branding and Promotion; BA (Hons) Communication Design. Entry: A-Level five Cs (4s); CBSE 50%; HSSC 55%; UAE Tawjihiyya 68%; American HS 68%; WASSC five C6s; Philippine HS 70%; Russian/Kazakhstan Attestat grades of 3; IB MYP Year 11 grades of 4; IBCP/BTEC L3 Subsidiary Pass + SL 4 or IGCSE C(4); BTEC L3 Diploma Pass; BTEC L3 Extended Diploma Pass. English mandatory. IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.0). September and January intakes. Tuition AED 56,280/year (incl. VAT). Assessment via coursework and exams. Distinct from the "Advanced Degree Entry (Foundation) Programme" which is a compressed Foundation + Year 1 combination at higher tuition (AED 87,150-93,765/yr) and higher entry requirements.
Engineering
1 year / Undergraduate (Foundation)
One-year standard Degree Entry (Foundation) Programme (DEP) preparing students for direct entry to Year 1 of Heriot-Watt Dubai engineering or computing undergraduate degrees. Mandatory modules: Entry Mathematics, Approaches to Learning, Academic English for Science and Engineering DEP. Optional (chosen by intended degree): Entry Chemistry, Entry Physics, Entry Computer Science. Successful completion (minimum C / 50% in each course) progresses students into Year 1 of: BEng (Hons) Architectural / Automotive / Civil / Chemical / Electrical and Electronic / Mechanical Engineering; BEng (Hons) Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems; BSc (Hons) Computer Science (AI / Cyber Security / Data Science / Software Engineering); BSc (Hons) Computer Systems (general or Computer Games Programming); BSc (Hons) Data Sciences; BSc (Hons) Statistical Data Science. Entry: A-Level five Cs (4s); CBSE 50%; HSSC 55%; UAE Tawjihiyya 68%; American HS 68%; WASSC five C6s; Philippine HS 70%; Russian/Kazakhstan Attestat grades of 3; IB MYP Year 11 grades of 4; IBCP/BTEC L3 Subsidiary Pass + SL 4 or IGCSE C(4); BTEC L3 Diploma Pass; BTEC L3 Extended Diploma Pass. Mandatory subjects: Mathematics, English, Physics/Chemistry. IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.0). September and January intakes (Jan cohort runs Jan-Jun across 2 semesters). Tuition AED 56,280/year (incl. VAT). Assessment via coursework and exams. Distinct from the higher-tuition Advanced DEP which compresses Foundation + Year 1 into a single year.
Business & Finance
1 year / Undergraduate (Foundation)
One-year standard Degree Entry (Foundation) Programme (DEP) preparing students for direct entry to Year 1 of Heriot-Watt Dubai business or psychology undergraduate degrees. Mandatory modules: Approaches to Learning, Business Management, Academic English for Management DEP. Optional: Introduction to Leadership, Motivation and Psychology. Successful completion (minimum C / 50% in each course) progresses students into Year 1 of: BBA (Hons) Bachelor of Business Administration; MA (Hons) International Business Management; MA (Hons) Business and Finance; MA (Hons) Accounting and Finance; MA (Hons) Marketing; BSc (Hons) Psychology; BSc (Hons) Psychology with Management; BSc (Hons) Computer Systems; BA/MA (Hons) Real Estate Management and Finance. Entry: A-Level five Cs (4s); CBSE 50%; HSSC 55%; UAE Tawjihiyya 68%; American HS 68%; WASSC five C6s; Philippine HS 70%; Russian/Kazakhstan Attestat grades of 3; IB MYP Year 11 grades of 4; IBCP/BTEC L3 Subsidiary Pass + SL 4 or IGCSE C(4); BTEC L3 Diploma Pass; BTEC L3 Extended Diploma Pass. English mandatory. IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.0). September and January intakes (Jan cohort runs Jan-Jun across 2 semesters). Tuition AED 56,280/year (incl. VAT). Assessment via coursework and exams. KHDA five-star accredited (three consecutive ratings). Distinct from the Advanced DEP Management which is a compressed Foundation + Year 1 (AED 87,150/yr) — this standard DEP is foundation-only and feeds direct Year 1 entry.
