Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Heriot-Watt University Dubai, established in 2005, is a prominent satellite campus of Heriot-Watt University in the United Arab Emirates. It was the first overseas university to open in Dubai International Academic City. It has since gained recognition for its high-quality British education, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines, including engineering, business, and social sciences. The campus has received multiple accolades, including being named the "Best University" in the Middle East by Forbes in 2019 and achieving a five-star rating from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) for three consecutive years. 
 

Things To Consider Before Applying

One of the first steps before the application process is ensuring you’re prepared. This includes browsing the entry requirements, researching finances, collecting required documents, etc. All the information you need is in the following sections.

Entry Requirements

Prospective students must meet specific entry requirements based on their level of study and chosen programme to apply to Heriot-Watt University Dubai. The entry requirements vary for every student, considering their background, destination, and choice of courses.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

• Academic Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 70% in high school diploma, with at least 70% in Mathematics.
  • Alternatively, you can achieve an SAT I score of 1000 (500 in English and 600 in Mathematics) or an ACT score of at least 20.
• Specific Programme Requirements:
  • For Management, Psychology, and Design: Minimum average of 80% in High School Diploma (Tawjihiyya) or 75% in Elite/Advance.
  • For Engineering: Average of 80% in Tawjihiyya, including 80% in Mathematics and Physics/Chemistry.
  • For Computer Science: The average is 80% in Tawjihiyya, with relevant subjects and EMSAT scores.
  • For Data Science: Average of 85% in Tawjihiyya or 80% in Elite/Advance.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

• Academic Qualifications:
  • Generally, a Second Class Lower (2:2) equivalent with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 5 for most programmes.
  • A Second Class Upper (2:1) equivalent with a CGPA of at least 3.5 out of 5 is required for specific programmes like Robotics and Global Sustainability Engineering.
• English Language Proficiency:
  • Proof of English language ability is necessary, typically through standardised tests or equivalent qualifications.

These requirements may vary by programme, so you should check the specific entry requirements for the course you wish to apply for.

 

Documents

This is your first step to securing a place in the university of your choice. Gathering all the required Heriot-Watt University Dubai documents and submitting them through your required portal will ensure success and a faster road to acceptance.

Undergraduate Admission Documents

• Completed Application Form: Submitted through the university's online application portal.
• High School Transcripts: Official records showing grades and courses completed.
• Proof of English Language Proficiency: Required for non-native speakers (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
• Personal Statement: A brief essay outlining your motivations and reasons for applying.
• Letters of Recommendation: Typically, one or two letters from teachers or professionals who can attest to your abilities.

Postgraduate Admission Documents

• Completed Application Form: Submitted via the university's online application system.
• Bachelor’s Degree Transcripts: Official records from previous higher education institutions.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed resume outlining your academic and professional experience.
• Letters of Recommendation: Usually, two letters from academic or professional references.
• Personal Statement: An essay detailing your academic interests and career goals.
• Proof of English Language Proficiency: Required for non-native speakers, similar to undergraduate requirements.

 

How To Apply At Heriot-Watt University Dubai?

The application process at Heriot-Watt University Dubai may vary based on your programme, course and intake. However, the general process remains consistent. Follow the below steps for a successful application.

1. Visit the Application Portal: Go to the Heriot-Watt University online application system to start your application.
2. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online form with accurate personal and academic information.
3. Prepare Required Documents: Gather and upload the necessary documents, including:
   • Official high school or university transcripts
   • Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS score)
   • Personal statement detailing your motivations and qualifications
   • Letters of recommendation (typically one or two)
   • A copy of your passport
   • Application fee payment receipt (AED 300)
4. Submit Your Application: Review your application for completeness and submit it before the relevant deadlines.
5. Monitor Your Application Status: You can track your application status through the university's portal after submission.
6. Receive Admission Offer: If accepted, you will receive a conditional or unconditional offer via email, which you must respond to to confirm your place.

 

Deadlines

It is essential to follow the admission procedure as instructed by the university to the bone. Similarly, Heriot-Watt University Dubai deadlines are often well laid out and crucial. Refer to the following pointers to find the critical events and their respective dates for undergraduate applicants in the fall and spring semesters.

Undergraduate Deadlines

• UCAS Applications:
  • Application Deadline: January 26
  • Admission Decisions: May 19

Postgraduate Deadlines

• General Application Deadline:
  • For courses starting in September: August 2
  • International applicants are advised to apply at least six weeks before the programme starts.

Important Notes

• There are two main intakes each year: September and January.
• To ensure a smooth admission process, it is recommended that you apply 6–10 months before your chosen intake.

 

Decision Dates

Decision dates for applications to Cardiff University vary depending on the type of application and when it is submitted. Undergraduate decisions start rolling out by May 19th for applications submitted by the end of January. International applicants are advised to apply at least 6 weeks before the programme begins. The university operates a rolling admissions process, so applying as early as possible is advisable, especially for international students. Heriot-Watt University Dubai has two main intakes each year: September and January.
 

Heriot-Watt University Dubai Selection Criteria

Heriot-Watt University Dubai employs specific selection criteria for admissions to ensure that candidates meet the academic and personal standards required for success in their programmes.

1. Academic Qualifications:
   • For undergraduate programmes, applicants typically need a high school diploma with a minimum average of 70%, and specific subject requirements may apply depending on the chosen course.
   • For postgraduate programmes, a recognised bachelor's degree with at least a Second Class Lower (2:2) equivalent is generally required.
2. English Language Proficiency:
   • Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through standardised tests such as IELTS, with a minimum score of 6.0 overall (with no element below 5.5)
3. Personal Statement:
   • A personal statement detailing the applicant's motivations, relevant experiences, and how they relate to the chosen field of study is mandatory.
4. References:
   • Applicants are usually required to submit one or two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can attest to their capabilities.
5. Interviews:
   • Some programmes may require an interview to further assess the applicant's suitability for the course.
6. Conditional Offers:
   • The university may issue conditional offers based on outstanding documentation or qualifications.

These criteria aim to identify candidates who not only have the necessary academic background but also demonstrate motivation and readiness for higher education in a dynamic environment like Dubai.

 

Heriot-Watt University Dubai Acceptance Rate

Heriot-Watt University Dubai acceptance rate is approximately 24%. This indicates that the university has a selective admission policy, predominantly based on the academic performance of the applicants.

Some key points about the acceptance rate:

• Heriot-Watt University Dubai accepts students from diverse backgrounds and geographies.
• The low acceptance rate reflects the university's high academic standards and global reputation.
• The university enrols over 4,000 students, with approximately 90% being international students.
• Heriot-Watt University Dubai follows an admissions policy based on the student's academics and grades.

 

Fees

Heriot-Watt University Dubai fees vary depending on the programme and level of study. For international students, the estimated fees for the academic year are as follows:

Undergraduate Tuition Fees

• Annual Tuition Fees: Ranges from AED 60,000 to AED 70,000, depending on the specific programme.

Postgraduate Tuition Fees

• Annual Tuition Fees: Approximately AED 60,000 for most master's programmes.

Example Programme Fees

• Some specific postgraduate programmes may have higher fees:
  • MBA: Approximately AED 109,000
  • MSc Data Science: Approximately AED 91,990
  • MSc International Business Management with HRM: Approximately AED 85,176

These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the specific course and other factors.