The Heriot-Watt University Dubai was founded in 2009 as a UAE, satellite-based campus of HWU. It has been accredited by CAA for all the UG and PG courses. The university was crowned as the Best University in the Forbes Middle East Higher Education Awards in 2019. It has also been awarded a 5 star rating by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) for five consecutive years.
The Heriot-Watt University Dubai courses consist of various UG and PG programs to choose from. Check details about the HWU Dubai acceptance rate below-
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Acceptance Rate 2025
As per the student information provided by the university, there are a total of 4,770 students studying at Heriot-Watt Dubai campus as of 2024/25. Moreover of these 2,900 are UG students and 1,185 are PG taught students. The Heriot-Watt Dubai campus acceptance rate stands at around 60% making the admission criteria moderately selective. Check the enrollment stats below-
|
Particulars
|
2025 Headcount
|
|---|
|
Total Enrollments
|
4,770 |
|
New Entrants
|
2,005 |
|
Acceptance Rate
|
Around 60%
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Acceptance Rate for International Students
Official reports suggest that there are currently 2,105 Indian students housed at Heriot-Watt University's Dubai campus making up about 45% of the total student enrollment. Moreover India is the top country of origin for this uni. Other top enrollments include Arab (13%) and Pakistani (8%). The new enrollments for Indians in 2024/25 stood to be 740. Check the international enrollment stats below-
|
Particulars
|
2025 Headcount
|
|---|
|
Total Enrollments
|
4,770 |
|
Indian Enrollment
|
45% |
|
Countries Represented
|
125
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Acceptance Rate Trends
From the available records, it can be discerned that the total enrollment at Heriot-Watt University Dubai has increased by 8.7% in the last three years. The Indian origin enrollment has remained more or less the same however, the share of Indian students in the population has seen a slight decrease of 6.3%. Overall the HWU Dubai campus continues to remain a popular Dubai study abroad destination amongst Indians.
|
Year
|
Total Enrollment
|
Indian Enrollment |
Indian Enrollment %
|
|---|
| 2025 |
4,770 |
2,105 |
45% |
| 2024 |
4,720 |
2,155 |
46% |
| 2023 |
4,390
|
2,090 |
48%
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Requirements for International Students
Indian students are required to pay the Heriot-Watt University Dubai fees and fulfil the HWU Dubai admission requirements mentioned below to secure a seat-
UG:
- (Year 1) Overall aggregate of 65-75% in CBSE/ICSE/State Board in Class 12 depending on the course you apply for
- (Year 2) Overall aggregate of 75-85% in CBSE/ICSE/State Board in Class 12 depending on the course you apply for
- Subject specific grade requirements
- English proficiency proof
PG:
- Relevant UG degree
- Second Class Lower (2:2) equivalent with 55% or 5.5 CGPA on a scale of 10 for most courses
- English proficiency proof
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Average GPA, SAT & ACT Scores
While there's no obligation to submit SAT/ACT scores to HWU Dubai, students will have to score a CGPA of 5.5 on a scale of 10 for most subjects. For Tier 1 universities like DU, IIT, JNU etc., the requirement may vary further at 5.3 or 6.3 for some subjects. Refer to the official uni website for the list of these institutes and more clarity.
Tips to get selected at Heriot-Watt University Dubai
Students can refer to the tips given below to maximise their chances of selection at Heriot Watt Dubai campus-
- Make a neat schedule to avoid mindlessly juggling social, academic, and other obligations. Try to maintain discipline and stick to your schedule.
- Make sure you meet minimum grade requirement for the course you've chosen. Different courses may have different subject requirements, depending on the study level or study area.
- Lastly apply in a timely manner. Check for any admission updates or any other relevant university-related news to avoid confusion later on.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Acceptance Rate vs BITS Pilani Dubai Acceptance Rate
Both, the BITS Pilani Dubai acceptance rate as well as the Heriot Watt Dubai acceptance rate stands at around 60%, making the admission criteria moderately selective for both institutes. Moreover both are top UAE based universties that select only best of the best candidates. So prepare seriously and aim for high scores to maximise your chances of selection to either of the universities.
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