10 universities with low fees in the United Arab Emirates

Universities with low fees in the United Arab Emirates

Are you looking for universities with low fees in the Emirates, affordable and medium-sized for both foreign and Emirati students in particular?

Universities with low fees in the Emirates

The list of the cheapest universities in the UAE is as follows:

  1. Dar University College
  2. Al Sharekah University
  3. Al Ain University of Science and Technology
  4. Ajman University
  5. Al-Hosn University
  6. Abu Dhabi University
  7. Al Ghurair University
  8. American University in the Emirates
  9. United Arab Emirates University
  10. Canadian University in Dubai.

1. Dar University College

1. Dar University College

Aldar University College is considered the cheapest university in the Emirates and is one of the most important universities in the United Arab Emirates. Tuition fees for bachelor’s programs are 200-300 US dollars per credit hour.

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Established in 1994, Al Dar University College is among the oldest institutions of higher education in Dubai. Its students are equipped with all the necessary skills they need once they enter their chosen field. The student body at the university is diverse because they come from different parts of the world. Al Dar University College is one of the cheap universities in the UAE for international students.

The university's three academic schools offer a wide range of programs to their students. These programs include communications engineering, information technology, marketing, industrial management and public relations.

Being the cheapest universities in the UAE, university students have access to banks, restaurants, shopping malls and other similar facilities in Dubai's historic business district. Moreover, learning facilities are also available to enhance the students' experience during their stay at the university.

2. University of Sharjah

2. University of Sharjah

The second one of the most important low-cost universities in the United Arab Emirates for international students, its tuition fees are as follows:

  • Undergraduate fees at the University of Sharjah: AED 31049 (US$8) to AED 500 (US$107545) per year
  • Postgraduate fees at the University of Sharjah: AED 2 (US$541) to AED 700 (US$6) per credit hour

The University of Sharjah was established in 1997 to meet the demand for quality education in the region. It was also aimed at enhancing the qualities possessed by the best universities in the world. The university offered multidisciplinary and comprehensive educational and research programs.

The university's 14 colleges offer a range of programs at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels. These programs include Arabic Language and Literature, Sociology, Accounting and Finance, Public Relations, Media, and Civil Engineering.

The campus provides all the facilities that students need for a comfortable stay. These facilities include food courts, barbershops, hair salons, a health care facility, and a center for people with special needs. In addition to the facilities and resources, social and cultural activities are organized for students on campus.

3. Al Ain University of Science and Technology

3. Al Ain University of Science and Technology

The third one of the most important low-cost universities in the United Arab Emirates for international students, its tuition fees are as follows:

  • Al Ain University of Science and Technology Bachelor’s fees: AED 1 (US$000) to AED 300 (US$1) per credit hour
  • Al Ain University of Science and Technology postgraduate fees: AED 2 (US$000) to AED 500 (US$3) per credit hour
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Next on our list of the cheapest universities in the UAE for international students is Al Ain University of Science and Technology. It was established in 2004 to provide the foundations of knowledge and science to the people of the United Arab Emirates. It also aimed to develop the country and respond to the challenges brought about by the development of media and technology.

The university has six colleges offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. These programs include special education, applied sociology, software engineering, cybersecurity, pharmacy, law, business administration, mass communication, media, and civil engineering. They are considered the cheapest universities in the Emirates.

The university aims to become one of the leading learning centers in the region. It aims to achieve this goal by reaching an international standard for teaching and research as well as promoting community engagement.

4. Ajman University

4. Ajman University

The fourth most important low-cost university in the United Arab Emirates for international students, its tuition fees are as follows:

  • Tuition fees for undergraduate programs: AED 1 (US$045) to AED 300 (US$1) per credit hour
  • Tuition fees for graduate programs: AED 2 (US$000) to AED 500 (US$4500) per credit hour

Ajman University was established as the first private university in the Gulf Cooperation Council region in 1988. It was also the first university in the country to accept international students. The university has been pioneering the concept of inclusion, social impact and innovation in the UAE since it opened its doors to the public.

