Why study at Heriot-Watt University Dubai?
A global British education in Dubai
When you join Heriot‑Watt University Dubai, you become part of a global community that has been shaping futures for over 200 years. We bring the strength of a world‑class British education to one of the most exciting and internationally connected cities in the world. You earn the same globally recognised UK degree as students in the Edinburgh campus, while experiencing Dubai’s energy, diversity, and opportunity every day. Students in Dubai have access to a safe, multicultural environment with excellent career opportunities and a lifestyle that blends global culture with local heritage.
Why choose us?
As one of the most progressive and international British University in Dubai, you will have the opportunity to thrive, both personally and academically during your time with us.
Why choose us?
You will become highly employable
Heriot‑Watt is ranked 1st in Scotland and joint 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024). Our degrees are designed with industry, ensuring that you develop the skills employers value. Our Careers Service provides lifetime support, helping you build confidence, leadership ability and professional readiness. Global companies actively recruit our graduates because they are work‑ready
You will become globally connected
With five campuses across the UK, Dubai and Malaysia, you are joining a community that is truly global. Through our Go Global inter‑campus exchange programme, you can transfer your studies to our campuses in Edinburgh or Malaysia, gaining international experience and expanding your global network.
MoHESR accredited
All our programmes are accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. This means that you will be studying at a university that has been assured to meet the standards of quality consistent with current international practice and professional judgment.
You will develop life-long connections
By choosing Heriot-Watt you will join a community of over 27,000 students and an alumni network of over 173,000 worldwide. The Watt Club was founded in 1854 and is the oldest graduate club in the UK. Lifetime membership is automatic upon graduation from Heriot-Watt, and is free to all graduates of the University.
Study at your pace
Heriot‑Watt University Dubai offers a learning experience built around flexibility, choice, and academic excellence. With two entry points each year in January and September, along with full-time and part-time study options, you can begin your studies at the time that aligns best with your personal and professional goals.
Our flexible approach ensures that your academic journey progresses at a pace that suits your circumstances, without compromising on the quality of your education.
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Our rankings
Heriot-Watt University is consistently ranked at a high level across a number of key university league tables. We are consistently recognised for excellence in teaching, research and graduate outcomes.
5 stars
Rated 5 stars over the years by the KHDA, Best University in the Middle East by Forbes ME and granted MoHESR accreditation across all our programmes
1st
1st in Scotland for highest percentage of graduates who went on to be CEOs or Managing Directors (Novuna Business Cash Flow 2025)
5th
Heriot-Watt is ranked 5th in Scotland, 34th in UK and 287th in the world
86.8%
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked 86.8% of our research as world-leading and internationally excellent.
Study at the heart of a global hub
You get to study at the centre of one of the world’s most forward‑looking cities. Dubai is a global centre for innovation, technology, sustainability, and international business. Students in Dubai have access to a safe, multicultural environment with excellent career opportunities and a lifestyle that blends global culture with local heritage.
Tour the campus
The futuristic Heriot-Watt University Dubai campus is designed to offer interactive and collaborative learning experiences with innovative classroom designed to elevate the student experience.
Walk through our campus virtually and get a feel for the places where you will learn, connect, and grow.
Explore our programmes
Scholarships and bursaries
Heriot‑Watt University Dubai offers a range of scholarships and bursaries designed to make gaining a global British education in Dubai more accessible, including merit‑based awards, sports scholarships and other forms of financial support.
Meet our students
See moreThe most unique thing about my study experience at HW was the motivation I received to perform better every day in each of my courses. With competitions and top industry jury to judge our projects, it always kept me on my toes to present my best work and allowed me to develop a positive attitude towards my professional advancement.
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Apply
Find out about the admissions process and how to apply for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at our Dubai Campus.
Academic calendar
Semester 2025/26 dates for our Dubai campus are listed here and you can find dates for enrolment, teaching, holidays, examination and graduation.