Introducing the best universities in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates has one of the best educational systems among the countries bordering the Persian Gulf. This country is home to the best universities in the region. In recent years, this Arab country has made significant progress in almost all fields, including social, economic, and educational. For this reason, many students choose UAE universities for their studies.

The best universities in this Arab nation are Khalifa University, Sharjah University, and the United Arab Emirates University, which rank globally. In this article, we intend to review all the necessary information about universities in the United Arab Emirates for you. If you wish to experience life in Dubai as well as studying there, then stay with us.

In the 2023-2024 academic year, the top universities in the UAE have managed to attract more than 80,000 international students. Currently, 12 percent of the student population in the UAE consists of international students. Some of the best universities in the United Arab Emirates include:

• United Arab Emirates University
• Khalifa University
• University of Sharjah
• Zayed University
• Abu Dhabi University
• Ajman University

United Arab Emirates University

This university is one of the most important comprehensive national institutions in the UAE. The United Arab Emirates University was established in 1976 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Currently, this institution has approximately 14,968 students and offers nearly all academic programs at various levels. The university has 9 colleges, some of which include: Economics, Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Software Engineering, Medicine, Law, and more.

This unique institution creates a dynamic environment for students and also has an outstanding international faculty. United Arab Emirates University has established extensive research centers in the region. As a result, it contributes to the advancement of science and knowledge in important and vital areas such as water resources and the treatment of serious diseases like cancer. Currently, this university ranks 1 in the region and 290 in the world.

Khalifa University; The Most Prestigious University in the UAE

Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research was established in 2007 by presidential decree. This institution is the first research university that focuses heavily on energy and sustainable technologies. Khalifa University is now a research institution with 3 colleges. These 3 colleges have 18 research centers and cover a wide range of disciplines in science, engineering, and medicine. This university provides the ecosystem necessary for the purposeful economic transformation of society.

It is worth noting that this institution has ranked 1 in the Arab region for 6 consecutive years. Additionally, according to the QS rankings, Khalifa University is ranked 202. These colleges offer various programs such as: Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics at the undergraduate level. Moreover, Khalifa University grants more than 20 graduate degrees to students. Furthermore, the medical college of this Arab university also offers a 4-year MD program for students.

University of Sharjah; The Best University in the United Arab Emirates

This institution was established in 1997 with the aim and research vision. The programs offered by this university are usually comprehensive and interdisciplinary. The University of Sharjah has 14 colleges, providing 127 educational programs across various fields of study. This institution offers courses in areas such as law, health sciences, medicine, fine arts and design, engineering, and communications at various levels, including diplomas to Ph.D. programs.

University of Sharjah is ranked 348 in the QS rankings. This college is accredited in both the United Arab Emirates and the United States. For this reason, the courses and educational programs offered by this institution are very attractive and popular among international students.

At the undergraduate level, popular courses include business administration, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, psychology, architecture, information technology, and interior design. Additionally, the most popular master's degree programs include business administration, electrical engineering, healthcare, law, and Doctor of Business Administration. It is important to note that most programs at this university are offered in English.

Zayed University; The Most Distinguished University in the UAE

This institution is recognized as a national and regional leader in education. Zayed University was established in 1998 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Currently, the university has two campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, welcoming both local and international students. Zayed University has approximately 6,500 students. The institution strives to develop capable leaders who can tackle future challenges.

Abu Dhabi University; The Most Modern University in the UAE

This institution is the largest private university in the United Arab Emirates, with over 7,500 students. Abu Dhabi University was established in 2000 and has four higher education colleges located in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, and the Al Dhafra region. The university offers more than 50 educational programs at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels across its colleges. Some of the colleges at Abu Dhabi University include the College of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, and Military Studies, among others.

Ajman University

This institution was established in 1988 as the first private university in the UAE in collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council. It was also the first college in the Arab country to accept foreign students of both genders. This institution continues to be a pioneer in innovation and social impact.

Ajman University was ranked among the top 6 universities in the world in 2020 and received recognized credentials from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Additionally, this institution is the first private, non-profit college in the entire UAE region to be recognized as an accredited institution by the WSCUC (WASC Senior College and University Commission).

Some UAE Universities Approved by Iran's Ministry of Science

Studying at universities in the UAE that are recognized by Iran's Ministry of Science provides you with the opportunity to return to Iran after graduation without needing to validate your degree. In 2024, 13 universities from the UAE were listed among the accredited institutions by the Ministry of Science, with some of their names listed in the table below.

Advantages of Studying at UAE Universities

The government of this Arab country has allocated significant investments to strengthen its educational system. According to reports from reputable sources, the United Arab Emirates has dedicated more than 15 percent of its budget annually to develop the education system since 2016. The UAE government is determined to transform the country into one of the best educational centers in the world.

Currently, there are 67 universities in the UAE that are accredited by the CAA (Commission for Academic Accreditation). Additionally, research published in 2022 shows that over 1,100 academic programs at UAE universities have obtained this prestigious accreditation. These programs include educational courses at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels; however, it is essential to note that there is greater emphasis on fields such as business, investment, engineering, and health sciences, and thus, more facilities have been provided for these disciplines.

The UAE offers numerous job opportunities for students who wish to work in the country after graduation. For this reason, the United Arab Emirates has attracted many students in recent years.

Admission to UAE Universities

In this Arab country, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research manages educational institutions and centers. Based on the regulations established by the mentioned authority and the discretion of university boards, their admission conditions vary. International students must first choose their desired university and field of study. Then, depending on the chosen university, they should prepare the necessary documents for admission. It is important to note that if your native language is not English, you may need to submit IELTS or TOEFL certificates to the university.

Scholarships at UAE Universities

Every year, educational institutions in the United Arab Emirates offer numerous scholarships for eligible students. These scholarship programs encompass all levels of education, including undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees. Some of these scholarships are offered for local students, while others are available for international applicants. As a result, these educational programs provide an excellent opportunity to cover living expenses in Dubai.

Costs of UAE Educational Institutions

In the UAE, the cost of studying at higher education institutions is relatively high. At the undergraduate level, these costs can range from 1,251 to 2,750 AED. Additionally, the costs for master's programs are approximately between 2,420 to 5,000 AED. The table below will review the tuition fees of some universities.

Conclusion about UAE Universities

In this article, we explored most of the key points about Universities in the United Arab Emirates. We hope that by reading this content, you gained comprehensive information about the universities in this country! If you have any questions or additional information in this regard, we would be happy to discuss them with our consultants at NewWay.