Dubai · Master's
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus
Course Overview
Heriot-Watt University Dubai's MSc Renewable Energy Engineering is delivered as a full UK degree (validated and quality-assured by Heriot-Watt's Edinburgh campus, with identical curriculum, examinations, and Heriot-Watt MSc certification) at the Knowledge Park campus in Dubai. The 12-month coursework MSc covers solar PV and thermal systems, wind energy, hydrogen and fuel cells, energy storage, biomass and biofuels, energy economics, and policy. Dubai's location is the headline differentiator — students get direct industry access to Masdar (Abu Dhabi clean-energy fund), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA, operator of the world's largest single-site solar park at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park), ENGIE Middle East, EDF Renewables Middle East, Siemens Energy Dubai, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA, HQ in Abu Dhabi), and ADNOC's clean-energy diversification programme.
Sri Lankan applicants choose Heriot-Watt Dubai because the tuition (AED 88,000 / £17,500 equivalent) is significantly lower than UK on-campus tuition (£28,000+), the Dubai cost of living is lower than London for international students, and the degree certification is identical to the UK degree — students receive the same Heriot-Watt MSc as Edinburgh graduates. UAE post-study work is via the 2-year Job Seeker visa for Master's graduates, with conversion to a 2-year Green Visa for graduate-level employment. Sri Lankan returnees route into senior engineering positions at the Ceylon Electricity Board, LECO, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, LTL Holdings, WindForce, into IPP developers, and increasingly into Middle East energy companies (Masdar, ACWA Power, ENGIE) that recruit experienced energy engineers from across the Indian Ocean rim. Chartered Engineer (Sri Lanka) status via EngSL plus Engineers Australia (CPEng) recognition gives strong cross-border mobility.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan Bachelor's (Hons) in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Physics — minimum GPA 2.8 / Lower Second-Class.
- check_circle Strong fundamentals in mathematics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetics at Bachelor's level.
- check_circle Two academic / professional references; CV; statement of purpose (500 words).
- check_circle Industry experience in the energy sector (Ceylon Electricity Board, LECO, IPP developers, solar/wind developers) is highly valued for applicants with borderline academic profiles.
- check_circle Engineering Council UK (IEng / CEng) accreditation valid for this MSc — useful for global mobility.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (no element below 6.0).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 79 Overall.
- check_circle PTE Academic: 58 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English at a recognised institution for at least 3 years — most Sri Lankan applicants qualify with an MOI letter.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (AED) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (full 12-month programme) | AED 88,000 | Rs. 7,656,000 |
| Living Expenses (12 months, Dubai) | AED 45,000 | Rs. 3,915,000 |
| Student Visa, Emirates ID & Health Insurance | AED 6,000 | Rs. 522,000 |
| Books, Lab Materials & Industry Site Visits | AED 3,000 | Rs. 261,000 |
| Total Programme Investment | AED 142,000 | Rs. 12,354,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for UAE's 2-year Job Seeker visa on graduation, with conversion to the 2-year Green Visa for graduate-level employment (and 10-year Golden Visa pathway for skilled energy professionals). Heriot-Watt Dubai MSc REE grads route into Masdar (Abu Dhabi sovereign clean-energy fund), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA, operator of the world's largest solar park), ENGIE Middle East, EDF Renewables Middle East, Siemens Energy Dubai, IRENA (Abu Dhabi HQ), ACWA Power, ADNOC clean-energy division, GE Renewable Energy Dubai, and Vestas Middle East — AED 18,000-28,000/month starting (LKR 18M-29M/yr; UAE salaries are tax-free, so take-home value is significantly higher than gross UK equivalents). Sri Lankan returnees route into senior engineering positions at the Ceylon Electricity Board, LECO, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, LTL Holdings, WindForce, into IPP developers, and into Chartered Engineer (Sri Lanka) status via EngSL.
Related Programs
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Our counsellors have helped hundreds of Sri Lankan students secure placements in Dubai. We handle everything from applications to visa processing.