Engineering
1 year / Undergraduate (Foundation)
1-year Certificate of Higher Education in Engineering — January-only intake that articulates seamlessly into Year 2 of any of eight Heriot-Watt Dubai BEng (Hons) degree programmes: Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems; Chemical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Automotive Engineering; Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering; Architectural Engineering; Civil Engineering. Unique opportunity to study introductory courses in each engineering discipline (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical and Electronic, Architectural, Civil) before deciding to specialise. January intake mandatory: Introduction to Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 1, Building Services Technology (+ optional Principles of Chemistry / Waves and Matter). May intake mandatory: Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 2, Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Civil Engineering Applications 1 (+ optional Chemical Reactivity / Mechanics, Fields and Forces). Entry: A-Level CCC (or AABB AS); IB 24 (3 HL subjects); CBSE 65%; American HS 70% + SAT I 1000; Tawjihiyya 80% (Elite 75%); BTEC L3 MMM; Scottish Highers BBBB; French Bac 12/20 + IELTS 6.0; Lebanese Bac 80% or 13/20 + IELTS 6.0. Mandatory subjects: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics. IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5). January intake only. Tuition AED 82,250/year full-time (incl. VAT) or AED 41,125/year part-time. Engineering Scholars Award Scholarship available. Distinct from the Degree Entry (Foundation) Programmes — CHEE is a recognised UK Level-4 standalone qualification that articulates directly to Year 2; DEP/Advanced DEP are foundation-only pathways that feed Year 1.
Tuition varies by programme - see each programme card in the Programmes section for indicative annual fees. Additional administrative fees (2025/2026): re-assessment / examination AED 152 per course; replacement student ID AED 45; replacement degree certificate AED 225; in absentia certificate delivery (DHL) AED 103; thesis resubmission (Masters/PhD) AED 435-650; visiting scholar AED 155 (6 months) / AED 305 (full year). Graduation: in-person ceremony free; in absentia ceremony free. Fee status is assessed at enrollment and typically fixed for the duration of the studies. Electronic payment methods are preferred - bank transfer details available for both AED and USD accounts. Refer to Heriot-Watt's Financial Responsibilities document for full payment policies and late fees.
Merit-based scholarship for new undergraduate and postgraduate entrants. Award level reviewed during the offer process based on academic performance.
Awarded for strong school-leaving results. Engineering applicants may also be eligible for the Undergraduate Engineering Merit Scholarship.
Awarded to postgraduate applicants with strong undergraduate academic records.
For applicants to the flagship Edinburgh Business School MBA. Awarded based on professional experience, leadership potential, and academic merit.
Scholarship for female MBA applicants advancing in business and leadership.
For MSc Petroleum Engineering applicants. Targeted to high-achieving candidates in the energy sector.
For Civil Engineering applicants. Aligned with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) accreditation pathway.
Reduced fees for Heriot-Watt alumni progressing to further study, and (under the Family Scholarship variant) for immediate family members of alumni.
For siblings or family members of currently enrolled Heriot-Watt Dubai students.
Discount applied when the full years tuition is paid in advance rather than via instalments.
For students from GCC and UAE backgrounds — see scholarship page for current grant amounts.
Awarded for outstanding contribution to sports or community service.
For employees of corporate partner companies. Companies should contact the university directly.
For high-achieving undergraduate Engineering applicants. Stacks with the standard Undergraduate Merit Scholarship review process.
For applicants to the Global College (Foundation / pre-degree pathway). Awarded on academic merit.
Non-refundable. Paid per programme applied to.
Due upon offer acceptance. The 10% is counted toward total tuition. The AED 1,000 security deposit is refundable at the end of study.
Pay in full at start of programme, or via instalments. UAE students: instalment plan available. International students requiring visa sponsorship: four equal instalments. MBA students: customised terms per offer letter. Late or unpaid balances may restrict access to services.
Bank transfer (preferred, especially for instalments), online credit/debit card, cash (in-person at Dubai campus, exceptional circumstances only)
Heriot-Watt University Dubai welcomes applications year-round on a rolling basis. Entry is based on academic achievement and English-language proficiency. The Dubai campus follows the same academic standards as the UK Edinburgh campus, and degrees awarded are identical regardless of campus.
Create an Online Account
Register on the application portal at https://hwacuk.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login to begin your application.
