Highlights:
There are more than 65 colleges and best universities in Dubai, among which 11 universities are featured in the QS ranking 2024. United Arab Emirates University, Khalifa University, American University of Sharjah are some of the good universities in UAE. Tax-free earnings after completion of studies from the United Arab Emirates attracts a huge number of Indian students to the country. As per the reports from the Ministry of External Affairs, 1,64,000 Indian students are studying at the best universities in UAE.
To further expand its international student enrollment, UAE introduced a new 5 year visa for international students with a focus on the internalization of its education system. Moreover, UAE ranks #2 safest countries in the world. There are mainly four types of top universities in Dubai. They are
Table of Content
There are 5 public and 58 private colleges and universities in Dubai. Ranking of the top 10 universities in Dubai are tabulated along with their acceptance rates.
| Top Universities in UAE | Global Rank | Rank in UAE | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates University | #290 in QS | #6 in QS | 13% |
| Khalifa University | #230 in QS | #7 in QS | 9% |
| American University of Sharjah | #364 in QS | #8 in QS | 80% |
| University of Sharjah | #465 in QS | #15 in QS | 13% |
| Zayed University | #701-710 in QS | #19 in QS | 20% |
| Canadian University Dubai | #551 in QS | #21 in QS | 77% |
| Ajman University | #551 in QS | #22 in QS | 17% |
| Abu Dhabi University | #580 in QS | #23 in QS | 41% |
| Al Ain University | #601-620 in QS | #28 in QS | 64% |
| American University in Dubai | #601-610 in QS | #38 in QS | 33% |
| American University of Ras Al Khaimah | - | #51-60 in QS | 71% |
| The British University in Dubai | - | #61-70 in QS | 65% |
| University of Dubai | #801-850 in QS | #71-80 in QS | 45% |
Apart from the listed above, there are many international universities that have their campuses in UAE. These universities along with their popular programs and cut-offs are stated below.
| Best Universities in Emirates | Popular Program | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| Amity University, Dubai | MBA | PTE: 53 TOEFL: 60 GMAT: 650 |
| BITS, Dubai | MBA | TOEFL: 79 GMAT: 620 |
| University of Birmingham Dubai | MS in Computer Science | TOEFL: 80 GRE: 310 |
| University of Wollongong Dubai | MBA | PTE: 54 TOEFL: 88 GMAT: 550 |
| Middlesex University Dubai | MBA in Finance | PTE: 58 TOEFL: 87 |
| IMT Business School Dubai | MBA | TOEFL: 79 GMAT: 550 |
| De Montfort University | Global MBA | IELTS: 6.0 GMAT: 590 |
Some of the best uni in UAE for engineering and technology are tabulated below along with their popular programs.
| Best Colleges in UAE | US News Rank | Popular Streams |
|---|---|---|
| Middlesex University Dubai | - | Robotics, Engineering Management, Computer Systems Engineering, Electronic Engineering |
| Khalifa University of Science and Technology | #156 in Best Universities for Engineering #662 in Best Global Universities |
Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering |
| The United Arab Emirates University | #558 in Best Universities for Engineering #679 in Best Global Universities |
Aerospace, Communication, Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering |
| American University of Sharjah | #830 in Best Universities for Engineering #1,381 in Best Global Universities |
Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Engineering |
| Abu Dhabi University | #222 in Best Universities for Engineering #564 in Best Global Universities |
Information Technology, Civil Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering |
Another popular field of study for international students in the UAE is Computer Science and Information Systems. Here we have mentioned 5 of the top colleges in Dubai for CS and Information systems:
| Good Colleges in Dubai | QS Subject Rank | Popular Streams |
|---|---|---|
| Khalifa University of Science and Technology | #351-400 | Computer Engineering, Cyber Security, Data Science |
| The United Arab Emirates University | #251-300 | Information Security, Information Technology, Computer Science |
| American University of Sharjah | #401-450 | Computer Science, Information Technology |
| Zayed University | #551-600 | Information Technology, Computer Engineering |
| Middlesex University Dubai | - | Network Management and Cloud Computing, Data Science, Computer Engineering |
MBA is one of the most sought-after courses to study worldwide. Due to the broad range of business and management programs available at the best university for MBA in UAE, more students are getting attracted. You can review the table below to know more about top universities in Dubai for business studies and MBA. American University in Dubai is the best university for MBA in Dubai.
