10 Cheapest Universities in Dubai for International Students

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In Dubai, there are a lot 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. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Dubai, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 11 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Dubai, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Dubai for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Dubai ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Al Ain University 18,000 AED - 97,200 AED 66%
Institute of Management Technology Dubai 31,300 AED - 36,300 AED 40%
Amity University Dubai 35,000 AED - 64,600 AED 33%
Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai 35,500 AED - 48,000 AED 32%
British University in Dubai 56,300 AED - 62,500 AED -9%
University of Wollongong in Dubai 57,600 AED - 62,600 AED -11%
Middlesex University Dubai 60,000 AED -16%
University of Dubai 60,900 AED - 74,800 AED -18%
Canadian University of Dubai 64,100 AED - 88,500 AED -24%
American University in Dubai 97,100 AED -88%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 51,600 AED for universities in Dubai.

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1. Al Ain University

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.

2. Institute of Management Technology Dubai

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.

3. Amity University Dubai

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.

4. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai

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.

5. British University in Dubai

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.

6. University of Wollongong in Dubai

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.

7. Middlesex University Dubai

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.

8. University of Dubai

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.

9. Canadian University of Dubai

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.

10. American University in Dubai

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Dubai for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Dubai ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Wollongong in Dubai 7,846 AED - 9,415 AED 82%
Al Ain University 18,000 AED - 64,800 AED 58%
Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai 33,000 AED - 48,000 AED 23%
Middlesex University Dubai 35,000 AED - 53,800 AED 19%
Institute of Management Technology Dubai 37,400 AED 13%
Amity University Dubai 38,500 AED - 49,500 AED 11%
American University in Dubai 50,400 AED - 53,000 AED -17%
Canadian University of Dubai 50,600 AED -17%
University of Dubai 72,800 AED - 102,100 AED -69%
British University in Dubai 85,000 AED -98%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 42,900 AED for universities in Dubai.

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1. University of Wollongong in Dubai

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of Wollongong in Dubai should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 7,846 AED to 9,415 AED annually for their master's degree.

2. Al Ain University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Al Ain University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Al Ain University is 18,000 AED to 64,800 AED.

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.

3. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai

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.

The tuition fee at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai for incoming international master’s students is 33,000 AED to 48,000 AED. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Middlesex University Dubai

Another affordable university to consider in Dubai is Middlesex University Dubai.

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.

The tuition fee in Middlesex University Dubai for master’s program for foreign students starts from 35,000 AED.

5. Institute of Management Technology Dubai

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Institute of Management Technology Dubai has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 37,400 AED yearly.

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.

6. Amity University Dubai

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.

7. American University in Dubai

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.

8. Canadian University of Dubai

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.

9. University of Dubai

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.

10. British University in Dubai

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Dubai?

Applying to cheap universities in Dubai 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 Dubai?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Dubai. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Dubai is the Al Ain University, which offers Arabic Language and Literature, Special Education, and English Language and Translation to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Al Ain University offers Business Administration , Private Law, and Arabic Language Curricula and Instruction.

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 United Arab Emirates, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in United Arab Emirates as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Dubai for international students was helpful!