Top Universities in UAE in 2024: Top Programs, Rankings, Fees

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Kirti Chauhan

Content Writer | Updated On - Feb 14, 2024

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)

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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

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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)

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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

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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:

  1. Khalifa University
  2. United Arab Emirates University
  3. American University of Sharjah
  4. University of Sharjah
  5. 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.

Top Universities in UAE with High Graduate Employability

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

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