The UAE has emerged as a centre of higher education in the Middle East. Students globally yearn to study here. The country has many universities that offer internationally recognised degrees. However, these universities remain accessible to budget-conscious students. In other words, for local and international students, there are many affordable universities in the UAE.
Many of these offer undergraduate and graduate programmes at cost-effective rates. Tuition is usually calculated either per credit hour or per academic year. The fee will typically depend on the programme, university ranking, and location.
The selection of the appropriate university involves balancing different factors, such as:
- Cost of living
- Scholarships
- Tuition fee
- Availability of a programme that aligns with your career goals
Here, we have covered these topics to give you a clear idea:
- Cheapest universities in the UAE
- Other notable affordable institutions (Dubai-focused)
- Scholarships and financial aid
- Tips to choose the best affordable university
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Cheapest universities in the UAE
Many affordable universities in the UAE offer quality education at budget prices. Most of these universities are located in Ajman, Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. So, let’s compare the offerings of different universities, and then you can make your choice.
Ajman University
Ajman University is rated 11th among universities in the UAE. It was founded in 1988. Since then, it has been a hub for quality education.
Highlights:
- First private university in the Gulf Cooperation Council to admit international students.
- Vast campus spread over 215,000 square meters.
- Amenities include sports facilities, restaurants, mosques, and modern classrooms.
Popular programmes
It offers 34 accredited undergraduate programmes and several postgraduate programmes. Top programmes include:
- Dentistry
- Business
- Architecture and Design
- Humanities
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine
- Information Technology
- Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Mass Communication
Every year, the number of programmes increases. Some of the recently introduced degrees include artificial intelligence and data analytics.
Graduate programmes include:
- Financial management
- Information technology
- Social work
- Law
- Urban Design
- Fees: Depending on the program, expect to pay between 34,000 and 140,000 AED every year.
- Location: Al Jurf, Ajman
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE Dubai)
Founded in 2000, MAHE has a variety of undergraduate and graduate programmes. This university promotes cultural diversity, innovation, and research-based learning.
Highlights:
- Among the 20 best universities in Asia.
- Holds a third spot in the Middle East in MBA programmes.
- Offers scholarships to postgraduate students based on:
- Work experience
- Academic record
Popular programmes
- Undergraduate programmes
- Architecture
- Interior design
- Fashion design
- Psychology
- Business administration
- Media and communication
- Postgraduate programmes
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Business administration
- MBA
- Fees: Depending on the programme, expect to pay between 37,000 and 50,000 AED every year.
- Location: Academic City, Dubai
Amity University Dubai
Established in 2011, Amity is part of the globally renowned Amity Education Group. It has its campuses in some of the largest cities in the world.
In this university, you will find over 30 courses. The university focuses on combining theory with practical learning. This approach goes a long way in preparing career-ready graduates.
Highlights:
- One of the most reputed universities for engineering and business courses.
- Offers various scholarships based on:
- Merit
- Need
- Sports excellence
Popular programmes
- Undergraduate programmes
- B. Com
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Law
- Forensic Science
- Journalism
- Fashion Design
- Hotel Management
- Aerospace Engineering
- Postgraduate
- Applied Psychology
- MBA
- Forensic Science
- Interior design
- Fees: Depending on the program, expect to pay between 40,000 and 60,000 AED every year.
- Location: Academic City, Dubai
University of Sharjah (UOS)
Founded in 1997, the University of Sharjah is one of the most reputable yet affordable universities in the UAE. UOS has a solid global community. In fact, it attracts students from over 50 nationalities.
Highlights:
- Offers 54 bachelor’s, 23 master’s, and 11 doctoral programmes
- One of the top five universities in the UAE
- Popular for its research output and academic diversity
Popular programmes
- Undergraduate
- International Relations
- English Literature
- Accounting
- Digital Media
- Interior Design
- Mechanical Engineering
- Postgraduate
- Data science
- Civil engineering
- Business analytics
- Law and Applied Nutrition
- Biotechnology
- Communication
- Fees: Depending on your chosen course and faculty, you can expect to pay between 31,000 and 118,000 AED annually.
- Location: University City, Sharjah
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
UAEU opened its doors in 1976 in Al Ain, becoming the country’s first public university. This university is a pioneer in research and innovation. Nine prominent colleges are part of this university, each offering programmes with global standards.
Highlights:
- Superior research quality
- Always held a high world ranking
Popular programmes
- Undergraduate
- Business Administration
- Food Science
- Petroleum Engineering
- Veterinary Medicine
- Political Science
- Postgraduate
- Public Health
- Civil Engineering
- Space science
- Communication
- Chemistry
- Fees: Depending on your course, expect to pay between 48,000 and 114,000 AED per year.
