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Global Study Tour

Your passport to studying in Dubai and Edinburgh

This is your chance to take part in either:

  • A one-week study tour to our Dubai campus from Monday 9 to Friday 13 February 2026 (semester 2, week 5).
  • A two-week study tour to Edinburgh (UK) campus from Sunday 1 February to Friday 13 February 2026 (semester 2, weeks 4 and 5).

As you will be organising your own travel, you may choose to stay longer or travel to nearby cities and countries. This is the perfect opportunity for you to fully immerse yourself in the rich and diverse culture of Dubai while continuing your studies.

Applications open on Monday 29 September and close on Monday 14 October.

You'll be part of something bigger

Students from the UK and Dubai will also be taking part in the Global Study Tour, allowing all students to experience our different campuses together in the same week.

Check if you’re eligible

The study tour is open to undergraduate students in years 1-2 (plus MEng students in years 1-3) and postgraduate taught students from Heriot-Watt University. Your programme must be offered in the campus you would like to transfer to. You can check this by searching for your programme page and checking the Go Global banner. This will show if your programme is offered in Dubai, the UK or both.

Go Global banner example from Heriot-Watt programme pages.

Register now

The first stage is to complete a short application form so that the team can check your eligibility and confirm that there is space on your programme in Dubai or Edinburgh. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and you will find out by Tuesday 11 November if your application has been accepted.

Start your application

  1. Attend the online engagement session delivered by the host campus that you're interested in studying at. Learn more about this opportunity and have any questions answered. Here are the links to join:
    1. Join the Dubai session on Wednesday 8 October, 12pm Dubai time. Meeting ID: 323 786 111 753 8, Passcode: wG7CW2pV.
    2. Join the UK session on Thursday 9 October, 12pm Dubai time. Meeting ID: 389 067 394 462 6, Passcode: CE3Ef9dF.
  2. Complete your Study Tour application form.
  3. The Global Student Office (GSO) will contact you by Tuesday 11 November via email to confirm if your application has been accepted.
  4. Sign and return the Learning Commitment Contract which will be sent to you after you have received support from your Head of School to participate in the study tour.
  5. Check the requirements, organise and obtain visa or any official approval on your own from respective government agencies to travel outside Malaysia and to enter into Dubai, Edinburgh or any other cities or countries that you plan to visit.
  6. Together with all other students of the same tour, you will be added to the Study Tour MS Teams site. This will give you access to information and the chance to engage with other students taking part.
  7. Book your accommodation and flights. You may refer to more information about accommodation and flights in the FAQ section of this webpage.
  8. Complete and obtain approval of your HWU Travel Risk Assessment Form (TRAF). Email the approved TRASF to the Global Student Office for record keeping.
  9. Obtain travel insurance for your trip. You may purchase the travel insurance from your preferred agent or from the agent recommended by HWUM.
  10. Attend the online pre-departure briefing to talk through the final steps before you go.
  11. Arriva at the host campus and enjoy your learning and living experiences.
  12. Return to your home campus and commence your study in week 7.

Explore the campuses

A collage displaying Dubai Global village, srudents posing in the desert, riding camels in the desert and having a meal together.
Clockwise from left; Global Village Dubai, Safari Trip, Camel Ride, Group meal.

FAQs

How much will the study tour cost?

The cost depends on the flights and accommodation that you choose. Approximate costs can be found below which were accurate as of 18 August 2025 and may subject to change without prior notice.

Dubai:

  • Direct flights from £468 return, flights with 1 change from £301 return.
  • Accommodation at KSK from £26 per night based on two people sharing.

Edinburgh:

  • Flight with 1 change in Dubai from £361 return.
  • Accommodation is available on campus in single occupancy, double en-suite rooms. This is available on a first-come, first-served basis and a separate application form will be shared with you after your application for the Global Study Tour has been approved.

Flights and accommodation should not be booked until after your application has been approved.

How do I pay for the study tour?

You will pay for your own flights, accommodation (either on and off-campus) and any other associated travel costs. There are no fees to be paid to Heriot-Watt University for the study tour itself. Apart from attending your classes, the University may organise events during the week, and you will find out about these during the engagement sessions.