Top universities in the UAE include Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University, American University of Sharjah, and many more. Engineering, architecture, marketing, and MBA in UAE are some of the popular courses offered by these universities.
Universities in the UAE are among the top universities in the world. International institutions of higher education in Dubai reported 8% every year growth in the number of enrolled students, according to the data from the Dubai KHDA. Besides, the number of international students who came to Dubai to complete their higher education rose by 12%, which amounts to almost one-third of the total students in Dubai. Also, data from the current academic year presented that 60% of students are enrolled for Bachelor's degrees, 30 % for Master’s and 2% for doctorate degrees.
International students can work in the UAE in high professional roles with competitive annual salary packages after studying in UAE. The leading recruiters in the UAE are Microsoft, Amazon, Accenture, KPMG, EY, and many more.
Also Explore: Jobs in UAE for International Students
Top 10 Best Universities in UAE for Indian Students
There are 4 universities in the UAE among the top 500 according to the QS World University Rankings 2024. Below is the list of the top 10 universities in UAE and their ranks.
| University | QS World University Rankings 2024 | THE World University Rankings 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Khalifa University | #230 | #251–300 |
| United Arab Emirates University | #290 | #301–350 |
| American University of Sharjah | #364 | #601–800 |
| University of Sharjah | #465 | #351–400 |
| Ajman University | #551 | - |
| Canadian University Dubai | #551 | - |
| Abu Dhabi University | #580 | #251–300 |
| American University in Dubai | #601-610 | - |
| Al Ain University | #611-620 | - |
| Zayed University | #701-710 | #401–500 |
Top Universities in UAE with International Student Enrollment
Here is the list of top universities in UAE with the total number of international students.
| University | Total International Students |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi University | 60% |
| Khalifa University | 41% |
| United Arab Emirates University | 18% |
| University of Sharjah | 51% |
| Zayed University | 2% |
| American University of Sharjah | 74% |
| Ajman University | 82% |
| Al Ain University | 60% |
| American University in the Emirates (AUE) | 44% |
| American University in Dubai | 75% |
| American University of Ras Al Khaimah | 57% |
| The British University in Dubai | 60% |
| University of Dubai | 24% |
| Gulf Medical University | 90% |
Top Universities in UAE for International Students by Location
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) consists of 7 emirates - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. Thus, each location has its own set of rules, quality of education, and most importantly industrial exposure. Therefore, before selecting a college in the UAE one should evaluate the merits and demerits of the location.
| QS Best Student Cities 2024 | Location in UAE | Top Universities |
|---|---|---|
| #54 | Dubai | Canadian University Dubai
American University in Dubai Zayed University |
| #85 | Abu Dhabi | Khalifa University
Al Ain University Abu Dhabi University Sorbonne University Al Hosn University |
| - | Sharjah | American University of Sharjah
Skyline University College University of Sharjah |
Top Universities in UAE for Undergraduate Courses
Below is the table that lists the top universities in UAE for various undergraduate programs with their annual tuition fees.
| University Name | Top Bachelors Program | Average Annual Tuition Fees (AED) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khalifa University | BSc. in Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science | 28,750 | 6.5 lakhs |
| United Arab Emirates University | BSc. in Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Economics, Accounting | 92,000 (May vary according to the program) | 20.81 lakhs |
| American University of Sharjah | BSc. in Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering | 102,960 | 23.29 lakhs |
| University of Sharjah | Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | 57,812 | 13.08 lakhs |
|
Ajman University |
Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics | 57,070 | 12.91 lakhs |
| Bachelor of Architecture | 49,140 | 11.11 lakhs |
Top Universities in UAE for Postgraduate Courses
Below is the table that lists the top universities in UAE for various postgraduate programs with their annual tuition fees.
| University Name | Top Masters Program | Average Annual Tuition Fees (AED) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khalifa University | MSc. in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering | 75,000 | 16.96 lakhs |
| United Arab Emirates University | Master in Business Analytics, Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering | 36,000 (May vary according to the program) | 8.13 lakhs |
|
American University of Sharjah |
Master of Urban Planning | 83,985 | 18.97 lakhs |
| All master of science engineering programs | 76,350 | 17.25 lakhs | |
|
University of Sharjah |
Master of Science in Business Analytics | 50,242 | 11.35 lakhs |
| MSc. in Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity Engineering, Artificial Intelligence | 51,765 | 11.69 lakhs | |
|
Ajman University |
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence |
37,500 |
8.47 lakhs |
| Master of Science in Urban Design |
Best Universities in UAE for Engineering
Below are the top 5 engineering colleges in UAE offering bachelor's and master's programs in engineering:
- Khalifa University
- United Arab Emirates University
- American University of Sharjah
- University of Sharjah
- Ajman University
Popular engineering courses in UAE are as follows:
- Cybersecurity Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
Top MBA Universities in UAE
The Table below showcases the total annual tuition fees for the top universities offering MBA in the UAE:
| University | Fees Per Year (AED) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates University | 65,016 | 14.69 lakhs |
| American University of Sharjah | 83,985 | 18.97 lakhs |
| University of Sharjah | 66,000 | 14.91 lakhs |
| Ajman University | MBA: Human Resources Management | Financial Management | Marketing: 36,000 | 8.13 lakhs |
Best Universities in UAE for Medicine
Some of the leading colleges offering MBBS in UAE and other medical programs for international students are listed below:
| University | Medical Program | Fees Per Year (AED) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman University | UG: College of Medicine | 121,000 | 27.34 lakhs |
| University of Sharjah | MBBS | 118,300 | 26.73 lakhs |
| Gulf Medical University | BBMS | 44,400 | 10.03 lakhs |
| United Arab Emirates University | Master of Medical Sciences | 57,600 | 13.01 lakhs |
| Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences | MBBS | 160,000 | 36.15 lakhs |
Top Universities in UAE with High Graduate Employability
There are a total of 4 top UAE universities featured in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings. These UAE universities are among the top 500. Below is a table showcasing the UAE universities along with the average annual salary earned by their graduates.
