Heriot-Watt Dubai's levels by test
From the Dubai campus's English language requirements page. The test must have been passed within two years of enrolment. Heriot-Watt accepts IELTS Online and One Skill Retake but not the IELTS Indicator, does not accept the online version of PTE Academic, and takes TOEFL iBT Home Edition but not MyBest or superscores. Research (PGR) entry is IELTS 6.5 with no individual score below 6.0, PTE 68 (63) or Duolingo 125 (120).
| Test | Foundation | Undergraduate | Taught master's (STEM and Design) | Taught master's (non-STEM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (incl. IELTS Online) | 5.5, no band below 5.0 | 6.0, no band below 5.5 | 6.0, no score lower than 5.5 | 6.0, no score lower than 5.5; writing 6.0 |
| PTE Academic (not the online version) | 44-49 | 50-57 with 51 in each component | 55 (minimum 51) | 55; 51 in reading, listening, speaking; 55 in writing |
| TOEFL iBT (from 21 January 2026) | 3.5, no score lower than 3 | 4, no score lower than 4 | 4, no score lower than 4 | 4, no score lower than 4; writing 4.5 |
| Duolingo | 100, 95 in each component | 120, 110 in each component | 120, 110 in each component | 120; writing 115, 110 in each other component |
| LanguageCert Academic SELT | 55, no component below 50 | 65, no component below 60 | 65, no component below 60 | 65, no component below 60; writing 65 |
| Oxford ELLT (Global or Digital) | 5, no score lower than 5 | 6, no score lower than 5 | 6, no score lower than 5 | 6, writing 6, no score lower than 5 |
Indian, Pakistani and other school English
The same page accepts school English instead of a test. Its India row reads "Standard XII when awarded by - CBSE or CISCE exam boards only" and then "65% CBSE ICE and 70% from approved state boards". The two halves conflict on state boards, and "CBSE ICE" is not defined, so confirm with admissions. Heriot-Watt Dubai's international entry page shows no content under Pakistan when checked.
For postgraduates, a degree taught in English in a non-English-speaking country counts if you prove the medium of instruction. A letter from an employer confirming English as the workplace language also counts after at least six months with a verifiable international company or government agency.
| Qualification | Heriot-Watt Dubai minimum English grade |
|---|---|
| India Standard XII (CBSE or CISCE) | "65% CBSE ICE and 70% from approved state boards" |
| Pakistan Intermediate Certificate / High School Certificate | 70% |
| GCE O level English | C or 4 |
| GCE A or AS level English | C |
| International Baccalaureate | SL4 or HL4 |
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Heriot-Watt's international entry page asks Indian applicants for 50% overall in year 12 CBSE/ICSE or state boards for the foundation, and 65% for year 1 Management, Design, Engineering, Computer Science and Data Science (70% for Psychology). The foundation is run as the Global College Dubai. UAE Tawjihiya foundation entry is 68%.
Heriot-Watt Dubai's MoHESR licence page says the campus holds Initial Institutional Licensure through the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and that its entry requirements "are in line with UK requirements". An EmSAT or CAA English minimum is not stated by Heriot-Watt Dubai.
In the UAE, the student residence visa is sponsored by the university. Heriot-Watt Dubai's visa page sets no English score for it; the English bar is the admission requirement above.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Heriot-Watt Dubai programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score does Heriot-Watt Dubai need?+
6.0 with no band below 5.5 for undergraduate entry and STEM or Design master's; non-STEM master's add 6.0 in writing. The foundation needs 5.5 (5.0) and research degrees 6.5 (6.0).
Does Heriot-Watt Dubai accept PTE?+
Yes, but not the online version. Undergraduate entry is 50-57 with 51 in each component, taught master's 55 (minimum 51) and the foundation 44-49.
Does Heriot-Watt Dubai accept Duolingo?+
Yes: 120 overall with 110 in each component for undergraduate and taught master's entry, and 100 with 95 in each component for the foundation.
Can CBSE students skip IELTS at Heriot-Watt Dubai?+
Yes, with Standard XII English. The page reads "65% CBSE ICE and 70% from approved state boards" but also says CBSE or CISCE only, so confirm state boards with admissions.
Is IELTS needed for the UAE student visa?+
No English score is set on Heriot-Watt Dubai's visa page. Students from outside the UAE apply for a Student Residence Visa through the university.
Keep reading
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Verified against the linked official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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