Checkout the Masters in Accounting in UAE....
Apr 28, 2025 06:18:33
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) – Al Ain
Program: Master of Professional Accounting (MPA)
Accredited and government-supported.
Taught in English.
American University of Sharjah (AUS) – Sharjah
Program: Master of Science in Accounting
Accredited by AACSB (top global accreditation for business schools).
University of Dubai (UD) – Dubai
Program: Master of Science in Accounting
Focuses on international accounting standards.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus
Program: MSc in Accountancy and Finance
UK-based degree, internationally recognized.
Canadian University Dubai
Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting and Finance
North American curriculum style.
Middlesex University Dubai
Program: MSc in Accounting and Finance
British degree system, affordable compared to UK main campus.
Language of Instruction: English.
Admission Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree (preferably in accounting, finance, or business).
English proficiency (IELTS 6.0–6.5 usually required).
Some programs require work experience, others don’t.
Tuition Fees:
Vary from AED 50,000 to AED 120,000 (approximately USD 13,500 – 32,500).
Scholarships:
Many universities offer scholarships or discounts for international students.
Student Visa:
Issued by the university after admission confirmation.
Easy process if all documents are submitted correctly.
Strategic Business Hub: Especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi — strong demand for accounting professionals.
International Environment: Students from 150+ nationalities.
Job Opportunities: Accounting firms (like PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG) have big offices here.
Tax-Friendly Country: Good for finance and accounting careers.
University |
Program |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) |
Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) |
Public university; ranked nationally |
|
American University of Sharjah (AUS) |
MSc in Accounting |
AACSB accredited; strong international reputation |
|
University of Dubai (UD) |
MSc in Accounting and Finance |
Focus on IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) |
|
Zayed University |
Master of Science in Finance (Accounting Track available) |
Offers specialization options |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
MSc in Accountancy and Finance |
UK degree; international recognition |
|
Middlesex University Dubai |
MSc in Accounting and Finance |
British curriculum; flexible study options |
|
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) |
MSc in Finance (with accounting electives) |
Strong finance/accounting hybrid program |
|
Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai |
MSc in Accounting and Finance |
Affordable fees; Indian-based curriculum adapted for UAE |
|
Skyline University College, Sharjah |
MBA in Finance and Accounting |
More business-oriented, but strong accounting content |
|
Canadian University Dubai |
MBA in Accounting and Finance Concentration |
North American model, accounting-focused |
Language: All programs are taught in English.
Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), transcripts.
Duration: Typically 1 to 2 years (full-time).
Fees: Ranges from AED 50,000 to 120,000 depending on the university.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s Degree |
Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. |
|
Minimum GPA |
Generally 2.5 to 3.0 out of 4.0. |
|
English Language Proficiency |
IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 OR TOEFL iBT score of 79–90. |
|
Work Experience (sometimes optional) |
Most programs do NOT require work experience. |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
1–2 academic or professional references (varies by university). |
|
Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
A personal statement explaining your goals, why you want to study accounting, and why in the UAE. |
|
Interview |
Some top universities may conduct a short interview (online or in-person). |
|
Equivalency Certificate (for some cases) |
If your bachelor's degree is from outside the UAE, you may need a Certificate of Equivalency from the UAE Ministry of Education. (Some universities help guide this process.) |
Study Mode |
Duration |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Full-Time |
1 to 2 years |
Most programs are completed in 1.5 years (3 semesters); some intensive programs can be done in 1 year. |
|
Part-Time |
2 to 3 years |
Designed for working professionals; evening or weekend classes available. |
|
Accelerated/Executive Formats |
12–15 months |
Offered at some institutions for students with strong academic or professional backgrounds. |
