From Dubai to the world: how GBS Dubai’s progression pathway works

Let’s start with the basics. A progression pathway is exactly what it sounds like - a clear academic route that allows you to move step by step from one qualification level to the next, until you graduate with a degree recognised around the world.

At GBS Dubai, this pathway is built on the UK education framework. That means every qualification you complete with us, from foundation to advanced levels, aligns with the British system. We deliver programmes through Pearson Education (UK), one of the world’s most trusted awarding bodies. The result? Your qualifications carry weight, not only in Dubai but globally.

Here is the exciting part: when you start in Dubai, you do not just study in a city full of opportunities. You gain access to the GEDU Global network, a family of international campuses and partner universities that give you the choice to finish your degree abroad.

Dubai becomes more than your classroom. It is your launchpad.

Think of the UK education system as a ladder. Each rung of the ladder is a qualification level. The higher you climb, the more advanced your knowledge and the closer you are to your degree. What makes this system so effective is its flexibility – you do not need to jump straight to the top. You can move step by step, building credits along the way.

Here is how it works in simple terms:

Let us make this real.

Case study example: Aisha, a student from Kenya, begins with the Level 3 International Extended Diploma in Business at GBS Dubai. After completing it, she moves on to the HND in Business (Levels 4 and 5). Finally, she transfers to one of our UK partner universities for her Level 6 top-up year, graduating with a UK bachelor’s degree in just three years.

Clarity, structure and global recognition - that's what makes this pathway powerful.

So, what does the full journey look like? Let’s walk through it.

1. Start at Level 2 or Level 3 - Depending on your academic background, you will begin at either the Foundation (Level 2) or the International Extended Diploma (Level 3). This step equips you with the skills and knowledge you need for higher study.

Example: Priya from India did not have a traditional A Level education. She enrolled at Level 2, built her academic foundation, and quickly moved up to Level 3.

2. Progress to Higher National Qualifications (Levels 4 and 5) - Once you have completed Level 3, you can move onto the HNC (Level 4) and then the HND (Level 5) in your chosen subject. It is here that your education becomes more specialised.

Example: Ahmed, who wanted to pursue a career in construction management, started with the Level 3 Extended Diploma, then continued into the HND in Construction Management at GBS Dubai.

3. Complete Level 6 abroad - After your HND, you are ready for the final stage: the bachelor’s top-up year (Level 6). This can be completed at a GEDU partner university in the UK, Europe, the US or even another UAE campus.

Example: Omar, a technology enthusiast, studied HND in Digital Technologies (Cyber Security) at GBS Dubai. For his final year, he transferred to Schiller International University in the USA, where he completed his bachelor’s degree and landed an internship at a global information technology (IT) firm.

This step-by-step model ensures that no matter where you begin, you know exactly where you are headed. And the choice of subject, pace and location is always yours.

Education is more than lectures, assignments and exams. It is about where it takes you. The GBS Dubai pathway matters because it opens doors not just in Dubai but across the globe. Here is why it stands out.

1. Your academic journey:

• Clear roadmap: Students and parents often worry about uncertainty. With the pathway, you know exactly what each step means and where it leads. It is not just about reaching Level 6 but about understanding every stage in between.
  
  
• Flexible choices: Unlike rigid systems, the British framework allows you to choose your pace. Some students finish faster; others take slightly more time, but both are fine. You can also choose where to complete your degree: the UK, Europe, the US or right here in the UAE.
  
  
• Global opportunities: With UK recognised qualifications, your degree does not limit you geographically. Whether you dream of working in London’s financial district, Dubai’s technology hubs or healthcare in Canada, your qualifications travel with you.

2. Support that matters:

• Recognition worldwide: Every stage of the journey leads to a qualification with global recognition. The HND alone, for example, is highly valued by employers worldwide.
  
  
• Personalised guidance: At GBS Dubai, students are not left to figure things out alone. Advisors help map out progression options, prepare visa applications and even guide career choices.
  
  
• Scholarships that reduce barriers: We know higher education can be costly. Therefore, we offer up to 35% scholarships for students who progress to their top-up year at one of our partner universities. For many families, specially benefiting from scholarships for international students, this makes global education far more accessible.

3. Beyond the classroom:

• Career-ready learning: The pathway is not just academic. At every level, the focus is on practical, hands-on skills. For instance, business students work on real-world case studies, IT students learn through simulated industry environments and healthcare students explore management scenarios drawn from practice.
  
  
• International community: Dubai itself is home to more than 200 nationalities. Add in the GEDU network of 60,000 students spread across more than 12 countries, and you get a truly global classroom experience. Learning here means building networks that cross borders.
  
  
• GEDU Global advantage: With GEDU, you are never limited to one campus. If your dreams change, your education can move with you. From Dubai to the UK, from Europe to the US, the pathway makes it seamless.

Put simply, the GBS Dubai pathway matters because it combines clarity, flexibility and opportunity. It is not just about getting a degree; it is about designing an education journey that works best for you.

Education has always been about opening doors. But today, it is also about crossing borders. With the GBS Dubai progression pathway, you do not just study in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. You start a journey that can take you anywhere.

From foundation levels to completing your bachelor’s degree, each stage is a step towards a globally recognised qualification. More importantly, it is a step towards the career and life you have imagined, whether that is in Dubai, London, New York or beyond.

At GBS Dubai, our message is simple: Start in Dubai. Graduate Globally. Your journey begins here, but where it takes you is up to you.

To Know more about GBS Dubai please connect with our student support team.