Checkout the Public Universities in Dubai....
Apr 17, 2025 10:12:37
# |
University Name |
QS World Rank (2024) |
Estimated Tuition (AED/Year) |
Intake |
Popular Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
University of Dubai |
N/A |
AED 40,000–70,000 |
Fall, Spring |
Business, IT, Law, Engineering |
|
2 |
Zayed University (Public) |
N/A |
AED 80,000 (Intl. students) |
Fall |
Media, IT, Education, Business |
|
3 |
United Arab Emirates University – Dubai Campus (Public) |
290 |
AED 60,000–80,000 |
Fall |
Engineering, Science, IT |
|
4 |
Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine & Health Sciences (MBRU) |
N/A |
AED 160,000+ (Med programs) |
Fall |
Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing |
|
5 |
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
235 (Main Campus) |
AED 58,000–70,000 |
Fall, Spring |
Engineering, Business, AI |
|
6 |
University of Birmingham Dubai |
84 (UK Main Campus) |
AED 85,000–100,000 |
Fall, Spring |
CS, Business, Law, Psychology |
|
7 |
University of Wollongong Dubai (UOWD) |
162 (Australia) |
AED 50,000–75,000 |
Fall, Spring |
Engineering, Business, Media |
|
8 |
Manipal Academy of Higher Education – Dubai |
N/A |
AED 35,000–50,000 |
Fall, Spring |
Engg, CS, Biotechnology, BBA |
|
9 |
Middlesex University Dubai |
N/A |
AED 40,000–65,000 |
Fall, Jan |
Business, Law, Design, IT |
|
10 |
Amity University Dubai |
N/A |
AED 35,000–55,000 |
Fall, Spring |
Engg, Management, CS |
|
11 |
Murdoch University Dubai |
551–560 (AU main) |
AED 40,000–60,000 |
Fall, Spring |
Business, Cybersecurity, Journalism |
|
12 |
University of South Wales Dubai |
N/A |
AED 50,000–65,000 |
Fall |
Aviation, Business, Engineering |
|
13 |
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai |
1001–1200 (Global) |
AED 70,000–90,000 |
Fall, Spring |
Robotics, CS, Data Science |
|
14 |
SP Jain School of Global Management – Dubai |
Ranked in Global MBA lists |
AED 100,000+ |
Tri-city (incl. Dubai) |
Global MBA, Business, FinTech |
|
15 |
Canadian University Dubai |
N/A |
AED 60,000–70,000 |
Fall, Spring |
Architecture, Media, Business |
|
16 |
The British University in Dubai (BUiD) |
N/A |
AED 60,000–80,000 |
Fall, Spring |
Education, Engineering, Law |
|
17 |
Synergy University Dubai (Russia-based) |
N/A |
AED 35,000–45,000 |
Fall, Spring |
International Business, IT |
|
18 |
Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) |
N/A |
AED 45,000–70,000 |
Fall, Spring |
Health, Education, IT (Online/Hybrid) |
|
19 |
Al Ghurair University (Now merged) |
N/A |
AED 35,000–50,000 |
Fall |
Engineering, Business |
|
20 |
Dubai Medical College for Girls (Public) |
N/A |
AED 120,000+ |
Fall |
MBBS |
|
21 |
Dubai Pharmacy College for Girls |
N/A |
AED 75,000+ |
Fall |
BPharm, PharmD |
|
22 |
American University in Dubai (AUD) |
N/A |
AED 80,000–95,000 |
Fall, Spring |
Business, CS, Engineering |
|
23 |
American University in the Emirates (AUE) |
N/A |
AED 50,000–65,000 |
Fall, Spring |
Law, Design, Security Studies |
|
24 |
Gulf Medical University – Dubai Campus |
N/A |
AED 100,000+ |
Fall |
Medicine, Dentistry |
|
25 |
Curtin University Dubai |
183 (Main Campus - AUS) |
AED 45,000–65,000 |
Fall, Spring |
Business, CS, Engg |
|
26 |
London Business School – Dubai Executive MBA |
2 (Global MBA) |
AED 300,000+ |
Varies |
EMBA |
|
27 |
INSEAD Middle East Campus – Abu Dhabi/Dubai |
3 (MBA) |
AED 400,000+ |
Fall |
Executive Education |
|
28 |
Esmod French Fashion Institute Dubai |
N/A |
AED 55,000+ |
Fall |
Fashion Design |
|
29 |
MODUL University Dubai (Now closed/merged) |
N/A |
– |
– |
– |
|
30 |
Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani – Dubai Campus |
N/A (Top Indian Uni) |
Status: Public
International Student Friendly: Yes
Highlights:
Oldest and one of the most prestigious public universities in the UAE
Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs
English is the primary medium of instruction for most programs
Competitive scholarships for international students
Status: Public
International Student Friendly: Yes (mostly for GCC and a limited number of non-GCC international students)
Highlights:
Originally established for Emirati women, now co-ed
Known for media, business, and IT programs
Accredited in both the UAE and the U.S. (Middle States Commission)
Status: Public
International Student Friendly: Limited spots for non-Emirati students, but international applicants are considered
Highlights:
Focuses on applied education, technology, and business
Industry-linked programs and strong job placement
University of Birmingham Dubai (UK-based)
Heriot-Watt University Dubai (Scotland-based)
Middlesex University Dubai (UK-based)
Murdoch University Dubai (Australia-based)
American University in Dubai (AUD) – Private, but well-known
University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) – Australia-based
Language Requirements: Most programs are in English; TOEFL or IELTS is usually required.
