Top Architecture Courses in Dubai for International Students: Colleges, Masters, Short Courses

Architecture – the first word that comes to mind when someone talks about Dubai. The tall skyscrapers, especially Burj Khalifa, tend to take the viewers’ breath away with their dynamic but well-balanced structure. But a scenic modern landscape is not the only trademark of the metropolitan city; Dubai is also known for its world-class education in the field of architecture as well. So hop aboard to explore the top Architecture courses in Dubai for international students in 2025 with this blog. Read on to know more!

Discipline	Architecture
Types of Programs	BArch (5 years), MArch or related fields, Shorter professional certificates
Popular Universities	American University in Dubai (AUD), Canadian University Dubai (CUD), Heriot-Watt University Dubai, University of Sharjah
Tuition Fee	AED 80,000 – AED 150,000/year (tuition only)
Language of Instruction	English
Admission Requirements	High school diploma with strong marks in math and science Minimum GPA of 3.0 (US system) or equivalent
English Language Requirement	TOEFL iBT (minimum 61) or IELTS (minimum 6.5)
Career Options	Architect, Urban Designer, Interior Designer, Project Manager, Sustainability Consultant
Average Salary	AED 70,000 – AED 120,000/year (for entry-level graduates) AED 250,000 per year (for experienced professionals)

Why Study Architecture in Dubai?

With some of the world’s top universities, enrolling in Architecture courses in Dubai is an obvious choice for any international student. The city is a living portfolio of some unique and innovative structures such as Burj Khalifa, Emirates Tower, and Burj Al Arab. By studying architecture in Dubai, students learn firsthand from the world’s best architects. The capital city of UAE also invests heavily in cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing, robotics and AI, helping architecture students stay ahead of the curve. 

Top Colleges Offering Architecture Courses in Dubai

Here’s the list of top colleges providing the best Architecture courses in Dubai to international students in 2025. Further, these universities rank on a global level and offer various specialisations in the field:

1. American University in Dubai (AUD)
2. Canadian University Dubai (CUD)
3. Heriot-Watt University Dubai
4. American University of Sharjah
5. Manipal Academy of Higher Education – Dubai Campus

Best Architecture Courses in Dubai for International Students 2025

Universities in Dubai provide Architecture courses at undergraduate (BArch, BSc) and postgraduate (MArch) levels. Although UG-level Architecture courses in Dubai are a more popular option among international students. Let’s take a look at these courses offered by top universities in the city along with their tuition fees:

Undergraduate Architecture Courses in Dubai

Course	University	Tuition Fee
BA (Hons) in Architecture	Heriot-Watt University Dubai	AED 70,350
Bachelor of Architecture	American University in Dubai (AUD)	AED 120,000/year
Bachelor of Architecture	Canadian University Dubai	AED 84,924/year
BSc in Architectural Studies	Canadian University Dubai	–
Bachelor of Architecture	University of Sharjah	AED 62,000/year
Bachelor of Architecture	Manipal Academy of Higher Education – Dubai Campus	AED 65,000/year

Short Architecture Courses in Dubai

With its ever-evolving skyline and architectural marvels, Dubai presents a fascinating landscape for international students seeking short architecture courses in 2025. They are as follows:

Course	Description	University	Tuition Fee
Summer Architecture Program	A 6-week intensive program covering design studio, history, and technology courses	American University of Dubai (AUD)	AED 16,000 – 18,000
Sustainable Design for the Built Environment	A 3-week program exploring sustainable strategies in architecture		AED 8,000 – 10,000
Architectural Design Foundations	A 4-week program providing a comprehensive introduction to architectural principles and software	Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI)	AED 13,900
Sustainable Urban Design	A 2-week program delving into sustainable urban planning and design practices.		AED 7,500
Summer School in Architecture	A 3-week program focusing on urban design and regeneration in the context of Dubai	Heriot-Watt University Dubai	AED 8,000
Workshops and Masterclasses	The Triennale regularly hosts short workshops and masterclasses led by renowned architects on various themes	Sharjah Architecture Triennale	Depends on the program
Short courses and workshops	On specific architectural topics like Parametric design, Architectural visualization, and Model-making	Independent design studios	Varies depending on the studio and program

Architecture Courses in Dubai Tuition Fees

Generally, Architecture courses in Dubai charge tuition fees ranging from AED 42,000 – 286,000 per year. The average tuition fee for Architecture courses is around AED 127,632. Please ensure you are aware of the tuition costs you have to bear to properly manage your finances while studying abroad.

