There are 44 public and private universities and colleges in the Emirates, distributed throughout the country. We will divide it according to the governorate, as well as the type if it is a public or private Emirati university.
UAE public universities in Abu Dhabi
- United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) – Based in Al Ain, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UAE.
- Khalifa University of Science and Technology (Khalifa University) – It is considered one of the most prominent universities in the fields of engineering, science and technology.
- Zayed University – It has a campus in Abu Dhabi, and offers multiple programs in different fields.
- Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence) – the first university in the world specializing in artificial intelligence.
Emirates private universities in Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi University (Abu Dhabi University) – A private university offering various programs in engineering, business administration, law, and others.
- Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi) – a branch of the prestigious French Sorbonne University, offering study programs in French and English.
- New York University Abu Dhabi (New York University Abu Dhabi) – a branch of New York International University, offering various study programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology) – Now part of Khalifa University, it is known for its research programs in sustainable energy.
UAE public universities in Dubai
- Zayed University (Zayed University) – Dubai Campus – A public university offering various programs in humanities, management, and arts.
Emirates private universities in Dubai
- Dubai University (University of Dubai) – A private university offering programs in business administration, engineering, and law.
- American University in Dubai (American University in Dubai) – A private university offering American-style study programs in various fields.
- Middlesex University Dubai (Middlesex University Dubai) – a branch of Middlesex University in the United Kingdom, offering graduate and undergraduate programs in multiple fields.
- University of Wollongong in Dubai (University of Wollongong in Dubai) – a branch of the Australian University of Wollongong, offering programs in business administration, engineering and information technology.
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai (Heriot-Watt University Dubai) – a branch of the British Heriot-Watt University, famous for its programs in engineering and business administration.
- The British University in Dubai (The British University in Dubai) – Offers postgraduate programs in engineering, business administration and education.
- Emirates Aviation University (Emirates Aviation University) – a university specializing in the fields of aviation and engineering.
- Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation – DIDI) – a university specializing in design and innovation.
- Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University) – It offers educational programs online and in various fields, and is considered a pioneer in smart education.
- Manipal University Dubai (Manipal Academy of Higher Education – Dubai Campus) – a branch of the Indian Manipal University, offering various study programmes.
- Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai - a branch of the Rochester Institute of Technology in the United States, known for its programs in information technology and engineering.
- Pantheon-Sorbonne University – Paris II – Assas, Dubai Campus - a branch of the University of Paris II specializing in law and business administration.
These universities represent a diverse range of educational institutions in Dubai, covering a wide range of academic and professional disciplines.
Emirates universities in Sharjah
- Al Sharekah University (University of Sharjah) – A large public university offering a wide range of academic programs at undergraduate and graduate levels in fields such as medicine, engineering, and humanities.
- Al Qasimia University (Al Qasimia University) – An Islamic university established at the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, offering study programs in Islamic studies and the Arabic language.
- Sharjah Police Academy – offers specialized programs in police science and law.
Emirates private universities in Sharjah
- American University of Sharjah - AUS - one of the most prominent universities in the Emirates and offers American-style educational programs in multiple fields.
- Skyline University College – A private college offering programs in business administration, information technology, and tourism.
- University of Fujairah – Although it is located in Fujairah, some of its programs are available in collaboration with institutions in Sharjah.
- City University College of Ajman – Physically located in the neighboring emirate of Ajman, but largely serving students from Sharjah and offering programs in different fields.
- Canadian University Dubai (Canadian University Dubai – Sharjah Campus) – Some study programs are offered in Sharjah in cooperation with other educational institutions.
Emirates private universities in Ajman
- International British University (International College of Law, Business Administration & Technology – ICLBAT) – offers study programs in law, business administration and information technology.
- Ajman University (Ajman University) - It is considered one of the oldest private universities in the Emirates, and offers a wide range of academic programs in engineering, pharmacy, dentistry, business administration, and information technology.
- City University College of Ajman (CUCA) – a private university offering study programs in areas such as business administration, law, public relations, and health sciences.
- City University College of Ajman (Gulf Medical University – Ajman) – specializes in medical education and health sciences, and is one of the leading universities in this field in the Emirates.
- Skyline University College – Ajman – offers programs in business administration and information technology.
UAE universities in Umm Al Quwain
- Umm Al Quwain University - This university offers study programs in multiple fields including business administration, law, and media.
UAE public universities in Ras Al Khaimah
- Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University - RAKMHSU - a university specializing in medical and health education, offering programs in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and health sciences.
- Ras Al Khaimah College of Medicine (RAK College of Medical Sciences) – Part of Ras Al Khaimah University of Medicine and Health Sciences, specializing in medical education.
Emirates universities in Ras Al Khaimah private
- The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (American University of Ras Al Khaimah – AURAK) – A private university offering various study programs in the fields of engineering, business administration, humanities, and natural sciences.
- University of Bolton Ras Al Khaimah (University of Bolton - RAK Academic Centre) - a branch of the British University of Bolton, offering programs in business administration and engineering.
Emirates universities in Fujairah
- University of Science and Technology in Fujairah (University of Science and Technology of Fujairah – USTF) – A private university offering study programs in engineering, business administration, health sciences, information technology, and media.
- University of Fujairah (University of Fujairah) – Offers a variety of academic programs in business administration, computer science, mass communication, law, and Arabic and Islamic studies.
- Fujairah Aviation Academy (Fujairah Aviation Academy) – specializing in aviation education and providing training programs for pilots.
What is the difference between public and private universities in the Emirates in terms of quality and academic accreditation?
Public and private universities in the Emirates differ in terms of quality and academic accreditation. Public universities usually have a higher level of academic accreditation and educational quality compared to private universities. However, some private universities offer high-quality academic programs and have received prestigious academic accreditation.
How can I apply for admission to a public or private university in the Emirates?
There are some basic steps to apply for admission to UAE universities:
Choose the university that is right for you and learn about the admission requirements.
Prepare the required documents such as certificates and academic results.
Submit an application for admission via the university’s website.
Complete the nomination interview if requested by the university.
Wait for the acceptance letter from the university.
What majors are available in public and private universities in the Emirates?
A wide range of majors is available in public and private universities in the Emirates, including engineering, medicine, science, management, law, arts, education, and others. Students can choose from these majors based on their interests and qualifications.
What is the cost of studying in private universities compared to public universities in the Emirates?
The cost of studying in private universities in the Emirates ranges from 60,000 to 120,000 AED annually, while the cost of studying in public universities is lower and ranges from 3,000 to 20,000 AED annually.