Heriot Watt University Dubai
The institution
Heriot Watt University was the first British University to set up a Dubai campus in 2005. 2021 is a significant year for the university for two reasons:
- The university is celebrating its 200th anniversary in the UK
- The branch is moving into a brand new purpose-built campus in Dubai Knowledge Park in April 2021
The new campus is significantly bigger than the previous Dubai campus and reflects growing confidence in city’s reputation as a regional hub for excellence. It has been designed to reflect the interactive and digital learning methods that are increasingly a part of today’s way of learning.
Majors
The university offers a variety of study programs under Data Science, Construction and Engineering, Accounting and Finance, Psychology, Architecture and Design (including Fashion and Interior Design), Computing and Artificial Intelligence.
Students not meeting the admission requirements for direct entry into one of the university’s Bachelor degree programs may be eligible to join one of 3 Foundation programs (in Design Studies, Engineering & Computing or in Business & Psychology). There are also two Advanced Degree Entry programs in the fields of Engineering and Management: these intensive 3-semester programs include a Foundation and the first year of your chosen Bachelor degree so that you then move directly into the second year of your Bachelor upon successful completion.
The main campus, located on the outskirts of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom, has long been renowned for its engineering programs. The campus similarly offers an excellent range of programs at both undergraduate and graduate level. In particular, its range of Master’s programs include highly sought after fields of study, such as Petroleum and Renewable Energy Engineering.
Business students will benefit from the Bloomberg Trading Suite, which will provide access to live financial data from global markets and organisations and will prepare students to take up challenging roles in the finance industry.
Students can also benefit from the Enterprise Floor, which is devoted to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, hosting businesses, staff from partner companies, and educating business leaders. Also offered here is the university’s Watt Inc. entrepreneurship programme in conjunction with Dubai Future Foundation, with activities to help bring business start-up ideas to life.
Scholarships
There are merit scholarships of up to 50% of the annual tuition fee available – this is a one-time offer that is then spread equally across each year of study. In some limited cases, merit students applying for a Bachelor degree at may be eligible for direct entry into the second year of the Bachelor degree.
At Master’s level, there are scholarship awards worth 10% – 15% of tuition fees based on academic performance from the Bachelor degree.
As with all scholarship awards, Heriot Watt’s scholarships are highly competitive and we recommend that you begin the application process as early as possible.
Location
The Dubai Knowledge Park, where the new campus is located, sits adjacent to the Dubai Media City as well as the Dubai Internet City. It boasts excellent transport links such as the city’s Metro and Tramway. The neighbourhood is home to more than 500 businesses and has established itself as a centre of excellence for higher education and professional development.
The Dubai Knowledge Park lies close by to the world famous The Palm Jumeirah. It is also nearby to Dubai Marina on one side and the luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel on the other.
Campus Life
The new campus incorporates a student hub for recreation, clubs and societies. There are a number of social clubs to choose from depending on your person interests – options include the Anime and Gaming Club, Fashion Club, Music Club and more.
If you are adept at sport, then why not try out for one of the university’s sports teams, known as The Hawks? It has teams for many sports including basketball, football and even dragon boating!
Alternatively, you have all of the glitz and glamour of on your doorstep! A city renowned for its shopping opportunities (there are over 100 shopping malls and souks to choose from!) but there is also an increasingly varied cultural life available too. Or, if you fancy some peace and quiet, the desert is never far away!
Housing
The Myriad is the primary residence, not only for Heriot Watt-Dubai students but for from a number of different universities. The residence is located in the heart of Academic City, a 30 minute drive away from the new campus. There is a regular free shuttle to/from.
The Myriad offers twin, single and premium single rooms with rental costs ranging from 2,000 AED (USD $550 per month) to 3,700 AED (USD$1,000 per month). This premium student residence includes a gym, swimming pool, study rooms, communal kitchens, laundry rooms, high speed wifi and a shuttle bus service.
Private apartment rentals in the city remain a cheaper option and sharing an apartment is likely to reduce your costs to around $300 per month.
Our Achievements
Since its founding, Heriot-Watt has been awarded numerous accolades. In the year 2019, it has been named as one of the top Dubai universities, and was received five star status in the very first ever quality ranking conducted by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) which is the highest quality assurance of education and the regulator from the Government. The rating system, developed in conjunction with QS, evaluates universities on eight quality indicators: Teaching, Employability, Research, Internationalisation, Facilities, Overall Programme Strength, Well-being, Social Responsibility and Inclusiveness.
