Symbiosis Dubai and Aston University launch global dual degree programme

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 programme. 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 at Aston University, offering students two globally respected degrees and a unique cross-continental education experience.

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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 programme – a BBA Degree from Symbiosis Dubai and a B.Sc in Business & Management from Aston University – offers a seamless path to a world-class education. We're proud to co-create a programme 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 great cities, two globally recognised institutions. 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 the UAE to be fully accredited by both the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The campus blends global learning with real-world readiness, giving students access to innovation hubs, internship opportunities, and a multicultural community.

On the other side of the journey is Aston University, 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 is ranked 17th in the UK and 97th in Europe (Financial Times 2024). Additionally, LEO data reveals that Aston ranks among 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 from Aston 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 programme 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 Vision 2030 – to extend our reach, scale, and reputation internationally."

This partnership also reflects a broader trend of strengthening ties between the UK and 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 pursuing global careers – and Symbiosis is leading the way.

Programme highlights:

• Two degrees: BBA from Symbiosis Dubai and B.Sc in Business & Management from Aston University, UK

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

• Scholarships: Up to 40% merit-based

• Accreditation:

  • Symbiosis Dubai – CAA and KHDA (UAE)

  • Aston University – Triple Crown Accreditation: AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS

This unique collaboration reflects more than just a new program; it's a reimagined education experience for a generation that demands more than just 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.