Dubai, one of the most fascinating, innovative, and rapidly developing cities in the United Arab Emirates is home to a significant number of universities with high standards of quality education. Data from 2022, reports that a total of approximately 2 Lakh Indian students applied to study in Dubai, and were staying there. In the same year, there were reports that the UAE was in the top 3 countries with the highest Indian population.
Proximity to Dubai, comparatively cheaper rates of flights, and hassle-free visa registration process make it a great choice for Indian students to study in Dubai.
It is indeed natural to look for the top 8 universities in Dubai when selecting a university to apply for admission. But how do you go about selecting the best university? So, to help you with it, here are the 6 necessary parameters to base your selection upon. Though there are diverse factors that you can consider based on your choices and requirements, the list below compiles the most important factors.
- Accreditation
The first parameter is the accreditation acquired by the university. This refers to the university being registered and licensed under the Ministry of Education, or holding a ranking from a well-recognized agency. This ensures the quality of education and overall experience. A plus point is that opportunities come flowing with accreditation or a brand name. Accreditation and ranking contribute to the Academic Reputation of the University although it is not the only determining factor. - Campus and Co-curricular Activities
Life on campus, convenience, and safety within the campus determines a large part of student satisfaction. Extra points to the university if its campus is well-designed! Apart from the campus, the cultural activities, university festivals, sports, and competitions all work towards building a cohesive college community. - Facilities and Resources
The provisions provided by the university or college determine the ease of adjusting to university life. While the resources contribute a rich experience of the same. Facilities and Resources comprise of libraries, laboratories, types of classrooms, seminar halls, aid and technology for the specially-abled. Sports facilities would consist of swimming pools, courts, gymnasium, open ground and others. Accommodation would include hostels, canteens, and campus shops. - Faculty and Course Structure
Perhaps the top determinant of the best colleges is the faculty and the team of teaching, and the support team of the university. International faculty with teaching expertise, professionals working in the field, researchers, and the admin staff would contribute to the student’s learning experience. The course structure, electives, and specializations are essential in shaping your theoretical and practical knowledge, thus empowering the students to adapt to the job market. - Financial Aid and Scholarships
Each University has its individual system to base the fee structure. During admissions, the affordability of the tuition and accommodation fee plays an important role. The availability of financial aid like merit-based scholarships, sports scholarships, and education loans provides options for the payment of college fees. - Internships and Placements
The third most important factor following the faculty and accreditation is the nature of Internships and Placements provided by the university. Inquire about the special add-on courses made available by the university, and the research programs run by them.
All of the factors above are highly interrelated and determine the rate of graduation, and your standing in the job market. It is important to carefully scroll through these factors before applying to any of the top colleges or universities.
Following is a list of the top 8 universities in Dubai. The Ranking Web of Universities published the world ranking of universities from the UAE. The world ranking is taken from the cybermetrics book of the ranking web.
| World Rank | University | Accreditation | Rankings ‘23 | Fees | Scholarships |
| 1444 | Zayed University | Recognized by the Ministry of Education | #10 in UAE according to QS World Rankings | 2500 AED per credit hour | Merit scholarships for national and international students |
| 3432 | University of Wollongong Dubai | Commission of Academic Accreditation | #12 in UAE according to Webometrics | UG: ~16,500 USD PG: ~ 2565 USD | Merit, Sports, students continuing higher studies |
| 3465 | The British University in Dubai | Recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education | #11 (Arab region) | UG: ~56,250 AED PG: ~200,000 – 250,000 AED | Merit, kids of alumni, sibling discount |
| 3729 | Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medical and Health Sciences | Recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education & SCHS | _ | ~ 160,000 AED | Merit for students applicable |
| 4050 | Canadian University Dubai | Recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education through CAA | #6 in UAE according to QS World Rankings | UG: ~ 70,000 – 90,000 PG: ` 100,000 | Merit, Sports, Special needs, Special talent, financial needs |
| 4238 | University of Dubai | Ministry of Education, UAE | #11in UAE according to QS World Rankings | The fee calculator available on the website | Partial scholarships, Full scholarships through ICT fund for select students |
| 4262 | American University in Dubai | UAE Ministry of Education & KHDA | #8 in UAE according to QS World Rankings | The fee calculator available on the website | Merit |
| 4483 | Amity University in Dubai | Recognized by UGC India, And UAE Ministry of Education | #18 in UAE according to Webometrics | Variable depending on the course | Merit, categorical |
Apart from the Webometrics web of university rankings, and QS world rankings of the university, subject-specific rankings are also available. Here are the top 8 Universities based on the parameters above:
8 Leading Universities in Dubai You Should Know About
1. Zayed University – What You Need to Know
A university with one of the most stunning designs and architecture has a global ranking of approximately #400. With 7929 students taking admission on average, Zayed University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. They run around eight undergraduate schools with multiple programs under them spanning from fine arts, interdisciplinary studies, humanities, natural and health sciences, to technological innovation, business, and mass media communication. At the post-graduate level, courses span from International affairs, legal and judicial systems, counselling psychology, and Environment and sustainability sciences, to communications, finance, information management sciences and cyber security.
