10 Best Universities in the UAE in 2024
In the United Arab Emirates, there are many reasons why it is a great place to study including sun, sea and sand; potential tax-free salaries after graduation; and some of the best higher education institutions in the Gulf. UAE has a strong higher education system with modern infrastructure combined with quality focus.
We’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Universities in the UAE in 2024:
- The Khalifa University (KU)
Location: Abu Dhabi
Ranking: 181st in QS World University Rankings 2024
Overview:
Khalifa University is a leading institution established in 2007 with particular emphasis on engineering and technology. It partners with more than 50 worldwide institutions to give students opportunities for exchanges and internships. At Khalifa university, there are 12 specialized research centers that contribute significantly towards scientific advancements in different fields.
Top Courses:
Engineering: Mechanical, electrical, aerospace are among the various specializations.
Computer Science: Concentrates on software development, data science and cyber security.
Biomedical Engineering: Applying principles of engineering to improve healthcare delivery through medical and biological sciences.
Chemistry: Intensive knowledge on chemical processes and laboratory techniques.
Physics: Research oriented basic study of matter and energy.
Entry Requirements:
IELTS: 6.0
TOEFL iBT: 79
GRE: 150 (for MSc programs)
Annual Tuition Fees: INR 15L – INR 20L
Testimonial:
“KU has been life-changing. My analytical skills have increased tremendously as well as my efficiency in research.” – Abhijith Suboyin
2. UAE University
Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
Ranking: 290 in QS World University Rankings 2024.
Overview:
UAEU was established in 1976 and is the oldest university in the country with an enviable academic history and a wide range of programs. There are around 14,000 students at present who study diverse subjects at UAEU’s nine colleges, making it a melting pot of ideas and exchanges.
Top Courses:
- Business and Economics: Offers finance, management, economics.
- Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical engineering are the specializations available here.
- Law: A full legal education program that has emphasis on local (UAE) and international law.
- Medical and Health Sciences: Medicine, nursing and pharmacy fall under this category.
- Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine: This department emphasizes sustainable farming methods as well as animal health care.
Entry Requirements:
- High school certificate with a minimum grade of 80%
- IELTS: 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: 70
Annual Tuition Fees: INR 25L – INR 30L
Testimonial:
“Studying at UAEU has been eye-opening because it has had an impact on my life positively too. With specialization in language literacy studies I have been able to redefine what literacy means and also revaluate my pedagogical practices.” – Fajr Alkouz
3. American University of Sharjah (AUS)
The American University of Sharjah is located in Sharjah. It ranks 364th in the QS World University Rankings for 2024.
Overview:
Established in 1997, AUS has been celebrated for its exceptional faculty who offers degree programs in liberal arts and sciences. This institution prides itself on attracting students from over a hundred countries thus fostering a dynamic multicultural learning environment. The uniqueness of American values being blended with regional cultural values at the university is quite appealing.
Top Courses:
Architecture: It is popularly known for having creative designing classes and sustainable design skills.
- Business Administration: Includes entrepreneurship training among other areas of business management.
- Engineering: Involves electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering courses offered.
- Finance: Emphasizes banking, investment decisions and financial analysis.
- Business Analytics: Encourages analytical approaches to data-driven decision-making process.
Entry Requirements:
- IELTS: An applicant should score no less than this number six point five
- TOEFL: iBT85
Annual Tuition Fees:$20L – $23L
Testimonial:
“I am not the same designer or researcher that I was before joining AUS.” – Maryam Mudhaffar
4. University of Sharjah (UOS)
Location: Sharjah
Ranking: 465th in QS World University Rankings 2024
Overview:
It is established in 1997 with comprehensive academic programs and significant research contributions, UOS is a leading institution offering various undergraduate and postgraduate courses, making it one of the largest institutions in the UAE.
Top Courses:
Medicine: Provides extensive training in medical sciences and clinical practice.
Engineering: There are civil, electrical, mechanical engineering among others.
Islamic Studies: Taught deep studies of Muslim theology and jurisprudence.
Sociology: Based on societal structures, cultural dynamics and social behavior as its core focus.
Physics and Computer Science: Offer solid grounds to theoretical and applied sciences.
Entry Requirements:
High school certificate recognized by the education authority
EmSAT score: 1,110 (for Law program)
Annual Tuition Fees: INR 10L – INR 20L
Testimonial:
“The supportive environment at UOS and the diverse range of courses have enabled me to explore my interests deeply.” – Aisha Al-Mansoori
Zayed University
Locations: Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Ranking: 451-500 in QS world university rankings 2023 (Social Sciences & Management)
Introduction:
Founded in the year 1998, Zayed University is committed to empowering Emirati women and encouraging leadership and creativity. It offers programs that blend contemporary teaching methods with cultural values of the Emiratis.
Best Programmes:
Business: Concentrates on entrepreneurialism and management skills.
Communication and Media Sciences: Journalism, public relations, digital media.
International Studies: This is about global politics, economics, and cultural studies.
Accounting and Finance: Covers all aspects of financial practices.
Animation Design: Uses technical animation skills as well as artistic imagination.
