5 Most Affordable Universities in Dubai for Care with Scholarships in 2026

Global Business Studies (GBS) is a higher education provider specialising in a range of sector-relevant courses, leading to globally-renowned qualifications at campuses in Dubai, the United Kingdom and Malta. Our partnerships with leading higher education providers enable us to deliver vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in banking, finance, accounting, business, tourism, healthcare – and more.

We want our students to thrive in today’s competitive job market, so our excellent links to employers and bespoke academic and career guidance are essential for giving our students the edge in their future careers. Our learning environments are inclusive spaces, just like our approach to recruiting students. We want to widen the access to higher education among groups currently under-represented in the sector.

Students taking our GBS courses earn internationally recognised qualifications that are accepted around the world. In the UAE, GBS Dubai is authorised by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and our academic qualifications are all certified by KHDA and recognised in the Emirate of Dubai by all public and private entities.

Eight reasons why GBS is the place for you:

Studying at GBS Dubai means becoming part of a community of learners committed to changing lives and earning a professional degree for a brighter future!

• KHDA approved and permitted
• Internationally recognised British Qualification
• ACCA Gold approved learning partner
• Global Academic Progression
• Study at Dubai Knowledge Park Campus
• Practical learning experience
• High-quality teaching & learning

The Future is Yours:

Changing lives through education!

Get a globally recognised qualification with professional courses that can heighten your career aspirations or bring your entrepreneurial ideas. We’re passionate about turning your dreams into reality, so learn how GBS Dubai can help you reach your potential.

• Flexible study options: Study at times that suit you — including daytime, evening and weekend classes

• Knowledgeable Lecturers: Our lecturers are a perfect blend of experience and subject expertise, adding value to your professional degree each day.

• Personalised support: From the start of your professional course till the end — we will be by your side to support you through each stage of your growth and development.

• International Education: Gain skills and experiences from internationally renowned courses, with qualifications that will stand out wherever you are.

• Study and Work: Learn while you earn with expert careers support and guidance on offer

Take the next step!

We’ve helped thousands of students change their lives since 2010. Become part of our vibrant, inclusive educational community. Change your life today!

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai is the first overseas campus of the internationally renowned Middlesex University London. Since opening in 2005, it has grown to become the largest British KHDA higher education institution in Dubai. 

The Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) granted MDX Dubai its initial institutional license, reflecting the university’s commitment to the highest standards of academic quality and governance. 

The university offers foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA programmes across a wide range of disciplines, and was the first to offer a face-to-face LLB (British Qualifying Law) degree in Dubai. 

MDX Dubai is a global university dedicated to supporting the ambitions of a culturally and internationally diverse student body through challenging academic programmes, innovative research, grants, and professional practice. 

Students benefit from studying in the heart of Dubai, with cutting-edge facilities across multiple campuses. The primary campus in Dubai Knowledge Park features high-tech classrooms, the Icon Studio fashion lab, MDX Studios film lab, Sports Performance lab, RoboTechx lab, VRx lab, and more. 

The second campus in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) serves as the MBA Global Study Hub, offering state-of-the-art facilities for MBA students. 

In January 2026, MDX Dubai opened a further Study Hub in Dubai Media City, enhancing its presence in the city’s innovation and creative industries and offering further opportunities for students to engage with industry and research. 

MDX Dubai offers two main intakes in September and January, with an additional April intake for the MBA (Daytime Delivery) programme and the International Foundation Programme (IFP).

Key USPs:

• Middlesex University Dubai is the largest UK university in Dubai in KHDA’s Private Higher Education Open Data 2024 – 2025 report, based on student enrolments for the fifth consecutive year 
• Officially granted institutional licensure by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) 
• Students can earn a full bachelor’s honours degree in just three years (typically this can be four years) 
• 90+ programmes at foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate and MBA level 
• Diverse community with 7,100+ students from 120+ nationalities 
• Up to 50% scholarships and grants available 
• 30+ sports teams and social clubs  
• Industry connections and internship opportunities with major businesses across all sectors 
• Students graduate 100% employable and have access to a dedicated Careers and Employability service up to one-year post-graduation 
• Opportunity for international travel to locations such as Japan, Italy, Georgia, or Switzerland, with up to 3 optional trips per year  
• Opportunity to transfer to the London or Mauritius campus during studies 
• Innovation and entrepreneurship support is provided via the Middlesex Innovation Hub 
• Luxury student accommodation options at The Myriad Dubai 
• Cutting edge facilities including state-of-the-art labs, creative studios and tech-focused classrooms 
• Lifetime access to the MDX Alumni Network with industry opportunities and support 
• One of the only universities to offer a direct progression from UG to MBA programme, accessible to those without work experience 
• Three intakes in September, January, April (potentially July) 

