Brookstone Institute of Global Studies (BIGS), Dubai: Programmes, Fees & What to Check

Brookstone Institute of Global Studies (BIGS) is a KHDA-approved professional training institute in Dubai Production City. It states clearly that it is not a degree-awarding institution. Its main offer is a Global Management Program that combines 11 KHDA-approved specialisation certificates with internships, industry visits, and an international immersion, sold as an all-inclusive package. It also runs 25 short courses. This guide explains what BIGS offers, what the package includes, and what to check.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: Brookstone Institute of Global Studies (BIGS), a KHDA-approved professional training institute in Dubai
• Status: BIGS states it is not a degree-awarding institution
• Location: Makateb 3, Dubai Production City
• Global Management Program: 11 KHDA-approved specialisation certificates, internships, industry visits, and an international immersion
• Fee: AED 85,200, described as all-inclusive (third-party sources list items such as flights, visa, Emirates ID, insurance, accommodation, and transport)
• Short courses: 25 programmes in computing, professional development, and technical skills, from about AED 1,500 to AED 35,000
• Intakes: February, May, and September; scholarships of up to 30% reported for merit

Rankings and reputation

BIGS is a training institute, not a university, so it is not ranked and does not award degrees. Some agents describe its programme as a 'global MBA'; it is a set of KHDA-approved certificates, not an MBA degree. Judge it on the value of the certificates and experiences for your goals.

Academics and signature programs

The Global Management Program covers areas such as finance, marketing, human resources, and business analytics through specialisation certificates, plus workshops and industry visits. Ask for each certificate's title, hours, and assessment, and whether any UK university partnership leads to a recognised degree.

Admissions and international eligibility

Entry is generally open to graduates and school leavers. BIGS's package reportedly includes visa processing; confirm who sponsors the visa and for how long.

English language requirements

• Courses are taught in English; check BIGS's requirements
• Certificates require English for assessment
• Ask about English support
• Confirm requirements before applying

Application checklist

Ask for a written contract listing everything included in the AED 85,200 package, the certificate titles, the visa sponsor, internship arrangements, and the refund policy.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

BIGS lists the Global Management Program at AED 85,200, described as all-inclusive, with instalments available. Third-party sources say the package covers items such as flights, visa, Emirates ID, insurance, accommodation, transport, certifications, and an international immersion. Get the full inclusions in writing.

Estimated living costs

• Housing costs vary widely by area, so compare options near the campus and the commute
• The UAE has no personal income tax, which helps part-time workers and graduates
• Health insurance is compulsory in Dubai and is a recurring cost
• Taxis are widely used, and the Dubai Metro and buses serve central areas
• Summer temperatures are very high, so plan air-conditioned housing and transport

Scholarships

Third-party sources report merit scholarships of up to 30% on the programme fee. Ask for the criteria in writing.

Campus life and student support

BIGS describes a 25,000-square-foot campus in Dubai Production City. Ask about classroom facilities and how internships are arranged.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

BIGS advertises '100% placement support', which usually means help with job searching rather than a guaranteed job. Ask for evidence of graduate outcomes, such as employer names, roles, and salaries.

UAE post-study visa options

The UAE offers several routes for graduates. The Green Visa allows self-sponsored residence for up to five years, generally with conditions, and a job exploration visa of up to 120 days has been reported for graduates of top-ranked universities. The UAE has also extended the post-study grace period to 12 months. Conditions can depend on your degree and institution, so verify them with UAE authorities.

Certificates versus degrees

KHDA-approved certificates show that a licensed institute delivered a training course. They are not degrees and do not carry the same recognition for jobs requiring a bachelor's or master's degree, or for immigration points systems in other countries. If you need a degree, choose an accredited university.

Understanding placement claims

'Placement support' usually means CV help, interview practice, and introductions to employers. It is not a job guarantee. Ask BIGS for verifiable data on recent graduates' jobs and for any guarantee terms in writing.

All-inclusive packages

Packages that bundle tuition, housing, visas, and flights can be convenient but make it hard to compare value. Ask for an itemised breakdown and check what happens if you leave early, whether you can choose your own housing, and how long the visa lasts.

A step-by-step checklist before paying

Read the contract carefully, confirm certificate titles and recognition, check visa sponsorship and duration, get placement data, and confirm refund terms before paying.

Mistakes to avoid

Applicants sometimes believe a certificate programme is an MBA because of agent marketing. Ask BIGS directly what qualification you will hold.

Who should look elsewhere

Students who need a degree for employment, further study, or immigration should choose a CAA-accredited university or a recognised international branch campus instead.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

Students need a UAE resident student visa, a medical fitness test, an Emirates ID, and valid health insurance. Budget for these costs and arrange housing early, since rental contracts and deposits differ from many home countries.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, visa and Emirates ID steps, and finding housing and transport. Students who plan their study routine early tend to settle faster.

A realistic budget

At AED 85,200 all-inclusive, compare the cost with tuition plus living costs at accredited universities or other institutes to judge value.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What certificates will I receive, and who recognises them?
• What exactly is included in the AED 85,200 fee?
• Who sponsors my visa, and for how long?
• What does '100% placement support' mean in practice?
• Is there a UK university partner, and what degree would it award?
• What are the refund terms?

Who BIGS suits best

BIGS may suit students who want a structured, all-inclusive training package in Dubai with certificates and industry exposure. It may suit less well students who need a recognised degree or MBA.

BIGS compared with accredited MBA programmes in Dubai

CAA-accredited universities and UK branch campuses in Dubai award MBAs and degrees recognised by employers and governments. Compare recognition, cost, and outcomes before choosing a certificate programme.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and check its accreditation.
2. Confirm the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with attested transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer and pay the deposit.
5. Complete the UAE student visa, medical test, and Emirates ID steps.
6. Arrange housing and health insurance before orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Start certificate attestation early, because it involves several offices and can take weeks. Keep copies of everything, and ask the institution to confirm fees and refund terms in writing.

Short courses

BIGS also offers 25 short courses in computing, professional and management development, and technical skills, priced from about AED 1,500 to AED 35,000. These may suit Dubai residents adding skills, but they are training certificates rather than academic qualifications.

Questions to ask BIGS

Ask BIGS for the full contract, an itemised breakdown of the AED 85,200 package, the names and levels of all certificates, details of the international immersion, visa sponsor and duration, internship partners, and verifiable graduate outcomes. Compare the answers with accredited alternatives.

Key takeaway

BIGS is a training institute, not a university. Its package may suit some students, but it is not a degree or MBA, so compare carefully.

Reading reviews and marketing

Some websites describe BIGS programmes as MBAs with assured placements. Treat agent and promotional sites with caution, and rely on BIGS's own written statements, its KHDA listing, and your contract. If claims differ, ask BIGS to confirm in writing.

Planning your arrival

If you enrol, keep copies of your contract, visa documents, Emirates ID application, and payment receipts. Confirm accommodation details before travelling.

Comparing total costs

To compare BIGS with accredited options, list what you would pay for tuition, housing, visa, insurance, and flights at a CAA-accredited university or UK branch campus, then compare the total and the qualification you would hold. A package price can look attractive until recognition is considered.

Final checks before you apply

Read BIGS's contract in full and ask for any verbal promises about jobs or degrees to be confirmed in writing.

Frequently asked questions