About the university
Heriot-Watt University began in Edinburgh in 1821 as the School of Arts of Edinburgh, one of the world's first mechanics' institutes, and became a university in 1966. It is known for engineering, petroleum engineering, actuarial science, business and computer science, and runs campuses in Scotland, Dubai and Malaysia under one 'global university' model.
The Dubai campus opened in 2005 and was one of the first international branch campuses in Dubai's academic free zones. It now teaches a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in engineering, computer science, business, psychology, design and construction, with the same curriculum and degree as Scotland. The Go Global scheme lets students transfer between campuses for a semester or year on many programmes.
Undergraduate degrees run for three or four years: students with strong Class 12 results can sometimes enter the second year (the '3-year honours' route). Fees in 2027 are AED 78,650–87,010 a year for undergraduate programmes and AED 99,528–113,685 for most one-year master's degrees, with the MSc Petroleum Engineering at AED 172,484.
For Indian students the attractions are a British degree at a lower cost than studying in the UK, January intakes, and Dubai's job market. Indian applicants from CBSE and other boards usually need around 65% with Mathematics for computing courses, as stated on the programme pages.
- Opened
- 2005 in Dubai; the parent Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh traces its roots to 1821
- Type
- Branch campus of a UK public university; private in the UAE
- Location
- Dubai Knowledge Park
- Degree awarded
- Heriot-Watt University (UK) degree, the same award as in Scotland
- Intakes
- September and January for most programmes
- On acceptance
- First instalment (10% of the first-year fee) plus a refundable AED 1,000 security deposit; application fee AED 525
Rankings
QS World University Rankings (parent: Heriot-Watt University) 2027
325 in the world
Popular courses with Indian students
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- AED 82,264
- Duration
- 3–4 years (Year 2 entry possible)
- Intakes
- September and January
- English
- Check the programme page for the IELTS score
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- AED 113,685
- Duration
- 1 year full time (part time available)
- Intakes
- September and January
- English
- Check the programme page for the IELTS score
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- AED 113,685
- Duration
- 1 year full time
- Intakes
- September and January
- English
- Check the programme page for the IELTS score
- Undergraduate
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
- Fee / year
- AED 82,264
- Duration
- 3–4 years
- Intakes
- September (some Year 1 modules in January)
- English
- Check the programme page for the IELTS score
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- AED 99,528
- Duration
- 1 year full time
- Intakes
- September and January
- English
- Check the programme page for the IELTS score
- Undergraduate
MA (Hons) International Business Management
- Fee / year
- AED 78,650
- Duration
- 3–4 years (Year 2 entry possible)
- Intakes
- September and January
- English
- Check the programme page for the IELTS score
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- AED 82,264
- Duration
- 3–4 years
- Intakes
- September (January start via a Certificate of Higher Education leading to Year 2)
- English
- Check the programme page for the IELTS score
- Postgraduate
MSc Construction Project Management
- Fee / year
- AED 105,270
- Duration
- 1 year (16 months for January full-time entrants)
- Intakes
- September and January
- English
- Check the programme page for the IELTS score
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (AED) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) Computer Science | 3–4 years (Year 2 entry possible) | AED 82,264 | ≈ ₹20.6 lakh |
| MSc Data Science | 1 year full time (part time available) | AED 113,685 | ≈ ₹28.4 lakh |
| MSc Artificial Intelligence | 1 year full time | AED 113,685 | ≈ ₹28.4 lakh |
| BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering | 3–4 years | AED 82,264 | ≈ ₹20.6 lakh |
| MSc Finance and Management | 1 year full time | AED 99,528 | ≈ ₹24.9 lakh |
| MA (Hons) International Business Management | 3–4 years (Year 2 entry possible) | AED 78,650 | ≈ ₹19.7 lakh |
| BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering | 3–4 years | AED 82,264 | ≈ ₹20.6 lakh |
| MSc Construction Project Management | 1 year (16 months for January full-time entrants) | AED 105,270 | ≈ ₹26.3 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Heriot-Watt University Dubai with similar universities in Dubai (UAE).
Scholarships
- Undergraduate
Undergraduate Merit Scholarship and Undergraduate Engineering Merit Scholarship
Value: Percentage off tuition; set each intake
Eligibility: Based on academic results; check the scholarship page for current percentages and grade bands.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Postgraduate taught
Postgraduate Merit Scholarship
Value: Percentage off tuition; set each intake
Eligibility: Based on your previous degree result; check the scholarship page.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Computing and mathematics programmes
Computing and Mathematics Scholars' Award
Value: Set by the university
Eligibility: For strong applicants to computing and mathematics programmes; see the award page.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Set by the university
Diwali Scholarship Award
Value: Set by the university
Eligibility: A seasonal award listed by Heriot-Watt Dubai; check dates and conditions on the scholarships page.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - All levels
Full Advance Fee Payment Discount and Family Scholarship
Value: Discount on tuition
Eligibility: For paying the year's fees in advance, or when family members study at Heriot-Watt; conditions on the scholarships page.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Year 1: CBSE or other Indian boards with about 65%, including Mathematics, for BSc Computer Science (each programme page lists its own requirement).
