Top Universities in Dubai and How to Secure Admission: A Step-by-Step Guide
Dubai’s universities have garnered attention from both local and international students due to their cultural diversity, international environment, and the wide range of English-taught academic programs they offer. Below is an overview of some of these universities and general information about them:
American University in Dubai (AUD)
Location: Al Sufouh
Highlights: One of the most prestigious private universities in Dubai, offering diverse programs in fields such as engineering, management, architecture, and design.
Language of Instruction: English
Advantages: Collaborations with international universities and companies, providing excellent internship and job opportunities.
University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)
Location: Dubai Knowledge Park
Highlights: One of the oldest international universities in the UAE, affiliated with the University of Wollongong in Australia.
Programs: Offers a wide range of fields, including IT, management, humanities, and engineering.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
Location: Dubai International Academic City
Highlights: A branch of Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, well-known for its programs in engineering, management, and architecture.
Advantages: Strong emphasis on research and development, with close industry collaborations.
University of Dubai (UD)
Location: Academic City
Highlights: A reputable local university operating under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
Programs: Specializes in business, law, and information technology.
Middlesex University Dubai
Location: Dubai Knowledge Park
Highlights: A branch of Middlesex University in London, offering programs in law, business, social sciences, and psychology.
Advantages: Multicultural environment and international accreditation.
Canadian University Dubai (CUD)
Location: Downtown Dubai
Highlights: Academic programs are based on the Canadian educational system.
Advantages: Opportunities for transferring to Canadian universities and studying in a multicultural environment.
Abu Dhabi University (Dubai Campus)
Location: Dubai
Highlights: One of the largest private universities in the UAE, offering various programs in engineering, management, and humanities.
Important Considerations for Studying in Dubai:
Tuition Fees: Costs are relatively high, but many universities offer scholarships.
Language: Most programs are taught in English, so an IELTS or TOEFL certificate is typically required.
Job Opportunities: Dubai’s dynamic economy and international companies provide excellent career prospects for students.
Accommodation: Universities often have student housing, but many students opt for private accommodations.
Admission requirements for each university
To gain admission to universities in Dubai, you need to follow certain steps, including preparing documents, completing application forms, and meeting the specific requirements of each university. Below is a general guide to the admission process and common requirements:
- 1. Choose Your University and Program
Research universities and programs that align with your academic and career goals.
Visit the university websites to check application deadlines, program-specific requirements, and tuition fees. - 2. General Admission Requirements
Most universities in Dubai require the following:
Academic Qualifications:
High school diploma (for undergraduate programs).
Bachelor’s degree (for postgraduate programs).
Equivalency of certificates may be required from the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE UAE).
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS (usually a minimum score of 6.0 or higher) or TOEFL (usually a score of 80 or higher).
Some universities may offer their own language proficiency test.
Transcripts:
Officially translated academic transcripts from previous education levels.
Some programs may require a minimum GPA.
Resume or Statement of Purpose (for postgraduate studies):
For master’s or doctoral programs, you may need to submit a resume or a Statement of Purpose (SOP).
Recommendation Letters:
At least two recommendation letters from professors or employers are often required, especially for master’s or doctoral programs. - 3. Complete the Online Application
Log in to the admission portal of your chosen university and complete the application form.
Provide personal, academic, and professional details.
Required Documents:
Valid passport and passport-sized photograph.
Translated academic certificates.
Language proficiency certificate (IELTS or TOEFL).
Pay the application fee (typically between AED 100 and AED 300). - 4. Post-Application Steps
Evaluation: Your documents will be reviewed by the admissions team.
Interview (if needed): Some universities may conduct an online or in-person interview.
Admission Letter: If eligible, you will receive an official admission letter. - 5. Obtain a Student Visa
Once you receive the admission letter, you can apply for a student visa.
Many universities in Dubai assist with the visa process. Required documents include:
Valid passport.
Admission letter.
Passport-sized photograph.
Visa fee (approximately AED 3,000 to AED 5,000). - 6. Pay Tuition Fees
Pay the tuition fees as per the university’s payment schedule.