Complete the Application Form
Fill in the online application. You can save your progress and resume at any point.
Pay the Application Fee
Pay the non-refundable AED 300 application processing fee per programme applied to. MBA applicants are exempt from this fee.
Submit Supporting Documents
Upload all required academic transcripts, English-language certificates, ID, and references via your application account. Scanned copies are accepted initially; originals may be requested later.
Receive a Decision
Academic staff review your application - typically within 2-6 weeks of receiving a complete package. Outcomes: unconditional offer, conditional offer, or rejection.
Accept Your Offer
Return the acceptance form within 2 weeks. Pay 10% of first-year tuition plus an AED 1,000 refundable security deposit to secure your place.
Completed school-leaving qualification (e.g. UAE high-school grade 12, IGCSE/A-Level, IB, CBSE, or equivalent) with at least 50% overall. International qualifications considered case-by-case.
IELTS Academic 5.0 (no band below 4.5), or TOEFL iBT 60, PTE Academic 51, or equivalent.
Foundation Year is for students who do not yet meet direct undergraduate entry requirements. Successful completion progresses students into Year 1 of a Heriot-Watt Dubai undergraduate programme.
September Intake
September 2026
Main intake for all programmes — Foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD.
January Intake
January 2027
Available for select programmes only. Check individual programme pages for January entry.
Final Application Deadline
3 weeks before intake
Applications accepted up to 3 weeks before the start of the intake. Late applications risk delays in administrative services.
Recommended Application Window
6-10 months ahead
Most students apply 6-10 months in advance to allow time for visa processing and accommodation arrangements.
Deferral Policy
Deferral available
Offers can be deferred for up to one year, subject to programme availability.
Heriot-Watt Dubai sponsors student residence visas for enrolled non-UAE students. The visa process begins after offer acceptance and deposit payment.
Processing Time: Allow several weeks; apply as early as possible — especially for the September intake
Valid passport (6+ months validity), medical fitness certificate, Emirates ID application, university-approved health insurance
AED 300 non-refundable application processing fee per programme (MBA applicants exempt). Upon offer acceptance, the initial payment is 10% of first-year tuition plus a refundable AED 1,000 security deposit (returned at end of study). Deferral of offers is permitted for up to one year. Review takes 2-6 weeks after a complete package is received. Separate application routes: - MBA: apply via the Edinburgh Business School portal (contact DubaiMBA@hw.ac.uk). - Pre-Doctoral programme: apply via the Edinburgh Business School website. - PhD: review supporting documents and research-proposal requirements before applying. Under-18 applicants: parental consent required, plus completion of 16 warranty conditions confirming that parents understand the university is primarily an adult learning environment and retain primary responsibility for their child's welfare.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai is based in Dubai Knowledge Park, a designated free zone hub for higher education in Dubai. Students enjoy a vibrant campus life centred around the new James Watt Building (opened 2025) with social spaces, careers support, an active Student Council, and access to inter-campus opportunities across the UK, Malaysia, and the Scottish Borders.
Go Global is Heriot-Watt's inter-campus transfer programme, available only to Heriot-Watt students. Students can spend a semester, a year, or longer at the Edinburgh (UK) or Malaysia campus while continuing the same programme with no coursework delays. Same teaching standards across all campuses; English-language instruction; aligned academic calendars (except local holidays).
Transfer is subject to availability, meeting progression requirements, and (for international students) obtaining the destination country's student visa.
Heriot-Watt does not operate on-campus halls in Dubai. Through Student Services the university partners with private residences and hotel apartments offering Heriot-Watt rates and concierge support. All arrangements are made directly between students and providers.
Studio and shared apartments in Tecom, Al Barsha, Jumeirah Village — typically 12-month leases.
Common amenities across partners include Wi-Fi, utilities, furnished rooms, and on-site cafés; some include fitness centres and swimming pools. For Heriot-Watt rates, contact student-services-dubai@hw.ac.uk or +971 4 571 7000.
The Careers Service supports students throughout study and after graduation — on campus inside the James Watt Building and online via the global Heriot-Watt Careers network. Strong industry links across UAE engineering, finance, energy, technology, and design sectors.
