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The Rising Scholars Program is a selective academic opportunity for high-achieving and motivated school students.
Selected students complete a first-year Curtin unit over a 14-week teaching period. They attend scheduled classes, complete assessments, access academic support, and become part of the Curtin Dubai community.
The program gives students early exposure to higher education while helping them explore their interests and prepare for their next academic step.
Who can become a Rising Scholar?
The program is designed for students who:
Usually hold a minimum B-grade average or equivalent
Show a strong interest in Business or Psychology
Demonstrate curiosity, maturity, independence, and responsibility
Can balance the program with school and other commitments
Have the support of a parent or guardian
Places are limited, and admission is competitive. Curtin Dubai will assess each application based on the student’s academic performance, motivation, readiness, and the requirements of the selected unit.
The Rising Scholar advantage
Earn a recognised achievement
Receive a Curtin University Certificate of Completion after successfully passing the unit.
Potential academic credit
The completed unit may count towards an eligible Curtin undergraduate degree, subject to the relevant course structure and credit requirements.
Experience life at Curtin
Learn from Curtin academics, engage with students, and access selected facilities, learning platforms, events, and support services.
Build university-ready skills
Strengthen academic writing, research, critical thinking, independent learning, time management, and personal responsibility.
Explore where your interests could take you
For the 2026 intake, students can apply to study a unit in Business or Psychology. Unit availability and admission remain subject to entry requirements, timetabling, and capacity.
Business
MKTG1000 Discovering Marketing
Explore how marketing connects ideas with real business decisions. Students examine brands, consumer behaviour, global market trends, and contemporary business challenges while developing practical approaches to product, pricing, promotion, and distribution.
The unit also introduces modern branding, social media, content marketing, Canva, AI-enabled platforms, and social-listening tools. Through an industry-based project, students respond to a genuine business challenge and develop evidence-based ideas for a real brand.
Psychology
CHML1000 Foundations of Professional Health Practice
Explore the foundations of professional health practice, including ethical decision-making, client-centred care, and the standards that support safe, high-quality services.
Students develop essential university study skills while examining Australian and international health systems and the professional requirements of working in health settings.
Through collaborative learning and reflection, students gain an appreciation of diversity, interprofessional teamwork, and lifelong learning.
What it takes to succeed
The Rising Scholars Program requires commitment, independence, and responsibility.
Students will need to:
Attend approximately two to three hours of scheduled classes each week, depending on the unit
Complete independent study outside scheduled class time
Submit projects and assessments by the required deadlines
Engage with academics, classmates, and online learning resources
Balance the program with schoolwork and other commitments
Commit to the full 14-week teaching period
Apply directly or through your school
Students can apply directly by submitting a student application, personal statement, and academic transcripts.
Schools can also nominate eligible students by submitting the School Nomination Form with the student’s personal statement and academic transcripts. A nomination supports the application but does not guarantee admission.
A completed student application or School Nomination Form
A completed personal statement
Academic transcripts from the previous two years, including current-year results
Confirmation of parent or guardian support
AED 7,100 for the 14-week program
Stage
Date
Applications and nominations close
25 August 2026
Rising Scholar Orientation
27 August 2026
Program begins
31 August 2026
Teaching period
14 weeks
Frequently asked question
Yes. Students can apply directly, or their school can nominate them.
No. Places are limited, and Curtin Dubai assesses every application against the program and unit requirements.
Yes. The fee for the 14-week program is AED 7,100.
The completed unit may count towards an eligible Curtin undergraduate degree, subject to the relevant course structure and a formal credit assessment.
Students who successfully pass the unit will receive a Curtin University Certificate of Completion.
Ready to become a Rising Scholar?
Take your first step towards higher education while continuing school.
