Best universities in United Arab Emirates 2025

Ranking Higher Education Institutions and Tuition Fees

According to QS World University, UAE universities occupy top positions worldwide. With a total of 959 universities included in this ranking, institutions around the world are evaluated in terms of the following objective criteria:

• Academic performance of students.

• Reputation as an employer.

• Student-to-teacher ratio.

• Number of foreign students.

• International faculties.

As per the 2018 ranking, the top five universities include:

• United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) (Ranked 350th internationally).

• American University of Sharjah (AUS).

• Khalifa University.

• American University in Dubai.

• University of Sharjah.

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)

UAEU is the first university, which has begun its activity in the Emirates. Nowadays, it still has a status of a leading educational institution. The university is  located in Al Ain, which has gained popularity for its lush greenery and parks. Today, more than 14,000 foreign students are studying in UAEU. The foreign students are provided with the opportunity to choose from a wide array of internationally certified programs, allowing them to study any field from business and economics to humanities and IT. The university houses nationally significant research centers, with all faculties open to international applicants.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

To enter UAEU, foreign applicants must meet the following requirements:

• To study during at least one year at a domestic university (as the UAE's secondary education lasts for 12 years).

• Demonstrate proficiency in English, typically at EmSAT 1250 or TOEFL ITP 525/iBT 70 levels. For lower proficiency levels, the university offers a preliminary year-long English course.

• Possess a secondary education certificate.

• Attain an above-average overall mark in the secondary school certificate.

Tuition Fees

The cost of tuition depends on the number of hours selected per semester for a particular subject. Additionally, students should anticipate expenses for:

• Full insurance.

• Student visa.

• Accommodation (approximately $1,362 USD for six months).

• Educational materials.

• A non-refundable fee of $55 USD.

AUS is a nonprofit, independent institution founded on the principles of several American universities. Located in the heart of Sharjah, AUS boasts an exceptional teaching staff, with many instructors having experience in prestigious educational institutions worldwide. The university offers accredited programs in fields such as engineering, civil engineering, computer science, and architecture, all certified to American educational standards. This impacts not only the academic curriculum but also life within the student community, featuring over 50 diverse clubs and a constant array of sports and cultural events.

Admission Terms

Admission requirements include providing proof of secondary education. Statistics reveal favorable admission rates (80% of applicants are accepted), but applicants should maintain above-average grades and English language proficiency.

Tuition Fees

Foreign undergraduate students should be ready to pay on average  $21,000 USD per academic year. Master's programs are more expensive, amounting to $19,000 USD. On-campus accommodation starts from $726 USD per month.

Khalifa University has achieved great results, as according to preliminary QS World University data, it is expected to get around the above mentioned universities, occupying the 315th position in 2019. Khalifa University is featured by its approach to the educational process, stipulating  conducting research and scientific inquiry.

Programs

Khalifa University comprises:

• College of Engineering (offering programs in computer science and engineering).

• College of Arts and Sciences (offering programs in chemistry, mathematics, and petroleum geophysics).

• Medical College.

Admission Terms

Khalifa University maintains stringent admission standards, with only one out of ten applicants typically being admitted. Requirements include demonstrating English proficiency through certificates and passing an entrance exam.

Applicants are encouraged to provide a comprehensive application package that includes three recommendation letters, at least one of which must come from a teacher. This can significantly increase one's chances of entering.

Tuition Fees

Compared to other universities, Khalifa University offers affordable tuition. Undergraduate and graduate programs for foreign students are priced at $1,000 USD per year. Additionally, the university offers financial support to outstanding students.

The UAE's education system adheres to European standards, ensuring that diplomas earned are recognized and esteemed worldwide. Graduates who secure employment in the UAE may benefit from a streamlined process for obtaining citizenship.

There are approximately 10 private universities in the UAE, offering a variety of academic programs to choose from. The manager will be able to advise you on educational institutions and help you with your choice. You can enroll in no more than 5 educational institutions in the UAE. Most often these are branches of British, Scottish, Australian educational institutions.

Yes, there are many prestigious universities in the UAE with KHDA government accreditation. The UAE Ministry of Education, as a government body, confirms the compliance of curricula, teacher qualifications and academic approaches with the standards and requirements defined by the UAE government. Diplomas from universities accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education are recognized at the state level in the Emirates, as well as in all countries of the world.

Most universities in the UAE use English as their primary language of instruction. So, local and foreign students get full access to obtaining education here.

Of course, UAE universities welcome foreign students, providing them with support services, aimed at integrating into the academic and cultural environment.

Yes, students can be awarded scholarships, given various criteria such as academic performance, financial need and specific areas of study. Smaps is an official partner of many Educational Institutions in the UAE and helps you win scholarship competitions.

Of course, the UAE has universities specializing in a variety of fields, including science, engineering, business, medicine and the arts, catering to a wide range of academic interests. A manager will be able to advise you in each area.

UAE universities play a key role by producing skilled professionals, conducting research to solve the country's problems, and fostering innovation through collaboration with industry and government agencies.

Many UAE universities offer residential accommodation options such as Myriad and KSK Homes. Alternatively, many students live in hotels.

UAE universities often establish partnerships with renowned international institutions, promoting exchange programs, joint research and academic initiatives that broaden the horizons of students.

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