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

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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

Table of Contents

Top 10 Best Universities in UAE for Indian Students
Top Universities in UAE with International Student Enrollment
Top Universities in UAE for International Students by Location
Top Universities in UAE for Undergraduate Courses
Top Universities in UAE for Postgraduate Courses
Best Universities in UAE for Engineering
Top MBA Universities in UAE
Best Universities in UAE for Medicine
Top Universities in UAE with High Graduate Employability
How to choose Universities?
FAQs

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) Click Here!	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 Click Here!	13.08 lakhs
Ajman University	Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics	57,070	12.91 lakhs
Ajman University	Bachelor of Architecture	49,140	11.11 lakhs

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) Click Here!	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 Click Here!	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.

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

Found 16 universities

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CD Rank	College Info	Tuition Fees & living Cost(Avg.)	Top Courses	Ranking & Reviews
#1	Abu Dhabi University, Dubai Dubai, Uae4%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹12.96L/Yr (د.إ57,013/Yr)Admission	M.B.AGMAT500TOEFL79₹20.06L/Yr د.إ88,200 Course duration: 1 year 12+ More Programs	Ranked 201 by THE in 2024 Ranked 580 by QS in 2024
#2	Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, Uae9%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹25.36L/Yr (د.إ111,538/Yr)Admission	M.S Computer ScienceGRE300IELTS6.5₹34.11L/Yr د.إ150,000 Course duration: 2 years 25+ More Programs	Ranked 251 by THE in 2024 Ranked 230 by QS in 2024
#3	United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain Abu Dhabi, Uae65%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹16.06L/Yr (د.إ70,618/Yr)Living: ₹34.7K/Yr (د.إ1,524/Yr)Admission	M.B.AGMAT550IELTS6₹18.48L/Yr د.إ81,270 Course duration: 2 years 14+ More Programs	Ranked 301 by THE in 2024 Ranked 290 by QS in 2024
#4	University of Sharjah, Sharjah Sharjah, Uae76%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹10.24L/Yr (د.إ45,045/Yr)Living: ₹45.3K/Yr (د.إ1,994/Yr)	M.B.AGMAT550TOEFL79₹10.24L/Yr د.إ45,045 Course duration: 2 years 14+ More Programs	Ranked 351 by THE in 2024 Ranked 364 by QS in 2024

#5	Zayed University, Dubai Dubai, Uae31%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹17.61L/Yr (د.إ77,454/Yr)Living: ₹18.6K/Yr (د.إ816/Yr)Admission	E.M.B.AGMAT650TOEFL79₹18.19L/Yr د.إ80,010 Course duration: 2 years 14+ More Programs	Ranked 701 by QS in 2024
#6	Amity University, Dubai Dubai, Uae21%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹5.64L/Yr (د.إ24,819/Yr)Living: ₹5.69L/Yr (د.إ25,000/Yr)Admission	M.B.A (General)GMAT650TOEFL60PTE53₹2.8L/Yr د.إ12,330 Course duration: 2 years 45+ More Programs	--
#7	BITS Pilani, Dubai Dubai, Uae8%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹19.49L/Yr (د.إ85,700/Yr)Living: ₹6.82L/Yr (د.إ30,000/Yr)Admission	M.B.AGMAT620TOEFL61₹19.49L/Yr د.إ85,700 Course duration: 2 years 11+ More Programs	--
#8	University of Birmingham Dubai, Dubai Dubai, Uae79%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹5.37L/Yr (د.إ23,633/Yr)Living: ₹4.6K/Yr (د.إ201/Yr)Admission	M.S Computer ScienceGRE310TOEFL80₹5.75L/Yr د.إ25,290 Course duration: 1 year 21+ More Programs	--
#9	University of Wollongong Dubai, Dubai Dubai, Uae32%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹13.09L/Yr (د.إ57,551/Yr)Living: ₹43.8K/Yr (د.إ1,928/Yr)Admission	M.B.AGMAT550TOEFL88PTE54₹13.09L/Yr د.إ57,551 Course duration: 2 years 14+ More Programs	--
#10	Middlesex University Dubai, Dubai Dubai, Uae57%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹11.33L/Yr (د.إ49,815/Yr)Living: ₹12.4K/Yr (د.إ544/Yr)Admission	M.B.A FinanceTOEFL87PTE58₹6.66L/Yr د.إ29,299 Course duration: 1 year 61+ More Programs	--

#11	Westford University College, Sharjah Sharjah, Uae98%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹2.43L/Yr (د.إ10,672/Yr)	M.B.A InternationalGMAT550TOEFL79₹2.48L/Yr د.إ10,890 Course duration: 1 year 14+ More Programs	--
#12	Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai Dubai, Uae38%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹2.56L/Yr (د.إ11,251/Yr)Living: ₹8.07L/Yr (د.إ35,500/Yr)	M.B.ATOEFL78₹5.27L/Yr د.إ23,180 Course duration: 2 years 25+ More Programs	--
#13	IMT Business School Dubai, Dubai Dubai, Uae59%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹8.98L/Yr (د.إ39,511/Yr)Living: ₹1.7L/Yr (د.إ7,465/Yr)Admission	M.B.AGMAT550TOEFL79₹17.01L/Yr د.إ74,800 Course duration: 1 year 2+ More Programs	--
#14	Gulf Medical University, Ajman Ajman, Uae70%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹17.41L/Yr (د.إ76,567/Yr)Admission	Master in Clinical PharmacyTOEFL79₹15.04L/Yr د.إ66,150 Course duration: 2 years 14+ More Programs	--
#15	De Montfort University, Dubai Dubai, Uae45%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹3.72L/Yr (د.إ16,354/Yr)	M.B.A GlobalGMAT590IELTS6.0₹4.5L/Yr د.إ19,800 Course duration: 1 year 10+ More Programs	--
#16	University of Bolton, Al Qusaidat Ras Al Khaimah, Uae69%Acceptance Rate	Tuition: ₹3.63L/Yr (د.إ15,950/Yr)	M.S Accountancy and Financial Ma...IELTS6₹3.63L/Yr د.إ15,950 Course duration: 2 years 12+ More Programs	--