Top MBA Colleges in Dubai, Scholarships & GMAT Score

Dubai, often dubbed the “City of Gold,” is not just a global tourism hotspot; it has rapidly evolved into a premier destination for higher education, particularly for MBA programs. What sets Dubai apart from other cities is its unique blend of cultural diversity, with over 200 nationalities coexisting, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives and ideas that enhance the learning experience. The city is also renowned for its tax-free environment, allowing professionals to maximize their earnings while pursuing ambitious career goals. Moreover, Dubai’s strategic location as a gateway between East and West positions it as a thriving hub for international business, attracting multinational corporations and fostering unparalleled networking opportunities. With its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, studying for an MBA in Dubai not only equips students with essential business acumen but also immerses them in a dynamic economy that is continuously evolving.

Top 10 MBA Colleges in Dubai

Here is the list of some of the top MBA Colleges in Dubai that you can consider as potential options while applying for MBA programs:

MBA Colleges	Annual tuition fees (AED)
London Business School	AED 402,210
Hult International Business School	AED 256,400
S.P Jain college of global management	AED 173,000
Cass Business School	AED 281,000
American University in Dubai	AED 37,000/credit
University of Wollongong	AED 110,000 for the entire program
Manchester Business School	AED 49,000 for the entire program
University of Dubai	AED 75,000 per year
Institute of Management Technology	AED 74,800
Middlesex University	AED 110,800

Read on this: Everything you need to know about the Dubai study visa!

Best MBA Colleges in Dubai

Here are some of the best MBA Colleges in Dubai, which is emerging as an international student hotspot for MBA enrollments.

London Business School

London Business School (LBS) has established a significant presence in Dubai, marking its commitment to global education and leadership development. Situated in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the campus benefits from its proximity to influential banks, investment firms, and commercial enterprises, enhancing networking opportunities for students.

• Minimum GMAT Score: 600+
• MBA Specializations Offered: Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Entrepreneurship
• Course Duration: 15-21 months
• Scholarships Offered: Various merit-based scholarships are available for international students.

Hult International Business School

Hult International Business School in Dubai offers a dynamic and innovative environment for students pursuing their MBA. Located in Dubai Internet City, the campus features modern facilities including spacious classrooms, state-of-the-art video conferencing technology, and breakout rooms to facilitate collaboration and learning.

• Minimum GMAT Score: 600
• MBA Specializations Offered: International Business, Marketing, Finance, Entrepreneurship
• Course Duration: 1 year
• Scholarships Offered: Merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid are available.

S.P. Jain School of Global Management

S.P. Jain School of Global Management in Dubai is a prominent institution known for its innovative approach to business education. The Dubai campus was launched in 2004 and is part of a network that includes campuses in Singapore, Sydney, and Mumbai.

• Minimum GMAT Score: 650
• MBA Specializations Offered: Global MBA, Executive MBA
• Course Duration: 1 year
• Scholarships Offered: Various merit-based scholarships are available for eligible students.

Cass Business School

Bayes Business School, formerly known as Cass Business School, is part of City, University of London, and has a notable presence in Dubai. The Dubai campus is designed to provide a modern learning environment with access to resources that facilitate experiential learning and networking opportunities.

• Minimum GMAT Score: Not specified (considered on a case-by-case basis)
• MBA Specializations Offered: Executive MBA, Global MBA
• Course Duration: Flexible; typically around two years or part-time
• Scholarships Offered: Various scholarships are available based on merit.

American University in Dubai

The American University in Dubai (AUD) is a prominent private institution known for its commitment to providing an American-style liberal education in the UAE. Founded in 1995, AUD was the first private university in the UAE, located in Dubai Media City.

• Minimum GMAT Score: Not required (alternative tests accepted)
• MBA Specializations Offered: General Management, Marketing, Finance
• Course Duration: Approximately 2 years
• Scholarships Offered: Scholarships based on academic performance and financial need.

University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) is a distinguished institution that offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, emphasizing a high-quality education with an Australian heritage. UOWD was established in 1993, making it the first international university in the UAE and the first Australian tertiary institution in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

• Minimum GMAT Score: Not specified
• MBA Specializations Offered: General Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management
• Course Duration: Approximately two years
• Scholarships Offered: Various scholarships are offered to international students based on merit.

