Explore Top Diploma Courses in Dubai for Global Careers

Do You Know? Most diploma programs in Dubai are accredited by renowned bodies, including TEQSA (Australia), Pearson Edexcel and City & Guilds (UK), and the CAA (UAE), ensuring global recognition.

Dubai offers a wide range of diploma courses from 6 months to 2 years, in fields like hospitality, business, engineering, and technology. With institutions like Dubai College of Tourism, you can gain practical skills in high-demand sectors like tourism, whether you choose to take courses after your 12th or after a degree, giving you an edge in the job market after study in UAE.

Enrollments at higher education institutes in Dubai have increased by 12%, and over 30,000 international students are currently studying in Dubai, indicating its growing reputation. This blog will explore the benefits of studying diploma courses in Dubai and why the city is becoming a hub for top universities in the UAE.

Overview of Diploma Courses in Dubai

A diploma is a focused program that helps you gain practical skills in specific fields, usually in 50 - 75% less time (1 - 2 years)  than a traditional degree. Diploma courses do not require exams like SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, or MCAT. However, some institutes may ask for English language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

It equips you with skills like customer service management, data analytics, or technical troubleshooting, depending on your field. 

Before we explore the specific diploma courses available in Dubai, let's get an overview of the programs.

Criteria	Details
Duration	0.5 - 2 years
Eligibility	A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Language proficiency or subject-specific qualifications
Popular programs	Hotel Management Business Administration Information Technology Tourism Management Engineering Technologies
Career Opportunities	Hotel Manager Event Coordinator Sales Manager Project Coordinator Software Engineer
Average Annual Tuition Fees	AED 15,000 to AED 40,000 (INR 3.5L - INR 9.3L)
Accreditation	UK's Ofqual Australian TAFE  UAE's CAA

 With a brief overview, let's check out the universities offering short-term diploma courses and programs in Dubai.

Universities Offering Diploma Courses in Dubai

Dubai has over 60 colleges and universities, some of which are the best universities in UAE. They offer diploma courses in areas like technology, tourism, and digital marketing, helping you advance your career quickly.

Popular programs include the Diploma in Information Technology at Westford University College and the Diploma in Tourism Operations offered by Dubai College of Tourism.

Here are some diploma courses in Dubai for international students planning to study abroad.

University in Dubai	Study Domain	Diploma Course
University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)	Marketing	Graduate Certificate in Marketing
Dubai College of Tourism	Hospitality	Certificate in Tourism Operations
Westford University College	Technology	Diploma in Information Technology
Emirates Aviation University	Aviation	Diploma in Airport Ground Handling
Dubai College of Tourism	Culinary Arts	Certificate in Culinary Operations

Diploma courses can be a great stepping stone toward pursuing a management degree from one of the top MBA colleges in Dubai. Now, let's explore some top diploma courses in Dubai with a duration of six months.

Six-month Diploma Courses in Dubai

Six-month diploma courses provide essential skills in specific fields like hospitality, making you employable for roles in areas such as hospitality management and marketing. In Dubai, institutes like COTHM and ASTi Academy offer six-month courses in fields like hospitality fundamentals and business management fundamentals.

Here are some six-month short-term diploma courses and programs in Dubai.

University in Dubai	Diploma Course	Annual Tuition Fee
SP Jain School of Global Management	UG Certificate of Data Science	AED 21,250 (INR 4.9L)
COTHM Dubai	Sales and Marketing Specialization	$2050 (INR 1.7L)
ASTi Academy	Business Management	N/A
HTMI Dubai	Certificate in International Hotel and Tourism Operations	N/A
COTH Dubai	Hospitality Fundamentals	$2,550 (INR 2.1L)

If you're looking for more experience and training, one-year diploma courses in Dubai could be a suitable option. Let's explore more.

One-Year Diploma Courses in Dubai

One-year diploma courses dive deeper by covering advanced topics such as strategic management in business. Unlike six-month programs, they often include internships or practical projects to provide real-world experience. They can be a good alternative to a master's program.

For instance, Murdoch University's Diploma of Business includes modules on business strategy and leadership, while Dubai College of Tourism's Events Coordinator program offers hands-on training in event logistics.

Below are some one-year diploma courses in Dubai.