Scholarships: Some public and private universities offer full or partial scholarships to international students.
Visas: Dubai offers student visas through sponsoring universities.
Completion of secondary school (Grade 12 or equivalent) from a recognized curriculum (e.g. CBSE, IB, A-Levels, American, etc.).
You usually need a minimum average of 75%–90%, depending on the program and university.
Science and engineering majors often have higher GPA requirements.
Some programs require strong grades in specific subjects (e.g., Math, Physics, Biology).
Test |
Minimum Required Score |
|---|---|
|
IELTS Academic |
5.5 – 6.0+ |
|
TOEFL iBT |
61 – 79+ |
|
EmSAT English |
1100+ (if studying in UAE curriculum) |
Math: 600+ (varies by major)
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Arabic: Depending on program
Note: International students may be exempt or allowed to submit alternatives (like SAT or AP scores).
Must have a valid international passport.
Once admitted, the university usually helps you obtain a student visa for the duration of your studies.
High school transcripts (translated to English or Arabic)
Passport copy + photos
Personal statement or motivation letter (for some programs)
Recommendation letters (in rare cases)
Application fee (if applicable)
Accepts international students, but priority is given to Emirati citizens.
Some programs may not be open to international applicants.
Mostly serves UAE nationals, but some campuses do accept expats or international students, especially for graduate programs.
Vocational and applied focus.
The most international-friendly public university.
Offers scholarships for top international students.
Competitive admissions process.
Undergraduate Tuition (International Students):
AED 3,000 – 3,500 per credit hour
Approx. AED 45,000 – 60,000 per year (USD $12,000 – $16,000)
Postgraduate Programs:
Master's: AED 2,700 – 3,600 per credit hour
PhD: AED 5,000+ per credit hour (some programs offer funding)
Scholarships are available for high-achieving international students.
Undergraduate Tuition:
AED 84,000 per year (approx. USD $22,800)
Graduate Programs:
Vary widely: AED 90,000 – 130,000 total program cost
Partial scholarships or tuition discounts may be offered on merit.
Undergraduate (Applied Programs):
AED 1,000 – 1,500 per credit hour (some variance based on major)
Approx. AED 25,000 – 35,000 per year (USD $6,800 – $9,500)
Some campuses and programs are more open to international students than others.
Postgraduate Diplomas / Professional Degrees: Varies, often more affordable than private institutions.
Item |
Estimated Cost (per year in AED) |
|---|---|
|
Student Visa |
AED 2,000 – 3,000 |
|
Accommodation |
AED 15,000 – 35,000 |
|
Books & Supplies |
AED 2,000 – 5,000 |
|
Food & Transport |
AED 10,000 – 15,000 |
UAEU and Zayed University both offer:
Merit-based scholarships (covering 50%–100%)
Need-based aid in limited cases
Check the application deadlines for scholarships—they often differ from admission deadlines.
Decide on the program and level of study (e.g., Bachelor's, Master's, PhD).
Check eligibility based on your high school curriculum or previous degree.
Make sure the program is open to non-UAE nationals, as some public universities prioritize citizens.
