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Murdoch goes global in Singapore and Dubai
Along with three campuses in Western Australia, Murdoch University has international campuses in Singapore and Dubai, and in 2024 launched a new transnational partnership in Kuala Lumpur.
Murdoch’s first permanent presence in Singapore had humble beginnings.
Murdoch Singapore Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor International, Professor Peter Waring, and Transnational Education Manager Jenny Crawford took a trip to IKEA before constructing their own office furniture to set up the very first Singapore Murdoch offices.
Times have changed. Today, along with other members of their team, they are preparing to move the Murdoch Singapore campus into a brand-new building opposite the iconic Raffles Hotel – and all in a city where there are now more than 25,000 graduates of Murdoch University living and working.
Murdoch became involved in overseas education through its Business School in Singapore in 1991 with the Singapore National Employers Federation.
In 1993 Murdoch’s first international graduation ceremony was held with 128 students crossing the stage in Singapore as Murdoch’s first overseas graduates.
From the early 2000s Murdoch partnered with the Singapore Manufacturing Federation to offer its degree course, but this relationship came to an end before a new and highly successful partnership with Kaplan Singapore began in 2010. In 2024 Murdoch signed a significant extension agreement with Kaplan to continue the partnership.
Over the past decade, Murdoch University and Kaplan have worked closely to introduce and offer a comprehensive range of Bachelor and Postgraduate degree programs across many varied disciplines.
The story of Murdoch University in Singapore is one of continued growth and strengthening reputation.
Professor Waring
"We chose to work with Kaplan nearly 15 years ago because of their strong reputation and commitment to excellence in higher education. We choose to continue this relationship for another 15 years as we are confident that with Kaplan as our partner, we can grow from strength to strength.”
Image: Singapore students on campus
Although a small team, the staff from the Murdoch Singapore campus have made an impact in their community, with a culture of volunteering and creating community presence right from the start.
Team members have volunteered at local soup kitchens, managed barbecues with the Australian High Commission and hosted activities to celebrate the close diplomatic ties between Australia and Singapore.
This welcoming atmosphere is also experienced by students. Clubs and student support networks such as the Murdoch Psychology Society Singapore have developed over the years to ensure students feel engaged and supported personally while learning.
The new Singapore campus will offer spaces for workshops, seminars and public lectures, as well as facilities for social functions, with upgraded technology and more space for a growing student cohort.
Image: Singapore graduation 2024
Murdoch University’s second international campus opened in 2008 in Dubai International Academic City, with UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan undertaking official opening duties.
The campus then moved to Dubai Knowledge Park, in May 2020, doubling in size. This vibrant purpose-built campus features word-class facilities including a dedicated cybersecurity lab with custom-built systems, education-focused furniture, and ‘touchdown’ breakout spaces to promote a collaborative teaching and learning environment.
Continuing Murdoch’s foundation ethos across the globe, the Dubai campus prides itself on being a place of inclusive and flexible education for all students and a global centre for learning, teaching, research and industry collaboration.
Image caption: Exterior of the Murdoch University Dubai International Study Centre (2009)
Murdoch students studying in Dubai can undertake foundation units, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in business, information technology, communications, psychology and education.
In September 2023 Murdoch University Dubai welcomed its largest ever academic intake of students.
Upon inception Murdoch Dubai was a joint collaboration with service provider Global, but since January 2019 the partner has been Navitas Middle East. All programs offered are accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA) in Australia.
The team, led by Dean and Academic President of Murdoch Dubai Dr James (Jim) Trotter, consists of academic teaching staff from around the world, fostering a multicultural ethos alongside strong links to Australia.