Other important statistics and USP's:

• Middlesex University Dubai has a 5-Star KHDA rating, awarded first in 2020 and then for a second time in 2022. 
• 247,000+ global alumni of Middlesex University. 
• Students can choose from UK courses in the following areas: 
• IFP 
• Business 
• Accounting and Finance 
• Computer Engineering and Informatics 
• Sport Science 
• Psychology 
• Law 
• Art and Design 
• Media 
• Health and Education 
• MBA 
• We offer two key intakes, one in September and one in January, and an additional intake for the Daytime MBA programme in April and July, and a further intake in April for the IFP. 
• Official number: 19 social clubs, 15 sport teams 

The University of Birmingham Dubai is one of the Top 100 Global Universities and 90th ranked on the QS World University Ratings 2022. The University is part of the Russell Group of Universities, including Cambridge, Imperial, Oxford University, and University College London, which are academically excellent for research-based studies.

Top Reasons to Study at the University of Birmingham Dubai

• University of Birmingham Dubai encourages students to use bold and independent thinking.
• The University of Birmingham Dubai is committed to providing top-notch instruction from professors who are authorities in their fields.
• Attending the University of Birmingham Dubai should be a rewarding experience encompassing life's social, cultural, and academic facets.

History of the University of Birmingham Dubai

The University of Birmingham, founded by Queen Victoria in 1900, is among the top 1% of universities worldwide. We are proud of our work to transform the world and are part of the prestigious Russell Group of UK institutions, including Cambridge and Oxford. We bring all of this history, distinction, and international recognition to our campus in Dubai. 

Education

Explore our selection of foundation courses and undergraduate degrees that provide Dubai's best academic and student experiences.

Explore our selection of postgraduate courses at our Dubai campus and join an exciting student and research community.

We are committed to ensuring everyone can access our state-of-the-art research and expertise at the University of Birmingham. Learn more about our Professional Education courses.

Research

For over a century, the University of Birmingham has significantly influenced the city, the surrounding area, and the global community. We will now apply the same methodology to our campus in Dubai, developing creative, practical, and long-lasting answers to some of the most pressing problems facing the globe.

Academic faculty members comment on current affairs, their research, and significant global events as part of the Bridges to Birmingham Seminar Series, highlighting the University of Birmingham's world-class research.

Career

Our career services have won numerous awards, and are regarded as industry leaders in the UK and abroad. You can take the next step towards employment with the help of our professional career support and a variety of services as a student at the University of Birmingham Dubai.

Students at the University of Birmingham Dubai can get career assistance. The International Careers Consultant and specialized career counselors are available to provide individual career guidance. For guidance, international students can participate in online tutorials and coaching seminars.

Through networking events, courses for skill development, careers fairs, industry visits, and more casual "drop-in" sessions, the university allows students to meet companies and learn firsthand what they are looking for in recent graduates. The university has a large network of top employers in Dubai, such as:

• Rolls-Royce
• Pinsent Masons 
• Arup
• Grant Thornton
• WSP
• HSBC
• PwC
• Careem
• ISG
• RAP Dev

Fees for the University of Birmingham Dubai

The University of Birmingham Dubai's first-year tuition costs for undergraduate programs range from INR 24.7 lakh to INR 28.6 lakh. The cost of postgraduate degrees varies from INR 14.2 lakh to INR 30.9 lakh.

International students should review the eligibility and cost for each course before applying to the University of Birmingham Dubai. The usual qualifying requirements for Indian students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs at the University of Birmingham Dubai Campus are listed below:

Undergraduate: Indian students with an average score of 75% to 90% earned a Class 12 higher secondary certificate. The score will change depending on the board the applicants in Class 12 choose.

Postgraduate: Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited Indian university that lasts three or four years. Depending on the awarding institution, bachelor's degree holders are often expected to have attained a 2:1 equivalent of at least 55% to 60% or a 2:2 equivalency of at least 50% to 55%.