UAE University (UAEU): 2 years full-time (Master of Professional Accounting)
American University of Sharjah (AUS): Typically 1.5 to 2 years full-time
University of Dubai: Around 18–24 months full-time or part-time
Heriot-Watt Dubai: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Middlesex University Dubai: 1 year full-time; part-time option available
University |
Program |
Delivery Mode |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Dubai |
MSc in Accounting |
Blended (on-campus + online components) |
Some classes available online; flexible for working professionals |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
MSc in Accountancy and Finance |
Online option via UK campus |
You can enroll online via Heriot-Watt's global platform but still access Dubai campus support |
|
Middlesex University Dubai |
MSc in Accounting and Finance |
Blended |
Core lectures in person, but some modules can be completed online |
|
Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai |
MSc in Accounting and Finance |
Blended / Online-friendly |
Recorded lectures and live sessions available for distance learners |
|
University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) |
Master of Business (Accounting major) |
Hybrid |
Business-focused program with accounting specialization; partial online delivery |
|
Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) |
Not a direct MSc in Accounting but offers Finance and related fields |
Fully online |
UAE’s first smart university – strong e-learning platform |
Intake Season |
Usual Start Date |
Application Window |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall (Main Intake) |
August–September |
February to July (some close in May/June) |
|
Spring (Secondary Intake) |
January–February |
September to December |
|
Summer (Limited intake) |
May–June |
January to April (not offered by all universities) |
University |
Intake(s) |
Application Deadline (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) |
Fall only |
May 31, 2025 |
|
American University of Sharjah (AUS) |
Fall & Spring |
Fall: June 15, 2025 |
|
University of Dubai |
Fall & Spring |
Fall: July 2025 |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
Fall, Spring, Summer |
Fall: July–Aug 2025 |
|
Middlesex University Dubai |
Sept, Jan, and May intakes |
Rolling admissions until 2–4 weeks before semester start |
|
Canadian University Dubai |
Fall & Spring |
Fall: Aug 2025 |
University |
Program |
Total Tuition Fees (AED) |
Approx. USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
|
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) |
Master of Professional Accounting |
84,000 AED |
22,900 USD |
|
American University of Sharjah (AUS) |
MSc in Accounting |
96,000 AED |
26,100 USD |
|
University of Dubai (UD) |
MSc in Accounting |
75,000–90,000 AED |
20,400–24,500 USD |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
MSc in Accountancy and Finance |
89,000 AED |
24,200 USD |
|
Middlesex University Dubai |
MSc in Accounting and Finance |
75,000 AED |
20,400 USD |
|
Canadian University Dubai |
MBA with Accounting concentration |
80,000–100,000 AED |
21,800–27,200 USD |
|
Manipal Academy Dubai |
MSc in Accounting & Finance |
50,000–60,000 AED |
13,600–16,300 USD |
|
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) |
MSc in Finance (with accounting electives) |
85,000 AED |
23,100 USD |
Range: AED 50,000 to 100,000
USD Equivalent: ~$13,600 to $27,200
Varies by university and whether it's public (e.g., UAEU) or private (e.g., AUS, Heriot-Watt).
Category |
Monthly (AED) |
Annual (AED) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
2,000–4,500 |
24,000–54,000 |
Shared flats or student housing |
|
Food |
1,000–1,500 |
12,000–18,000 |
Mid-range student lifestyle |
|
Transport |
250–400 |
3,000–4,800 |
Metro/public transport or student shuttle |
|
Utilities + Internet |
300–500 |
3,600–6,000 |
Shared basis |
|
Health Insurance |
– |
1,500–2,500 |
Often mandatory for student visa |
|
Miscellaneous |
300–500 |
3,600–6,000 |
Mobile, entertainment, etc. |
Item |
Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
|
Visa & Emirates ID (1 year) |
AED 2,500–3,500 |
|
Books & Materials |
AED 1,000–2,000 |
|
Flight (home country to UAE) |
AED 2,000–3,000 (round trip) |
Category |
AED Range |
USD Approx. |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition |
50,000–100,000 |
13,600–27,200 |
|
Living Expenses |
45,000–85,000 |
12,200–23,100 |
|
Other Costs |
5,000–8,000 |
1,360–2,180 |
|
Total Cost |
100,000–193,000 AED |
~$27,000 to $52,500 |
Apply early for scholarships (many offer up to 50% tuition discounts).
Live in shared accommodation or on-campus housing.
Use student transport cards for metro/bus.
Research accredited universities (e.g., AUS, UAEU, Heriot-Watt).
