Symbiosis International University Dubai (SIU Dubai) is the first international campus of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), based in Building 14 at Dubai Knowledge Park. The parent Symbiosis body sits at #655 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, and the Dubai campus, opened in 2024, extends that legacy through UAE-based classrooms.
Symbiosis Dubai runs six English-medium programmes, spanning a Master of Business Administration and undergraduate degrees in business, computing, media, psychology, and computer engineering. Indian applicants form the core cohort because faculty exchanges, curriculum, and the internship pipeline route through the Pune parent, similar to peer BBA universities in UAE that carry Indian institutional legacy.
- QS World Ranking: #655 (2027, parent Symbiosis International Deemed University)
- Acceptance Rate: 27% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (September) and Spring (January), rolling admissions
- MBA Tuition: AED 45,000 per year (INR 11.59 lakh)
- Starting Salary Range: AED 4,000 to 8,000 per month (INR 1.03 to 2.06 lakh)
- Campus: Building 14, Dubai Knowledge Park (opened 2024)
Also Check: Bachelor’s Universities in UAE for Indian Students
Undergraduate tuition is flat at AED 42,000 across most streams, while B.Tech Computer Engineering is billed at AED 53,550 per year. Merit scholarships cover up to 50% of tuition for applicants with 90%+ in Class 12, and the university sponsors UAE student visas for the study duration. Combined with Dubai living costs, a first-year outlay of INR 20 to 22 lakh is the realistic planning number for Indian families.
Exchange rate used: 1 AED = INR 25.76 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). Symbiosis Dubai runs rolling admissions with no fixed close date, and Spring 2027 applications are being processed now with January 2027 programme start. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, is expected to open November 2026 on a rolling basis, no fixed close date.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Symbiosis Dubai 2027
- Symbiosis International University Dubai Admission 2027
- Symbiosis Dubai Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Symbiosis International University Dubai Acceptance Rate 2027
- Symbiosis Dubai Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Symbiosis International University Dubai Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Symbiosis Dubai Scholarships 2027
- Symbiosis International University Dubai Rankings 2027
- Symbiosis Dubai Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Symbiosis International University Dubai vs Peer Universities
- Symbiosis International University Dubai FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Symbiosis Dubai 2027
Symbiosis Dubai offers a compact catalogue of six full-degree programmes: one postgraduate MBA and five undergraduate tracks. Tuition is flat at AED 42,000 per year for most bachelor’s routes, stepping up to AED 53,550 for B.Tech Computer Engineering and AED 45,000 for the MBA. All fees exclude a 5% VAT and the AED 250 application fee.
Symbiosis Dubai Postgraduate Programs and Fees
The MBA is the sole PG offering, delivered over two years with specialisations in finance, marketing, and operations. Duration times per-year fee gives the total programme cost shown below.
| Program | Total Fee (AED) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA), 2 years | 90,000 | 23.18 lakh | Bachelor’s with 50% or CGPA 5.0/10, IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79 (0-120 legacy) |
Symbiosis Dubai Undergraduate Programs and Fees
Undergraduate durations range 3 to 4 years; totals below assume the typical run for each stream, with B.Tech and BSc Psychology Honours at 4 years and the remaining tracks at 3 years.
| Program | Total Fee (AED) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), 3 years | 126,000 | 32.46 lakh | Class 12 with 80%, IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL PBT 500 |
| Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA), 3 years | 126,000 | 32.46 lakh | Class 12 with 80%, IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL PBT 500 |
| BSc Psychology (Honours), 4 years | 168,000 | 43.28 lakh | Class 12 with 80%, IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL PBT 500 |
| B.Tech Computer Engineering, 4 years | 214,200 | 55.18 lakh | Class 12 with 80% (PCM), IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL PBT 500 |
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) Media and Communication, 3 years | 126,000 | 32.46 lakh | Class 12 with 80%, IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL PBT 500 |
Indian applicants can also explore MBA universities in Dubai to benchmark Symbiosis Dubai’s programme cost against wider Emirate options. As per Collegedunia programs page, per-year tuition rises annually, so multi-year totals should be treated as a planning range rather than a locked bill.