| QS Graduate Employability Rankings | University | Average Annual Salary (AED) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| #301-500 | American University of Sharjah | 168,000 | 38.01 lakhs |
| #301-500 | United Arab Emirates University | 187,000 | 42.30 lakhs |
| #501+ | American University in Dubai | 204,000 | 46.15 lakhs |
| #501+ | Khalifa University | 189,000 | 42.76 lakhs |
How to choose Universities?
Here are the following steps for selecting universities in UAE:
- Check out global rankings such as QS and THE World University Rankings for a selection of top universities in UAE.
- Top universities always offer good jobs. Always keep track of the graduate employment rate and grab the employment opportunities.
- While choosing universities always look for the availability of scholarships and bursaries. Top universities in UAE offer various scholarships and bursaries, which are very important for international students to manage their finances.
- Look for universities in UAE with affordable tuition fees.
- Always check the cost of attendance at the universities.
UAE is a one-stop destination for Indian students due to its affordable cost of living. Career prospects are good in the UAE. The average annual salary of graduates is AED 187,000 (42.30 lakhs INR).
FAQs
Ques. What is the number #1 university in the UAE?
Ans. According to the QS and THE World University Rankings 2024, Khalifa University is at the top. It is ranked #1 among all universities in the UAE.
| University | QS World University Rankings 2024 | THE World University Rankings 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Khalifa University | #230 | #251–300 |
| United Arab Emirates University | #290 | #301–350 |
| American University of Sharjah | #364 | #601–800 |
Ques. Is university free in UAE?
Ans. The ranges of tuition fees to study in UAE vary depending on the university and the program. Here are the average annual tuition fee ranges:
- Bachelor's Programs: AED 28,750 to AED 102,960 per year (approximately 6.5 lakhs INR to 23.29 lakhs INR).
- Master's Programs: AED 36,000 to AED 83,985 per year (approximately 8.13 lakhs INR to 18.97 lakhs INR).
- MBA Programs: AED 36,000 to AED 83,985 per year (approximately 8.13 lakhs INR to 18.97 lakhs INR).
- Medical Programs: AED 44,400 to AED 160,000 per year (approximately 10.03 lakhs INR to 36.15 lakhs INR).
Ques. How many universities are there in UAE?
Ans. There are 67 universities in the UAE accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), the official government body.
Ques. Which city is best to study in UAE?
Ans. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the two cities in the UAE ranked among the top 100 study abroad destinations. The best cities to study in the UAE are as follows:
| QS Best Student Cities 2024 | Location in UAE | Top Universities |
|---|---|---|
| #54 | Dubai | Canadian University Dubai
American University in Dubai Zayed University |
| #85 | Abu Dhabi | Khalifa University
Al Ain University Abu Dhabi University Sorbonne University Al Hosn University |
Ques. How many Indian students study in UAE?
Ans. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, approximately 164,000 Indian students study in the UAE.
Ques. Can I get a scholarship in UAE?