Compare tuition, program structure, and location (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.).
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
Minimum GPA: Usually 2.5–3.0 out of 4.0.
English proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79–90.
Most universities will ask for:
Completed online application form
Academic transcripts (attested if outside UAE)
Bachelor’s degree certificate
English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of recommendation (usually 1–2)
CV/Resume
Copy of passport
Passport-sized photographs
Application fee (usually AED 300–500)
Submit through the university's official portal.
Pay the non-refundable application fee.
Some universities may conduct an online or in-person interview.
Processing time: 2 to 6 weeks after all documents are submitted.
If accepted, you’ll be asked to:
Confirm your spot.
Pay a non-refundable seat reservation deposit (usually AED 3,000–5,000).
University typically helps with:
Student residence visa (valid for 1 year, renewable).
Emirates ID, medical check, health insurance.
For some universities, your foreign bachelor’s degree may need to be equivalized by the UAE Ministry of Education.
Your university usually guides you through this.
Classes begin in Fall (Aug–Sep) or Spring (Jan–Feb) depending on your intake.
University |
Scholarship Type |
Amount/Coverage |
Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
|
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) |
Graduate Merit Scholarship |
Full or partial tuition |
High GPA, strong academic background |
|
American University of Sharjah (AUS) |
Graduate Assistantships |
Up to 50–100% tuition + stipend |
Academic merit; part-time work required |
|
University of Dubai |
Merit & Early Admission Discounts |
Up to 30–50% tuition reduction |
High GPA, early applicants |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
Postgraduate Merit Scholarship |
AED 5,000–10,000 off tuition |
Based on undergraduate GPA |
|
Middlesex University Dubai |
Academic Excellence Scholarship |
Up to AED 30,000 |
GPA 3.0+ and strong profile |
|
Canadian University Dubai |
International Student Scholarships |
10%–50% of tuition |
Merit-based and renewable |
|
Abu Dhabi University |
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship |
Full tuition (limited) |
Based on merit and need |
Source |
Coverage |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
UAE Ministry of Education |
For GCC and Arab nationals (limited for international) |
Usually not for international self-funded students |
|
Embassy/Home Country Sponsorships |
Varies |
Some governments sponsor students abroad (check your Ministry of Education) |
|
Corporate Sponsorships |
Partial/full tuition + internship |
Offered by companies like PwC, KPMG (competitive) |
Apply early – scholarships often run out before final deadlines.
Submit a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) and CV.
Highlight academic achievements, leadership, and relevant experience.
Some scholarships are renewable each semester if you maintain a good GPA.
Career Path |
Typical Roles |
|---|---|
|
Public Accounting |
Auditor, Tax Consultant, External Auditor (at firms like PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG) |
|
Corporate Finance |
Financial Analyst, Management Accountant, Internal Auditor |
|
Banking & Financial Services |
Risk Analyst, Credit Analyst, Compliance Officer |
|
Government & Regulatory |
Financial Controller, Budget Analyst, Tax Officer |
|
Forensic Accounting |
Fraud Examiner, Investigation Auditor |
|
Consulting & Advisory |
Accounting Consultant, Financial Advisor |
|
Academia/Research |
Lecturer, PhD pathway (if interested in teaching or research) |
Big 4 Firms: PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG (all have large offices in Dubai/Abu Dhabi)
Banks: Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, HSBC Middle East
Multinationals: Procter & Gamble, Siemens, Nestlé
Sovereign & Government Entities: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Dubai Municipality
Free Zones: JAFZA, DIFC companies often hire finance talent
Role |
Salary Range (Monthly, AED) |
Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
|
Accountant |
7,000 – 12,000 AED |
$1,900 – $3,300 |
|
Auditor (Big 4) |
10,000 – 15,000 AED |
$2,700 – $4,100 |
|
Financial Analyst |
10,000 – 18,000 AED |
$2,700 – $4,900 |
|
Internal Auditor |
12,000 – 20,000 AED |
$3,300 – $5,400 |
|
Finance Manager (5+ yrs exp) |
20,000 – 35,000 AED |
$5,400 – $9,500 |
