22 Best Universities In United Arab Emirates For International Students 2025

If you are looking to study in United Arab Emirates, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 22 universities and colleges in United Arab Emirates, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 22 universities in United Arab Emirates, University of Sharjah and United Arab Emirates University are the top-performing schools in United Arab Emirates. This list covers both public and private institutions in United Arab Emirates.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in United Arab Emirates. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in United Arab Emirates.

Rank University Founded Year City Type
1 University of Sharjah 1997 Sharjah Private
2 United Arab Emirates University 1976 Al Ain Public
3 Zayed University 1998 Abu Dhabi Public
4 American University of Sharjah 1997 Sharjah Private
5 Abu Dhabi University 2003 Abu Dhabi Private
6 Khalifa University 2007 Abu Dhabi Public
7 Al Ain University 2004 Dubai Private
8 New York University Abu Dhabi 2010 Abu Dhabi Private
9 Ajman University 1988 Ajman Private
10 Higher Colleges of Technology 1988 Abu Dhabi Public
11 American University in Dubai 1995 Dubai Private
12 University of Dubai 1997 Dubai Private
13 American University of Ras Al Khaimah 2005 Ras al Khaimah Public
14 University of Wollongong in Dubai 1993 Dubai Private
15 Canadian University of Dubai 2006 Dubai Private
16 Skyline University College 1990 Sharjah Private
17 British University in Dubai 2003 Dubai Private
18 Middlesex University Dubai 2005 Dubai Private
19 Institute of Management Technology Dubai 2006 Dubai Public
20 Amity University Dubai 2011 Dubai Private
21 Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence 2019 Dubai Public
22 Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai 2000 Dubai Private

How do I get admission to the best universities in United Arab Emirates?

Applying to the universities in United Arab Emirates involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in United Arab Emirates to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in United Arab Emirates?

Tuition fees at United Arab Emirates’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 18,000 AED to 211,300 AED , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 7,846 AED to 304,600 AED. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in United Arab Emirates!

As we cover the best universities in United Arab Emirates for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in United Arab Emirates for International Students

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#1 in United Arab Emirates
#118 in Asia
#769 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 14,756

The University of Sharjah is a comprehensive educational institution with a unique teaching methodology and a worldwide perspective. It is a leader in the arts, excellent schools, and scientific research. Qualified and experienced professors instruct every course. Students are encouraged to pursue engineering, communication, science, and business majors to gain an education that contributes to an equitable society.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#2 in United Arab Emirates
#120 in Asia
#804 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 14,968

The United Arab Emirates University is a premier national and research-intensive university that instills the importance and values of leadership, innovation, and community service into its students. It stands out as the country’s first university established by no less than UAE’s first president. UAEU’s international accreditations, world-class research centers, and high rankings among universities ensure that its students receive the best education and training.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#3 in United Arab Emirates
#271 in Asia
#1379 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 9,585

Zayed University proudly carries its name and is a national and regional pioneer in educational innovation. Domestic and international students are welcome at the university’s two advanced campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It aspires to revitalize the educational process by encouraging research and setting the foundation for lifelong learning that exceeds expectations and satisfies societal requirements for sustainable growth.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#4 in United Arab Emirates
#278 in Asia
#1399 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 5,244

The centerpiece of UAE’s University City is the American University of Sharjah, which consists of three colleges and one school. This institution values students who embrace the vibrant campus culture, strive for academic success, and demonstrate openness, tolerance, and respect. Such results in the fusion of intellectual brilliance and civic engagement that guarantees that students develop into the next leaders.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#5 in United Arab Emirates
#288 in Asia
#1447 in World
Percentage of International Students
41%
Total Number of students - 7,577
International Number of students - 3,107

Abu Dhabi University is a multi-campus university dedicated to giving students an engaging educational atmosphere and an internationally regarded education. The university is acknowledged as a top-tier institution for teaching, student life, research, and executive education. As such, it gives graduates the education, expertise, and attitude they need to become tomorrow’s leaders who can help improve society.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#6 in United Arab Emirates
#321 in Asia
#1524 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 3,500

Khalifa University is a top-tier, research-intensive university in Abu Dhabi known as the Khalifa University of Science and Technology. As its extended name implies, its programs are highly specialized and limited to engineering, science, medicine, and health sciences. It concentrates on those disciplines because it was established to address the scientific and industrial challenges that affect the United Arab Emirates.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#7 in United Arab Emirates
#468 in Asia
#1959 in World
Percentage of International Students
50%
Total Number of students - 939
International Number of students - 468

Al Ain University is renowned for its active contribution to knowledge development through excellent teaching and research. The institution places a high importance on community involvement and the regional and national effort to improve education. AAU upholds its reputation for excellence in the fields of education, research, and community service. Every student would be able to choose an appropriate learning environment to reach their full potential.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#8 in United Arab Emirates
#483 in Asia
#1990 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 3,230

New York University Abu Dhabi is a degree-granting portal campus of the world-renowned New York University. The university invites, teaches, and welcomes global citizens to advance intercultural understanding and a better society. It aspires to transform global higher education and become a premier leader in the field. The university also ensures its students have the proper support and resources.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#9 in United Arab Emirates
#647 in Asia
#2514 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data

