5 Most Affordable Universities in Dubai for Care under AED 85,000 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