HND Program in Dubai: Admission, Colleges, Fees, Salary
If there is one quick way to enter the world of business corporates in the UAE or abroad without a Bachelor's or Master's degree, it is the HND Program. The Higher National Diploma (HND) in the UAE is a globally recognized vocational qualification that aims to provide students with a solid understanding of today's fast-paced and competitive business world. This 2-year diploma program is popular for offering specializations in areas such as Business Management, Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, and Entrepreneurship.
As of now, there are more than 50 colleges offering HND studies in the UAE, including some leading institutions such as Pearson-approved centres, international universities, and accredited private colleges.
Among so many HND institutions and colleges in the UAE, the one you choose can become the cornerstone of your professional career. In this article, we will explore the career prospects of the HND Program, terms of admission, top specializations, and a curated list of the best colleges to help you make an informed decision.
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About HND Program and Its Career Prospects in Dubai
HND stands for Higher National Diploma. As the name suggests, this is a diploma of 2 years. It has been designed and developed to educate the students about modern business challenges, management, problem-solving, and real-world applications of business principles. The students who successfully complete the program can expect to get better jobs, higher salaries, and a wider range of career options. The program is world-wide accepted and suits best for those who are looking for entry-level positions to management roles with international exposure.
In short, whether you are looking forward to initiating your career in business management or just want to enhance your analytical and problem-solving skills, the HND Program perfectly meets every need. This diploma-level program will equip you with practical knowledge, industry-relevant skills, and the confidence to thrive in today’s competitive business environment.
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HND Program Admission and Eligibility Criteria in Dubai, UAE
With rapidly changing world scenarios, the terms of admission and eligibility have been modified by the UAE Government to meet the new challenges of the business world. The admission and eligibility terms not only have been simplified but updated with features that attract more and more students from all across the world.
|
Criteria |
Details |
|
Educational Qualification |
Completion of high school (12th grade or equivalent) with a minimum pass grade. |
|
Minimum Grade Requirements |
Usually a minimum of 50-60% in relevant subjects (varies by institution). |
|
Age Requirement |
Typically, 17-19 years old or above. |
|
English Language Proficiency |
IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL, PTE), or proof of English as the medium of instruction in prior education. |
|
Relevant Background |
For some programs, a background in related subjects is preferred (e.g., science for engineering HND). |
|
Additional Requirements |
Personal statement, recommendation letters, or interview may be required by some colleges. |
|
Work Experience |
Generally not required for direct entry; however, mature students with work experience might be considered. |
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Best HND Colleges in Dubai - Certified and Well Accredited Institutions
Remember all HND colleges are not created equal. The key to finding the best college for HND Program lies in their certification, reputation, and accreditation. Hence, it becomes more important to know the certification and reputation of the college before applying for the admission. The institution should not only be certified and approved by the UAE Government, but also it should be well-accredited.
|
College Name |
Popular HND Programs |
Certification Body |
Accreditation / Affiliation |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
HND in Business, HND in Engineering |
Pearson (BTEC) |
KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) |
|
University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) |
HND in Business, HND in IT |
Pearson (BTEC) |
KHDA, TEQSA (Australia) |
|
Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai |
HND in Business, HND in Computer Science |
Pearson (BTEC) |
KHDA, NAAC (India) |
|
Middlesex University Dubai |
HND in Business, HND in Computing |
Pearson (BTEC) |
KHDA, UK Quality Assurance Agency |
|
Birmingham City University Dubai |
HND in Business, HND in Media |
Pearson (BTEC) |
KHDA, QAA (UK) |
|
Westford University College |
HND in Business, HND in IT |
Pearson (BTEC) |
KHDA, British Accreditation Council |
|
The Sheffield College Dubai |
HND in Business, HND in Hospitality |
Pearson (BTEC) |
KHDA, UK Education Regulatory Authorities |
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Best HND Program Colleges in Dubai with Their Ranking
Most students believe that all colleges offering HND programs in the UAE provide quality education—until they realize that many of them aren’t even properly accredited or lack experienced faculty and industry-relevant resources. To ensure whether the institution really provides students with practical skills and industry-focused knowledge, consider making your choice on the basis of ranking. As we understand the value of quality education and significance of students' careers, we have put together a list of best HND Program colleges with their ranking.