Most universities offer installment payment options. - 7. Accommodation and Student Facilities
Explore accommodation options:
University Dormitories: Many universities offer on-campus housing.
Private Accommodation: You can rent a house or apartment.
Register for student health insurance, which is mandatory.
Important Notes:
Deadlines: Be sure to track application deadlines.
Scholarships: Some universities offer scholarships for outstanding or financially needy students.
Special Tests: For programs like MBA, tests such as GMAT may be required.
Scholarship requirements at Dubai universities
To receive a scholarship at universities in Dubai, you generally need to meet specific criteria. Scholarships are typically awarded for reasons such as academic excellence, financial need, sports achievements, or social contributions. Below are the conditions and types of scholarships available at universities in Dubai:
- 1. General Requirements for Scholarships:
Merit-Based Scholarships:
A high GPA in previous academic levels (usually above 90% or a GPA of 3.5 or higher).
A high score on English language tests (e.g., IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 90).
Success in entrance exams (if the university conducts one).
Need-Based Scholarships:
Provide financial documents that demonstrate the need for financial support.
Complete the financial aid scholarship application provided by the university.
Extracurricular Activities:
A strong resume showing involvement in sports, cultural, social, or volunteer activities.
Awards in international or national competitions.
Specific Programs:
Some universities offer scholarships for specific fields of study, such as engineering, business administration, or information technology. - 2. Types of Scholarships at Dubai Universities:
Full Scholarships:
Cover all tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes additional costs like books and accommodation.
Typically awarded to students with exceptional grades and achievements.
Partial Scholarships:
A percentage reduction in tuition fees (usually between 20% and 50%).
Offered to students who meet the criteria but are not eligible for a full scholarship.
Government Scholarships of the UAE:
The UAE government offers scholarships for international students, particularly in fields that contribute to the country’s development.
These scholarships usually cover tuition fees, accommodation, and health insurance.
Sports Scholarships:
Awarded to students who excel in sports and have participated in national or international competitions. - 3. Documents Required for Scholarship Applications:
Transcripts: Officially translated academic transcripts.
English Language Certificate: IELTS or TOEFL with a high score.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): Explain why you deserve the scholarship.
Resume: Include academic, social activities, and awards.
Recommendation Letters: From professors or employers.
Financial Documents (if applying for need-based scholarships): Include family income information and supporting documents. - 4. Scholarship Application Process:
Research: Identify universities that offer scholarships.
Submit Application: Complete the online or paper scholarship application form and provide the required documents.
Interview (if applicable): Some scholarships may include an interview.
Follow-up: Check the status of your application through the university portal. - 5. Dubai Universities Offering Scholarships:
American University in Dubai (AUD): Merit-based and sports scholarships.
University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD): Merit-based scholarships up to 50%.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai: Special scholarships for top students.
Canadian University Dubai (CUD): Merit-based, need-based, and sports scholarships.
Middlesex University Dubai: Merit-based scholarships up to 25%.
Important Notes:
Application Deadlines: Scholarships usually have specific deadlines, so make sure to be aware of them.
Completeness of Documents: Incomplete documents may result in rejection of the application.
Regular Follow-up: Stay informed about the next steps from the university.
High Competition: Few students are awarded full scholarships, so apply for partial scholarships as well.
Documents required for admission to each university
To be admitted to universities in Dubai, each institution has its own specific requirements. Below are the admission requirements for some reputable universities in Dubai:
1. American University in Dubai (AUD)
Educational Documents:
Provide a high school diploma with an acceptable GPA.
English Language Proficiency:
Provide an IELTS score of at least 6 or an equivalent TOEFL score.
Other Documents:
Valid passport.
Complete the admission application form.
Pay the application fees.
2. University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)
Educational Documents:
For undergraduate programs, provide a high school diploma with an appropriate GPA.
For postgraduate programs, provide a relevant bachelor’s degree.
English Language Proficiency:
Provide an IELTS score of at least 6 or an equivalent TOEFL score.
Other Documents:
Valid passport.
Complete the admission application form.
Pay the application fees.