Insider note: Indian students concentrate on the MBA and B.Tech Computer Engineering routes because both carry the Symbiosis Pune curriculum and route directly into UAE tech and consulting recruiters through the parent alumni network.
Read More: Symbiosis Dubai Programs and Fees Guide
Symbiosis International University Dubai Admission 2027
Symbiosis Dubai admission runs on a rolling calendar with two intakes each year: Fall in September and Spring in January. Indian applicants apply through the online portal with a Class 10, Class 12, and English proficiency dossier, receiving a decision inside three to four weeks.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 application (currently open) | Recommended by 30 November 2026 | Rolling review; early applicants get scholarship priority |
| Spring 2027 programme start | January 2027 (Expected) | On-campus induction week precedes classes |
| Fall 2027 application window | Opens November 2026 (Expected, based on prior cycle) | Rolling review through summer 2027, no fixed close date |
| Credential and document attestation | Start 6 to 8 weeks before applying | MOFA attestation of Class 10 and 12 mark sheets required for UAE student visa |
| Fall 2027 programme start | September 2027 (Expected) | Standard cohort start month for MBA and all UG streams |
As per Symbiosis Dubai admission communications, the university does not publish a locked close date and applications are reviewed as they arrive. Indian students targeting BBA universities in UAE should aim to submit before the recommended date to secure both a seat and merit scholarship consideration.
Planning note: Book your IELTS or TOEFL sitting six to eight weeks ahead of application because MOFA attestation of Indian mark sheets in parallel can stretch to four weeks, and both are needed before the visa file is opened.
Also Check: MBA Universities in UAE for Indian Students
Symbiosis Dubai Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Symbiosis Dubai admission requirements for Indian students centre on a Class 12 or bachelor’s academic threshold, an English-language proof, and MOFA-attested documents for the UAE student visa.
Postgraduate (MBA):
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% or CGPA 5.0/10 in any discipline
- IELTS Academic 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79 (0-120 legacy scale)
- Attested transcripts of bachelor’s degree and mark sheets
- GRE or GMAT not required for the standard MBA route
Undergraduate (BBA, BCA, BAMC, BSc Psychology, B.Tech):
- Class 12 with minimum 80% aggregate (PCM stream mandatory for B.Tech)
- IELTS 5.0, TOEFL PBT 500 or 80%+ in English at Class 12 board level
- MOFA attestation of Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
Note: Indian applicants from CBSE or ICSE boards scoring 80%+ in Class 12 English can request an IELTS waiver, but the university reserves the right to require a spoken English assessment during the online interview.
Symbiosis International University Dubai Acceptance Rate 2027
Symbiosis Dubai does not publish a formal acceptance rate, and the practical intake figure sits near 27% (estimated) based on cohort disclosures for the 2024 and 2025 rounds. This estimate is a directional guide rather than a locked ratio.
The MBA route is the most selective because seats are capped and Class 12 or bachelor’s grades sit at the higher end of the applicant pool. The undergraduate routes are moderately selective, and applicants clearing the 80% Class 12 threshold with a valid IELTS have a strong odds base.
Reality check: A 27% figure is not the same as a 27% chance of rejection for a strong applicant. Indian students with 85%+ in Class 12 and IELTS 6.0+ regularly secure offers inside the first review round.
Also Check: Universities in UAE for Indian Students
Symbiosis Dubai Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian student at Symbiosis Dubai lands between AED 102,000 and AED 152,000 (INR 26.28 to 39.15 lakh), combining tuition and Dubai living costs. Tuition alone spans AED 42,000 to 53,550 across undergraduate routes and AED 45,000 for the MBA.
