List of Best Dubai Universities for International Students

The Dubai Universities are known for their quality education and infrastructure. The universities offer almost all the facilities required by a student. Therefore, studying in Dubai is an excellent choice. You can find campuses of the world’s best universities here. The popular institutions are the University of Birmingham, Heriot-Watt University, the University of Wollongong, etc. Dubai has a total of 65 universities and colleges that you can choose from. This blog covers the list of the top Dubai universities for international students.

Perks of Studying in Dubai Universities for International Students 

There are several benefits to choosing to study at a University in Dubai. These are as follows:

• Universities in Dubai are evolving– Just like the city, the universities in Dubai are also evolving with time. You can access state-of-the-art facilities, and resources. Moreover, the quality of teaching is top-notch
• Find work opportunities in Dubai– Dubai is one of the fastest-growing economies. You can find plenty of work opportunities in Dubai after completing your studies. Most of the Universities offer career support services. This enables you to get a placement if you are qualified.
• Learn in English-  The medium of instruction is in English. Therefore, you can learn the subject of your choice in English.
• Accredited Institutions –The top universities are accredited. Accreditations are provided by institutions such as the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA). The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) provides quality assurance to these universities.

Global Universities with Campuses in Dubai

Several global universities have campuses in Dubai. These universities are listed below:

Universities in Dubai for International Students	QS Ranking 2025
American University in Dubai	621-630
American University in the Emirates (AUE)	Not Ranked
British University in Dubai (BUiD)	Not Ranked
University of Wollongong, Dubai	167 (main campus)
Canadian University, Dubai	523
University of Birmingham, Dubai	80 (main campus)
Curtin University, Dubai	174
University of Stirling, Dubai	452 (main campus)
Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi & Dubai	501
Heriot-Watt University, Dubai	256 (main campus)
Murdoch University, Dubai	436
Symbiosis International University, Dubai	641-650
Ajman University, Ajman	477
Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai (RIT Dubai)	1001-1200 (main campus)
University of Bolton Academic Centre, Ras Al Khaimah	Not Ranked
Hult International Business School, Dubai	Not Ranked
EM Normandie, Dubai Campus	Not Ranked
S P Jain School of Global Management, Dubai	Not Ranked
HTMI Switzerland, Dubai	Not Ranked
Emirates Aviation University	Not Ranked
University of Europe for Applied Sciences	Not Ranked
Istituto Marangoni Fashion and Design School,	Not Ranked
Institute of Management Technology (IMT)	Not Ranked
University of Europe for Applied Sciences	Not Ranked
Strathclyde Business School, Dubai	281
The Islamic Azad University UAE Branch	Not Ranked
The Saint-Petersburg State University of Engineering & Economics, Dubai	Not Ranked
Murdoch University, Dubai	463
Manipal University, Dubai	Not Ranked
Hult International Business School	Not Ranked
Amity University Dubai	Not Ranked

Local Dubai Universities for International Students 

You can enrol in a local university in Dubai. Several local universities accept applications from international students. These are as follows:

University	QS World Rankings
University of Dubai (UD)	851 and 900  (2025)
Al Ghurair University (AGU)	401–410 (2022)
Biotechnology University College Dubai (BUC)	Not Ranked
Zayed University	621–630 (2025)
The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)	Not Ranked
Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University	Not Ranked
Dubai School of Government	Not Available
The Dubai Medical College for Girls	Not Ranked

Cost of Studying in Dubai Universities for International Students 

The cost of studying in Dubai includes your tuition fees and living expenses. The tuition fees needed to study for undergraduate and postgraduate programs are as follows:

Level of Study	Average Tuition Fees for International Students
Undergraduate level	AED 30,000 – AED 80,000 annually
Postgraduate level	AED 40,000 – AED 100,000 annually

To learn more about studying in Dubai as an international student, watch this video:

Cheapest Dubai Universities for International Students 

Here is a list of the cheapest universities in Dubai for international students. The tuition fees of these universities are also provided below:

University Name	Undergraduate Level Tuition Charges	Postgraduate Level Tuition Charges
Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI)	AED 98,000 plus VAT	AED 55,000 – 75,000 AED per year
University of Dubai (UD)	37,500 and 70,000 AED per year	55,000 and 75,000 AED per year.
Hult International Business School	AED  62,000	AED 189,500
Middlesex University Dubai	AED  70,000- AED 80,000	AED 55,000
Amity University Dubai	AED 40,000-AED 45,000	AED 50,000 – AED  60,000
British University in Dubai (BUiD)	AED 60,000	AED 70,000 – AED 75,000

Get to know the cost of living in Dubai 

English Language Requirement in Dubai Universities for International Students

You need to clear an English language proficiency test. The English language requirements to study at Dubai universities are as follows. 

English Language Test	IELTS	PTE
Foundational courses	Minimum 5.5 overall	Minimum 51
Undergraduate courses	Minimum 6.0 overall	Minimum 72
Postgraduate courses	Minimum 6.5 overall	Minimum 80-87

Note: TOEFL scores are not accepted by a few universities. Hence, we have not included that in the table above.

Steps to Get Scholarships in Dubai Universities for International Students 

To study at a University in Dubai you can apply for scholarships. Most of the universities provide partial scholarships to international students 

• Go to the offical website of the university you want to apply
• Next, go to the scholarships page for international students
• Choose the scholarship you want to apply for.
• Read the scholarship requirements, and ensure you meet the same
• If the scholarship requires an application, you need to submit the same along with relevant documents 
• If the scholarship does not require an application, apply for the selected course of study. You will be automatically considered for the scholarship.
• You will be notified of the scholarship in the offer letter

Learn about the fully funded scholarships to study in Dubai

FAQs

How much bank balance is required for a Dubai student visa?

Yes. You need to maintain a minimum bank balance of AED2300 to AED 2700. Apart from this, you need at least AED2500 – AED 3000. This is a refundable amount. You also need to get medical insurance of AED 1300 to AED 1400.

Can I work in Dubai while studying?

Yes. You can work in Dubai while undertaking studies. Part time studies upo to 15 hours per week is allowed. During vacations, you can work for 40 hours per week.

Is Dubai good for study for international students?

Yes, Dubai is one of the best cities you can study. What makes Dubai an attractive place is the post study work opportunities, a tax free income, and a booming economy. Apart from that, the visa policies are easy. You neeed at least AED 21,000 per year as living expenses.

We hope now you know all about the Dubai Universities for International Students. To learn more, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.

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