Study in Dubai and graduate in the UK: A globally recognised Dual Degree program by Symbiosis Dubai and Aston University, UK

– Students will earn two globally recognised degrees – a BBA Degree from Symbiosis Dubai and a B.Sc Degree in Business & Management from Aston University, UK

– The program includes up to 40% merit-based scholarships and is fully accredited: CAA, KHDA (Symbiosis Dubai) and AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS (Aston University)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – At a time when global education is shaped by uncertainty from stricter visa rules and rising tuition fees in the West

to economic shifts, inflation, and rapidly evolving job markets, students and families are rethinking what it means to be truly future-ready. In

response to this shift, globally emerging higher education leaders, Symbiosis Dubai and Aston University UK, have launched a new dual degree

program. This four-year academic pathway combines two years of a BBA degree at Symbiosis Dubai and two years of a B.Sc in Business & Management Degree at Aston University, UK, offering students two globally respected degrees and a unique cross-continental education experience. This distinctive 2+2 format empowers students to graduate with the benefit of two academic systems, two internationally recognised degrees (BBA and B.Sc), and the skills developed across two diverse and dynamic cities.
“At a time when students and parents are looking for stability and safety along with growth and global exposure, our dual degree program, BBA Degree from Symbiosis Dubai and a B.Sc in Business & Management Degree from Aston University, UK offers a seamless path to a world-class education. We’re proud to co-create a program that’s not only academically rigorous but also globally relevant and makes education borderless,” said Dr. Anita Patankar, Executive Director, Symbiosis Dubai. “Through our dual degree program, we are providing the best of both worlds, two best cities, two globally recognised institutes. It’s the kind of partnership that reflects our ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family.”

Located in Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP), the city’s dedicated education district, Symbiosis Dubai is the first Indian university in Dubai to launch with full accreditation by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR), UAE. The campus blends global learning with real-world readiness, giving students access to innovation hubs, internship opportunities, and a multicultural community. It has also been ranked 31st worldwide in Employer Reputation by the QS World University Rankings. Along with that, life on campus mirrors the city itself, fast-moving, diverse, and full of flavour. Whether it’s brainstorming over karak at Khukh Al Shay, late-night study sessions at Starbucks, or catching a meal at Salkara, students find comfort, culture, and community in every corner.

On the other side of the journey is Aston University, UK – located in the heart of Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city and one of its most dynamic student hubs. Known for its strong ties to industry, Aston University ranks among the top 1% of business schools worldwide, holding the prestigious triple crown accreditation – AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. Aston University, UK, is ranked 17th in the UK and 97th in Europe (Financial Times 2024). Additionally, LEO data reveals that Aston University, UK, ranks in the top 25 UK universities for graduate earnings five years after graduation, with a median salary of £37,600 (LEO, 2025). The B.Sc in Business & Management Degree from Aston University, UK, equips students with hands-on industry exposure and strategic knowledge, complementing the foundation built during the BBA years in Dubai. Beyond academics, Birmingham offers an energetic mix of culture, food, music, and entrepreneurship, making it the perfect city to round out an international academic experience.

Gurpreet Jagpal, Chief Commercial Officer at Aston University, UK, added, “The dual degree program with Symbiosis Dubai combines the academic excellence of two leading institutions, offering students global perspectives, industry insight, and enhanced employability. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to globally connected education and marks a key step towards Aston University’s 2030 vision to extend our reach, scale, and reputation internationally.”

This partnership also reflects a broader trend of strengthening ties between the UK & UAE in building globally relevant education ecosystems. With Dubai recording a 25% growth in international student enrolments in 2024 (KHDA), the city is fast becoming a natural springboard for students looking for global careers, and Symbiosis is leading the way.

Program highlights:

● Two degrees: BBA Degree from Symbiosis Dubai and B.Sc in Business & Management Degree from Aston University (Dual Degree), you graduate with two degrees – BBA and B.Sc

● Format: 2 years at Symbiosis Dubai + 2 years at Aston University, Birmingham, UK

● Scholarship: Up to 40%

● Accreditation: CAA and KHDA (UAE) for Symbiosis Dubai; triple crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) for Aston University, UK

The unique collaboration reflects more than just a new program; it’s a reimagined education experience for a generation that wants more than a classroom. It offers mobility without compromise, recognition without restriction, and a powerful combination of business education and life skills drawn from two global cities. In a world where certainty is rare, this program delivers confidence, structure, and momentum.

Symbiosis Dubai was inaugurated in November 2024 by H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan and H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar. Symbiosis Dubai represents a bold step forward in India’s growing global academic footprint. As one of just five Indian institutions selected under the India-UAE E33 Bilateral Education Agreement, the campus marks a proud milestone – combining a 50-year legacy with a future-ready global outlook. The university currently offers a diverse range of industry-aligned programs, including BA, BBA, BCA, B.Com, B.Sc, B.Tech, and MBA, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s competitive global landscape.