Symbiosis International University Dubai Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Annual tuition is charged per academic year and excludes 5% VAT plus the AED 250 application fee. Total programme cost depends on the study duration for each track.
| Program Level | Annual Tuition (AED) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (BBA, BCA, BAMC, BSc Psychology) | 42,000 | 10.82 lakh |
| Undergraduate (B.Tech Computer Engineering) | 53,550 | 13.79 lakh |
| Postgraduate (MBA) | 45,000 | 11.59 lakh |
Monthly Cost of Living in Dubai for Indian Students
Dubai living costs vary widely between shared accommodation in Al Barsha or International City and studios inside Dubai Knowledge Park. The table below shows a middle-range monthly budget for a single Indian student.
| Expense | Monthly (AED) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared) | 2,500 to 4,000 | INR 64,400 to 1.03 lakh |
| Food and groceries | 1,200 to 2,000 | INR 30,912 to 51,520 |
| Transportation (RTA Nol card) | 300 to 500 | INR 7,728 to 12,880 |
| Books and supplies | 200 to 400 | INR 5,152 to 10,304 |
| Personal and utilities | 500 to 800 | INR 12,880 to 20,608 |
| Total monthly | 4,700 to 7,700 | INR 1.21 to 1.98 lakh |
| Total annual | 56,400 to 92,400 | INR 14.53 to 23.80 lakh |
[Source: Numbeo 2026 Dubai cost benchmarks, aggregated Dubai Knowledge Park student housing rates]
Insider note: Sharing a studio inside Dubai Knowledge Park cuts commute costs to zero but pushes rent above AED 4,000; Indian students on tight budgets take shared apartments in Al Barsha or International City for AED 2,000 to 2,500 per bed.
Read More: Study in UAE Guide for Indian Students
Symbiosis International University Dubai Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The Symbiosis Dubai campus occupies Building 14 in Dubai Knowledge Park, a purpose-built education free zone in central Dubai. The campus is single-block and academic-only, with no on-site dormitories.
- Location: Dubai Knowledge Park, 15 minutes by metro to Dubai Marina and 30 minutes to Business Bay
- Housing: University-facilitated shared apartments in nearby Al Barsha and Motor City; 0% guaranteed accommodation for international students, so applicants must book their own studio or shared unit
- Key facilities: Computing labs, psychology observation suites, media production studio, and a shared Dubai Knowledge Park library
- Indian community: The cohort is predominantly Indian, with a student council, cultural fests, and career workshops mirrored on the Symbiosis Pune model
The Knowledge Park cluster also hosts several peer business universities in Dubai, meaning inter-campus events, internship fairs, and shared industry sessions are accessible on foot.
What Indian students say: The campus feels compact and Indian-familiar, and faculty from Symbiosis Pune rotate through, so classroom culture matches home. On the flip side, housing costs and Dubai summer heat are the two shocks first-year students flag most.
Symbiosis Dubai Scholarships 2027
Symbiosis Dubai runs a small set of internally funded scholarships focused on academic merit and sporting excellence, with waivers of up to 50% on tuition for the highest scorers. No India-specific national scholarship is offered.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merit Scholarship (Top Scorer) | Merit | Up to 50% tuition waiver | Class 12 aggregate 90%+ or equivalent CGPA at bachelor’s | Assessed at admission; verify at Symbiosis Dubai admissions |
| Merit Scholarship (Mid-Band) | Merit | Up to 25% tuition waiver | Class 12 aggregate 85% to 89% or equivalent | Assessed at admission |
| Sports Scholarship | Sports | Value confirmed on offer | State or national-level record in a recognised sport | Assessed at admission with proof |
[Source: Symbiosis Dubai admission and scholarship communications]
Planning note: Merit scholarships are auto-assessed at the offer stage, so Indian applicants do not fill a separate form; the higher your Class 12 or CGPA figure, the larger the waiver tier applied.
