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 | 27,600 AED - 45,400 AED | 71% |
| Higher Colleges of Technology | 60,000 AED - 73,500 AED | 37% |
| Zayed University | 70,000 AED - 90,000 AED | 26% |
| Khalifa University | 100,000 AED | -6% |
| New York University Abu Dhabi | 211,300 AED | -125% |
* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 93,800 AED for universities in Abu Dhabi.
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1. Abu Dhabi University
- International Bachelor's Tuition: 27,600 AED to 45,360 AED
- Domestic Bachelor's Tuition: 27,600 AED to 45,360 AED
- Abu Dhabi University Admissions Pages
- 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
- Domestic Bachelor's Tuition: 0 AED
- Higher Colleges of Technology Admissions Pages
- 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: 70,000 AED to 90,000 AED
- Zayed University Admissions Pages
- 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: 99,990 AED
- Domestic Bachelor's Tuition: 99,990 AED
- Khalifa University Admissions Pages
- 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: 211,300 AED
- Domestic Bachelor's Tuition: 211,300 AED
- New York University Abu Dhabi Admissions Pages
- 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* |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi University | 39,600 AED - 66,100 AED | 63% |
| Zayed University | 45,500 AED - 76,900 AED | 57% |
| Khalifa University | 90,000 AED | 15% |
| New York University Abu Dhabi | 244,300 AED - 304,600 AED | -133% |
* Average Master's International Tuition is 104,900 AED for universities in Abu Dhabi.
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1. Abu Dhabi University
- International Master's Tuition: 39,600 AED to 66,006 AED
- Domestic Master's Tuition: 39,600 AED to 66,006 AED
- Abu Dhabi University Admissions Pages
- 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.
If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Abu Dhabi University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 39,600 AED to 66,006 AED annually for their master's degree.
2. Zayed University
- International Master's Tuition: 45,468 AED to 76,806 AED
- Domestic Master's Tuition: 45,468 AED to 76,806 AED
- Zayed University Admissions Pages
- Zayed University Tuition Pages
One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Zayed University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Zayed University is 45,468 AED to 76,806 AED.
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.
3. Khalifa University
- International Master's Tuition: 90,000 AED
- Domestic Master's Tuition: 90,000 AED
- Khalifa University Admissions Pages
- 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.
The tuition fee at Khalifa University for incoming international master’s students is 90,000 AED. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!
4. New York University Abu Dhabi
- International Master's Tuition: 244,300 AED to 304,600 AED
- Domestic Master's Tuition: 244,300 AED to 304,600 AED
- New York University Abu Dhabi Admissions Pages
- New York University Abu Dhabi Tuition Pages
Another affordable university to consider in Abu Dhabi is New York University Abu Dhabi.
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 in New York University Abu Dhabi for master’s program for foreign students starts from 244,300 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!