5 Cheapest Universities in Abu Dhabi for International Students
In Abu Dhabi, there are a handful of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United Arab Emirates without paying a lot, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.
Now, if you’re planning to study in Abu Dhabi, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 5 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Abu Dhabi, make sure to read more!
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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Abu Dhabi for International Students
Here is the list of affordable institutions in Abu Dhabi ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.
| University | Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition | % Cheaper than Average* |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi University | 48,600 AED - 62,600 AED | 52% |
| Higher Colleges of Technology | 60,000 AED - 73,500 AED | 41% |
| Zayed University | 75,000 AED | 26% |
| Khalifa University | 81,300 AED | 20% |
| New York University Abu Dhabi | 241,000 AED | -138% |
* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 101,200 AED for universities in Abu Dhabi.
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1. Abu Dhabi University
- International Bachelor's Tuition: 48,600 AED to 62,550 AED
- Abu Dhabi University Tuition Pages
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.
2. Higher Colleges of Technology
- International Bachelor's Tuition: 60,000 AED to 73,500 AED
- Higher Colleges of Technology Tuition Pages
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.
3. Zayed University
- International Bachelor's Tuition: 75,000 AED
- Zayed University Tuition Pages
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.
4. Khalifa University
- International Bachelor's Tuition: 81,250 AED
- Khalifa University Tuition Pages
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.
5. New York University Abu Dhabi
- International Bachelor's Tuition: 240,997 AED
- New York University Abu Dhabi Tuition Pages
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.
Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Abu Dhabi for International Students
Here is the list of affordable institutions in Abu Dhabi ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.
| University | Annual Master's International Tuition | % Cheaper than Average* |
|---|---|---|
| Zayed University | 30,000 AED - 51,300 AED | 59% |
| Abu Dhabi University | 34,100 AED - 44,100 AED | 53% |
| New York University Abu Dhabi | 74,700 AED | -3% |
| Khalifa University | 150,000 AED | -107% |
* Average Master's International Tuition is 72,200 AED for universities in Abu Dhabi.
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1. Zayed University
- International Master's Tuition: 30,000 AED to 51,204 AED
- Zayed University Tuition Pages
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.
If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Zayed University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 30,000 AED to 51,204 AED annually for their master's degree.
2. Abu Dhabi University
- International Master's Tuition: 34,020 AED to 44,004 AED
- Abu Dhabi University Tuition Pages
One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Abu Dhabi University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Abu Dhabi University is 34,020 AED to 44,004 AED.
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.
3. New York University Abu Dhabi
- International Master's Tuition: 74,656 AED
- New York University Abu Dhabi Tuition Pages
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.
The tuition fee at New York University Abu Dhabi for incoming international master’s students is 74,656 AED. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!
4. Khalifa University
- International Master's Tuition: 150,000 AED
- Khalifa University Tuition Pages
Another affordable university to consider in Abu Dhabi is Khalifa University.
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.
The tuition fee in Khalifa University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 150,000 AED.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Abu Dhabi?
Applying to cheap universities in Abu Dhabi requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United Arab Emirates for a more comprehensive guide!
2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Abu Dhabi?
International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Abu Dhabi. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Abu Dhabi is the Abu Dhabi University, which offers Mass Communication, Business Administration, and Human Nutrition and Dietetics to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Abu Dhabi University offers Educational Leadership, Special Education, and Strategic Leadership.
It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Abu Dhabi, it can be tough to know where to start looking.
So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Abu Dhabi as well if you're looking for affordable education!
We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Abu Dhabi for international students was helpful!