Checkout the Art Colleges and Courses in UAE....
Apr 21, 2025 10:55:37
College: College of Arts and Creative Enterprises (CACE)
Programs Offered:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in:
Animation Design
Graphic Design
Interior Design
Visual Arts
Master of Fine Arts in Contemporary Art Practice
Annual Tuition Fees:
Undergraduate (UAE nationals): Free
Undergraduate (International): AED 84,000 (~USD 22,875)
Postgraduate: Varies, approx. AED 105,000 for full program
Intake: Fall (September), sometimes Spring
Ranking:
Zayed University is among the top public universities in the UAE.
CACE is recognized for its contemporary art and design curriculum.
School: Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (also Visual Communication under the School of Architecture, Art and Design)
Programs Offered:
BFA in Visual Communication (with tracks in Graphic Design, Digital Media, Advertising)
BA in Communication and Information Studies (Creative Advertising)
Annual Tuition Fees:
AED 90,000 – 95,000 (~USD 24,500 – 25,900)
Intake: Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (limited)
Ranking:
Highly ranked private university in the UAE
Accredited in both the US and UAE
College: College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD)
Programs Offered:
Bachelor of Science in Design Management
Bachelor of Interior Design
Bachelor of Architecture
Minor in Studio Art, Film, and Animation
Annual Tuition Fees:
Approx. AED 96,000 (~USD 26,150)
Intake: Fall (August), Spring (January)
Ranking:
One of the top-ranked universities in the UAE and GCC
CAAD is known for innovation in design and architecture
College: College of Fine Arts and Design
Programs Offered:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in:
Interior Architecture and Design
Graphic Design and Multimedia
Fashion Design and Textiles
Fine Arts
Annual Tuition Fees:
Approx. AED 36,000 – 42,000 (~USD 9,800 – 11,400)
Intake: Fall, Spring
Ranking:
Reputable university, particularly strong in arts and culture
Affordable fees compared to other UAE institutions
School: School of Textiles and Design
Programs Offered:
BA (Hons) in Fashion Marketing and Retailing
BA (Hons) in Fashion Design
Annual Tuition Fees:
AED 63,000 (~USD 17,200)
Intake: September, January
Ranking:
UK-accredited, globally respected university
Strong links to the fashion and textile industries
Specialization: Creative Media Education
Programs Offered:
BA/BSc in:
Animation
Audio Production
Film
Game Development
Graphic Design
Annual Tuition Fees:
AED 65,000 – 80,000 (~USD 17,700 – 21,800)
Intake: February, May, September
Ranking:
Specialized institute known worldwide
Strong industry focus and practical training
Offered by:
Zayed University – BFA in Visual Arts
University of Sharjah – BFA in Fine Arts
Subjects covered:
Drawing & Painting
Sculpture
Printmaking
Art History
Contemporary Art Practice
Offered by:
American University in Dubai (AUD) – BFA in Visual Communication (Graphic Design track)
University of Sharjah
SAE Institute Dubai
Subjects covered:
Typography
Branding
UX/UI
Motion Graphics
Digital Illustration
Offered by:
American University of Sharjah (AUS) – BFA in Interior Design
University of Sharjah
Zayed University
Canadian University Dubai
Subjects covered:
Interior spatial design
3D rendering
Sustainable interiors
Furniture design
Offered by:
SAE Institute Dubai – BA in Animation
Zayed University
University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) – Media & Design programs
Subjects covered:
2D/3D Animation
Character Rigging
Storyboarding
Game Mechanics
VFX
Offered by:
University of Sharjah
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
College of Fashion and Design (CFD Dubai)
Subjects covered:
Fashion Illustration
Draping & Pattern Making
Textile Technology
Fashion Marketing
Sustainable Fashion
Offered by:
SAE Institute Dubai
Murdoch University Dubai
New York Film Academy (NYFA Abu Dhabi)
Subjects covered:
Digital Photography
Studio Lighting
Cinematography
Screenwriting
Film Production
Offered by:
Zayed University (MFA in Contemporary Art)
NYU Abu Dhabi (Undergrad programs in Art & Art History)
American University of Sharjah
Subjects covered:
Contemporary Theory
Art Movements
Museum & Gallery Practices
Research in Visual Culture
Tashkeel (Dubai) – Fine art, photography, printmaking, illustration
Thejamjar (Dubai) – Painting, kids’ classes, art therapy
Art Dubai Campus – Contemporary art engagement
CFD (College of Fashion & Design) – Fashion sketching, styling
Riwaq Art Space (Sharjah) – Printmaking, sculpture
Manarat Al Saadiyat (Abu Dhabi) – Art appreciation, community art programs
Subjects range from:
Acrylic Painting
Calligraphy (Arabic & Modern)
Portrait Drawing
Jewelry Design
Digital Illustration
Mural Art
AED 1,000 – 5,000 for 4 to 12-week workshops
AED 10,000 – 20,000 for certified diplomas or professional certificates
Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) – College of Arts and Creative Enterprises
Majors:
Visual Arts
Graphic Design
Interior Design
Animation Design
Tuition Fees:
UAE Nationals: Free
International Students: ~AED 84,000/year (~USD 22,875)
Intake: Fall (September), Spring (limited)
Highlights: Contemporary, studio-based learning with state-of-the-art facilities; emphasis on professional practice and exhibitions.
Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Visual Communication
Tracks:
Graphic Design
Digital Media
Advertising
Tuition Fees: ~AED 90,000–95,000/year (~USD 24,500)
Intake: Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (optional)
Highlights: US-accredited degree, strong industry connections, hands-on studio practice, and internships.
Program:
Bachelor of Science in Design Management
Bachelor of Interior Design
Bachelor of Architecture
Minor in Studio Art or Film & Animation
Tuition Fees: ~AED 96,000/year (~USD 26,150)
Intake: Fall & Spring
Highlights: Prestigious design school (CAAD), interdisciplinary learning, innovative and research-led design education.
Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) – College of Fine Arts & Design
Majors:
Interior Architecture and Design
Fashion Design and Textiles
Graphic Design and Multimedia
Fine Arts
Tuition Fees: AED 36,000 – 42,000/year (~USD 9,800 – 11,400)
Intake: Fall & Spring
Highlights: Strong focus on cultural heritage + contemporary arts, affordable tuition, modern facilities.
Program: BA (Hons) in Fashion Marketing and Retailing
Program: BA (Hons) in Fashion Design
Tuition Fees: ~AED 63,000/year (~USD 17,200)
Intake: September & January
Highlights: UK degree, emphasis on sustainability and business aspects of fashion, industry-ready curriculum.
Program: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in
Animation
Graphic Design
Audio Production
Film Production
Game Development
Tuition Fees: AED 65,000 – 80,000/year (~USD 17,700 – 21,800)
Intake: February, May, September
Highlights: Practical, hands-on training; globally recognized creative media education provider.
Program: Bachelor of Arts in Art & Art History
Tuition Fees: AED 190,000/year (~USD 51,700) — Scholarships available
Intake: Fall (September)
Highlights: Liberal arts model, global faculty, strong research and conceptual framework; very selective.
Program: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Contemporary Art Practice
Duration: 2 years
Language: English
Tuition Fees:
Approx. AED 105,000 (full program) (~USD 28,600)
Intake: Fall (September)
Highlights:
Practice-based, studio-centered program
Combines critical theory, research, and contemporary art making
Access to top galleries, museums, and UAE-based artists
Program: Master of Arts in Leadership and Innovation in Contemporary Media
Duration: 1.5 – 2 years
Tuition Fees: AED 85,000 – 90,000 total (~USD 23,000 – 24,500)
Intake: Fall, Spring
Highlights:
Media + creative leadership focus
Ideal for professionals in art/media industries
Accredited in the US and UAE
Program: Master of Urban Planning (Art/Design-adjacent)
Art/design electives offered within CAAD (College of Architecture, Art, and Design)
Tuition Fees: AED 3,570 per credit hour (~USD 971/credit)
Total estimated: AED 85,000 – 95,000 (~USD 23,000 – 26,000)
Intake: Fall, Spring
Highlights:
Research-driven
Strong design theory and creative practice
Emphasis on sustainability, public space, and community arts
Program: Master of Fine Arts in Fine Arts
Duration: 2 years
Language: Arabic (some courses may offer English support)
Tuition Fees: AED 52,000 total (~USD 14,200)
Intake: Fall (September)
Highlights:
Emphasis on traditional and contemporary Arab art
Cultural heritage-focused curriculum
Affordable for regional and international students
Program: MA in Art History (through NYU Global network)
Note: Often pursued via NYU’s New York campus with study options in Abu Dhabi
Tuition Fees: AED 190,000+/year (~USD 51,700) – Scholarships available
Intake: Fall only
Highlights:
Ivy League-level research
Access to Louvre Abu Dhabi and other major UAE cultural institutions
Excellent funding opportunities for high performers
Program: Master in History of Art and Museum Studies
Duration: 2 years
Language: French & English (bilingual program)
Tuition Fees: AED 54,000/year (~USD 14,700)
Intake: Fall (September)
Highlights:
Offered in partnership with Sorbonne Paris
Focus on curation, conservation, and museology
Great for careers in museums, galleries, heritage sectors
Offers programs in Visual Arts, Art History, and Film & New Media through research opportunities and joint programs.
PhD itself is typically administered through NYU’s main campus in New York, but you can do research or part of the program in Abu Dhabi.
