Foundation courses in Dubai – If you have, then here is your way. A foundation year is an intelligent approach to getting started in college, especially for those unsure about the courses. This pathway is intended for high school dropouts, working parents who previously believed college was out of their grasp, and older students returning from a break. 

Even if you fail to meet the traditional admission requirements, the foundation year provides the skills and self-assurance you need to succeed in a full degree program by providing university-level courses as a first step.

A foundation course is a one—or two-year preparation course. It is mostly practical and adequate to allow graduates to proceed directly to a degree program without additional coursework. 

Studies have shown that foundation-year students who have participated in these programs report 70–80% more academic confidence and preparation than those who have not.

A foundation course’s main objective is to assist students in improving their knowledge of academic disciplines relevant to their intended degree, improving their comprehension of fundamental ideas and real-world applications, boosting their language skills, mainly if they are not natural English speakers, and acquiring self-assurance and flexibility in an academic environment.

1. The Computer Science Foundation Program 

The computer science foundation program includes the fundamental subjects and abilities required for higher education. It helps students by bridging the gap between high school and college-level coursework.

This program gives students a route to the Dubai Campus for an undergraduate degree in computing or engineering. It is intended primarily as a foundation program to assist students in bridging the gap between their academic credentials and university degree requirements.

The curriculum will give students a solid foundation in IT, research, and examination methods and assist them in expanding their topic knowledge. Many students find that foundation courses in Dubai offer a perfect bridge between high school education and university studies.

Qualification for the course : 

• British GCE/IGCSE 5 C’s
• Indian CBSE/HSSC or equivalent Year 11 – 70% / Year 12 – 55%
• UAE Tawjihiyya 70%
•  US American High School Diploma 70% (without SAT)
• Africa WASSC (WAEC / NECO) 5 C4’s
• Philippine High School – Year 10 – 80%
• National Curriculum Russian / Kazakhstan (Attestat) grades of 4
• IB – MYP year 11 – grades of 4
• IBCP – BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma – Distinction + SL grades of 4 or IGCSE grades of C
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma – Merit

Which is the best college in Dubai for the Computer Science Foundation Program?

Heriot-Watt University Dubai is the best college for the Computer Science Foundation Program. Heriot-Watt College Dubai International Academic City is home to the first foreign University. 

Dubai Knowledge Park is close to Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City. It is the centre for higher education and professional growth. Because of the new business and enterprise location, students will have greater chances to engage directly with businesses and industries, providing graduates with unique educational prospects. Estimated fees will be AED 72,000/year.

College Rating and Ranking

1. It is placed #=256 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

2. 11 Subject-wise QS WUR Ranking

3. Northern Europe’s 55th University Rankings

Career Results

Graduates can work in software development, systems analysis, engineering design, and other engineering and computer-related fields. This foundation can lead to specialized jobs in technology-driven industries and opportunities for additional study.

Students can get recruiting help options through SecureMyScholarship. It only applies to students travelling to Dubai to further their studies from India. 

2. Design Studies Foundation Program

The Design Foundation Program prepares students for better employment opportunities in design-related brands. The main goal of this course is to develop critical abilities and design concepts, techniques, and practices.

It seeks to assist students in establishing a solid foundation in design theory and implementation to advance to a full-degree program successfully.

This program aims to prepare students for an undergraduate degree program at the Dubai Campus’s School of Textiles and Design and Infrastructure.

It is intended primarily as a foundation program to assist students in bridging the gap between their academic credentials and university degree requirements. Successful program participants will be able to move straight into the first year of the degree program of their choice. Foundation courses in Dubai offer a secure starting place for individuals who aren’t convinced they want to pursue an entire degree. 

Qualification for the course

• British GCE/IGCSE 5 C’s
• Indian CBSE/HSSC or equivalent Year 11 – 70% / Year 12 – 55%
• UAE Tawjihiyya 70%
• US American High School Diploma 70% (without SAT)
• Africa WASSC (WAEC / NECO) 5 C4’s
• Philippine High School – Year 10 – 80%
• National Curriculum Russian / Kazakhstan (Attestat) grades of 4
• IB – MYP year 11 – grades of 4
• IBCP – BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma – Distinction + SL grades of 4 or IGCSE grades of C
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma – Merit

De Montfort University Dubai is the best Design Studies Foundation Programme college. It is ranked #825 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Estimated fees are AED 52,000/year.

DMU is recognized as a university with a Gold ranking in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Our passionate and motivated instructors have triumphed in the National Teaching Fellowships, the most prestigious achievement award in higher education. I discovered that foundation courses in Dubai not only enhance academic readiness but also help in cultural adaptation.

Career Results

Graduates can work in various design-related positions, such as product designers, graphic designers, and design assistants. Thanks to the program’s potential to lead to other academic options, students can concentrate on industrial or communication design fields.