Ans. Yes, there are many scholarships available for international students to study undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs in the UAE. Here is the list of scholarships:
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Award |
|---|---|---|
| UG Scholarship for International Students | Apply with UG courses at University of Sharjah | 100% tuition waiver |
| Zayed University UG Merit Scholarship | 95% in 12th, 6.0 in IELTS, 80 or more in TOEFL | 50% tuition fee coverage |
| Khalifa University Combined Master/Doctoral Research Teaching Scholarship | For those enrolling with master and PhD courses | Covers complete tuition+Stipend of 8,000 to 12,000 |
| Professional Excellence Award | Offered to candidates with clear professional merit and can demonstrate a potential to contribute to all aspects of the MBA program at Bayes Business School | 50% tuition fee off |
Found 17 universities
| CD Rank | College Info | Tuition Fees & living Cost(Avg.) | Top Courses | Ranking & Reviews | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| #1 |  Abu Dhabi University, DubaiDubai, Uae4%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $15.4K/Yr (د.إ57,013/Yr)Admission | M.B.AGMAT500TOEFL79$23.8K/Yr د.إ88,200 Course duration: 1 year 12+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #2 |  Khalifa University, Abu DhabiAbu Dhabi, Uae9%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $30.1K/Yr (د.إ111,538/Yr)Admission | M.S Computer ScienceGRE300IELTS6.5$40.5K/Yr د.إ150,000 Course duration: 2 years 25+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #3 |  United Arab Emirates University, Al AinAbu Dhabi, Uae65%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $19.1K/Yr (د.إ70,618/Yr)Living: $411.48/Yr (د.إ1,524/Yr)Admission | M.B.AGMAT550IELTS6$21.9K/Yr د.إ81,270 Course duration: 2 years 14+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #4 |  University of Sharjah, SharjahSharjah, Uae76%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $12.2K/Yr (د.إ45,045/Yr)Living: $538.38/Yr (د.إ1,994/Yr) | M.B.AGMAT550TOEFL79$12.2K/Yr د.إ45,045 Course duration: 2 years 14+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #5 |  Zayed University, DubaiDubai, Uae31%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $20.9K/Yr (د.إ77,454/Yr)Living: $220.32/Yr (د.إ816/Yr)Admission | E.M.B.AGMAT650TOEFL79$21.6K/Yr د.إ80,010 Course duration: 2 years 14+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #6 |  Amity University, DubaiDubai, Uae21%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $13.4K/Yr (د.إ49,683/Yr)Living: $6.7K/Yr (د.إ25,000/Yr)Admission | M.B.A (General)GMAT650TOEFL60PTE53$13.4K/Yr د.إ49,500 Course duration: 2 years 45+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #7 |  BITS Pilani, DubaiDubai, Uae8%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $11.2K/Yr (د.إ41,650/Yr)Living: $8.1K/Yr (د.إ30,000/Yr)Admission | M.B.AGMAT620TOEFL61$8.6K/Yr د.إ32,000 Course duration: 2 years 13+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #8 |  University of Birmingham Dubai, DubaiDubai, Uae79%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $33.4K/Yr (د.إ123,730/Yr)Living: $54.27/Yr (د.إ201/Yr)Admission | M.S Computer ScienceGRE310TOEFL80$40K/Yr د.إ148,138 Course duration: 1 year 21+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #9 |  University of Wollongong Dubai, DubaiDubai, Uae32%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $15.5K/Yr (د.إ57,551/Yr)Living: $520.56/Yr (د.إ1,928/Yr)Admission | M.B.AGMAT550TOEFL88PTE54$15.5K/Yr د.إ57,551 Course duration: 2 years 14+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10 |  Middlesex University Dubai, DubaiDubai, Uae57%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $18.5K/Yr (د.إ68,661/Yr)Living: $146.88/Yr (د.إ544/Yr)Admission | M.B.A FinanceTOEFL87PTE58$29.9K/Yr د.إ110,800 Course duration: 1 year 61+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| #11 |  Westford University College, SharjahSharjah, Uae98%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $2.9K/Yr (د.إ10,672/Yr) | M.B.A InternationalGMAT550TOEFL79$2.9K/Yr د.إ10,890 Course duration: 1 year 14+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #12 |  Manipal Academy of Higher Education, DubaiDubai, Uae38%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $3K/Yr (د.إ11,251/Yr)Living: $9.6K/Yr (د.إ35,500/Yr) | M.B.ATOEFL78$6.3K/Yr د.إ23,180 Course duration: 2 years 25+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #13 |  IMT Business School Dubai, DubaiDubai, Uae59%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $10.9K/Yr (د.إ40,232/Yr)Living: $2K/Yr (د.إ7,465/Yr)Admission | M.B.AGMAT550TOEFL79$22.9K/Yr د.إ85,000 Course duration: 1 year 2+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #14 |  Gulf Medical University, AjmanAjman, Uae70%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $20.7K/Yr (د.إ76,567/Yr)Admission | Master in Clinical PharmacyTOEFL79$17.9K/Yr د.إ66,150 Course duration: 2 years 14+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #15 |  De Montfort University, DubaiDubai, Uae45%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $4.4K/Yr (د.إ16,354/Yr) | M.B.A GlobalGMAT590IELTS6.0$5.3K/Yr د.إ19,800 Course duration: 1 year 10+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #16 |  University of Bolton, Al QusaidatRas Al Khaimah, Uae69%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $4.3K/Yr (د.إ15,950/Yr) | M.S Accountancy and Financial Ma...IELTS6$4.3K/Yr د.إ15,950 Course duration: 2 years 12+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #17 |  Global Business Studies, DubaiDubai, Uae | Tuition: $9.1K/Yr (د.إ33,889/Yr) | HND in Digital Technologies (Art...Duolingo65IELTS4.5PTE40$10.8K/Yr د.إ40,000 Course duration: 2 years 8+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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