3. American University of Sharjah (AUS)
Educational Documents:
For undergraduate programs, provide a high school diploma with a high GPA.
For postgraduate programs, provide a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.
English Language Proficiency:
Provide an IELTS score of at least 6 or an equivalent TOEFL score.
Other Documents:
Valid passport.
Complete the admission application form.
Pay the application fees.
4. American College of Dubai (ACD)
Educational Documents:
For entry into the final two years of the Business Administration (BBA) program, a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
English Language Proficiency:
Provide an IELTS score of at least 6 or an equivalent TOEFL score.
Other Documents:
Valid passport.
Complete the admission application form.
Pay the application fees.
Important Notes:
English Language Proficiency:
Although Arabic is the official language in the UAE, English is the primary language of instruction at most universities in Dubai. Therefore, providing an English language proficiency certificate with an adequate score is essential.
Student Visa:
Applicants over 18 years old are eligible to receive a student visa for Dubai. The UAE student visa is valid for one year and can be renewed annually. To obtain a student visa, you must first be accepted into a recognized institution in Dubai, and then the university will apply for the visa on behalf of the student.
Registration Deadlines:
Each university has its own specific deadlines for submitting applications. It is recommended to check the academic calendar of your chosen university and submit your application on time.
Scholarships:
Some universities in Dubai offer scholarships for international students. For more information, please visit the universities’ official websites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Studying in Dubai
There are many common questions regarding studying at universities in Dubai. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions along with their answers:
Is it possible for international students to study in Dubai? Yes, most universities in Dubai welcome international students and offer a variety of programs for them. Students need to meet the admission requirements of the university, including providing proof of English language proficiency and necessary academic documents.
What is the language of instruction at universities in Dubai? The language of instruction at most universities in Dubai is English. Therefore, presenting an English proficiency certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL is usually required.
What documents are required to apply for admission? Common documents include:
High school diploma or bachelor’s degree (for higher education)
Academic transcripts
English language proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL)
Valid passport
Recommendation letters (if needed)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Completed application form
What are the tuition fees for studying in Dubai? Fees vary depending on the university and program, but on average, tuition fees for undergraduate programs range from $15,000 to $30,000 per year. Additionally, living expenses (housing, food, transport) are estimated to be around $8,000 to $12,000 per year.
Is it possible to receive a scholarship for studying in Dubai? Yes, many universities in Dubai, such as the American University in Dubai and the University of Wollongong in Dubai, offer a variety of scholarships for outstanding or financially needy students. Students should have a strong GPA, good language proficiency, and a solid resume.
Can students work in Dubai? Yes, students with a student visa are allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours a week. Jobs may be available both within and outside the university.
Is a visa required to study in Dubai? Yes, international students must obtain a student visa. Universities typically assist students in obtaining this visa. The student visa is renewable every year.
What are the best universities in Dubai? Some of the best universities in Dubai include:
American University in Dubai (AUD)
University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
British University in Dubai (BUiD)
Khalifa University
When should I apply for admission? Universities in Dubai generally have two intakes per year:
Fall semester (September): Application deadlines usually range from February to June.
Spring semester (January): Application deadlines usually range from September to November.
Is it possible to transfer from another university to Dubai? Yes, if you are currently studying at another university and meet the transfer criteria (such as a high GPA and equivalent credits), you can transfer to universities in Dubai. Each university has its own transfer policies.
Are universities in Dubai recognized by the Ministry of Science in Iran? Many reputable universities in Dubai are recognized by Iran’s Ministry of Science and Ministry of Health. For assurance, you should check the latest updated list from the Ministry of Science.
Can I obtain residency after studying in Dubai? Yes, after graduation, you can obtain a work visa by finding a job. Dubai offers good employment opportunities for graduates.
What are the popular fields of study in Dubai? Popular fields of study include:
Business Administration
Engineering
Information Technology
Architecture
Medical Sciences
Design and Arts
Is it possible to study online at universities in Dubai? Yes, some universities offer online and hybrid (online and in-person) courses, making it a suitable option for international students.
