University of Stirling Dubai
Overview
The University of Stirling, Ras Al Khaimah Campus (RAK) was established in 2018 as part of a global partnership between the University of Stirling in Scotland and Planet CORE International Education. The campus delivers UK-awarded degrees in business, computing, engineering, and health sciences, offering the same academic standards as its parent university in the UK.
The campus is based in Ras Al Khaimah (marketed as an extension of the greater Dubai higher education system), and licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education and governed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Highlights
- Acceptance Rate: ~65%
- Total International Students: 8,000+ (across global campuses, with a growing cohort in Dubai)
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Placement Percentage: 92% (graduates employed or in further study within 15 months)
University of Stirling Dubai Rankings
The University of Stirling has a good reputation in its teaching, employability, international orientation and facilities. Although the campus in the UAE is comparatively young, it has the reputation of its parent company in the UK. The university has established a strong reputation in various categories of the QS ranking, including teaching and internationalization, as well as its global research output and student satisfaction indicators, which are generally high. Rating by factors, (RAK campus also has a five-star rating on teaching, employability, internationalization, and facilities).
The University of Stirling has garnered global recognition for its excellence in teaching quality, employability, and inclusiveness. Below is a summary of its rankings relevant to the Dubai (RAK) campus.
| Ranking Agency | Rank |
|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report | 720 in Best Global Universities |
| QS World University | 452 in Top Global Universities |
| Times Higher Education (THE) World University | 401 - 500 in World University Ranking |
University of Stirling Dubai Intakes
Stirling UAE permits several intakes annually (e.g. September and possibly January to some courses) so students have a choice on when they are starting their studies.
The deadlines of the applications are established before these intakes, and it is recommended that students review programme-specific availability.
The University of Stirling Dubai offers two main intakes:
- September Intake (Main): Most undergraduate and postgraduate programs commence in September.
- January Intake: Selected postgraduate and undergraduate programs are also available for January start.
University of Stirling Dubai Courses
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, particularly in Business, Accounting and Finance, Computing, Marketing, and Management. The courses are also industry-oriented they combining both academically based lessons and practical learning experience to equip graduates with the competencies to fit in the global job market.
The University of Stirling Dubai offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It is particularly strong in business, computing, finance, and media studies. Some popular University of Stirling Dubai courses are listed below:
| Program | Duration | Total Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MSc Big Data | 1 Year | AED 72,000 |
| MSc Data Science | 1 Year | AED 72,000 |
| MSc Finance | 1 Year | AED 72,000 |
| MBA (Master of Business Administration) | 1 Year | AED 80,000 |
| MSc Media & Communication | 1 Year | AED 70,000 |
| MSc Artificial Intelligence | 1 Year | AED 72,000 |
| MA Education | 1 Year | AED 68,000 |
Cost of Studying at the University of Stirling Dubai
Stirling Dubai is relatively cheap in terms of its cost of studies, with the average undergraduate tuition fees standing at approximately AED 40,000 annually.
Postgraduates cost a little bit more and tend to be in the range of AED 50, 000 per year. Students also need to plan on their living expenses, transportation, and personal expenses when studying in Dubai.
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs for international students studying at the University of Stirling Dubai:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| UG Tuition Fees | AED 55,000 – AED 65,000/year |
| PG Tuition Fees | AED 70,000 – AED 80,000/year |
| Accommodation | AED 2,500 – AED 5,000/month |
| Food | AED 1,000 – AED 1,500/month |
| Travel | AED 250 – AED 500/month |
| General Expenses | AED 800 – AED 1,200/month |
University of Stirling Dubai Scholarships
Stirling Dubai offers a range of scholarships to support talented and motivated learners. Students who have a good academic history are rewarded with merit-based awards and students who need financial aid to continue with their education get scholarships that are based on financial need.
Those students who are in good academic status are able to keep enjoying these tuition reductions during their studies. The University of Stirling Dubai offers a range of scholarships to support international students. Some of the key scholarships are listed below:
| Scholarship | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Excellence Scholarship | Up to AED 30,000 | Awarded to students with strong academic performance at the time of admission |
| Early Bird Discount | Up to AED 10,000 | For students who confirm their place and pay deposits early |
| Family Discount | 10% tuition fee waiver | Available to siblings or family members enrolling together |
| Corporate Scholarships | Variable | Partnership-based scholarships offered through selected companies in the UAE |
| Postgraduate Progression Award | Up to AED 15,000 | For Stirling alumni continuing to postgraduate study in Dubai |
University of Sterling Admission
The applicants should also be proficient in the English language in case they had not been educated in English in the past. The process involves supporting documents, such as transcripts, identification and personal statements and may lead to a conditional or unconditional offer.
Depending on the programme, admissions requirements may include recognised high school equivalency in the case of undergraduates and the presence of bachelor’s in a relevant field in the case of postgraduates.
University accepts applications for UG and PG directly via the university portal.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor degree (Honours)
- Minimum, usually equivalent to a 2:2 in the UK or equivalent.
The applicants who have considerable and topical working experience might be taken into account.
Accepted English Language Proficiency Test:
- Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall and no sub-skill lower than 6.0.
- PTE Academic: 62 on the overall and at least 60 on all the sub-skills.
