Our History in Transnational Education

The University first became involved in the provision of overseas education through its Business School in Singapore in 1991 with the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF). This was followed shortly thereafter in Malaysia with Kolej Damansara Utama (KDU), KDU Penang, Sibu and Kota Kinabalu.

All of the initial TNE offerings were undergraduate business degree programs. In the early 2000's, Murdoch partnered with the Singapore Manufacturing Federation to offer its degree courses - relationship which ended in 2014. In 2010, a new partnership with Kaplan Singapore began which continues today. Murdoch University also began offering its courses in Dubai in 2008; first with an infrastructure provider called Global and, since January 2019, with Navitas.

Murdoch University’s TNE enterprise has grown from 585 students in 2005 to 5,457 students in 2023.

Message from the Pro Vice Chancellor Transnational Education

PW Profile Picture
Murdoch stands out with the largest enrolment and most extensive course offerings among Australian institutions in Singapore. We attract both local and international students through a portfolio of programs designed to meet the evolving needs of the Singaporean and Southeast Asian labour markets.
Professor Peter Waring

“Murdoch University has a strong and growing presence in Singapore, renowned for its excellence and impact in the region. With a thriving community of over 25,000 alumni in the city-state—more than half of whom completed their studies in Singapore—Murdoch has become a trusted name in higher education. As one of the few Australian universities officially recognized by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower and Ministry of Law, Murdoch stands out with the largest enrolment and most extensive course offerings among Australian institutions in Singapore. We attract both local and international students through a portfolio of programs designed to meet the evolving needs of the Singaporean and Southeast Asian labour markets. Our brand new campus (in partnership with Kaplan) is located in the prime district of Singapore opposite the iconic Raffles Hotel and offers ‘stare of the art’ teaching and recreational facilities. 

Murdoch Singapore provides a comprehensive range of academic, support, and administrative services tailored to its diverse student and alumni community. Through our employability centre, Murdoch EDGE, we offer career guidance, entrepreneurship support, and industry networking opportunities, equipping students with the skills and connections needed for success. Our commitment to impactful research is reflected in our dedicated facility, the Singapore Centre for Research on Innovation, Productivity, and Technology (SCRIPT), focusing on areas critical to Singapore’s growth and development.

Murdoch University Dubai, established in 2007, is our dynamic branch campus located in the heart of Dubai’s Knowledge Park. One of only three Australian universities offering comprehensive degree programs in the UAE, Murdoch Dubai is rated as a 5 Star institution by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. The campus boasts a vibrant, multicultural student body, attracting individuals from across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indian Ocean region. With over 1000 students and faculty members representing 14 different countries, Murdoch Dubai offers a stimulating and diverse learning environment that prepares students for the global workforce.

 

Message from the Dubai Dean & Academic President

Professor Michael Gallimore (Dubai Dean)
At Murdoch Dubai, we are future-focused and output-driven – committed to developing graduates who possess the right blend of cutting-edge knowledge, critical thinking, and employability skills that enable them to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Professor Michael Gallimore

Our goal is not only academic excellence but also meaningful impact – preparing our students to become leaders who contribute to business, society, and the wider global community.

All our programs are accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) in Australia and in the UAE through our licence from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). This ensures every Murdoch Dubai degree is globally respected and regionally relevant.

Our talented academic and professional staff, drawn from across the world, are passionate about delivering transformative learning experiences through innovative teaching, personalised support, and real-world engagement. We are also building a strong platform for high-impact, whole-systems research – connecting ideas across disciplines to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges – and for workforce development through executive education, equipping professionals and industries for the future.

Choosing the right university is one of the most important decisions you will make, and we are here to support you at every stage. Whether you are a prospective student, a current learner, or an alumnus shaping the future, you are part of a growing community that values excellence, inclusivity, and global impact.

Murdoch University Dubai is more than a place to study – it’s a place to grow, to create, and to lead. I look forward to welcoming you to our campus and to being part of your journey toward success.