Strong focus on Emirati and Islamic art, heritage, and modern design.
May not currently offer a PhD in Art, but has Master’s programs and potential pathways to PhD through partnerships or independent study.
This university has one of the strongest art programs in the UAE.
Offers PhD in Fine Arts – focused on practice, theory, and history of art and design.
Especially known for integrating Islamic art, contemporary practice, and community engagement.
Focus on heritage and culture; the university offers humanities-based PhD programs which might allow a concentration in art-related topics.
Branch of the famous French university.
Offers strong programs in History of Art and Museum Studies.
May offer research-based PhD opportunities in partnership with Sorbonne in Paris.
Master’s degree in a relevant field (Fine Arts, Art History, Design, etc.)
Research proposal
Portfolio (for practice-based programs)
CV/Resume
Letters of recommendation
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Some programs are government-funded or offer scholarships to both Emirati and international students.
Look into:
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation
ADFD (Abu Dhabi Fund for Development)
Individual university scholarships
Growing art scene with events like Art Dubai, Sharjah Biennial, Abu Dhabi Art.
Access to world-class museums: Louvre Abu Dhabi, future Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Strategic location for exploring Arab, Islamic, and South Asian art intersections.
Completion of high school or equivalent (Grade 12, A-Levels, IB, etc.)
Minimum GPA (varies by university, usually 2.5/4.0 or equivalent)
English proficiency test:
IELTS (usually 5.5–6.0) or
TOEFL (around 500–550 paper-based / 61+ iBT)
Portfolio of art or design work (sketches, digital work, paintings, etc.)
Personal statement or motivation letter
Interview (in some cases)
Bonus:
Some universities offer foundation years for students needing extra preparation.
Bachelor’s degree in Art, Design, Architecture, or related field
Minimum GPA (around 3.0/4.0)
English proficiency:
IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL equivalent
Portfolio of recent work (for practical/studio-based programs)
Statement of purpose / Research interests
2–3 Letters of recommendation
Interview (some programs require it)
Master’s degree in Fine Arts, Art History, Design, Cultural Studies, or a related field
Research proposal (with clear topic, methodology, objectives)
Strong academic background (GPA of 3.3+ or equivalent)
Portfolio (if practice-based)
English proficiency (IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL 90+ iBT)
Updated CV/Resume
Letters of recommendation (usually 2–3)
Interview with faculty or admissions panel
Starts: August or September
Application Deadline: Typically March – June
Some may extend into July, but early applications are encouraged.
Starts: January or February
Application Deadline: Typically September – November
Fall Intake: September
Deadline: Usually around May – June
Offers: BA in Fine Arts, Design, and PhD in Fine Arts
Check if Spring intake is available for the PhD program (varies by year)
Fall Intake: August/September
Deadline: Usually by June
Offers: BA in Art & Design, MA in Diplomacy & International Affairs (includes cultural programs)
Limited or no Spring intake for Art programs
Fall Intake Only
Deadline: Early Decision: November | Regular Decision: January
Offers: BA in Art & Art History, and access to NYU global PhD programs
Fall Intake: September
Deadline: May – June
Offers: BA & MA in History of Art & Museum Studies
Some Master’s programs may have Spring intake, check yearly updates
Program Level |
Estimated Annual Tuition |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s |
AED 35,000 – 70,000 |
(~USD 9,500–19,000) |
|
Master’s |
AED 45,000 – 90,000 |
(~USD 12,300–24,500) |
|
PhD |
AED 20,000 – 60,000 |
(~USD 5,500–16,500); often funded |
Bachelor’s in Fine Arts / Design: ~AED 45,000/year
PhD in Fine Arts: ~AED 22,000/year
Master’s in Design (if available): ~AED 50,000–60,000/year
Bachelor’s (BA in Arts & Creative Industries): ~AED 84,000/year
UAE nationals often have fully funded options
Master’s (if offered in Art/Design): AED 70,000+
Tuition: USD 55,000–58,000/year (~AED 200,000+)
But: Almost all students receive scholarships or full funding based on merit and need
Bachelor’s: ~AED 39,000/year
Master’s in Art History & Museum Studies: ~AED 54,000/year
PhD programs may be handled via Sorbonne Paris (with separate fees)
Offers more affordable programs, especially for UAE/GCC nationals
PhD in Humanities/Art-related topics: ~AED 20,000–30,000/year
Often comes with scholarship/funding options
Government scholarships for Emirati students (e.g., Ministry of Education, DCD)
University-specific scholarships (especially NYUAD, Sorbonne AD, UOS)
Graduate assistantships or teaching roles (common at Master’s/PhD level)
Cultural foundations and institutions (e.g., Salama bint Hamdan Foundation, Dubai Culture)
