UAE has flourished as an education hub and is home to several globally recognised universities. UAE universities are not only a dream for nationals, but they also attracts international students, with over 1 million enrolments every year.
Are you planning to enrol in one of the best universities in the UAE? If so, read along to discover the top 5 universities, their rankings, courses, fees and more.
UAE Top Universities
Let’s explore the universities ranked highest in the QS and Times Higher Education (THE) rankings for their academic excellence & research.
1. Khalifa University
Khalifa University embraces a research-intensive educational approach and has been ranked Number 01 in the UAE for the past 6 years. The university is famous for its Engineering and Technology courses. It has 3 colleges, 3 extensive research units and 18 research departments.
The university offers top-notch education and extracurricular activities to prepare students for the practical world. Besides, it offers multiple research and internship opportunities through its strategic partnerships.
Courses
Khalifa University offers 16 undergraduate courses, 21 Masters programs and 8 Doctoral degrees. The following are the categories:
- Engineering & Technology
- Lifesciences & Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences & Management
Campus Facilities
Student Hub, Gym, Yoga Studios, Sports Courts, Student Housing at Sas Al Nakhl Campus, Food Courts, Retail Shops, 851 square metres Library, Campus Medical Facilities, Oriental Spa and Geo Power Wash.
Key Highlights
| Address | Main Campus: Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street, Hadbat Al Za’faranah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, UAESas Al Nakhl Campus: CF9X+CP9, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Contact Information | +971 2 312 3333 |
| Established Year | 2007 |
| Type | Public |
| Ranking | QS Rankings:World Rank: 202Arab Region Rank: 2THE Young University Rank: 27UAE Rank: 1Ranking by Subject: Engineering & Technology (13 for Petroleum Engineering) |
| Intake | Spring, Fall and Summer |
| Tuition Fee | Undergraduate: AED 2,500 per credit hourMasters: AED 5,000 per credit hourDoctoral: AED 6,666 per credit hour |
2. United Arab Emirates University
Located in Al Ain, it is a globally recognised teaching institution. The university has over 14,000 national enrolments and international students from about 64 countries. Besides, the campus has state-of-the-art facilities, including 160+ labs, 46 student societies and modern architecture.
Departments
The university has 9 departments under which it offers courses in different disciplines. Here is the list:
- College of Business & Economics
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
- College of Humanities & Social Sciences
- College of Information Technology
- College of Law
- College of Medicine & Health Sciences
- College of Science
Campus Facilities
Student clubs, health facilities, extracurricular activities, cafeterias, retail outlets and on-campus accommodation are available.
Key Highlights
| Address | Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, Asharij, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Contact Information | +971 3 713 4343 |
| Established Year | 1976 |
| Type | Public |
| Ranking | QS Rankings:World Rank: 290Arab University Rank: 6THE Young University Rank: 47UAE Rank: 2Ranking by Subject: Engineering (51-100) and Health (201-250) |
| Tuition Fee | Undergraduate: Ranges from AED 1900 to AED 3000 per credit hourMaster: Ranges from AED 1600 to AED 2400 per credit hourDoctoral: Ranges from AED 2100 to AED 8400 per credit hourTotal Average Fee: AED 110,000 per year |
3. University of Sharjah
University of Sharjah’s diverse culture attracts international students representing 96 countries. The university offers 127 programs in different disciplines. Besides, its state-of-the-art campus with amenities such as beauty salons and health care facilities stands out.
Courses
Here is the list of courses offered:
- Sharia And Islamic Studies
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Business Administration
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Law
- Fine Arts & Design
Campus Facilities
Food courts, 24-hour healthcare, hair & beauty salons, dorms, child care service and public shuttles from different parts of Sharjah.
Key Highlights
| Address | University City Road, Sharjah, UAE |
| Contact Information | +971 6 558 5000 |
| Established Year | 1997 |
| Type | Private |
| Ranking | QS Rankings:World Rank: 465Arab Region Rank: 15THE Young University Rank: 69UAE Rank: 3Ranking by Subject: #4 in Green and Sustainable Science and Technology and #18 in Energy and Fuels. |
| Intake | Fall, Spring and Summer |
| Tuition Fee | Undergraduate: Ranges from AED 1877 to AED 2347 per credit hourMasters: Ranges from AED 2541 to AED 4000 per credit hourDoctoral: Ranges from AED 4568 to AED 6090 per credit hour |
4. American University of Sharjah
Looking to study liberal arts or science courses? The American University of Sharjah is a popular university in Sharjah, blending academics with personality development.
Colleges
The university offers degree programs in the following disciplines:
- College of Architecture, Art, and Design
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Engineering
- School of Business Administration
Campus Facilities
Mosque and Prayer rooms, Athletics and Recreation Facilities, Residential Halls, Commercial Outlets and Student Associations.
Key Highlights
| Address | University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates |
| Contact Information | +971 6 515 5555 |
| Established Year | 1997 |
| Type | Private |
| Ranking | QS Rankings:World Rank: 364Arab Region Rank: 8THE Young University Rank: 124UAE Rank: 4Ranking by Subject: Accounting and Finance (151-200) |
| Intake | Summer, Fall and Spring |
| Tuition Fee | Undergraduate: AED 105,020 per academic yearMasters: Ranges from AED 4149 to AED 5190 per credit hourDoctoral: AED 5190 per credit hour |
5. Zayed University
Zayed University is mainly popular for business education. Besides, its focus on innovation, creativity and building leadership skills in students is commendable. The university has over 85% women ratio, making it an ideal choice for females.
Colleges
The university offers undergraduate and master’s degree programs in the following disciplines:
- College of Arts and Creative Enterprises
- College of Business
- College of Communication & Media Sciences
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Interdisciplinary Studies
- College of Natural and Health Sciences
- College of Technological Innovation
Key Highlights
| Address | Academic City, Dubai, UAE |
| Contact Information | +971 4 402 1111 |
| Established Year | 1998 |
| Type | Public |
| Ranking | QS Rankings:World Rank: 230Arab Region Rank: 19THE Young University Rank: 98UAE Rank: 5Ranking by Subject: Business & Economics (201-250) |
| Tuition Fee | Undergraduate: AED 2500 per credit hourMasters: Ranges from AED 2500 to AED 4267 per credit hour |
FAQs
UAE is thriving as an educational hub. It has good infrastructure, diverse culture, is safe and offers better educational and growth opportunities – attracting international students to pursue their studies in the country.
UAE can be expensive for international students. However, one can find low-cost universities with the same academic quality. In addition, the UAE Universities offer scholarships and financial aid which makes it more affordable.
This concludes the guide to top universities in the UAE offering high-quality education and state-of-the-art facilities. Whether you are an international student or a local seeking to enrol in the UAE Universities, this is a go-to guide.
Check out our comprehensive guide to the best universities in Dubai.