This cheap university in the UAE has nine colleges that aim to prepare students for their future life in their chosen field. These colleges are the College of Engineering and Information Technology, College of Dentistry, College of Law, College of Medicine, College of Humanities and Sciences, College of Business Administration, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, College of Architecture, Arts and Design, and College of Mass Communication.

Students can obtain support and services from the Deanship of Student Services at the university. The office provides support and services to promote the physical and mental health and well-being of students.

5. Al Hosn University

5. Al Hosn University

The fifth most important university in the Emirates United Arab Emirates Low cost for international students, tuition fees are as follows:

  • Tuition fees for undergraduate programs: AED 35 (US$000) to AED 9 (US$500) per year
  • Tuition fees for postgraduate programmes: Master’s AED 35 (US$000) to AED 9 (US$500) per year

Founded in 2005, Al Hosn University has continued to be a leading educational group worldwide. Apart from Abu Dhabi, the university has a presence in different parts of the world, including India, Singapore, China, and the United Kingdom.

The university offers a wide range of courses in different fields of study. These fields of study are engineering, technology, law, architecture, design, science, hospitality, tourism, arts, humanities, and management.

University facilities are designed to nurture and nurture the physical and mental well-being of students. Outdoor study spaces are also available in different parts of the campus.

Read also: Medical universities in the Emirates

6. Abu Dhabi University

6. Abu Dhabi University

The sixth most important one UAE universities United Arab Emirates Low cost for international students, tuition fees are as follows:

  • Tuition fees for undergraduate programs: AED 1 (US$150) to AED 300 (US$1) per credit hour
  • Tuition fees for graduate programs: AED 1 (US$750) to AED 500 (US$4) per credit hour

Although Abu Dhabi University, another cheap university in the UAE, was officially established in 2003, its journey began in 2000 when its charter was developed. After accrediting all its programs, the university opened its doors to its first students three years later. The university started with two colleges but has grown since then.

The university's different colleges offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. These programs include mass communication, educational leadership, business administration, architecture, aviation, public health, environmental health and safety, and law.

UAE universities offer many extracurricular activities for their students. Students can take advantage of the various sports and wellness facilities on campus. They can also join clubs depending on their individual passion. Another option is to get involved in the community and volunteer for outreach activities organized by the university.

7. Al Ghurair University

7. Al Ghurair University

The university ranks seventh in one of the most important low-cost universities in the Emirates for international students, and its tuition fees are as follows:

  • Tuition fees for undergraduate programs: AED 39 (US$000) to AED 10 (US$600) per year
  • Tuition fees for postgraduate programs: AED 82 (US$500) to AED 22 (US$500) per year

Al Ghurair University was established in 1999 as a private university by the Al Ghurair Group. The university trains its students to excel academically and acquire knowledge and the ability to think critically to meet the needs of their chosen field of study.

Located in Dubai International Academic City, the university is globally accredited and offers several undergraduate and postgraduate programs to local and international students. These programs include architecture, business administration, public relations, mechanical engineering, law, computer science, engineering, and interior design.

The university also provides word class facilities to support students' needs. These facilities include a well-resourced library, well-designed laboratories, and a spacious cafeteria. Furthermore, gym and fitness facilities are available to allow students to keep fit while studying at the university.

8. American University in the Emirates

8. American University in the Emirates

The university ranks eighth in one of the most important low-cost universities in the Emirates for international students, and its tuition fees are as follows:

  • Tuition fees for bachelor's programs:
    • Local students AED 1 (US$225) to AED 300 (US$1) per credit hour
    • Visiting students AED 1 (US$575) to AED 400 (US$1) per credit hour
  • Tuition fees for postgraduate programs: AED 1 (US$444) to AED 400 (US$3) per credit hour

Founded in 2006, the American University in the Emirates aims to become among the leading institutions of higher education in the region. Using the American education system, the university aims to empower its students and encourage them to take charge of their studies to become productive members of society in the future.