Also Check: Master’s Universities in UAE
Symbiosis International University Dubai Rankings 2027
Symbiosis Dubai carries the ranking profile of its parent, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), which climbed 41 places in the QS World University Rankings between 2026 and 2027. The Dubai campus itself is not yet ranked separately.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: #655 | 2026: #696 | 2025: #641-650 band |
| THE World | 2026: #601-800 band | 2025: #601-800 band | 2024: #601-800 band |
| QS Asia | 2026: #200 | 2025: #216 | 2024: Not ranked in top 200 |
| NIRF University (India) | 2025: #24 | 2024: #32 | 2023: #32 |
[Source: QS, THE, NIRF]
Symbiosis is not ranked by US News Best Global Universities or ARWU Shanghai for 2026. The parent university’s steady climb inside QS Asia and NIRF signals rising research output, which broadens SIU Dubai’s degree acceptance for further study in Europe and North America alongside other THE ranked universities in UAE.
Key insight: UAE Ministry of Human Resources approves degrees from Symbiosis Dubai for local employment, and the QS #655 badge of the parent is what UAE employers and post-study visa panels reference when evaluating Indian graduates.
Also Check: English-Medium Universities in UAE
Symbiosis Dubai Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Symbiosis Dubai reported a 98% MBA placement outcome for the class of 2025, counting both full-time offers and internship conversions. Career support is centralised through the corporate relations office linked to the Symbiosis Pune network.
- MBA placement rate: 98% (2025 cohort, official disclosure)
- Average starting salary (all programmes): AED 4,000 to 8,000 per month (INR 1.03 to 2.06 lakh)
- MBA average package: AED 74,425 per year (INR 19.17 lakh, market median)
- Recruiter sectors: Retail groups, real estate, finance, technology, and consulting across UAE; alumni employed at Majid Al Futtaim, Emaar, and Lulu Group (parent alumni network)
- Post-study routes: UAE Green Visa for skilled graduates lasts up to 5 years, and Indian graduates can also route back to Pune’s alumni base for India roles
Compared with public universities in UAE, Symbiosis Dubai’s recruiter footprint tilts toward Indian-diaspora heavy sectors like retail and family conglomerates because of the parent alumni pipeline.
Insider note: Indian MBA graduates report faster interview conversion at UAE offices of Indian conglomerates and family businesses; global consulting and tier-one banking roles typically require a Symbiosis Pune or global tier-one MBA badge.
Symbiosis International University Dubai vs Peer Universities
The peer set for Symbiosis Dubai includes other Indian-origin branch campuses in the UAE plus mainstream Dubai private universities on similar fee bands. All figures below are latest cohort where verified.
| University | QS World Rank 2027 | Avg Annual PG Fee (AED) | Avg Annual PG Fee (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symbiosis International University Dubai | #655 (parent) | 45,000 | 11.59 lakh | Indian curriculum, Symbiosis Pune faculty rotation |
| BITS Pilani Dubai Campus | #851-900 (parent) | 31,000 (estimated) | 7.98 lakh (estimated) | Engineering-first, Indian institutional continuity |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai | #301 (parent) | 40,000 (estimated) | 10.30 lakh (estimated) | Health and media strengths, MAHE brand equity |
| Amity University Dubai | Not ranked in QS World top 1500 | 45,000 to 60,000 (estimated) | 11.59 to 15.46 lakh (estimated) | Widest programme catalogue, Amity Noida linkage |
| SBS Swiss Business School Ras Al Khaimah | Not ranked in QS World | Verify at SBS admissions | NA | Swiss business curriculum, lower-cost RAK base |
Symbiosis Dubai stands out for two things: it is the newest Indian branch campus in Dubai and it carries the strongest QS climb among the Indian-origin cluster in 2027. That combination gives it a fresher facility and a rising academic badge.
Symbiosis International University Dubai is a fit for Indian students who want a Symbiosis-brand MBA or bachelor’s degree delivered inside the UAE labour market, with an estimated 3-year MBA investment near INR 47 lakh against a median MBA salary of INR 19.17 lakh giving an approachable payback horizon. The strongest India-specific advantage is degree portability: the parent Deemed University status means credits transfer cleanly if a student later moves to Pune.