The faculty members are from diverse backgrounds and hold definite expertise. Life at campus is coloured with multiple interactive fests and competitions, and opportunities for the management of the same. Libraries, common study areas, student counselling centres, and student residences. Financial Aids are provisioned mostly for Emirati students, and on some occasions for international students. Merit scholarships and tuition assistance are also provided. Read the clauses and directions carefully before application.
2. University of Wollongong in Dubai – A Premier Education Destination
A modern and urban structure, the University of Wollongong in Dubai is an offshore campus of an Australian premier university. As reported by the graduation surveys, 84% of their students are recruited for jobs within six months of passing out. With a license from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, and recognition from multiple institutes, Wollongong University is located right in the Business Knowledge Park, at the very heart of the Dubai Business Centre. Facilities range from well-equipped laboratories, and classrooms, to lounges, cafeterias and dining halls.
At the graduate level, the university delivers 22 courses spanning five majors. They are Business and Commerce, Media and Design, Computer Science, Engineering, and Information Technology. At the postgraduate level, the same courses are carried forward with an addition of majors in Healthcare and Education. A Business and commerce doctoral program is also available along with numerous short certification courses. Financial aid is available in terms of Merit-based scholarships, Sports scholarships, and scholarships for students continuing in the same university for higher studies.
3. The British University in Dubai – A Hub for Quality Education
The British University in Dubai is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education, and recognized by various professional establishments and partners. This university provides Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral courses and is home to students from 99 different nationalities. The undergraduate programs include a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Accounting and Finance, Law, Business Management, and Electro-Mechanical Engineering. The postgraduate list of courses is unique as it covers topics like Construction law and dispute management, cybersecurity, informatics, structural engineering, sustainable design of the built environment, business administration and project management.
The scope of research is rich owing to its multi-faceted student publication opportunities including journals, student publications, research news, incubation centres for cybersecurity, and research in digital education. The fee structure on average for the undergraduate program is around 56,250 AED, whereas for the post-graduate program, it is between 200,000 AED to 250,000 AED depending on the nature and duration of the course. Certain postgraduate programs are priced at 85,000 AED. Apart from the tuition fees, other fees are also applicable. Scholarships are applicable in all departments to students maintaining their CGPA and are merit based in nature. Additionally, scholarships are also based on kids of alumni, siblings being in the university, and such others.
4. Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences
MBRU is a college for medical sciences and has schools for Nursing and midwifery, the School of Dentistry, and the School of Medicine. Key features of this institute state that this is Dubai’s largest medical simulation centre and that it has one of the best, innovation-driven research centres. Located in Dubai Healthcare City, this establishment is licensed and accredited by the Ministry of Education, and the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. There are several other accreditations, and partners working together with Mohammed Bin Rashid University.
Under the wing of the College of Medicine, the degrees provided are MSBS ( Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences) with a tuition fee of 160,000 AED and a PhD in Biomedical Science. The wing of dentistry comprises postgraduate courses in endodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry. Meanwhile, the school of nursing is accredited for two courses in Master of Science in Cardiovascular Nursing, and in Pediatric Nursing with a tuition fee of 140,000 AED. Merit-based scholarships are provided throughout the tenure for students applicable.
