The parent’s guide to GBS Dubai Pathways programme

When your child begins their studies at GBS Dubai, they are not just enrolling in a course, they are entering a pathway recognised worldwide.

Dubai, now one of the world’s fastest-growing international education hubs, has become a destination for families who want the best of both worlds: British-quality education delivered locally.

The GBS Dubai Pathway follows the UK education framework, where each level builds on the next. It gives your child the flexibility to choose their pace and even their final study destination.

Here is what that journey looks like:

• Level 2: A foundation or entry route for pre-university preparation.
  
  
• Level 3: The International Extended Diploma – equivalent to A Levels, preparing students for higher education.
  
  
• Level 4: The Higher National Certificate (HNC) – equivalent to the first year of a UK bachelor’s degree.
  
  
• Level 5: The Higher National Diploma (HND) – equivalent to the second year of a UK bachelor’s degree.
  
  
• Level 6: The final stage – a bachelor’s degree completion with one of our partnered Gedu universities worldwide.

This pathway is a journey of progression. Each level gives your child a recognised UK qualification, internationally respected and accredited.

For parents, the decision to choose the right higher education institution involves more than just a name. It is about trust, recognition and long-term outcomes.

Listed below are some of the main reasons why GBS Dubai has become a preferred choice for families across the region:

a) Recognised and accredited qualifications:

All programmes at GBS Dubai are KHDA approved, ensuring they meet Dubai’s strict standards for higher education. Moreover, GBS Dubai delivers accredited UK qualifications in Dubai, giving your child the same academic rigour and quality as studying in the United Kingdom.

When your child earns a qualification from GBS Dubai, they hold a GBS Dubai recognised qualification that opens doors globally.

b) Global pathway opportunities:

Our GBS Dubai HND pathway gives students the option to complete their degree in Dubai or transfer to our partner universities in Europe, Australia or even the United States.

For instance, a student may start with the Level 3 International Extended Diploma in Business, progress to the Level 4 and 5 HND, and then move on to a Level 6 top-up degree at one of our Gedu partner universities.

It is a system that ensures continuity, flexibility and global recognition, which is something that parents greatly value.

c) Globally accepted qualifications:

GBS Dubai delivers Pearson BTEC and HND qualifications accepted globally, making our students highly employable wherever their ambitions take them.

This means your child can study in Dubai and still graduate with a qualification recognised by universities and employers around the world, a seamless blend of local access and international reach.

One of the biggest advantages of studying at GBS Dubai is access to British education standards, right here in the UAE.

The UK education system is respected for its practical, skills-based learning approach that prepares students for real-world challenges. Each qualification level is designed to build confidence, independence and employability.

Unlike traditional university routes, the GBS Dubai progression pathway allows your child to move forward in achievable steps, gaining valuable credentials along the way.

So, instead of waiting three or four years for one big result, students at GBS Dubai collect recognised milestones at every stage of their academic journey.

At GBS Dubai, we understand that every student is unique. Some may want to fast-track their studies, while others prefer to balance academics with work or family commitments.

It is the reason our Pathway is flexible.

Your child can choose:

• Their pace: full-time or part-time study.
  
  
• Their subject area: from business and management to IT and beyond.
  
  
• Their destination: stay in Dubai or transfer to partner institutions abroad.

This flexibility makes the GBS Dubai Pathway not just a course plan, but a customisable education journey.

As parents, you want to know that your child will be supported, guided and cared for throughout their academic life. GBS Dubai takes that responsibility seriously.

From the very first step, students are supported through a wide range of student support services at GBS Dubai, including:

• Academic and career counselling.
• Visa and accommodation assistance.
• Learning support and tutoring.
• Mental health and wellbeing services.

We make sure every student, whether from the UAE or abroad, feels at home.

Our experienced faculty and support teams are always available to ensure your child’s smooth transition between qualification levels, as well as their personal and professional development.

We know parents think practically – what will it cost and will it be worth it?

Dubai offers one of the most cost-effective international education experiences in the world. The cost of living in Dubai remains competitive compared to major education hubs such as London or New York, while still offering world-class facilities, safety and quality of life.

At GBS Dubai, we are committed to making education accessible and affordable. Through scholarships and financial aid, students can receive significant fee support, including up to 50% scholarships in their final year of study at one of our partner universities.

These scholarships not only ease the financial burden but also reward dedication and academic excellence.

So, you can rest assured that your child’s world-class education does not have to come at a world-sized cost.

Every parent hopes their child’s education leads to a meaningful career.

That is where the GBS Dubai Pathway stands out.

Our partnership with Pearson, one of the UK’s most trusted awarding bodies, ensures students gain hands-on industry-relevant skills from the very start.

Employers around the world recognise the Pearson BTEC and HND qualifications as practical, work-ready credentials.

GBS Dubai complements academic excellence with dedicated career support services, including:

• Internship and placement opportunities.
• Workshops on employability skills.
• Guidance on CV building and interview preparation.
• Networking events with industry experts and employers.

When your child graduates, they are not just holding a degree, they are holding a career advantage.

Studying in Dubai means being part of a dynamic, multicultural environment that celebrates innovation, opportunity and diversity.

For parents, this means your child is learning in one of the safest and most progressive cities in the world, with exposure to global perspectives and real-world experiences.

Dubai’s thriving industries, from finance and technology to tourism and entrepreneurship, offer endless opportunities for internships and employment after graduation.

And with GBS Dubai’s Pearson-approved programmes, you can be confident that your child’s qualification meets the highest international standards.

Education is one of the most meaningful investments you can make for your child. But it is more than just academics. It is about empowerment, growth and future success.

At GBS Dubai, your child begins a journey recognised, respected and designed for global possibilities.

They can start here in Dubai, progress through each level of the GBS Dubai HND Pathway and finish their degree anywhere in the world, all the while being guided by caring mentors, supported through world-class student services and encouraged to dream big.

Choosing GBS Dubai means choosing:

• Accredited UK qualifications in Dubai
• Globally recognised Pearson BTEC / HND programmes
• Affordable tuition and flexible payment plans
• Comprehensive student support services
• Scholarships and financial aid options
• A safe, vibrant environment for your child to thrive

It is an education built on trust, quality and opportunity.

As a parent, you have always dreamt of seeing your child stand tall: confident, capable and ready to conquer the world.

At GBS Dubai, we share that dream with you.

Through our globally recognised pathways, we help your child take that dream step by step, from classroom to career, from Dubai to the world.

Because every successful journey begins with the right pathway.

And for your child, that pathway begins here: at GBS Dubai.