The following year, it was named the “Best University’ in the inaugural annual Forbes Middle East Higher Education Awards. The awards ceremony was held in Dubai the awards acknowledge and recognize the best of the region’s institutions of higher education with the help of votes from teachers, students and the business partners who work with them
Burj Khalifa light show
IIt became the first University in the UAE to illuminate the world’s tallest structure that is the Burj Khalifa in a celebration of historical significance on November 26, 2019. The celebration was a recognition of the numerous milestones that the it had accomplished: It was awarded five stars by the KHDA as well as named the “Best University” at the very first Forbes Middle East Higher Education Awards and announced that it was moving to the new campus.
The exact time was 8.23 midnight at which time the Burj Khalifa was lit with pictures that confirmed Heriot-Watt’s reputation as a top institution, while also showcasing its accomplishments. A film that lasted just one minute and starring James Watt, highlighted the its two major achievements this year, which included prizes that came from KHDA in addition to Forbes Middle East. The film highlighted the campus’ outstanding academic achievements in areas such as construction, business, engineering design, computer science and more as well as the history from Heriot-Watt since its beginning on the 1821 date. With an elevation of more than 828 metres (2,716.5 inches) and more than 160 floors at its highest, the Burj Khalifa is a recognizable tower that stretches across the city’s skyline and is among the most famous symbols of the contemporary U
High-quality British education
The university was the first to offer British educational opportunities in Dubai with highly acclaimed degree programs designed to meet the needs of the local industry and business. With strong ties to the business and industry it is renowned for providing and training for the next generation of managers, leaders and innovative thinkers. With many of its programs recognized by relevant professional institutes and associations. The degrees offered are recognized and approved by the Royal Charter in the UK. The programs offer the possibility to transfer to and complete part of your degree on our campus located in Scotland. Its graduates are desired by employers across the globe Our 77,000 alumni in key posts across the globe have proven our worth.
The University provides students with an environment that is supportive of their needs so they can live their life to the max as they make lasting connections and experience everything one of the most prestigious cities can offer. It offer a variety of support services with friendly personnel who will listen to you and offer assistance and advice that you will need. We offer guaranteed tuition-related fees and the possibility of scholarship opportunities are available to ensure that you make use of every minute at HW.
Why Choose Dubai as your Study Abroad Destination
It is among the most advanced, futuristic city, connected and cosmopolitan around the globe. The city’s inhabitants come from more than 180 nations and 105 nationalities.
Global hub for entertainment and tourism
It is a popular tourist attraction with a myriad of choices for shopping food, dining, socialising, and entertainment. It doesn’t matter if you’re into biking, hiking or swimming, desert safaris skydiving, jet skiing, and theme parks there’s bound to be something that will appeal to you.
A secure city
Dubai is among the most secure cities around the globe and it is the reason why UAE is ranked as the world’s second-safest nation. It is practically crime-free since the police guarantee the safety of its citizens to the maximum.
A modern design capital
Dubai is the contemporary design and art city of The Middle East.
Global Business Hub
It is a center of commerce and trade with all of the Middle East and the wider corporations of the world. It also hosts numerous global business events.
Home to Highly ranked universities and Colleges
Itis a global knowledge center that offers students from all over the globe an opportunity to earn internationally recognized qualifications. It was the first British university to be established in the Dubai International Academic City.
Transportation integrated in Dubai
It is a major transport hub linking the west and east. In the city, it’s simple to travel around using the public buses that are integrated trams, water buses and metro systems. Taxis are abundant and affordable
What comes next?
Upon completion of your Bachelor or Master’s program at HW then you may be able to stay and work in Dubai though the length of your residence permit for employment will depend on how well you performed during your studies and also the field of study that you undertook. High-performing engineering students are eligible for 10-year residency permits while short 5-year residency permits may be available to lesser performing students or to students who studied fields such as business.
Seed loves this institution because...
Branch campus of a top 400 university (Times Higher Education World Rankings, 2021)
Study at the brand new high-tech campus that opened in Dubai Knowledge Park in April 2021
Study complete program in Dubai or transfer to the main UK campus during your program
Quick Navigation
Key information:
Location:
Dubai, UAE
Type of Institution:
4-year university
Suitable for:
High School leavers Graduate students
Majors:
36 Bachelor programs (including Architecture, Business, Data Science, Engineering, Fashion, Finance, Psychology and Robotics) and 38 Master’s programs (including Artificial Intelligence, Business, Construction Project Management, Data Science, Logistics, Network Security, Petroleum Engineering, Real Estate Management and Renewable Energy Engineering )
Annual tuition (in USD): Bachelor: $16,000 – $19,000 Master’s: $21,500 – $23,000
Estimated annual expenses (USD):
Bachelor: $23,200 – $26,200 Master’s: $31,100 – $32,600
Number of students:
500
Campus housing?
Off-campus residence with free shuttle bus service
Nearest airport:
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Need more info?
- Contact your friendly team at Seed Educational Consulting