- TOEFL iBT: 80 total with 18 reading, 17 writing, 17 listening, 20 speaking.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE): 176 out of a total of 169 across all sub-skills.
- Other tests which are also acceptable are TOEFL Special Home Edition, Trinity ISE, LanguageCert, Aptis, Oxford Test.
Additional Requirements:
- Student’s official academic transcripts and degree certificate (or interim transcript, in case of studying)
- One academic or professional reference and personal statement.
- Evidence of proficiency in the English language (where relevant)
- For research degrees: a research proposal; and for professional courses, possibly a supporting statement
Admission Requirements (Year 1 Entry):
Minimum 65% in each subject in CBSE / ICSE Senior Secondary Certificate, or
80%+ in each subject of the UAE Ministry (Tawjihiyya) or American high school diploma
English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:
- IELTS Academic: 6.0 in total with 5.5 in all sub-skills.
- PTE Academic: 60 total, including 59 in all sub-skills.
- TOEFL iBT: 78 total including 17 listening, 18 reading, 20 speaking, 17 writing.
- Other known tests will be CAE, Trinity ISE, Aptis, and Languages among others.
Additional Requirements:
Official academic transcripts (degree equivalence, where applicable, is also required where the system is not English)
- Documents that are not in English should be translated.
- A personal statement, and a statement of a referee.
- Evidence of English proficiency (where applicable)
Accommodation at Stirling University Dubai
Students can stay in the state-controlled campus housing or rent privately in residential quarters.
Stirling University Dubai offers diverse accommodation options that suit various interests and financial capacities.
On-Campus: The university-controlled accommodation has en-suite rooms and shared apartments which are modern with a weekly rent of AED 700 to AED 1,200. The expenses typically cover utility and internet charges as well as access to resources like study areas, gyms, social lounges and laundry. The accommodation will provide a secure and conducive community living environment in close proximity to the Dubai campus.
Off-Campus: Students may also rent privately in the popular neighborhoods like Dubai Silicon Oasis, International City, and Academic City. Average monthly rents are typically $ 2,500-$ 5,000, often excluding utilities. Off-campus living offers a better lifestyle and greater independence, albeit at a higher cost due to commuting expenses. It is well connected to the campus by public transport, ride-sharing and shuttle services.
Stirling University Dubai Placements
Stirling University Dubai places a strong emphasis on employability, with career support available from the very first year of study. Graduates benefit from Stirling’s global reputation and strong industry links across sectors. Some of the leading recruiters and partners associated with Stirling Dubai include:
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- Emirates Group
- PwC Middle East
- KPMG
- Dubai Healthcare City
- HSBC Middle East
- IBM
- Deloitte
- Dubai Chamber of Commerce
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Student Essential Services
Stirling University Dubai has a diverse international student community and offers a comprehensive range of services to help students settle into university life, achieve academically, and maintain their wellbeing.
The Dubai campus offers a variety of fundamental services to help students succeed both in academic and personal life. These are academic advising, career counselling, internship support and workshops to develop employability skills.
Wellbeing services (counselling and mentoring) and administrative services (visa, registration, and finance) are provided to the student. Housing and transportation can provide international students with an easy way of adapting to life in Dubai.
- Student Wellbeing and Support: Availability of counselling, mental health services and specific support to students with disabilities or persistent health conditions.
- Student Council & Activities: Student interests, organizes events, clubs, and societies, providing students with social and cultural opportunities on campus.
- Digital Resources Library: Library and online learning sites offering books, e-learning journals, online databases, IT support, and study skills workshops.
- Sports and Recreation: Availability of gyms, fitness classes, indoor courts and collaboration with the local sports facilities in recreational and competitive activities.
- International Student Services: Visa application, accommodation, healthcare, cultural orientation assistance to help them settle easily in studying in Dubai.
- Clubs & Societies: An increasing spectrum of cultural, professional, and recreational organizations assisting students to chase interests, connect, and kindle friendships.
Location of the University of Stirling Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the University of Stirling Dubai is fully recognized and accredited, offering the same UK degree as the parent campus in Scotland. Graduates receive an internationally respected qualification, which is valued by employers and universities worldwide.
Stirling Dubai primarily intakes in September and has a second intake in January on selected programs. Such flexible start dates allow students to start studying at the most convenient time possible.
Stirling Dubai has competitive tuition costs. Undergraduate degrees are approximately AED 40,000 per annum and postgraduate degrees are approximately AED 50,000 per annum. It is also important that students consider the cost of living in Dubai which can be different based on lifestyle.
Yes, Stirling Dubai offers a range of scholarships and financial support options. Merit-based scholarships reward academic excellence, while financial aid opportunities help students in need. Many scholarships reduce tuition fees significantly and can be renewed if academic performance is maintained.
Dubai campus provides undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Business, Accounting and Finance, Marketing, Computing, Data Science, and Management. The courses will be industry relevant and combine both academic and practical skills towards readiness to work globally.
Undergraduate applicants must provide recognized high school qualifications and, if required, proof of English proficiency. Postgraduate students must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade, along with supporting documents like transcripts, ID, and a personal statement.
Stirling Dubai has a wide range of student support services including academic advising, career development, internship assistance, counselling and wellbeing services. Visa and accommodation advice is also available at the campus which means students get all they need to establish and perform well in Dubai.