Admission Requirements:
IELTS: 6.0
TOEFL CBT: 213
Annual Tuition Fees: INR 16L – INR 20L
Testimonial:
“Zayed University has really helped me grow into a leader while also providing me with the tools to be successful in my profession.” – Fatima Al-Mazrouei
American University of Dubai (AUD)
Location: Dubai
Ranking: 601-650 in QS World University Rankings 2024
Overview:
AUD was founded in 1995 as a private university with US and UAE accreditation. It focuses on providing an American type of education within a multicultural environment that prepares graduates for global working experience.
Top Courses:
Business Administration: Specializations include marketing, management, and finance.
Engineering: This includes programs such as civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
Architecture: Concentrates on sustainable designs and urban planning.
Communication Media Studies: Subjects such as public relations, journalism and media production are covered under this course.
International Relations: Covers the global politics and diplomacy.
Entry Requirements:
IELTS : 6.5
TOEFL iBT : 80
Annual Tuition Fees: INR 20L – INR 23L
Testimonial:
“AUD has given me the tools and confidence to pursue my career goals globally.” – Ahmed Al-Suwaidi
Abu Dhabi University (ADU)
Location: Abu Dhabi
Ranking: 651-700 in QS World University Rankings 2024
Overview:
Founded 2003, ADU offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses that have strong links with industry. The studies are practical and research oriented to ensure the graduates are market ready.
Top Courses:
Business Administration – gives options in management, finance, marketing.
Engineering – which includes civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
Law – it’s legal education is based on UAE law they also offer international law.
Health Sciences – is made up of nursing, public health and healthcare management.
Education – teaching strategies, educational leadership
Entry Requirements:
IELTS: 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 71
Annual Tuition Fees: INR 12L – INR 18L
Testimonial:
“The hands-on experience and industry connections at ADU have been invaluable for my career.” – Sara Al-Mansoori
University of Dubai (UD)
Location: Dubai
Ranking: 751-800 in QS World University Rankings 2024
Overview:
Since its inception in 1997, UD has been renowned for its exceptional business and IT programs. The school’s curriculum combines both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that help students to become successful professionals upon completion of their studies.
Top Courses:
Business Administration: Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Concentrations are available here.
Finance: Offers comprehensive understanding about financial markets as well as investment strategies elaborately.
Marketing: Focuses on consumer behavior such as advertising together with digital marketing among others.”
Information Technology” generally covers software development specifically looking at cyber security taking into account data science arcitecture.”
Supply Chain Management”: Logistics including procurement as well as operations management forms the basis of this unit.”
Entry Requirements:
IELTS: 6.0
TOEFL iBT: 79
Annual Tuition Fees: INR 15L – INR 18L
Testimonial:
“UD’s business programs have equipped me with the skills needed to excel in the corporate world.” – Khalid Al-Dhaheri
New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD)
Location: Abu Dhabi
Ranking: Top 300 in QS World University Rankings 2024
Overview:
The institution was established ten years ago and it offers a liberal arts and science education with an international focus. NYUAD is the union between New York University’s academic rigor and the cosmopolitanism of Abu Dhabi.
Top Courses:
Social Sciences: Here, you will find subjects such as anthropology, sociology, and political science.
Natural Sciences: It has programs like chemistry, biology and physics among others.
Engineering: Innovating engineering designs that are sustainable.
Arts and Humanities: They have courses in history, literature or philosophy for instance.
Computer Science: This is where one can learn about software creation as well as artificial intelligence.
Entry Requirements:
IELTS: 7.0
TOEFL iBT: 100
Annual Tuition Fees: INR 25L – INR 30L
Testimonial:
According to Hana Al-Saadi “I learnt from NYUAD what it is to be taught by students who come from around the globe.”
Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
Location: Abu Dhabi
Ranking: Top 500 in QS World University Rankings 2024
Overview:
Since its establishment in two thousand six this branch of the famous French school specializes in humanities, law and political science. Paris-Sorbonne being a world class academic center has been merged with Abu Dhabi an embodiment of culture itself.
Top Courses:
Law – Offers comprehensive legal studies that emphasize on global law matters.
International Affairs – Involves diplomacy, global politics as well as international relations course units among others.
History – Covers historiography, historical researches worldwide including world history itself.
Geography – There are human geography studies here besides physical geography ones too.
Archaeology –This department teaches ancient civilizations and archaeological methods.
Entry Requirements:
IELTS: 6.5
TOEFL iBT: 90
Annual Tuition Fees: INR 18L – INR 22L
Testimonial:
According to Karim Al-Fahim, “Being in Sorbonne Abu Dhabi has helped me understand many global customs and histories.”
Conclusion
The UAE’s emergence as a top global education destination offering an array of programs and world-class infrastructure has been fast-paced. The leading universities in the country will ensure that you receive a quality education that meets international standards whether you are into engineering, business, liberal arts or science making it one of the most sought after destinations for students globally. With their modern amenities combined with rich diversity found within them, it is no wonder why these universities have become attractive places for learning to take place in the world stage.
