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Study in UAE

The country where modernity meets tradition, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular tourist destination and is home to some of the best universities in the Gulf region. The UAE is the perfect destination for any international student looking for a truly unique study experience.

Why choose the United Arab Emirates as an international student

Since the discovery of oil in the region in the 1950’s, the UAE’s economy has been rapidly changing. Now the country is known for not only oil and gas exportation, but is also improving its recognition in the tourist and construction industries. Located in the cities of the UAE you will find some of the world’s most impressive architectural feats, including the Burj Khalifa.

The higher education system is governed by the Ministry of Higher Education, which is responsible for the admission of students, as well as accrediting degree programmes. You will find 3 of the UAE’s universities in the 2023 QS World University Rankings top 500. The highest ranked is the Khalifa University, which is placed at =181st.

There are many interesting and exciting places to study in and visit in the UAE. These include Abu Dhabi and Dubai, among others.

The UAE requires all international students from outside of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) to obtain a student visa. For more information about that, see our United Arab Emirates Student Visa Guide.

Universities in the United Arab Emirates

There are over 100 universities and colleges operating in the United Arab Emirates. These can be divided into the following categories:

Public universities

There are 3 public funded universities in the UAE, including:

  • United Arab Emirates University based in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
  • Higher Colleges of Technology, with campuses throughout the UAE.
  • Zayed University, based in the Emirate of Dubai.

Private universities

There are over 100 universities and colleges in the UAE, and the majority of them are privately funded. Each of the 7 Emirates of UAE has a selection of different universities for international students to consider for their studies:

Universities in Abu Dhabi include:

  • Abu Dhabi University
  • Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi Campus
  • INSEAD, Middle East Campus in Abu Dhabi

Universities in Dubai include:

  • Abu Dhabi University, Dubai
  • Institute of Management Technology – Dubai
  • University of Dubai

Universities in Sharjah include:

  • University of Sharjah
  • American University of Sharjah
  • Sharjah Performing Arts Academy

Universities in Ajman include:

  • Ajman University
  • City University College of Ajman
  • Gulf Medical University

Universities in Umm Al Quwain include:

  • Umm Al Quwain University

Universities in Ras Al Khaimah include:

  • American University of Ras al Khaimah
  • Ras Al Khaimah Medical & Health Sciences University
  • Barha University, Ras Al Khaimah Campus

Universities in Fujairah include:

  • University of Fujairah
  • Higher Colleges of Technology, Fujairah Campus
  • University of Science and Technology of Fujairah

The top ranked universities in the United Arab Emirates

The UAE offers international students a choice of many highly ranking universities.

University Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2024 Best Global Universities QS World University Ranking
Abu Dhabi University 251-300 501
Khalifa University 251-300 662 202
United Arab Emirates University 301-350 679 261
University of Sharjah 351-400 564 434
Zayed University 401-500
American University of Sharjah 601-800 1381 332
Ajman University Not yet ranked 477
Al Ain University Not yet ranked 552
American University in the Emirates (AUE) Not yet ranked
American University in Dubai Not yet ranked

Search for courses in the United Arab Emirates

Highlighted courses in the United Arab Emirates

Doctorate in Management DM

Exeed College United Arab Emirates (the)

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Environment and Sustainability Sciences MSc

Zayed University United Arab Emirates (the)

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Biology BSc

American University in Dubai United Arab Emirates (the)

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Nuclear Engineering MSc

Khalifa University United Arab Emirates (the)

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Accounting BSc

University of Sharjah United Arab Emirates (the)

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Master of International Hospitality Management MBA

The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management United Arab Emirates (the)

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View all courses in the United Arab Emirates

More information about the United Arab Emirates

Capital City Abu Dhabi
Currency AED, UAE Dirham
Language(s) Arabic
Universities on Сư³æ´«Ã½ 8 universities
Major Student Cities Dubai

Language Requirements

The official language of the UAE is Arabic.

The majority of the population speak fluent English, so communicating should not be a problem. If you choose one of the UAE’s public universities, you will need to be fluent in Arabic and English, but private institutions tend to teach in English. Whether you choose to study in English or Arabic, you will need to provide evidence of your proficiency if it is not your native language. Even if you study in English, learning some Arabic would be useful for your everyday life. Communicating with the locals and other students would be a perfect way to practice. An extra language would look great on your CV/resume, and Arabic is a widely spoken as a business language.

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