| Best Business Universities in Dubai | QS Subject Ranking | Popular Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Zayed University | #451-500 | MBA, Finance, Accounting, Bachelor of Business |
| United Arab Emirates University | #301-350 | BBA, MBA, Economics, Professional Accounting |
| American University of Sharjah | #201-250 | BBA, Accounting, Economics, Finance, MBA |
| Middlesex University Dubai | - | Business Management, PR and Branding, International Business, Marketing, MBA, Digital Marketing |
| Abu Dhabi University | #580 | BBA, MBA |
A five-step guide is discussed below along with before and after measures for applying to study in UAE:
Like most study abroad destinations, Fall and Spring are the two popular intakes at the best universities in Dubai for international students. More details are given below

Fulfilling the basic eligibility criteria and presenting the documents required at the time of admission is the minimum requirement for studying abroad. The list of documents required to study at the top universities in Dubai are stated below.
Student visas offered by top universities in the UAE allow students to study and reside in the country for 1 year. Students can renew their visas at least 45 days before the expiry date to avoid overstay fines and a lengthy visa renewal process. Dubai study visa is renewable only upon providing proof of continuation of study. The list of documents required for a Dubai study visa are stated below.
Employers in the United Arab Emirates generally prefer candidates with excellent English language proficiency, and knowledge of Arabic can improve your chances of getting a job offer. Some of the high-paying sectors in UAE are as follows
Now, let’s take a close look at the in-demand jobs in UAE for international students.

| Job Role | National Average Salary in INR |
|---|---|
| Cloud Engineer | 5.15 Lakhs |
| Risk Manager | 8.35 Lakhs |
| Aeronautical Engineer | 4.74 Lakhs |
| Internal Medicine Physician | 8.30 Lakhs |
| Software Architect | 12.29 Lakhs |
To work legally in the UAE, you need to have a work permit. The government takes roughly 5 working days to grant your work permit after you submit your application. The list of documents required for a work permit in the UAE are mentioned below.
You can consider the aforementioned details while looking for the top 10 universities in UAE. UAE University, Khalifa University, Zayed University are among the best architecture universities in Dubai. Do not forget to check the cost of living while selecting any top b schools in UAE. A single person's estimated monthly costs are 90,979.5 INR in Dubai (4,012.4AED) without rent.
Ques: What are the top universities in the UAE?
Ans: The top universities in the UAE include United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Khalifa University, American University of Sharjah (AUS), University of Sharjah, and Zayed University.
Ques: How do UAE universities rank globally?
Ans: Universities like Khalifa University, UAEU, and AUS often feature in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education.
Ques: What are the admission requirements for UAE universities?
Ans: Admission requirements typically include a high school diploma, proficiency in English (often demonstrated by IELTS or TOEFL scores), and sometimes standardized test scores like the SAT. Specific requirements vary by university and program.
Ques: Are there scholarships available for international students in UAE universities?
Ans: Yes, many universities in the UAE offer scholarships and financial aid for international students based on academic merit, financial need, or specific talents and backgrounds.
Ques: What is the cost of tuition at top UAE universities?
Ans: Tuition fees vary widely depending on the university and program, ranging from approximately AED 37,500 to AED 100,000 per year for undergraduate programs. Graduate programs may have different fee structures.
Ques: What programs and degrees are most popular in UAE universities?
Ans: Popular programs include engineering, business, information technology, architecture, and medical sciences. Universities often offer a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
Ques: What is the medium of instruction in UAE universities?
Ans: The primary medium of instruction in most top universities in the UAE is English, though some universities also offer programs in Arabic.
Ques: Are UAE university degrees recognized internationally?
Ans: Yes, degrees from accredited UAE universities are recognized internationally. Many universities have partnerships and exchange programs with institutions worldwide.
Ques: What facilities and resources are available at UAE universities?
Ans: Top UAE universities typically offer state-of-the-art facilities, including modern libraries, laboratories, sports complexes, student housing, and career services.