University in Dubai	Diploma Course	Annual Tuition Fee
Murdoch University	Diploma of Psychological Studies	AED 58,200 (INR 13.5L)
Murdoch University	Diploma of Business	AED 58,200 (INR 13.5L)
Dubai College of Tourism	Certification in Events Coordinators program	AED 25,000 (INR 5.8L)
Manipal University	PG Diploma in Cyber Security	AED 41,475 (INR 9.6L)
Manipal University	PG Diploma in Data Science	AED 41,475 (INR 9.6L)
Murdoch University	Diploma of Information Technology	AED 58,200 (INR 13.5L)

Diplomas and certifications are suitable for various levels of study, including after 12th, graduation, and post-graduation. Let's explore more about diploma courses after 12th.

Diploma Courses in Dubai After 12th

Diploma courses after 12th grade focus on practical skills that don't require in-depth theoretical knowledge of subjects like Math or Science. These programs are designed to provide hands-on experience in fields like computing, IT, and commerce. Popular courses include the Diploma in Computing offered by Nest Academy and the Diploma in IT and Commerce offered by COTHM.

Here are some diploma courses in Dubai after 12th.

University in Dubai	Diploma Course	Annual Tuition Fee
Nest Academy	Diploma in Computing	N/A
ASTi Academy	Diploma in Mechanical Engineering	N/A
Emirates Aviation University	Aviation Operation	AED 52,500 (INR 12.2L)
COTHM Dubai	Diploma in IT and E-commerce	N/A
ASTi Academy	Diploma In Logistics & Supply Chain Management	N/A
Emirates Aviation University	Higher Diploma in Business Management	AED 52,500 (INR 12.2L)

If you've completed your graduation and are looking for further specialization, PG diploma courses are a great option. Let’s explore some popular courses.

PG Diploma Courses in Dubai

PG diploma courses provide in-depth training in specialized areas after a bachelor's, covering advanced topics and industry-specific tools that go beyond the curriculum of a standard diploma. For example, Middlesex University in Dubai offers a PG Diploma in AI and Computer Science, which dives deep into machine learning and neural networks.

Below are some popular short-term diploma courses and programs in Dubai.

University in Dubai	Diploma Course	Annual Tuition Fee
University of Birmingham	PG Diploma in AI and Computer Science	AED 168,608 (INR 39.2L)
University of Middlesex	PG Certificate in Higher Education	AED 37,132 (INR 8.6L)
University of Murdoch	PG Certificate in Business Administration	AED 25,000 (INR 5.8L)
University of Murdoch	PG Certificate in Education (International Education)	AED 25,000 (INR 5.8L)
Manipal University	PG Diploma Logistics and Supply Chain	AED 41,475 (INR 9.6L)
University of Birmingham	PG Diploma in Public Health	AED 150,225 (INR 35L)

Dubai is renowned for its hospitality and tourism industry, making diplomas in these fields highly popular. Let’s explore some of the top diploma courses in hotel management.

Diploma Courses in Dubai in Hotel Management

A Diploma in Hotel Management focuses on practical skills required to run hospitality operations, such as customer service, event management, and hotel operations management. You will also learn how to manage guest relations, food and beverage services, and marketing strategies. 

Dubai's popular diplomas include Hospitality Management by Nest Academy, where you'll gain hands-on experience in staff coordination and operations management.

Here are some popular diplomas in Dubai in hotel management.

University in Dubai	Diploma Course	Annual Tuition Fee
ASTi Academy	Hospitality & Tourism Management	N/A
Skyline University College	Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management	AED 10,500 (INR 2.4L)
HTMI Dubai	Diploma in Culinary Arts	N/A
COTHM Dubai	Hospitality Facilities Management and Design	$650 (INR 55.5K)
HTMI Dubai	Diploma in International Hotel and Tourism Management	N/A
Nest Academy	Hospitality Management	N/A

With various diploma courses in Dubai explored, let's examine the roles you can expect upon successful completion of the program.

Career Opportunities After Diploma Courses in Dubai

Dubai offers salaries 2.5 to 3 times higher than in India. However, the cost of living in Dubai is 128% higher than in India. 

Despite the higher cost of living, Dubai's booming industries, particularly in real estate, hospitality, and finance, are driving demand for skilled professionals. Companies like Coca-Cola and Taj Group are actively hiring for roles such as Digital Marketing Executive and Hotel Manager.

Here are some of the career opportunities available after completing short-term diploma courses and programs in Dubai.