The campus is not the right pick for applicants seeking a UAE-native institution’s local rank or a globally top-200 QS badge. Students with those goals should benchmark against Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, which sits inside QS top 200 and offers stronger research-track funding for Indian applicants.
Symbiosis International University Dubai FAQs
Ques. Is the Symbiosis Dubai degree the same as a Symbiosis Pune degree?
Ans. Yes and no. The Dubai campus degree is awarded by Symbiosis International (Deemed University), which is the same awarding body as Pune, so the parchment reads the same. However, the campus of study is printed on the transcript, and MOFA-attested UAE issuance means Indian students returning home must apostille it via the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs for use in Indian jobs or further study.
Ques. How does Symbiosis Dubai handle IELTS waivers for CBSE and ICSE students?
Ans. Applicants scoring 80% or higher in Class 12 English from CBSE, ICSE, or an equivalent Indian board can request an IELTS waiver at the application stage. The admissions team reviews the transcript, and in most cases the waiver is granted for undergraduate routes. For the MBA, the waiver is less common because IELTS 6.0 is treated as the anchor test, though a strong bachelor’s-level English medium of instruction certificate is sometimes accepted.
Ques. What part-time work can Symbiosis Dubai students take during studies?
Ans. UAE student visa holders can work part-time up to 20 hours per week with a No Objection Certificate from Symbiosis Dubai plus a UAE Ministry of Human Resources work permit. Typical roles include retail, hospitality, and campus internships. Indian students should note that part-time earnings alone will not cover Dubai rent, so it is a supplement, not a funding plan.
Ques. Are Indian education loans accepted for Symbiosis Dubai tuition?
Ans. Yes. HDFC Credila, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, and Axis Bank offer education loans against Symbiosis Dubai offer letters. Loans up to INR 40 lakh with property collateral, or INR 7.5 lakh unsecured, are the standard bands. Applicants should apply once the conditional offer is issued, because the visa file requires proof of funds before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs releases the entry permit.
Ques. Which documents need MOFA attestation for the UAE student visa?
Ans. Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and passing certificates need attestation from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs first, followed by legalisation at the UAE embassy in New Delhi, and finally MOFA attestation inside the UAE. The bachelor’s degree and transcript follow the same three-step chain for MBA applicants. Symbiosis Dubai issues the offer letter and visa sponsorship only after these attested documents are uploaded to the portal.
Ques. Does Symbiosis Dubai require GMAT or GRE for MBA admission?
Ans. No. The standard Symbiosis Dubai MBA route does not require a GMAT or GRE score for Indian applicants. Admission is based on a bachelor’s degree with 50% or higher, IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79 on the legacy scale, and a personal interview conducted online. Applicants who hold a strong GMAT of 650 or above can submit it voluntarily to strengthen scholarship consideration.
Ques. Can Symbiosis Pune students transfer to the Dubai campus mid-degree?
Ans. Internal transfers between Symbiosis Pune constituent institutes and Symbiosis Dubai are allowed at the end of an academic year, subject to seat availability and fee reconciliation. The credit map is one-to-one because both campuses run the same syllabus for common programmes like the MBA and BBA. Students must apply through the parent office at Pune, and the UAE student visa is processed only after the transfer is formally approved.
Ques. What is the Symbiosis Dubai refund policy if the UAE visa is denied?
Ans. As per the Symbiosis Dubai Fees and Refund Policy dated June 2024, tuition paid before enrolment is refundable in full if the UAE student visa is denied, minus a fixed processing fee. The AED 250 application fee is non-refundable in all cases. Refunds are processed to the original payment source within 30 to 45 working days once the visa denial letter and refund form are submitted to the Bursar office.
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Symbiosis Dubai Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarships in Saudi Arabia | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Attendance Cost
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