How to apply for programmes in Dubai

Apply online

You can apply online for Dubai Campus programmes (except Edinburgh Business School programmes) now.

You must create an account to use the online application form. You don't have to complete the application in one session; you can save what you have done so far and return to complete it at a later date. There is a Help facility on each page of the online form.

Printed application form

If you are unable to use the online application form you can download a copy of our Application Form. You must complete a separate application form for each programme you apply for.

Edinburgh Business School programmes

You can apply for Edinburgh Business School programmes through the Edinburgh Business School website.

Supporting documents

If you are using our online form you can attach all your supporting documents to your application using the document upload facility. We will accept scanned documents at the application stage, but you may be asked to provide original copies of your documents at a later date.

If you are submitting your application using our printed form then please ensure to include your supporting documents. Your decision may be delayed without these documents.

Your academic references should be provided on headed paper or on the official Reference Form.

Application fee

You will be asked to pay an application processing fee of AED 300 for each application form you submit. We cannot process your application without this fee.

You can pay either in cash or by local cheque made payable to Heriot-Watt University or by bank transfer to:

You will need to meet any bank charges incurred for any fees paid through credit card, bank/telegraphic transfer etc. in addition to the fee itself. You must also send a copy of the funds Telegraphic Transfer Issuing Advice, along with the application form, to help identify your payment. Please check with your bank when transferring the funds for details.

When to apply

Our Dubai Campus operates a rolling year-round admissions process: as soon as one intake has closed we begin accepting applications for the next one. It is also possible for you to defer your start date for up to a year.

All of our programmes have an intake in September, but some programmes also offer an additional intake in January.

Most students apply 6–10 months in advance of their chosen intake. We can accept applications up until 3 weeks before the start of each intake but you should note that a late application will almost certainly mean a delay in the provision of essential administrative services, such as your student matriculation card (without which you won't be able to access library or online services).

Our response to your application

Our academic staff consider all applications carefully and will let you know of our decision on your application as soon as possible. They will make one of the following offers or responses to you:

• an unconditional offer, (which you must accept by returning the relevant acceptance form within 2 weeks of receiving)
• a conditional offer (you will need to achieve further qualifications or provide additional supporting documents before you are accepted)
• regretfully reject your application (this does not prevent you from applying again in a subsequent year)

In general, the entire review process takes between 2–6 weeks following the receipt of your completed application package.

Visa requirements

Students from outside the UAE will need to apply for a Student Residence Visa. Check the visa requirements for more information.