Curtin University Dubai

Overview

Curtin University Dubai opened in 2018 as a full international campus of Curtin University, Australia. Located in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and Dubai Silicon Oasis, it is licensed by the UAE’s KHDA and upheld by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA). The campus delivers Australian-standard programs in business, engineering, IT, and humanities—bringing global recognition to its students.

Curtin University Dubai is an international campus of Curtin University Australia that introduced Australian tertiary education to Dubai since its opening. The campus is situated in Dubai international academic city (DIAC) and it offers modern infrastructure, curriculum that is industry oriented, and multicultural exposure to its students. It is a reflection of the quality, accreditation and standards of the parent campus in Perth and provides global university experience in the UAE. A diverse student body and good ties to industry and research are other advantages to students.

Highlights

  • Acceptance Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • International Student Ratio: High — part of global campus
  • Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Not specified
  • Global Ranking: 174th worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2025)

Curtin University Dubai Rankings

Curtin University of the world is ranked among 1 per cent of the world universities in different rankings and this gives its Dubai campus prestige too. It has also gained positive scores in employer engagement and career services in local higher-education league tables, and this demonstrates its focus on employability and student outcomes

 The Dubai campus has institutional accreditation and is licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which guarantees the validity of its degrees both regionally and globally. It has also gained positive scores in employer engagement and career services in local higher-education league tables, and this demonstrates its focus on employability and student outcomes.

Curtin University Dubai benefits from the global reputation of Curtin University Australia, which is consistently ranked among the world’s top institutions. 

Here’s a snapshot of the latest standings:

Ranking Agency Rank
QS World University Rankings 2025 174th worldwide; 13th in Australia
QS Stars University Rating 5 Stars overall (teaching, employability, facilities, inclusiveness)
QS Top 50 Under 50 (Young Universities) Among the world’s Top 50
Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024 Top 70 worldwide for social and economic impact

Curtin University Dubai Intakes

Curtin University Dubai has several intakes annually with the trimester-based system usually in January, May, and September. This allows students the freedom of joining academic life at the most appropriate time. The applicants should also research specific course schedules and deadlines first in advance, because certain programmes might be not available after an intake.

Students can begin their studies across three key entry points, aligned with its trimester system:

  • January Intake – Main intake, with applications usually opening in autumn and closing in early winter, for a January start.
  • May Intake – Secondary intake, with applications opening in winter and closing in spring, for a May start.
  • September Intake – Tertiary intake, with applications opening in spring and closing in late summer, with classes beginning in September.

Curtin University Dubai Courses

Curtin offers a wide range of programs across foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels in fields such as business, engineering, IT, health sciences, and creative industries. The campus has a wide portfolio of foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral-level programs. Programs emphasize applied learning and employability.

It has fields of study such as Business and Management, Engineering, Information Technology and Computing, Health Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and specialized postgraduate courses such as MBA, Cyber Security and Engineering Management. Courses are also planned to be structured with a mixture of theory and practical learning and real-world applicability typically including work-based learning or project-based elements.

Program Duration Total Tuition Fee (AED)
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance) 3 years AED 170,100 per year
Master of Business Administration (Global) 16 months AED 115,500 per year

Cost of Studying at Curtin University Dubai

The cost of studying at Curtin University Dubai depends on the program level and lifestyle choices in Dubai.

At Curtin University Dubai tuition depends on the level and programme. Undergraduate degree fees are quite high (more in engineering, technology or stream of dual majors) whereas postgraduate programs (more MBA or specialized masters) are costlier.

 In addition to tuition, students would need to plan on registration fee, material, accommodation, travel, visa fee, and living cost in Dubai. Flexible financing and payment schemes could also be available.

Tuition fees for undergraduate programs typically range between AED 68,000 and 87,000 per year, while postgraduate courses cost between AED 58,935 and 87,000 per year. In addition to tuition, students should plan for living expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, and personal costs, which can average AED 25,000 to 60,000 annually.

Expense Type Estimated Annual Cost
Undergraduate Tuition AED 68,000 – 87,000 per year
Postgraduate Tuition AED 58,935 – 87,000 per year
Living Costs AED 25,000 – 60,900 per year

Curtin University Dubai Scholarships

Curtin University Dubai offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries to support students. These awards recognize academic excellence, financial need, and community involvement, helping students reduce the overall cost of their studies. 

Academic excellence is also rewarded by merit-based scholarships such as an Academic Excellence Scholarship, which can be worth up to 50 percent of tuition fees. Professional Excellence Scholarships (to postgraduates) also exist, as well as Sports Excellence scholarships, women-in-engineering grants, alumni and family grants, financial-need bursaries and special innovation or enterprise awards. To retain some of the scholarships, students must fulfill the necessary academic requirements.

Curtin Dubai also offers various funding options, including academic merit scholarships, needs-based bursaries, and alumni discounts—often reaching up to 50% tuition reduction.

