Nowadays, the United Arab Emirates is everybody’s dream place. Whether it’s about working or studying, people worldwide wish to come to the UAE. It’s also not a myth that the UAE has emerged as a fast-growing, well-developed country that has evolved into a global education hub attracting students from all over the world, especially from India, Africa, and other Asian countries. With its award-winning infrastructure, excellent faculty, and multicultural society, the UAE offers numerous academic opportunities in public and private institutions. This blog will introduce you to the list of Universities in UAE, the UAE university tuition fees, Dubai university courses, public universities in UAE, and top private universities in Dubai.
Why Study in the UAE?
Before checking out the UAE university list, understand why the UAE is preferred as a top destination for higher studies. UAE, being home to top-ranked international and local universities, makes it a worthy place to pursue higher education. Also, a safe and modern environment contributes to the same. Degrees offered by UAE-based universities are recognized globally. Language is also not a big issue in the UAE, as English-taught programs are available for most courses. Lastly, the post-study visa options and career opportunities make it a fruitful place to start your journey.
Top Public Universities in UAE
Public universities in UAE are government-funded and offer affordable education with high academic standards. They usually attract UAE nationals but also admit and cater to international students in specific programs.
| University | Type | Courses | Admission | Tuition Fees | Grades |
| UAE University | Public University | Science, Engineering, Medicine, Education, IT, Business | High school diploma, IELTS/TOEFL | AED 25,000 – AED 50,000 per year | 75 – 85% minimum |
| Khalifa University – Abu Dhabi | Public Research University | Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Aerospace, Health Sciences | Aptitude test, transcripts, English proficiency | AED 40,000 – AED 60,000 annually | 80% or above |
| Zayed University – Abu Dhabi & Dubai | Public University | Business, Communication, IT, Humanities, Arts | High school records, IELTS/TOEFL | AED 30,000 – AED 60,000 | 75% minimum |
| University of Sharjah | Public | Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Business, Law | Transcripts, English test, and entrance exams for selected programs | AED 37,000 – AED 60,000 | 80% or more |
Top Private Universities in Dubai
Top private universities in Dubai, in collaboration with international institutions, offer outstanding education and globally recognized degrees, which is why aspiring students across the globe visit the UAE.
| University | Type | Courses | Admission | Tuition Fees | Grades |
| American University in Dubai | Private American-style university | Media, Engineering, International Relations, Business | Academic records, personal essay, and English proficiency | AED 70,000 – AED 85,000 | 75 – 85% |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai | UK University Campus | Data Science, Civil Engineering, Business, Fashion | UK A-levels, CBSE, IB, IELTS/TOEFL | AED 58,000 – AED 80,000 | 70 – 85% |
| Middlesex University Dubai | UK University Branch | Law, Psychology, IT, Business | Academic transcripts, English test | AED 40,000 – AED 60,000 | 65 – 80% |
| Canadian University Dubai (CUD) | Canadian curriculum university | Architecture, IT, MBA, Communication | Secondary education results, IELTS/TOEFL | AED 55,000 – AED 75,000 | 70% and above |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai | Indian private university branch | Engineering, Interior Design, Biotechnology, Media | High school diploma, English proficiency | AED 30,000 – AED 45,000 | 60 – 75% |
Popular Dubai Universities Courses
Some popular Dubai universities courses align with undergraduate and postgraduate students’ dream goals, like:
- Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and AI
- Business: Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, MBA
- Media & Communication: Digital Media, Journalism, PR
- Computer Science: AI, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity
- Design & Architecture: Interior Design, Urban Planning
- Health Sciences: Nursing, Public Health, Medical Laboratory
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UAE University Admission Process
Here is a step-by-step guide on getting into UAE universities, whether public or private. For that, students need to follow these simple steps:
- Initially, you must select a university and course that aligns with your aim.
- Then, go through the UAE university eligibility criteria, prepare the documents accordingly, such as Academic transcripts, Passport copies, English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL), Personal statements/SOP, and Letters of recommendation (for PG).
- Then, apply online to whichever university aligns with your choice, pay the application fee, attend the required interview, and finally, you will receive an admission offer. From here, you can apply for your visa to the UAE.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Students who want to get into a UAE university but are tense about the fee structure or its affordability need not worry. Universities in the UAE support students financially through scholarships. A few scholarships are listed below:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based aid
- Early-bird discounts
- Special grants for international students
To avail these scholarships, check the university or official websites for deadlines and application processes.
Conclusion
Whether you’re interested in public universities in UAE or top private universities in Dubai, both provide high-quality education with international exposure. If you prefer the safe and modern environment of the UAE, a multicultural society, and global exposure, do visit the UAE. From quality education to daily work jobs, the UAE offers everything.
Hence, before admission into any UAE universities, check the Dubai university courses, UAE university tuition fees, and top private universities in Dubai that align with your academic goals and career aspirations.
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FAQs
Name the affordable yet top-ranked universities in UAE in 2025.
As of 2025, the affordable and top-ranked universities in the UAE are Manipal University Dubai, the University of Sharjah, Ajman University, Canadian University Dubai, and Zayed University.
Can Indian or other international students work part-time in the UAE during their studies in 2025?
Students are permitted to work part-time in the UAE during their studies, provided they have a valid student visa. Student visas allow students to work up to 15 – 20 hours/week.
What will the grading system be in UAE universities in 2025?
Most UAE universities follow the GPA (4.0 scale) or the UK classification system, such as:
A = 90–100% (GPA 4.0)
B = 80–89% (GPA 3.0–3.3)
C = 70–79% (GPA 2.0–2.3)
Below 60% is often considered a fail.