- Engineering programmes need Mathematics and Physics.
- Strong results can allow direct entry to Year 2 on some programmes (3-year honours).
- Apply online; the application fee is AED 525 including VAT. On acceptance you pay 10% of the first-year fee plus a refundable AED 1,000 deposit.
Postgraduate
- A good relevant Honours degree (first or second class). MSc Data Science expects a computing or IT background including databases and programming; engineering or maths graduates may be considered.
- Most master's programmes accept September and January entry.
- Students who need a university-sponsored UAE visa can pay in full or in four equal instalments.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (undergraduate)
- Degree transcripts and certificate (postgraduate)
- English test score
- Personal statement and reference where requested
- Documents for the UAE student visa, sponsored by the university
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Requirement | Each programme page lists its English requirement; IELTS 6.0 is the level shown for some qualifications at undergraduate level. |
| Pathway | Heriot-Watt Dubai offers foundation and English routes (such as the Degree Entry Programme) if you do not meet direct-entry requirements. |
Accommodation and living costs
Heriot-Watt Dubai students live in private student residences in Dubai's academic areas or in shared flats. Prices below are monthly figures published by UOWD for partner residences in the same areas; check Heriot-Watt Dubai's accommodation page for its own partners.
| Item | In AED | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Shared room in a student residenceUOWD partner list | AED 2,200–3,800per month | ≈ ₹55,000 – ₹95,000 |
| Single roomUOWD partner list | AED 3,800–5,050per month | ≈ ₹95,000 – ₹1.3 lakh |
| StudioUOWD partner list | AED 5,500–7,500per month | ≈ ₹1.4 lakh – ₹1.9 lakh |
| Application feeIncluding VAT, non-refundable | AED 525one-off | ≈ ₹13,125 |
| Security deposit on acceptanceRefundable | AED 1,000one-off | ≈ ₹25,000 |
Campus and location
Heriot-Watt Dubai's campus is in Dubai's education free-zone area, with teaching spaces, labs, a library and student facilities. Dubai is a safe, multicultural city with a large Indian population.
- Go Global lets many students spend time at the Edinburgh or Malaysia campuses.
- Petroleum and civil engineering programmes have strong industry links in the Gulf.
- Dubai Metro and buses connect the academic areas; many students use university or residence transport.
- Flights to Indian cities take about 3 hours.
Careers and graduate outcomes
Dubai's economy offers jobs in construction, energy, finance, logistics and technology. Graduates need an employer to sponsor a UAE employment visa; there is no automatic post-study work visa. Top graduates of UAE universities may qualify for the UAE Golden Visa under government conditions.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Parent university's QS World University Ranking 2027 | 325 | QS World University Rankings |
| Intakes per year for most programmes | 2 (September and January) | Heriot-Watt Dubai programme pages |
Studying in Dubai (UAE)
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in Dubai (UAE). Our country guide covers them in detail:
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FAQs
How much does Heriot-Watt Dubai cost?
For 2027 intakes, undergraduate tuition is AED 78,650–87,010 a year and most one-year master's degrees are AED 99,528–113,685, including VAT. MSc Petroleum Engineering is AED 172,484.
What marks do I need from CBSE?
BSc Computer Science asks for about 65% from CBSE or other Indian boards, with Mathematics. Requirements vary by programme, so check the programme page.
Can I start in January?
Yes. Most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes have a January intake as well as September.
Is the degree the same as in Scotland?
Yes, students in Dubai receive a Heriot-Watt University degree, and many can transfer to Edinburgh or Malaysia through Go Global.
What scholarships are available?
Heriot-Watt Dubai lists merit scholarships for undergraduates and postgraduates, subject-specific awards, family and alumni scholarships, and discounts for paying in advance. Values change each intake.
Sources
- Heriot-Watt Dubai: BSc (Hons) Computer Science (opens in a new tab)
- Heriot-Watt Dubai: MSc Data Science (opens in a new tab)
- Heriot-Watt Dubai: MSc Petroleum Engineering (opens in a new tab)
- Heriot-Watt Dubai: tuition fees (opens in a new tab)
- Heriot-Watt Dubai: scholarships and discounts (opens in a new tab)
- Heriot-Watt Dubai: our rankings (opens in a new tab)
- UOWD: student accommodation partners and prices (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.hw.ac.uk/dubai (opens in a new tab)
Check the latest details