- Location: Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St, Al Ain
Abu Dhabi University (ADU)
ADU is the biggest private university in the UAE. It was founded in 2003. ADU has several campuses, located in:
Highlights:
- One of the top 10 UAE universities
- Offers scholarships based on:
- Merit
- Athletic
- Family-related bursaries
Popular programmes
- Undergraduate
- Architecture
- BBA
- Mass Communication
- Cybersecurity
- Interior Design
- Engineering
- Postgraduate
- MBA
- Project Management
- Education Leadership
- Information Technology
Fees: Depending on the programme, expect to pay between 34,500 and 69,300 AED annually.
Khalifa University
It is an institution of science, tech, and engineering. Established in 2007, Khalifa is one of the best and most affordable universities in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Khalifa University strongly focuses on innovation and research. It aspires to drive the nation towards a knowledge-based economy.
Highlights:
- Provides complete and partial scholarships for local and international students
- Internationally top-ranked
- Offers superior facilities, such as:
- Innovation hubs
- Advanced research labs
- Modern student accommodations
Popular programmes
- Undergraduate
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Computer Science
- Postgraduate
- Cybersecurity
- Nuclear engineering
- Systems management
- Medical physics
- Fees: It will cost you between 75,000 and 126,000 AED annually.
- Location: At the intersection of Al Saada St. and Old Airport Rd, Abu Dhabi
Other notable affordable institutions (Dubai-focused)
Despite popular belief, many of the UAE’s top universities, specifically Dubai’s, are pretty affordable. Adding on to the previous list, here are some other great options for you to get a quality education.
American University in the Emirates (AUE)
Founded in 2006, AUE is a private institution located in Dubai. It is ranked 20th in the UAE and has seven colleges under it.
Highlights:
- Received accreditations from the Computing Accreditation Committee for IT courses and the AACSB International for business courses.
- Offers a notable variety of programmes with the top being:
- Computer information technology
- Mass Communications
- Education
- Design
- Law
- Business Administration
- Security and Global Studies
- Media
- Fees: Expect to pay between 42,430 and 84,000 AED per year.
- Location: Academic City, Dubai
The British University in Dubai (BUiD)
It is a private research university. Founded in 2004, BUiD is a private research-based organisation. It is worth mentioning that BUiD offers the first accredited AI bachelor’s degree in the UAE.
Highlights:
- The country’s fastest-growing higher education institute
- Has agreements with different UK universities
- Focuses on research and innovation
- Formed in partnership with three universities:
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Manchester
- University of Glasgow
- Fees: Depending on the chosen course, expect to pay between 56,000 and 63,000 AED per year.
- Location: Academic City, Dubai
Islamic Azad University (IAE) (UAE Branch)
IAU is one of the world’s biggest university systems. In its Dubai branch, it offers affordable graduate and undergraduate programmes.
Highlights:
- Collaborates with several foreign organisations and colleges
- Has QAHE certification in the fields of Business Management and Architecture Engineering
- Fees: Depending on your chosen course, expect to pay between 45,000 and 96,000 AED per year.
- Location: Academic City, Dubai
Scholarships and financial aid
Most affordable universities in the UAE offer scholarships; the most popular ones are based on:
- Merit
- Need
- Athletic
Needless to say, each university has its own rules and regulations regarding its financial aid and scholarships. For instance, Khalifa University offers full and partial coverage. However, it is available only for the top STEM students.
Contact universities directly to learn what types of aid they offer and whether you are eligible to apply.
Tips to choose the best affordable university
- Choose a university that aligns with your career goals and has a good local and global ranking.
- Estimate the total costs (include your living expenses).
- Speak with alumni in your chosen discipline.
- Examine if you are eligible for a scholarship or aid (check the university website or send an email).
Key takeaways
You can find several affordable universities in the UAE. Bear in mind that these universities do not compromise on quality and are still very budget-friendly.
Some of the best picks for undergraduate programmes are Ajman University, Manipal Higher Education Academy, University of Sharjah, Al Ghurair University, Khalifa University, and Abu Dhabi University.
Each of these enjoys a high reputation in the UAE and worldwide. So, compare universities on different parameters and then pick the one that best matches your budget and career goals.
FAQs
Yes. You can secure a scholarship based on financial need, merit, or athletics.
Yes. Most universities in the UAE are globally recognised and accredited.
Yes. In Dubai and the UAE, you can find many affordable universities.
There are several options available, with the University of Sharjah coming on top of that list.
