5 Most Affordable Universities in Dubai for Foundation in Leadership with Scholarships in 2026

As a student, you can begin your journey towards a globally recognised Australian degree at Murdoch University Dubai.

Murdoch University was established in Perth, Western Australia, in 1973 and has grown into a globally recognised institution with campuses in Dubai and Singapore. Since opening its doors in 2008, Murdoch University Dubai has become a leading provider of Australian-accredited higher education in the UAE, offering Foundation, Diploma, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate courses.

Campus and Location

Our campus is located in Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP), just minutes from major business districts including Dubai Internet City, Media City, and Dubai Marina—offering students valuable proximity to global industry hubs. The campus features modern classrooms, collaborative breakout spaces, and dedicated student zones designed to support an engaging and career-focused learning environment.

Accreditation and Academic Quality

All our diplomas, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses are accredited by CAA (MoHESR), KHDA, and TEQSA, and Murdoch University Dubai is licensed by CAA (MoHESR) and KHDA.

Student Life and Community

With students from over 80 nationalities, Murdoch University Dubai offers a vibrant, inclusive community with a strong focus on student wellbeing and personal growth. Students enjoy a rich, engaging campus life filled with social events, leadership opportunities, and cross-cultural experiences.

Students like you can join or start a club in collaboration with the Student Leadership Team, including Anime Club, Book Club, Dance Club, Music Club, Media Club, Sports Teams, Cultural Days, Movie Nights, and Skills and Career-Focused Workshops.

Our Student Leadership Team, elected annually, plays a vital role in enhancing the student experience by organising events, voicing student interests, and fostering a strong sense of campus engagement.

Career Support and Real-World Exposure

Students benefit from one-on-one career coaching, on-campus recruitment, and hands-on industry engagement throughout their studies.

Murdoch University Dubai is a member of the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) and the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA MENA). Communication students gain access to exclusive industry events, professional training, and internship opportunities through these associations.

Our IT courses are professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society, and students have received innovation grants through initiatives such as Expo 2020.

Business students regularly participate and excel in entrepreneurship competitions like Think Big.

The Murdoch Aspire initiative offers students and graduates a range of personalised services to boost career readiness and develop confidence to pursue new ideas that can evolve into real-world solutions. These complimentary services include access to industry events, a dedicated Career Support Advisor, entrepreneurship training, and mentorship from business leaders—all designed to give students a competitive edge in their chosen careers or ventures.

Flexible Study Modes & Double Majors

At Murdoch University Dubai, we make it easier for students like you to shape your degree around your life, ambitions, and interests. With flexible start dates, a choice of study modes, and exciting options like double majors and fast-track degrees, you can create a study journey that works for you.

• Start When It Suits You – Choose from January, May, or September intakes.
• Double Majors – Two areas of expertise in one degree. Complete your degree with no extra fees (subject to academic approval). Murdoch University Dubai was among the first in the UAE to offer this across all undergraduate courses.
• Fast-Track – Get your bachelor’s degree in just two years (subject to approval).
• Flexible Postgraduate Learning – Study on-campus, online, or in a mixed-mode format to fit your lifestyle and career goals.

Rankings and Accreditation Highlights

• Murdoch University Dubai is a 5-star rated Australian university in Employability, Internationalisation, Facilities, Program Strength, Happiness & Wellbeing, and Inclusivenes
• Ranked #423 in the QS World University Rankings (2026)
• Ranked 84th globally in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings (2023)
• Ranked 26th among the top universities in Australia and one of the leading public universities in Perth
• Holds a 5-star QS Stars rating across Teaching, Employability, Global Engagement, Research, Facilities, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer, and Inclusiveness

Scholarships

At Murdoch University Dubai, we are committed to rewarding academic excellence and supporting access to quality education through a range of merit-based scholarships and bursary offers.

Academic Merit Scholarships

• Foundation program: 50%
• Diploma courses: 25%
• Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses: Up to 40%

Additional Bursary Offers

• 25% bursary for all UAE Citizens (Emirati students)
• 40% bursary for Psychology and Communication enrolments

History of Heriot-Watt University Dubai

The history of Heriot-Watt University dates back to 1821, and the university has a long history of excellence and a track record of challenging, motivating, and teaching tomorrow's professionals. Heriot-Watt University Dubai is among the best business and industrial institutions in the UK, and we are known for our top-notch instruction and cutting-edge, applied research.

Education at Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Adjacent to Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Park is home to over 500 firms and has made a name for itself as a premier hub for professional development and higher education. Thanks to the new business and enterprise location, students will have more opportunities to interact directly with businesses and industries, which will give graduates exclusive educational opportunities. So, you can find the Hwu Dubai. 

Campus Locations of Heriot-Watt University

1. Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh Campus 

2. Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus

About Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus

Situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus is a public institution that was founded in 2005. The university provides a total of 58 courses across seven disciplines, specifically categorized as Business and Management Studies, Accounting and Commerce, and Architecture and Planning. These courses are available across 37 distinct specializations, including Finance, Automobile Engineering, and Business Analytics.

The University offers more than four undergraduate programs, including foundational courses such as Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), and Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Technology (B.E./B.Tech), each with a duration of four years. Additionally, the University also offers 5 courses at the postgraduate level, which are MIM, M.Sc, and MS, with a duration of 1 year.

International students need to take into account the fee component when contemplating the pursuit of education abroad. The tuition fee for the first year of graduate courses is AED 91,990, excluding accommodation expenses.

As a component of the university application procedure, students are required to meet specific minimum criteria and possess a valid score in entrance or language examinations, such as the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

Top Reasons to Study at Heriot-Watt University Dubai Here

• Heriot-Watt University Dubai is the first overseas university to be set up in Dubai International Academic City.
• Hwu Dubai has a strong link with industry and business. We take pride in developing and educating future leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
• With our programmes, you have the option to transfer and undertake part of the degree at your home campus in Scotland.

How do you apply for Heriot-Watt University in Dubai?

To submit an application for Heriot-Watt University programs, kindly utilize the online application form. To submit an application for the on-campus MBA Programme at Edinburgh Business School, you must create an online application form and establish an account. 

However, it is not required to finalize the application in a single session; you can save your progress and return to complete it later.

Heriot-Watt University Dubai Courses and Fees

Know about some of the popular courses at Heriot-Watt University Dubai:

MBA/PGDM (18 courses)

Fees: INR 22 L - 26 L

Duration: 12 months-1 year

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 - 6.5, TOEFL: 79 - 90, PTE: 55 - 60

M.Sc. (12 courses)

Fees: INR 22 L - 24 L

Duration: 1 year

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 55 & Above

MS (12 courses)

Fees: INR 22 L - 38 L

Duration: 1 year

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above

MIM (5 courses)

Fees: INR 22 L - 24 L

Duration: 12 months-1 year

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 - 6.5, TOEFL: 90 & Above, PTE: 60 & Above

B.E. / B.Tech (16 courses)

Fees: INR 18 L

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above

BBA (6 courses)

Fees: INR 16 L

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above

B.A. (3 courses)

Fees: INR 18 L

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above

M.Arch (1 course)

Fees: INR 22 L

Duration: 1 year

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above

B.Arch (2 courses)

Fees: INR 18 L - 19 L

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above

Careers at Heriot-Watt University Dubai

The Careers Service seeks to help students and recent graduates of Heriot-Watt University make educated career decisions by offering professional, top-notch career coaching and information services. We collaborate closely with academic institutions and employers to help students acquire the skills necessary to maximise employability.

Also with the help of SecureMyScholarship, students can get hiring support for their better career opportunities. This is only applicable to students who are coming from India to Dubai for their higher education.