Scholarship Type Value Details
Academic Excellence 10% – 50% tuition waiver For students with high GPA results
Merit-Based Scholarship Up to 50% tuition waiver Awarded based on academic achievements and extracurricular contributions
Financial Need Bursary Up to 40% tuition waiver For students with demonstrated financial challenges
Alumni Scholarship 20% tuition waiver For Curtin graduates pursuing further studies at Curtin Dubai
Sports Scholarship Up to 25% tuition waiver Awarded to students excelling in sports at national or international levels

Curtin University Dubai Admissions

Curtin University Dubai is admitted based on the meeting of academic requirements that are in accordance with level: undergraduates: recognized high school/foundation qualification; postgraduates: relevant bachelor’s degree. The applicant usually needs to be proficient in English (through IELTS, TOEFL or similar). 

Scholars submit transcripts, identity evidence, occasionally a personal statement or work experience, depending on the programme. Offers can either be conditional or unconditional depending on the fulfillment of all the requirements.

Masters

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree (usually minimum 2.5 GPA or equivalent); professional experience may be needed for some programs. English proficiency demonstrated through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.

Bachelors

Admission Requirements:
To qualify for undergraduate study, applicants must hold a recognized high school diploma with a minimum overall average of 60%. Some programs may require strong performance in Maths or Science subjects. English language score minimums apply.

Curtin University Dubai Accommodation

Although Curtin University Dubai does not necessarily secure accommodation in the campus, numerous student facilities are nearby DIAC. There are common practices of shared or private apartments, most of which are fitted with modern facilities, internet, and transport connections. Students have an option of accommodation depending on their location, cost and style of life. The prices are very sensitive to the place of stay, the nature of the accommodation, the presence of utilities, etc.

On-Campus:
Curtin does not operate dedicated on-campus housing. Students typically find nearby private housing with easy access to campus and transport links.

Off-Campus:
Many students choose furnished apartments in areas like DIAC, Dubai Silicon Oasis, or student-oriented residences. Options vary in amenities and rent but typically range from AED 2,500 to 5,000 per month.

Curtin University Dubai Placements

Curtin university Dubai is showing a remarkable employment figure, with 88 percent of its first time graduates when surveyed after 6 months of graduation, they are either in employment or proceeding to more education. In one year, this increases to 97% which is an impressive feat particularly in the pandemic due to the active involvement of the Careers Hub and proximity to the industry.

The students are also mentored through the Careers Hub throughout their day one through career counseling, CV and interview, work-integrated learning opportunities, and annual career fairs. The employers of the engineering, education technology, financial services and manufacturing sectors actively recruit the graduates of Curtin.

Some of the top recruiters include:

  • KPMG (Lower Gulf)
  • PwC Academy
  • Marriott Group
  • ENOC
  •  Transmed
  • Deloitte Middle East
  • Tesla (Dubai)
  • Hunter Foods
  • Oliv
  • Middle East

Student Essential Services

Curtin University Dubai offers a complete package of support services to enable the students to succeed. These are academic advising, counselling and wellbeing services, visa and immigration services and administrative services with registration and finance. It also provides libraries and learning facilities, online laboratories and study areas. The campus life includes experience of extracurricular activities like clubs, cultural events and student-led activities which complement social and personal development.

Curtin University Dubai supports student success through a range of services:

Student Affairs and Support: Play a role in enriching the student life by offering orientation, wellbeing services, student council and frequent events.

Student Success Centre: Provides one-on-one counselling, academic skills training, writing, and time management training to assist students in ensuring that they achieve success in their studies.

Careers and internships: There are advisors that also help students to get into jobs and also arrange workshops on CV and interviewing as well as give continuous guidance to get internships and graduate jobs.

Counselling & Accessibility: There is confidential counselling service and academic accommodation to the students facing personal difficulty or disability.

Health & Safety: Availability of licensed health professionals, insurance advice, emergency referrals and regular wellbeing programs will guarantee a comfortable and secure working situation.

Clubs and Recreation: There is a large assortment of student-oriented clubs, sports programs, special interest groups, and leadership programs which allow networking, creativity, and community involvement.

Learning Resources: The contemporary libraries, computer and science laboratories, online resources, and the availability of the research databases of other countries aid student learning.

Visa and Housing: Visa processing, accommodation, and getting used to life in Dubai are assisted at special support centers.

Cultural and Miscellaneous: Cultural celebrations, seminars, and socialization promote the internationalization of exchange and enhancement of a sense of belonging.

Location of Curtin University Dubai

Frequently Asked Questions Section

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Curtin University Dubai offer credit transfers?

Yes, students can transfer credits from recognized institutions, subject to program compatibility and approval. This allows students to fast-track their studies or continue at Curtin’s main campus in Australia or other global campuses.

What kind of student community can I expect at Curtin Dubai?

Curtin Dubai has a variety of international populations and students of numerous nations study there. The university facilitates diversity and cultural integration with the help of clubs, societies, and events and provides the student body with a dynamic and supportive environment.

When should I apply at Curtin?

Applications are open for January, May, and September; applying early is strongly recommended.

Are scholarships available at Curtin?

Yes, multiple scholarships and bursaries are offered based on merits, needs, or alumni ties.

Is Curtin University Dubai accredited?

Yes—fully licensed by KHDA and accredited by the CAA. Degrees are recognized in the UAE.

What are the English requirements for Curtin University?

Typically IELTS 6.0–6.5 or equivalent, depending on program level.

Is there on-campus housing?

No; students arrange off-campus housing nearby with university support.

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