University Overview: Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI)

The Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) is a private, non-profit university located in the heart of the Dubai Design District (d3), UAE. Established in 2018, this young yet ambitious institution offers a four-year Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree taught entirely in English.

Contents:

• University mission and vision
• Campus and facilities
• Academic programs
• Admission requirements
• Tuition fees
• Scholarships and discounts
• Student accommodation
• Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

University Mission and Vision

DIDI is the first university in the region entirely dedicated to design and innovation, giving students the freedom to shape their own interdisciplinary learning paths. Its curriculum is built around three core pillars:

• Visual Literacy
• Technological Fluency
• Strategic Proficiency

The institute collaborates closely with globally renowned partners such as MIT and Parsons School of Design, which have contributed to shaping the academic content and structure of its programs.

DIDI is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education and accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA).

Campus and Facilities

• The DIDI campus is situated in the vibrant Dubai Design District (d3), a creative hub home to leading design studios, galleries, and innovative companies.

• The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, including design labs, workshops equipped with tools such as 3D printers and milling machines, multimedia studios, collaborative spaces, and exhibition areas.

• DIDI is also a proud member of international networks, including the Cumulus Association, the world’s leading association of universities in art, design, and media.

Academic Programs

DIDI offers a single, comprehensive Bachelor of Design (BDes) program spanning four years, taught entirely in English. A key feature of the program is the ability for students, starting in their second year, to combine two disciplines from the four available.

Available disciplines:

• Product Design
• Multimedia Design
• Fashion Design
• Strategic Design Management

Product Design: Focuses on creating and developing products, services, and systems while considering cultural, social, and technological contexts, as well as potential impacts of their use.

Multimedia Design: Involves designing interfaces and interactive solutions for ethical human–machine interaction within mixed reality (MR) environments.

Fashion Design: Applies cutting-edge technologies and new materials to create innovative, contemporary apparel solutions.

Strategic Design Management: Uses design tools to manage organizational change, develop branding, and implement effective business strategies.

This structure allows each student to craft a personalized learning path, choosing two disciplines that best align with their interests, such as Product Design + Multimedia Design or Fashion Design + Strategic Design Management.

Program structure:

• Year 1 — immersive foundations: Students explore visual thinking, technology, entrepreneurship, and receive an introduction to all four disciplines.
• From year 2 onwards: Students select two disciplines for in-depth study, shaping their individual academic trajectory.
• Internship: A mandatory internship takes place in Year 3, arranged in coordination with the university.
• Capstone project: In the final year, students complete an independent project, individually or in teams.

Program highlights and advantages:

• Interdisciplinary approach: Combines design, technology, and business strategy, equipping graduates with versatile skills for the job market.
• Project-oriented learning: Studio projects, hands-on practice, and industry collaborations form a significant part of the curriculum.
• Partnerships with MIT and Parsons: Ensure high academic standards and exposure to global best practices.
• International networks: Membership in associations such as Cumulus expands opportunities for exchanges, internships, and career development.

Admission Requirements

Applications to DIDI are submitted online via the university’s official website.

To apply, candidates must provide:

• A secondary school diploma (12 years of schooling)
• UAE Ministry of Education Equivalency Certificate (mandatory for all applicants)
• Personal Statement (~500 words) describing academic interests, motivation to study design, previous design experience, extracurricular activities, and career aspirations
• English proficiency proof: Academic IELTS (5.0), TOEFL iBT (61), or EmSAT English

Notes:

• Applicants may be exempt from the English test if their secondary education was in English and their final Grade 12 English score is 70% or above.
• In countries with 11-year school systems, the missing year must be completed via a Foundation Year or by enrolling in a university program locally before transferring to DIDI.

For more details, see the Admissions section on DIDI’s official website.

Tuition Fees

The annual tuition fee at DIDI is AED 98,000 (excluding VAT).

Additional costs may include:

• Non-refundable Seat Reservation Deposit: AED 5,000 to secure a place, deducted from the total tuition fee;
• VAT;
• Study materials, software, and equipment;
• Accommodation, meals, transportation, insurance, visa fees, etc.;
• Late registration fees, if deadlines are missed.

Scholarships and Discounts

DIDI encourages students through internal scholarships and partner discounts:

• Internal scholarships are evaluated individually during the admissions process. Applicants should contact the admissions office for details.
• GEMS Schools Program: Offers a 5% tuition discount for GEMS students, with the possibility of combining scholarships up to 50%.

Accommodation Options

Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation collaborates with several student residences, providing convenient and diverse housing options across Dubai:

• The Myriad Dubai: A modern student residence in Dubai International Academic City, featuring a rooftop pool, gym, sports courts, cinema, lounges, library, laundry facilities, and parking.

• Dubai Silicon Oasis University Residence: Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, offering fully furnished studios and apartments with weekly cleaning, 24/7 security, and sports facilities. Separate blocks are available for male and female students. Shops and cafes are within walking distance.

• Uninest Student Accommodation: A 10-story building in Dubailand, offering studios and 1–3 bedroom apartments. All units are fully furnished, equipped with workspaces, safes, and essential amenities.

• KSK Homes: A lively student residence offering various room types, including single, double, and premium rooms. Facilities include parking, a pool, gym, games area, cinema, and laundry services.

• Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM): A prestigious campus located opposite the iconic Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Spacious studios feature kitchens, workspaces, and scenic coastal views. The campus also has cafés serving international cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the minimum high school average required to apply?

To be eligible to apply to DIDI, a candidate must have completed 12 years of schooling and hold a recognized secondary school certificate with a minimum final-year average of 75% or higher (or its equivalent).

2. What if my country follows an 11-year school system and I am missing one year?

There are two options:

• Enroll in the Foundation Year at Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (1-year program);
• Transfer to DIDI after completing the first year at another accredited university (important: the university must be approved by the UAE Ministry of Education).

3. Is a DIDI degree recognized internationally (e.g., in the CIS or Europe)?

DIDI is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), ensuring recognition within the UAE and strong academic value. However, recognition outside the UAE depends on local regulations, so it is recommended to verify requirements in the country where you plan to work or continue your studies.

4. Is distance learning available?

Currently, DIDI offers on-campus, in-person learning as the main study format.

5. Can my application be considered without TOEFL, IELTS, EmSAT, or SAT scores?

If SAT or English proficiency test results (Academic IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or EmSAT English) are not yet available, you can still submit your application. Admission will remain conditional until all required documents are provided.

6. Does DIDI provide internships and career support?

Yes — the curriculum includes a mandatory internship, and the university maintains industry connections to assist students with projects, internships, and career opportunities.

Interested in Studying at Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation?

Book a personal consultation with an ED-EX specialist to learn more about the admission process. You can submit your request in any convenient way:

• via your personal account,
• on the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation page,
• or by emailing us at support@ed-ex.com.