|
College Name |
Known For |
Approximate Ranking in Dubai |
Remarks |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
Engineering, Business |
#1 |
Strong UK affiliation, highly reputable |
|
University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) |
Business, IT |
#2 |
Well-established, Australian quality standards |
|
Middlesex University Dubai |
Business, Computing |
#3 |
UK university branch, high academic standards |
|
Birmingham City University Dubai |
Media, Business |
#4 |
Good industry connections and practical focus |
|
Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai |
Medicine, Business |
#5 |
Known for healthcare and professional courses |
|
Westford University College |
Business, IT |
#6 |
Growing reputation, affordable programs |
|
The Sheffield College Dubai |
Hospitality, Business |
#7 |
UK-based curriculum, good for hospitality fields |
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HND Program Colleges Fee and Cost of Living in Dubai for Students
Different colleges, institutions, and universities charge varying fees for HND programs. The right choice for you will be the one that fits your budget and meets your academic and career goals. By selecting a college based on an affordable and convenient fee structure—without compromising on quality— you position yourself among the smart and practical students who make informed decisions. Let’s glance at the list of HND colleges with affordable fees and cost of living in Dubai, UAE.
|
College Name |
Approximate Tuition Fee for HND Program |
Notes |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
AED 40,000 – 55,000 per year |
Fees vary by program, scholarships available |
|
University of Wollongong Dubai |
AED 35,000 – 50,000 per year |
Competitive fees, installment plans offered |
|
Middlesex University Dubai |
AED 40,000 – 60,000 per year |
Fees depend on course and duration |
|
Birmingham City University Dubai |
AED 35,000 – 50,000 per year |
Offers flexible payment options |
|
Manipal Academy Dubai |
AED 30,000 – 45,000 per year |
Slightly more affordable, especially healthcare-related |
|
Westford University College |
AED 25,000 – 40,000 per year |
Budget-friendly fees, some scholarships |
|
The Sheffield College Dubai |
AED 25,000 – 40,000 per year |
Affordable, UK curriculum focus |
Estimated Cost of Living for Students in Dubai (Per Month)
|
Expense |
Estimated Cost (AED) |
Notes |
|
Accommodation |
1,500 – 3,500 |
Shared apartments or student housing |
|
Food |
800 – 1,200 |
Cooking at home is more economical |
|
Transportation |
300 – 600 |
Public transport, metro, buses |
|
Utilities & Internet |
300 – 500 |
Shared among roommates |
|
Miscellaneous (books, entertainment) |
500 – 800 |
Variable based on lifestyle |
Note: The fees mentioned above exclude the hostel fee, which is subject to change at the discretion of the university. For the latest updates or any possible changes in fees, please check the university's official website.
HND Programs Placement & Average Salary Packages in Dubai
A good placement record of any college is another important component of the best college that you can’t afford to ignore while looking for the best HND Program in Dubai, UAE. To ensure your time, efforts, investment, and overall learning experience yield maximum value, it’s essential to choose an institution that not only imparts quality education but also provides strong career support. With that in mind, we have brought to you a curated list of the best colleges for the HND Program with excellent placement records. You can choose any of these colleges with confidence and take your professional career to the next level.
|
Field of Study (HND) |
Typical Job Roles |
Average Starting Salary (AED/month) |
Placement Rate (Approx.) |
Notes |
|
Business Management |
Admin Executive, Marketing Assistant, HR Coordinator |
AED 3,500 – 6,000 |
70–80% |
High demand in SMEs and startups |
|
Information Technology |
IT Support, Junior Developer, Network Assistant |
AED 4,000 – 7,000 |
75–85% |
Strong demand for tech roles |
|
Hospitality Management |
Front Desk Agent, F&B Supervisor, Guest Services |
AED 3,000 – 5,000 |
80–90% |
Tourism sector is active |
|
Engineering (General) |
Technician, CAD Operator, Junior Engineer |
AED 4,000 – 6,500 |
60–70% |
Varies by specialization |
|
Media & Creative Arts |
Graphic Designer, Content Creator, Media Assistant |
AED 3,000 – 5,500 |
60–75% |
Portfolios greatly influence salary |
|
Accounting & Finance |
Accounts Assistant, Payroll Clerk, Junior Analyst |
AED 4,000 – 6,500 |
70–80% |
Strong in finance hubs |
|
Health & Social Care |
Care Assistant, Clinic Admin, Support Worker |
AED 3,500 – 5,000 |
65–75% |
Demand mainly in private clinics |
Note: The figures provided are indicative and meant to give a general idea about the universities. Actual data and figures may vary.
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Writen By:
Pawan Rawat
Pawan Rawat is a full-stack content writer with expertise in crafting research-based educational blogs and articles, paying close attention to detail. He has mastered the art of creating SEO-optimized content for websites. When he's not working to pay the bills, he spends his time lifting weights at the gym, clicking random photos, reading books, or planning his next adventure.