Job Roles	Top Recruiters	Average Annual Salary
Event Coordinator	Dubai World Trade Centre Expo 2020 Dubai	AED 60K (INR 14L)
Fashion Designer	Dubai Design District Fashion Forward Dubai	AED 108K (INR 25.1L)
Marketing Executive	Coca-Cola Unilever	AED 96K (INR 22.3L)
Hotel Manager	Atlantis The Palm Taj Group	AED 204K (INR 47.5L)
Mechanical Engineer	Emirates Group Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)	AED 80K (INR 18.6L)
Airline Ground Staff	Emirates Airlines Etihad Airways	AED 72K (INR 16.7L)

Source: Glassdoor

While career prospects are a major reason to study short-term diploma courses and programs in Dubai, there are other benefits as well. Let's explore them in detail.

Why Study Diploma Courses in Dubai?

Dubai is emerging as a top education hub, fueled by the rapid growth of industries like leisure and tourism and hospitality, which contribute 12% to the country's GDP and grow at a CAGR of 5.46%. 

This boom creates plenty of job opportunities and drives the demand for quality education, offering students industry-focused diploma programs with real-world relevance.

Here's why it is beneficial to pursue short-term diploma courses and programs in Dubai.

• World-Class Education
  • Dubai's universities offer top-tier education with international accreditation, ensuring students receive degrees recognized globally. 
  • The University of Wollongong in Dubai is internationally ranked, providing students with a high standard of education.
• Multicultural Environment
  • With students from over 200 nationalities, Dubai provides a dynamic learning environment rich in cultural diversity. 
  • At Middlesex University Dubai, students experience cross-cultural collaboration, preparing them for a global workforce.
• Strategic Location
  • Dubai's central position between East and West makes it a global hub for business and education. 
  • Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) attracts top universities, offering students access to international networks and exposure to leading global industries.
• Employment Opportunities
  • As one of the world's leading business hubs, Dubai offers career opportunities, especially in sectors like corporate finance, tech, and hospitality. 
  • Hospitality diploma graduates from institutions like Dubai College of Tourism find immediate employment at five-star hotels such as Atlantis The Palm.
• Global Recognition
  • Degrees from Dubai's universities carry global recognition due to their international affiliations and accreditations. 
  • For instance, the American University in Dubai holds accreditation from ABET, ensuring its engineering and technology graduates are recognized by employers worldwide.
• Industry-Relevant Programs
  • Educational institutions in Dubai offer diploma programs tailored to meet the evolving demands of the job market. 
  • The Dubai College of Tourism ensures that its hospitality programs are aligned with industry trends, with hands-on experience at renowned hotels like Jumeirah Group.
• Short Duration and Quick Employment
  • Diploma courses in Dubai are designed to provide fast-track entry into the workforce. 
  • Students graduating from Zayed University's Business Administration Diploma program can often secure full-time roles in multinational corporations within months, thanks to its industry-centric curriculum.
• Career Advancement and Higher Studies
  • Diplomas from Dubai serve as stepping stones to higher qualifications and career progression. 
  • A Diploma in Hospitality Management from EHL Dubai can open doors for both career advancement in global hotel chains and further studies in top international hospitality schools.
• Diverse Job Opportunities
  • Dubai's diverse economy creates a variety of career opportunities for diploma holders, ranging from engineering to finance. 
  • Graduates of the Dubai Polytechnic Engineering Diploma have successfully secured roles with companies like Emirates Airlines and Dubai Oil and Gas.
• Competitive Salaries
  • The booming job market offers competitive salaries to diploma holders, particularly in high-demand sectors like IT and finance. 
  • Graduates of IT diploma programs in Dubai often start their careers with a salary range of AED 8,000-12,000 (INR 1.8L - 2.8L) per month, especially with companies such as Amazon.

Scholarship opportunities also make it beneficial to study diploma courses in Dubai. Now, let's explore how professionals like upGrad can assist you in your journey.

upGrad's Role in Your Study Abroad Journey in Dubai

Studying abroad involves many steps, such as choosing the right course, applying for scholarships, securing a visa, and arranging accommodation. This process can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Experts like upGrad can simplify the journey by guiding you through each step, ensuring you make the right choices at every stage.

upGrad offers tailored guidance to help you select the best courses and scholarships for studying in Dubai. You can get assistance with visa applications, career counseling, and support throughout the process, making your study abroad experience smooth and stress-free.

Unsure how to start your study plan for Dubai? Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad experts to get personalized guidance on choosing the right university, diploma courses, and application process!