Ajman University is one of the UAE’s most prestigious institutions. Such renown is not just because of the institution’s high placement in inter-university rankings and academic assessments. It’s also due to the university’s role in promoting inclusivity. Specifically, Ajman University is the first in the country to welcome expatriate students, a move that impacted not just the lives of the expatriates but also society.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#10 in United Arab Emirates
#792 in Asia
#2909 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 23,000

Higher Colleges of Technology is the first authorized university economic free zone in the United Arab Emirates, and the country’s largest applied higher education school. By offering educational pathways that meet business needs, the institution becomes an incubator for talent and skills to realize the national goal. HCT also strongly encourages women to make valuable contributions to national development that serve the greater good. The school employs a strategy to provide students with the values, abilities, and intellectual discipline that will enable them to impact UAE society positively.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#11 in United Arab Emirates
#856 in Asia
#3057 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 2,624

The American University in Dubai, a non-sectarian institution of higher learning, offers more than an American-style education to Emirati and international students. Its programs are accredited by the USA’s Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and other international accrediting bodies. AUD also provides a culturally diverse learning community to promote individual development, encourage societal progress, and cultivate better thinkers via outstanding instruction and scholarship opportunities.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#12 in United Arab Emirates
#1186 in Asia
#3853 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 1,400

The University of Dubai is a renowned private university specializing in business, law, engineering, and information technology (IT) programs. Notably, such specialties are relevant to the institution that owns the university, which is the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. UD’s quality of education is also vetted by several national and international accreditation bodies, such as AACSB International.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#13 in United Arab Emirates
#1343 in Asia
#4226 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah is a coeducational higher education institution. The university is moving forward through specialized centres committed to promoting innovation and expanding the parameters of what is possible. The institution is dedicated to sustainable investing. Students from all over the world are welcome to participate in programs and activities at AURAK that have been thoroughly planned to keep them healthy and safe.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#14 in United Arab Emirates
#1447 in Asia
#4473 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 3,700

One of the greatest universities in Dubai is the University of Wollongong, which provides students with quality education and enables them to coexist in a distinctively multicultural setting that fosters academic success, personal development, and social development. The campus also has the most up-to-date infrastructure and technology, which allows blended learning. The university environment would be an ideal place for students to further their education.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#15 in United Arab Emirates
#1821 in Asia
#5245 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 1,200

The doors of Canadian University Dubai were opened to showcase the top-notch Canadian educational system. The institution is dedicated to giving students a global academic experience that is governed by the highest standards of academic and business ethics, improving the personal and professional lives of the graduates and the communities they serve. The campus of CUD will provide potential students with a proper setting to develop their skills.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#16 in United Arab Emirates
#1917 in Asia
#5403 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data

One of the well-known institutions in the United Arab Emirates, Skyline University College, promotes creativity and innovation while maintaining a focus on diversity and cultural fusion in order to create a society based on knowledge. The institution fosters the professional development of students from various cultural backgrounds in the disciplines of business, science, and technology as well as the inculcation of values for the benefit of society. Additionally, SUC prioritizes risk management in all facets of its business operations and ensures the health and safety of its students.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#17 in United Arab Emirates
#2077 in Asia
#5696 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data

The British University in Dubai has a well-established reputation as a research-focused educational organization eager to rank among the top institutions in the world. Through the use of the best and brightest educators, the institution aspires to create a society that is founded on education. It provides a top-notch educational system to students around the world so they may effortlessly attain their goals.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#18 in United Arab Emirates
#2660 in Asia
#6732 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 4,800

Middlesex University Dubai is the first overseas campus of the renowned Middlesex University based in London, UK. The vibrant, diverse, and multicultural campus takes delight in offering a unique student experience. Numerous undergraduate, graduate, and foundation programs are available at the university. In addition, it is dedicated to providing challenging academic programs through cutting-edge research, funding, and professional practice to meet the needs and aspirations of a broad group of students from across cultures and around the world.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#19 in United Arab Emirates
#2710 in Asia
#6836 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 600

The Institute of Management Technology in Dubai is well known as an international business school. Students from a wide range of countries and educational backgrounds can enrol in recognized undergraduate and graduate programs through it. The campus is replete with cutting-edge amenities that support students as they discover their potential and take creative action to implement unique concepts and influence the world.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#20 in United Arab Emirates
#2750 in Asia
#6907 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 2,000

Leading international institution Amity University Dubai is based in the United Arab Emirates and is part of a global network with campuses in more than eight other nations. The university provides over thirty programs to build a sustainable ecosystem that promotes research and learning in order to explore novel ideas and quicken the country’s transition to a knowledge-based economy. Here, students would discover the ideal environment for developing their potential.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#21 in United Arab Emirates
#3551 in Asia
#8526 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
International Number of students - 202

A graduate-level, research-based academic institution, Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence gathers top-tier thinkers and doers in computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, and other fields. Academic and research activities at the university are aiming to create novel solutions that will have an impact on the world. International students are given ample possibilities at MBZUAI to pursue their ambitions.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#22 in United Arab Emirates
#3556 in Asia
#8532 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
International Number of students - 2,200

Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, is a campus that is affiliated with Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India. One of the top universities in the UAE, it is committed to intellectual concepts, academic excellence, and knowledge in order to provide students with a fulfilling future in a changing world. To help students hone their talents, the university sponsors a number of clubs that are pertinent to particular programs.

We know that choosing your dream school in United Arab Emirates not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.

So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in United Arab Emirates, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in United Arab Emirates! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!