Best universities in United Arab Emirates 2024

Students who want to study in the United Arab Emirates are waiting for high-level educational institutions, sun all year round, thousands of other foreign students, diversity, a bubbling life and many dedicated students for comfortable and interesting study at UAE universities.

The best universities in the UAE will be found in each of the emirates, which usually have a specially designated area for higher education institutions. The United Arab Emirates is home to a number of internationally recognized universities, training centers, e-learning centers, professional centers and research companies.

Education in the universities of the UAE in modern conditions is very popular among foreigners - every year more and more children from all over the world come here for relevant advanced knowledge.

Ranking Higher Education Institutions and Tuition Fees

QS World University ranks UAE universities among the best globally. With a total of 959 universities included in this ranking, institutions around the world are evaluated based on various objective criteria:

• Academic reputation.

• Reputation as an employer.

• Student-to-teacher ratio.

• Number of international 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 established in the Emirates, still maintaining its status as a leading educational institution. Located in Al Ain, a city known for its lush greenery and parks, UAEU currently educates 14,000 students from across the globe and is held in high regard. UAEU offers a broad range of internationally certified programs, spanning 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 gain admission to UAEU, prospective students must meet the following criteria:

• Have completed at least one year of study at a domestic university (as the UAE's secondary education duration is 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

For foreign undergraduate students, tuition costs $21,000 USD annually, while master's programs are priced at $19,000 USD. On-campus accommodation starts from $726 USD per month. Exceptional students may apply for financial assistance from the university.

Khalifa University has been making significant strides, and according to preliminary QS World University data, it is expected to surpass the previously mentioned universities, securing the 315th position in 2019. Khalifa University distinguishes itself by integrating research and scientific inquiry into its entire educational process.

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 character references, at least one of which must come from a teacher. This can significantly enhance one's chances of admission.

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, making education accessible to both local and international students.

Of course, UAE universities welcome international students and provide support services to help them integrate into the academic and cultural environment.

Yes, many universities in the UAE offer scholarships based on 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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