Top 5 QS Ranked Universities in Dubai for Foundation in Autonomous Systems under AED 85,000 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

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