Ques: What is campus life like in UAE universities?
Ans: Campus life is vibrant and diverse, with numerous student clubs, cultural events, sports activities, and opportunities for social engagement. Universities also provide support services for international students to help them adjust to life in the UAE.?
| Rank | College Info | Tuition Fees & living Cost(Avg.) | Top Courses | Ranking & Reviews | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| #1 | Zayed University, DubaiDubai, Uae60%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $21.8K/Yr (د.إ80,654/Yr)Living: $220.32/Yr (د.إ816/Yr)Admission | E.M.B.ATOEFL79$34.6K/Yr د.إ128,016 Course duration: 2 years 14+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #2 | Amity University - Dubai, DubaiDubai, Uae53%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $14K/Yr (د.إ51,809/Yr)Living: $6.7K/Yr (د.إ25,000/Yr)Admission | MBATOEFL79$17.8K/Yr د.إ66,000 Course duration: 1 year 42+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #3 | BITS Pilani, DubaiDubai, Uae8%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $11.4K/Yr (د.إ42,200/Yr)Living: $8.1K/Yr (د.إ30,000/Yr)Admission | MBATOEFL80$8.6K/Yr د.إ32,000 Course duration: 2 years 13+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #4 | University of Birmingham Dubai, DubaiDubai, Uae79%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $34.3K/Yr (د.إ126,973/Yr)Living: $54.27/Yr (د.إ201/Yr)Admission | MS Computer ScienceTOEFL80PTE64$45.5K/Yr د.إ168,608 Course duration: 1 year 21+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #5 | Abu Dhabi University, DubaiDubai, Uae75%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $15.4K/Yr (د.إ57,013/Yr)Admission | MBATOEFL79$23.8K/Yr د.إ88,200 Course duration: 1 year 12+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #6 | UOW-Dubai, DubaiDubai, Uae60%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $15.7K/Yr (د.إ58,002/Yr)Living: $520.56/Yr (د.إ1,928/Yr)Admission | MBATOEFL88$15.5K/Yr د.إ57,583 Course duration: 2 years 14+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #7 | Middlesex University Dubai, DubaiDubai, Uae57%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $16.9K/Yr (د.إ62,449/Yr)Living: $146.88/Yr (د.إ544/Yr)Admission | LLMTOEFL72PTE59$20.1K/Yr د.إ74,263 Course duration: 1 year 84+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #8 | Manipal Academy of Higher Education, DubaiDubai, Uae60%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $6.3K/Yr (د.إ23,361/Yr)Living: $9.6K/Yr (د.إ35,500/Yr) | M.Des Interior DesignTOEFL78$10.6K/Yr د.إ39,375 Course duration: 2 years 25+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #9 | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #10 | De Montfort University, DubaiDubai, Uae45%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $9.1K/Yr (د.إ33,685/Yr) | M.B.A GlobalIELTS6.0$26.8K/Yr د.إ99,225 Course duration: 1 year 10+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| #11 | Canadian University Dubai, DubaiDubai, Uae65%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $22.3K/Yr (د.إ82,663/Yr) | Master Information Technology Ma...TOEFL79$27.3K/Yr د.إ101,115 Course duration: 30 months 16+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #12 | Global Business Studies, DubaiDubai, Uae65%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $9.1K/Yr (د.إ33,889/Yr) | HND International BusinessDuolingo65IELTS4.5PTE40$10.8K/Yr د.إ40,000 Course duration: 2 years 8+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #13 | S P Jain Global, DubaiDubai, Uae20%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $6.9K/Yr (د.إ25,600/Yr)Admission | Bachelor of Data ScienceTOEFL60PTE50$6K/Yr د.إ22,400 Course duration: 3 years 4+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #14 | American University in Dubai, DubaiDubai, Uae74%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $27K/Yr (د.إ99,860/Yr) | M.B.A$25.9K/Yr د.إ95,760 Course duration: 2 years 17+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| #15 | Jumeira University, DubaiDubai, Uae | Tuition: $13.6K/Yr (د.إ50,400/Yr) | BBA Business AnalyticsIELTS5.0$13.4K/Yr د.إ49,500 Course duration: 4 years 4+ More Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||