High School Certificate (for undergrad) or Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s)
Transcripts/Mark Sheets – Certified and translated into English/Arabic if necessary
English Proficiency Test Scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or EmSAT)
Passport Copy + Passport-Sized Photos
Personal Statement or Motivation Letter (some programs)
Recommendation Letters (more common for postgraduate programs)
Equivalency Certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education (can be obtained after applying, but required before final admission)
Applications are typically submitted online through the university’s admission portal.
Fill in personal details, academic history, and upload required documents.
Pay the application fee (usually AED 200–300).
Some universities may require:
EmSAT scores (for UAE curriculum students)
Math, Science, or Computer Science placement tests
Program-specific interviews or portfolios (for design, media, etc.)
You’ll receive an email notification or offer letter if accepted.
Some universities may offer conditional admission if your English scores are a bit low.
The university usually sponsors your UAE student visa.
You’ll need to submit:
Medical test results (done in UAE)
Proof of accommodation
Additional identification documents
Pay your tuition fees or first installment.
Register for classes with the help of an academic advisor.
Fall Intake (August/September): Apply between January – May
Spring Intake (January): Apply between September – November
Deadlines vary slightly by university and program.
Coverage: 50% to 100% of tuition fees
Eligibility:
High GPA (usually 90%+ or equivalent)
Strong English language test scores (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 80+)
Early application often increases your chances
Available at: UAEU, Zayed University
Coverage: Full tuition + sometimes housing and a monthly stipend
Eligibility:
Exceptional academic records (top 5–10% of class)
May require a personal interview or additional recommendation letters
For Master’s or PhD students
Coverage:
Full or partial tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend in exchange for teaching or research work
Available at: UAEU, Khalifa University (Abu Dhabi), HCT (some programs)
Less common in public universities but sometimes available depending on:
Financial background
Special circumstances (e.g., orphans, displaced students)
Typically requires extra documentation (like family income details)
Apply for admission first.
Indicate interest in scholarship (some universities have a separate application form).
Submit supporting documents:
Transcripts
English test scores
Recommendation letters
Statement of purpose or motivation letter
University |
Scholarship Name |
Type |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
UAEU |
Chancellor’s Scholarship |
Merit |
Covers up to 100% tuition |
|
UAEU |
Graduate Assistantship |
PG |
Tuition + stipend for research work |
|
Zayed University |
Merit Scholarship |
Merit |
Partial fee waiver |
|
HCT |
Academic Excellence Award |
Merit |
For high GPA students in applied programs |
Start: Late August to Early September
Application Period: January – May (sometimes until June)
Programs Offered: All undergraduate & postgraduate programs
Best for: Students coming right after high school or looking for full program options
Start: January or February
Application Period: September – November (sometimes early December)
Programs Offered: Limited programs (mostly available in Business, IT, or General Studies)
Note: Not all programs or majors are open in spring
Start: May or June (shorter semester)
Application Period: March – April
Programs Offered: Mostly for current students taking extra courses, not for new intakes
Fall: Full range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs
Spring: Limited intake, mainly for postgraduate or transfer students
Fall: Main intake for both local and international students
Spring: Possible for some graduate programs or transfers
Fall: Major intake for new students
Spring: Limited entry, mostly for continuing students or specific programs
University |
Location |
QS World Ranking 2024 |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) |
Al Ain |
=290 |
UAE’s first and top-ranked public university |
|
Khalifa University |
Abu Dhabi |
=230 |
Leading STEM & research-focused public university |
|
University of Sharjah (semi-public) |
Sharjah |
=465 |
Technically private but publicly supported |
|
Zayed University |
Dubai & Abu Dhabi |
801–1000 |
Strong in media, business, and arts |
|
Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) |
Multiple campuses (including Dubai) |
Not ranked in QS World Rankings |
Known for applied education; not research-intensive |
UAEU is the highest-ranked public university that admits international students and is closest to Dubai.
Khalifa University, although in Abu Dhabi, is the highest-ranked public university in the entire UAE.
Public universities in Dubai specifically (like Zayed University and HCT) are not highly ranked globally, but do hold local accreditation and regional recognition.
University |
Dubai Campus |
Global Ranking |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Birmingham Dubai |
UK-based |
=84 |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
UK-based |
=281 |
|
Middlesex University Dubai |
UK-based |
=751–800 |
|
University of Wollongong Dubai |
Australia-based |