5. Canadian University Dubai – Your Pathway to Success
Located near City Walk, Dubai, the Canadian University of Dubai proudly boasts of being the top college in Dubai for Art and Design, and Management studies. This record is closely followed by a national rank of 3 and 4 respectively in the above-mentioned fields. Accredited by the Ministry of Education through the Commission for Academic Accreditation, CUD is partnered with multiple professional establishments such as IAA, PRSA, and CIMA. It houses Graduate programs in Business Administration and Information Technology Management, and undergraduate programs in architecture, Business, Communication, Engineering, Interior design, Public Health, Social sciences and creative industries.
On campus, the student life is filled with activities from the Student Council. They also house a robotics club known for innovation, bringing together students, and making it an enjoyable venture. To secure admission to this university, one needs to have a 10+2 degree with decent scores, international students would require an English proficiency test, and the student needs to clear the placement tests. The fee structure is based around 70,000 AED to 90,000 AED and varies for each course. The fees spike for masters to around 100,000 AED. Scholarships are based on Academic excellence, Sports, Special needs, financial needs, and special talent. One of the finest opportunities and benefits of studying in CUD is the chance to transfer to Canada for a term or two in a partner institution.
6. University of Dubai – Your Journey Starts Here
University of Dubai, located in the Academic city of Dubai, and licensed by the Ministry of Education, is home to students from over 37 nationalities. The undergraduate and Graduate programs are categorised under the School of Business, school of Engineering and IT and School of Law. Its partnerships with other accredited universities and institutes allow for international exchange programs, internships, placements, and guest sessions.
The tuition fees of UD can be calculated through their built-in calculator after selection of the course to study, study mode, credit, and additional costs. Scholarships are granted to students based on merits and special clauses. International students can avail partial scholarships, whereas Emirati students can avail a 100% scholarship under the ICT fund. The Center of Executive Development allows professional establishments to train and achieve expertise in business-related domains with specially tailored in-house programs. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Free Zone, the Centre for Future Studies, and the Centre for Business Research and Consultancy provide an opening for research expertise.
7. American University in Dubai – Shaping Leaders for Tomorrow
A wall and brick royal structure, the American University of Dubai is an accredited establishment by the UAE Ministry of Education and permitted by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. The undergraduate and graduate programs are run under the School of Business, School of Engineering, School of Communication, School of Art, Architecture, and Design, School of Education, and School of Arts and Sciences.
Libraries and Accommodation are provided under campus facilities. Fees can be calculated on their website based on the type of course, accommodation type, semester, and number of credits. AUD provides multiple opportunities through their clubs and social activities. The Leadership Club runs the study abroad ambassador program. Each department runs its own club for example American Institute of Architecture students club, the Biology Student Society club and so on. Special interest clubs like Book Club, Model United Nations Club, Eco Club, and many others also exist.
8. Amity University in Dubai – Your Gateway to Excellence
A sleek constellation of buildings, the offshore campus of Amity University is located at the International Academic City of Dubai. This University is UGC-approved from India and licensed by the Ministry of Education Dubai. It has one of the biggest private university campuses in Dubai spanning over 15 acres. This university is great for Indian students seeking immediate placement or requiring a transfer to an Indian campus. A total of 50 UG and PG programs are run by three schools in the university. They are the Amity Business School, School of Engineering, Architecture, and Interior Design, and School of Humanities, Arts, and Applied Sciences. The fee for Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs is variable due to the distinct needs and requirements of each course. As of recent news, a 50% scholarship is applicable to all courses of Amity University. Merit scholarships and scholarships based on special circumstances and categories are also available.
On-campus facilities involve state-of-the-art student accommodations, sports facilities with a swimming pool, outdoor ground, gaming zone, and prayer halls. As luxurious as life can get, Amity is also home to in-depth research projects and provides grants to the selected research departments.
This is all about the best universities in Dubai. There are tons of other excellent establishments for study, and you can take your time to browse through them based on your needs and requirements.
Happy learning!