 3. The Management & Psychology Foundation Programme 

The Degree Foundation Programme in Management / Psychology prepares students for undergraduate study. It combines management and psychology to give students a strong foundation in both disciplines. This program is perfect for people who might not yet be eligible for direct admission to a degree program.

This program leads students to the Dubai Campus’s undergraduate management or psychology degree program. It is intended primarily as a foundation program to assist students in bridging the gap between their academic credentials and university degree requirements.

Successful program participants will be able to move straight into the first year of the degree program of their choice.

According to the QS World University Ratings 2022, the University of Birmingham Dubai is 90th. It is among the Top 100 Global Universities and is highly regarded for its research-based programs.

University of Birmingham Dubai students are encouraged to think boldly and independently. The University is dedicated to offering excellent teaching from experts in various disciplines.

Attending the University of Birmingham, Dubai is a fulfilling experience that encompasses life’s academic, social, and cultural aspects. The estimated fees are AED 85,000/year.

Career Results

Graduates can work in marketing, human resources, management, organizational psychology, and other fields. There are opportunities in fields like corporate settings, healthcare, and education.

Career support is available to the University of Birmingham Dubai students. The University has a vast network of prominent employers in Dubai, such as Rolls-Royce, Pinsent Mason’s, Arup, Grant Thornton, WSP, HSBC, ISG, and RAP Developer. 

4. In Hospitality & Tourism Management

As a hospitality and tourism sector centre, Dubai is the ideal place for people to pursue careers in this area. Students can benefit from the city’s distinctive fusion of heritage and contemporary while learning the newest methods, trends, and practices in the hospitality and tourism management fields with excellent courses.

Given the growing need for qualified workers in the hospitality and tourism sector, a foundation in hospitality and tourism management is a great place to start for anyone hoping to establish a prosperous career in this fascinating and fast-paced business. 

Qualifications for the course: 

• 16+ Age students.
• High school qualifications (O Level / A levels/ 12th).
• English Language Proficiency.

Forbes ranked Amity University Dubai as one of the top five MBA schools in the United Arab Emirates. It is part of the prestigious Amity Education Group. The QS World University Rank 2022 is  #1002. CFI 2018 named Amity University Dubai the Best University for Graduate Recruitment. The estimated fee is AED 60,600. 

With its modern facilities and cutting-edge campus, Amity draws students worldwide because of its emphasis on diversity and globalization. This diversified student body facilitates exchanging ideas and cross-cultural exchanges, improving the educational process.

Additionally, Amity fosters relationships with business and industry, which lead to internships, hands-on training, and job placements for its students.

5. Accounting Foundation Program 

Students will understand how financial information is applied and communicated. This curriculum will also help students become more financially literate, providing a strong foundation for future economic success. 

It allows you to learn about more qualitative facets of banking and finance, such as personal finance, financial ethics, financial regulation, and sustainable banking and finance. 

The foundation diploma in accounting allows students to develop and bolster their knowledge, abilities, and self-assurance, making them ready and eligible to move on to more advanced coursework. Investing time in foundation courses in Dubai has proven worthwhile for students aiming for long-term academic success.

Eligibility Requirements.

• Students/Learners with Age 16 & Above.
• Highschool qualifications (O Level / A levels/ 12th)
• English Language Proficiency

Also, refer to the RPL guide to know more about exemptions (for working professionals only)

According to Times Higher Education, Murdoch University Dubai is among the top 100 Young Universities in 2023. According to the Higher Education Classification created in collaboration with QS™, it has a 5-star rating for 2021–2022. Australia’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency regulates foreign education to guarantee the best calibre.

There is more to Murdoch University Dubai than just education. More than 80 ethnicities coexist in this thriving, multicultural town. Everyone can find a place to fit in, whether it’s the Student Leadership Team, the Music and Dance Club, or the Sports Club. The institution provides instruction outside the classroom through foreign field tours and intercampus exchange programs. The estimated fee is AED 55,000.

Murdoch surpassed the 60–80% industry standard with 91.1% student satisfaction and 92.4% satisfaction with teaching and learning. Furthermore, Murdoch University Dubai’s career support services earned it a perfect score of 50/50 points.

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FAQs Related to Foundation Courses in Dubai

1. What are foundation courses in Dubai?

The foundation course is a unique curriculum that prepares students for enrolling in a university following high school. This course focuses on developing and upgrading skills while providing students with a means of assessing their knowledge and aptitude in the field of their choice. When they start their UG course, these actions are crucial. The student’s areas of specialization dictate the subjects.

2. Why are foundation courses a better option?

A foundation year allows you to explore taking university courses if you are unsure about attending college or are an older student considering returning to college. Attending college can be intimidating if you haven’t in several years. High school dropouts and working parents who may have previously believed that attending college was out of the question for personal or academic reasons now have more options.

3. What are the benefits of taking foundation courses in 2025?

It gives students flexibility before deciding on a major. Several institutions let students change or experiment with different courses. The foundation course guarantees that they possess the necessary knowledge. It exposes students to independent study, tests, and university-style instruction.