List of Top Universities in Dubai: Check Ranking, Popular Programs, and Job Outcomes
Shahid Murshed's profile photo

Shahid Murshed

Content Writer - Study Abroad

Highlights:

  • Universities: United Arab Emirates University, Khalifa University, American University of Sharjah are among the top universities in UAE as per QS ranking.
  • Safest Cities: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah are the safest cities in UAE as per Numbeo.
  • International Footprint: International universities like Amity, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences, Boston University, and Middlesex University have their campuses in UAE.
  • Indian Students: Currently, 1,64,000 Indian students are studying at the top universities in UAE.

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

  • Public Universities: UAE University, Zayed University, and Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) are popular among others.
  • Private Universities: Sharjah University, Abu Dhabi University, Khalifa University of Science and Technology are famous among other universities.
  • International Universities/Global Partnerships: University of Washington, New York University, Boston University, Middlesex University, BITS Pilani have campuses in UAE.
  • Technical Universities: Dubai School of Government, Emirates Institute for Banking and Finance, Emirates Aviation College for Aerospace and Academic Studies are some of the popular technical universities.

Ranking of the Top Universities in Dubai

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%

Other Top Universities in UAE

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

Best Colleges in Dubai for Engineering and Technology

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

Top 5 Universities in Dubai for Computer Science and Information Systems

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

Top Universities in Dubai for MBA and Business Studies

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

How to Study in UAE

A five-step guide is discussed below along with before and after measures for applying to study in UAE:

  • Research: Research about the course you are interested in, look for all the available options to study in UAE. While exploring options, compare factors like rankings, fees, scholarships, ROI, reputation, etc.
  • Choose Program/University: Choose and send in your application paperwork for the choice of university and course.
  • Draw up a Study Plan: By this time you need to be assured that you have your documents ready to move to UAE, have completed the necessary formalities with the UAE consulate, and are ready to start studying on-campus with the choice of your university.
  • Prepare Your Stay: Accommodations are one of the major concerns for those traveling abroad for education. Look for the on-campus accommodation options offered by your university and apply for the same.
  • Live in UAE: UAE has strict norms and regulations, hence, making it important for students who choose to study in UAE to understand the regulations and abide by them. The government is highly focused on strict punishments for crime and ensuring safety. It is important that students choosing to move to the UAE respect and follow these regulations. Check out the cost of living in UAE.

Application Deadlines for the Top Colleges 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

Application_Deadlines

Documents Required to Study at the Top 10 UAE Universities

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.

  • Completed application form
  • Application fees (if any)
  • Transcripts of previous education depending on the level of education you choose
  • For bachelor’s- high school diploma
  • For master's- bachelor’s degree/diploma
  • Scores of exams to study in UAE
  • Motivation letter
  • Passport-size photo
  • Passport
  • UAE student visa

UAE Student Visa

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.

  • Passport copy with 6 months validity
  • Passport-sized photograph with white background.
  • Certificate of medical fitness issued by the concerned authority.
  • Emirates ID (if applicable).
  • Medical insurance.
  • Certificate issued by the university mentioning the duration of study.
  • Entry permit.

Jobs After Studying from the Top Universities in Dubai

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

  • Technology
  • Construction
  • Finance
  • Business
  • Tourism
  • Hospitality
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Aviation
  • Engineering
  • Oil and gas

Now, let’s take a close look at the in-demand jobs in UAE for international students.

Jobs_after_studying
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

Work Permit in UAE

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.

  • Your original passport with a copy.
  • Passport-size photograph.
  • The UAE Embassy or Consulate in your nation, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country, must both approve your qualifications.
  • A medical certificate from a government-approved health center in the United Arab Emirates.
  • The company card or commercial license of the company that is hiring you.
  • The Labor Card and the Residence Visa

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.

FAQs

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.?

Stream
Course
Colleges By Ranking
Institution Type
College Type
State
City
Entrance / Exam Accepted
Avg Fees Per/yr
Attendance Type
Course Delivery Mode
Language

Found 11 universities

Sort By
CD RankCollege InfoTuition Fees & living Cost(Avg.)Top CoursesRanking & Reviews
#1Abu Dhabi University logo

Abu Dhabi University, Dubai

Dubai, 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
Ranked 201 by THE in 2024Ranked 501 by QS in 2025
#2Zayed University logo

Zayed University, Dubai

Dubai, 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
Ranked 621 by QS in 2025
#3Amity University logo

Amity University, Dubai

Dubai, 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
--
#4BITS Pilani logo

BITS Pilani, Dubai

Dubai, 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
--
#5University of Birmingham Dubai logo

University of Birmingham Dubai, Dubai

Dubai, 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
--
#6University of Wollongong Dubai logo

University of Wollongong Dubai, Dubai

Dubai, 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
--
#7Middlesex University Dubai logo

Middlesex University Dubai, Dubai

Dubai, 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
--
#8Manipal Academy of Higher Education logo

Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai

Dubai, 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
--
#9IMT Business School Dubai logo

IMT Business School Dubai, Dubai

Dubai, 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
--
#10De Montfort University logo

De Montfort University, Dubai

Dubai, 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
--
#11Global Business Studies logo

Global Business Studies, Dubai

Dubai, 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
--