The university's seven colleges provide an adequate number of undergraduate and postgraduate programs for its diverse students. Programs offered by these colleges include Hospital and Healthcare Management, Graphic Design, Computer Science, Public Relations, Digital Animation, Finance,

As part of its enrichment program, this cheap university in the UAE encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities for a positive and well-rounded student experience. Students can join student clubs, participate in sporting activities, attend the university's annual World Day or showcase their skills and talents during the Student Showcase event.

9. United Arab Emirates University

9. United Arab Emirates University

The university ranks ninth in one of the most important low-cost universities in the Emirates for international students, and its tuition fees are as follows:

  • Tuition fees for undergraduate programs: AED 1 (US$900) to AED 500 (US$2500) per credit hour

Established in 1976, the United Arab Emirates University is the first comprehensive national university in the United Arab Emirates. This research-intensive university is the leading university in the UAE and has developed key partnerships with employers around the world. This partnership has benefited students who are in high demand when they graduate.

The university has nine colleges offering a wide range of programs for undergraduate and graduate students. These programs include statistics, finance and banking, special education, health and physical education, architecture, veterinary medicine, film studies, geography, and law.

College students have several options when it comes to their extracurricular activities. They can join student clubs based on their interests. Students can also make use of the university's sports facilities so that they can keep fit and healthy. Student activities are also available to develop students' academic experience.

10. Canadian University in Dubai

10. Canadian University in Dubai

The university ranks tenth in one of the most important low-cost universities in the Emirates for international students, and its tuition fees are as follows:

  • Tuition fees for undergraduate programs: AED 62 (US$086) to AED 16 (US$900) per year
  • Tuition fees for postgraduate programmes: AED 81 (US$354) to AED 22 (US$100) per course

The final candidate on our list of the cheapest universities in the UAE for international students is the Canadian University in Dubai. It was established in 2006 and introduced the Canadian education system to the UAE. It is the first licensed Canadian university located outside Canada. The partnership between Athabasca University and Centennial College has allowed the university to open its doors in this Gulf country.

The university currently has more than 50 international academic partners and offers more than 30 programmes. It provides a gateway for students wishing to move to Canada and other countries in the future. The university has an excellent academic program offering courses in many fields of study, including engineering, architecture, interior design, social sciences, management, and others.

Apart from providing an outstanding academic experience, the university also encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities. Students can join a student club or play a sport or two. They can also join events and activities aimed at enhancing their social skills and allowing them to develop self-confidence.

The UAE is an excellent choice for international students who plan to study in one of the GCC countries.

Compare university fees in the UAE

the UniversityBachelor's degree tuition fees per credit hourPostgraduate tuition fees per credit hour
Dar University College200-300 US dollarsnot available
Al Sharekah University31049-107545 AED (8,500-29,300 USD) per year2,541-6,090 AED (700-1700 USD)
Al Ain University of Science and Technology1,000-1,600 AED (300-400 USD)2,000-3,000 AED (500-800 USD)
Ajman University1,045-1,575 AED (300-400 USD)2,000-4,500 AED (500-1,200 USD)
Al-Hosn University35,000-58,000 AED (9,500-15,800 USD) per year35,000-55,000 AED (9,500-15,000 USD)
Abu Dhabi University1,150-1,890 AED (300-500 USD)1,750-4,620 AED (500-1,300 USD)
Al Ghurair University39,000-51,237 AED (10,600-14,000 USD) per year82,500-90,000 AED (22,500-24,500 USD)
American University in the EmiratesAED 1,225-1,750 (US$300-500) for local students1,444-3,675 AED (400-1,000 USD)
United Arab Emirates University1,900-2,500 AED (500-700 USD)not available
Canadian University in Dubai62,086-73,111 AED (16,900-19,900 USD) per year81,354-97,104 AED (22,100-26,400 USD)

We hope that we have provided you with an important and comprehensive list of the least expensive universities in the Emirates...

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