Student life is led by the Student Council, with active clubs across academic, cultural, sports, and community-service interests. The Student Hub in the James Watt Building (revamped 2025) is the social heart of campus with gaming systems, lounge seating, and collaboration zones.
The Heriot-Watt Dubai Student Council is elected by and from the student body, representing students to the university and organising campus events year-round.
Sports facilities adjacent to the campus include new padel and basketball courts in the Parklands area. Wider Dubai Knowledge Park sports access is also available via student membership programmes.
Comprehensive support from welcome week through to graduation — academic, wellbeing, and practical.
Personal tutors, study-skills workshops, and a Learning Commons with individual study pods and group rooms in the James Watt Building.
Confidential counselling, wellbeing room in the James Watt Building, and access to mental-health resources.
Reasonable adjustments and individualised support for students with disabilities or additional needs.
English-language support classes and cultural-adjustment workshops for international students.
IT Helpdesk, software access (Office 365, specialist applications), and Canvas Virtual Learning Environment.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai sits in Dubai Knowledge Park — a designated free-zone hub for higher education in the heart of Dubai. The campus comprises a main building plus the new James Watt Building (48,000 sq ft, opened 2025) which marks the universitys 20-year anniversary in Dubai. The James Watt Building accommodates around 1,500 students with seven learning spaces, five social areas, and a 200-seat multi-purpose auditorium.
Awarded KHDA 5-Star rating in the inaugural KHDA Higher Education Quality Rankings (2019).
Real-time market-data terminals with a live Bloomberg feed — used for finance, trading, and business analytics teaching across the Edinburgh Business School programmes.
Specialist studio space serving Fashion, Architecture, and Interior Design programmes — drawing tables, design software workstations, model-making and prototyping equipment.
Dedicated psychology laboratory equipped for behavioural and cognitive research, supporting BSc and MSc Psychology programmes.
Fifth-floor startup incubator supporting student and alumni ventures from the Edinburgh Business School. Office space, mentorship, and access to the wider EBS corporate-partner network.
Library with academic textbook collection, research databases, electronic journals, and resource guides. Staff support for research queries.
Discipline-specific labs across mechanical (dynamics, materials strength, thermofluids), electrical/electronic (oscilloscopes, function generators, digital multimeters), and chemical engineering (heat transfer, fluid mechanics, process control with ASPEN and MATLAB).
Up-to-date software and hardware with Office 365 and specialist applications. ID-card printing and photocopying, with IT Helpdesk support.
Edinburgh-inspired design with individual study pods, multi-purpose deck, and window-facing desks for focused independent study.
Grouped orange seating and collaborative table arrangements for team-based and project-based learning.
Central digital hub for course materials, assignments, discussions, and progress tracking.
Confidential counselling and mental-health support, alongside the WattBuds peer-mentoring scheme and Students of Determination specialist support.
First-floor one-stop centre covering student records, exams, transcripts, KHDA attestations, finance payments, and UAE student visa processing. Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00 (Ramadan hours apply); contact student-services-dubai@hw.ac.uk / +971 4 571 7000.
The social heart of campus — gaming systems, varied lounge seating, and collaboration zones for breaks and group work.
Quiet space dedicated to student wellbeing and mental-health support.
On-campus cafes and a supermarket accessible directly from the building — convenient for daily essentials.
Indoor studio space for fitness, dance, and yoga classes — used by the Student Council clubs and wellbeing programmes.
New padel and basketball courts in the parkland area immediately adjacent to the Academic City precinct.
Multi-purpose venue combining cafeteria and auditorium-style seating — hosts large-format teaching, guest lectures, employer events, and student gatherings.
Modern auditorium with high-fidelity audio-visual and broadcast systems — supports lectures, events, and student showcases.
Provost and Vice Principal
Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai. Previously Executive Dean of Edinburgh Business School from 2016. Career began in investment banking followed by 17 years running her own executive search firm before moving to academia. Founder of the Taylor Bennett Foundation (diversity in communications) and co-founder of the 30% Club (women in senior leadership). PhD in Structured Finance (Hong Kong), MBA (London Business School), BSc Agricultural Economics & Marketing (Newcastle), CGMA. Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh; Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. CBE 2015; Dame 2023.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
AED 55,000 - 175,000/yr