Manchester Business School

Manchester Business School (MBS) has a significant presence in Dubai, operating through its Middle East Centre located in Dubai Knowledge Village. The MBS Middle East Centre opened in 2006 and has since become the largest and fastest-growing center in MBS’s international network.

• Minimum GMAT Score: Not specified
• MBA Specializations Offered: International Business, Management
• Course Duration: Typically around 18 months
• Scholarships Offered: Various scholarships are offered to international students based on merit.

University of Dubai

The University of Dubai (UD) is a prominent private institution established in 1997 by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Situated in Dubai Academic City, UD is part of an educational hub that hosts several international universities.

• Minimum GMAT Score: Not specified (considered on a case-by-case basis)
• MBA Specializations Offered: Business Administration, Human Resources Management
• Course Duration: Typically around 2 years
• Scholarships Offered: Scholarships based on academic excellence and financial need.

Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Dubai

The Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Dubai is a distinguished international business school that offers a range of accredited programs tailored for aspiring business professionals. IMT Dubai was founded in 2006 and is recognized as one of the first international business schools to establish a full-fledged campus in Dubai.

• Minimum GMAT Score: Not specified
• MBA Specializations Offered: General Management, Marketing, Finance
• Course Duration: Approximately 1 year
• Scholarships Offered: Merit-based scholarships are available.

Middlesex University

Middlesex University Dubai is a prominent branch of the UK-based Middlesex University, known for its commitment to providing high-quality education and a diverse learning environment. The Dubai campus was established in 2005 and has since grown significantly, now serving over 5,600 students from more than 120 countries.

• Minimum GMAT Score: Not specified
• MBA Specializations Offered: General Management, Marketing
• Course Duration: Approximately 2 years
• Scholarships Offered: Scholarships available based on academic merit and financial need.

Read on this: Masters in Business and Management in United Arab Emirates

Scholarships for MBA Colleges in Dubai

Heriot-Watt University Dubai

• Scholarship Name: 30% Club GCC and Edinburgh Business School Scholarship
• Amount: Up to 50% of tuition fees
• Eligibility: Minimum 5 years of professional experience, unconditional offer for MBA program, fully self-funded.
• Application Requirements: 800-word essay and possible interview.
• Closing Date: January 10, 2025.

INSEAD

• Scholarship Name: Deepak and Sunita Gupta Endowed Scholarship
• Amount: €25,000 tuition fee waiver
• Eligibility: Indian students accepted into the MBA program with demonstrated potential.
• Application Deadline: Varies.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Scholarship

• Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, travel
• Eligibility: High-potential leaders from developing countries admitted to the Executive MBA program.
• Application Deadline: March 31st.

SP Jain School of Global Management

• Scholarship Type: Selective scholarships and low-interest loans
• Eligibility: Must maintain the required GPA and adhere to the Code of Conduct.

University of Dubai

• Scholarship Type: Partial merit-based scholarship up to 50% on tuition fees for outstanding high school achievements.

Summary

Dubai has become a leading destination for MBA studies, offering top-tier programs with diverse specializations and extensive networking opportunities in a vibrant business hub. Key institutions like London Business School, Hult International, and S.P. Jain provide MBA programs with average annual tuition fees ranging from AED 37,000 to AED 402,210. Scholarships such as the Heriot-Watt and Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Scholarship make these programs more accessible. The city’s dynamic economy and strategic location make it an ideal setting for aspiring global business leaders.

FAQs

1. What are the average tuition fees for MBA programs in Dubai?
   Tuition fees for MBA programs in Dubai vary widely, typically ranging from AED 37,000 to AED 402,210 per year, depending on the institution and program specialization.
2. Are scholarships available for MBA students in Dubai?
   Yes, several universities offer scholarships, including merit-based, need-based, and specific scholarships like the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Scholarship and Heriot-Watt University’s 30% Club GCC Scholarship.
3. Is a GMAT score required for admission to MBA programs in Dubai?
   Some institutions require a minimum GMAT score (usually around 600+), while others offer flexibility or alternative assessments. It’s best to check specific requirements for each college.