Annual Tuition Fee for Architecture in Dubai	AED 42,000 to AED 286,000
Average Cost of Living in Dubai Without Rent for a Single Individual	AED 4,005.6

Admission Requirements

Since the admission requirements for each of the Architecture courses in Dubai are different, here are some general requirements that every student must fulfil. To know the specific requirements for your chosen course, visit your chosen university’s official website:

1. High School diploma (or equivalent)
2. All Academic Transcripts
3. Bachelors degree in Architecture (For Masters students)
4. At least 65% overall marks (or a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0) in your high school
5. Relevant work experience or portfolio (if applicable)
6. English Language proficiency cards (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE).
7. 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
8. Further, interviews, essays, or additional tests (applicable for some universities)
9. Additional pre-requisites (for some universities)

Application Process

While the admission process may differ depending on the institute you choose, we have shown below a general application process for architecture courses in Dubai. Follow the steps given below to apply for these programs.

1. Most universities in Dubai provide an online application portal. So, simply go to the application portal of your desired university and fill out the application form.

2. Submit all the required documents and the application fees.

3. Once you are done with the application process, wait for the university to decide on your admission.

Career Scope

Pursuing architecture courses in Dubai position you for immense success in the professional world. The career landscape for architecture graduates from Dubai looks promising in 2025, fueled by several factors:

1. Dubai’s ambitious development plans with major projects like Expo 2020 legacy developments and futuristic city concepts guarantee sustained demand for skilled architects.

2. Moreover, the city’s commitment to sustainable design and innovative building technologies opens doors for graduates with expertise in these areas. BIM (Building Information Modeling) and AI-powered design are gaining traction, offering exciting opportunities.

3. Beyond traditional skyscrapers, architects can find careers in diverse sectors like hospitality, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban planning, catering to Dubai’s evolving needs.

4. Lastly, the government’s support for young talents through programs like the Dubai Design District (d3) and incubator initiatives creates a nurturing environment for budding architects.

Available Scholarships

Since the tuition fees for some Architecture courses in Dubai are expensive, students can avail of the following scholarships to reduce that cost. These awards can offer you immense financial support and help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

1. AUD Academic Excellence Scholarship
2. Global Citizen Scholarship
3. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship for Design Excellence
4. International Merit Scholarship
5. Global Excellence Scholarship
6. Dubai Culture Scholarship
7. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
8. Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA) Scholarships
9. UNESCO Fellowships Programme

How to Become an Architect in UAE?

To become an architect in the UAE follow the steps below:

• First, get a bachelor’s degree in Architecture. Ensure that you are getting a 5 year degree from a recognised university. The University must be recognised by the UAE Ministry of Education.
• Gain practical experience through internships lasting 1-2 years under the guidance of a licensed architect.
• Although this is optional, you can choose to pursue a master’s degree
• Next, get professional licensing from local authorities like the Abu Dhabi Municipality (ADM) or the  Dubai Municipality (DM).
• Clear licensing examinations. You may need to clear local certification
• You also need to stay updated to remain competitive in this fast-evolving field

FAQs

Related Reads:

Study in Dubai for Indian Students	Cost of Studying in Dubai for International Students
Student Life in Dubai for International Candidates	Medical Universities in Dubai
Master’s Degree in Dubai for Indian Students	Master’s Degree in Dubai for Indian Students

Finally, we hope that this blog gave you complete information on Architecture courses in Dubai for international students in 2025. Lastly, do follow Leverage Edu to discover more courses to study abroad. Thank you for reading!