Top Universities in UAE: Ranking, Fees, Scholarships

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) came into existence just over half a century ago. 

Since then, the country has housed an unprecedented number of expats from around 200 nationalities. 

No wonder the nation has a comforting, welcoming vibe and rich culture. Both these factors play a pivotal role in inviting international students and offering them an educational environment where they can thrive. Needless to say, the top colleges in UAE draw thousands of students from across the globe. 

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General Eligibility Criteria 

UAE has an incredibly sorted education system, wherein two public and over 80 private universities exist. These private universities in UAE are popular among students due to their global recognition. 

Some of the best universities in the UAE offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. 

Most top colleges in the UAE have an online application submission procedure. So, an individual must find the official university website to access the admission process. 

Generally, universities require the following documents to prove eligibility to apply to the degree course:

• A properly filled application with proof of paid application fee
• High school passing certificate (if applying for a bachelor’s degree)
• Bachelor’s diploma (if applying for master’s course)
• Passport-size photographs
• Transcripts of academic records
• Personal identification cards
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation

Specific language proficiency test results like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic might also be required. 

Students keen on studying in any of the top-ranked universities in UAE would also need to file for a student visa. For the same, the individual must be over 18 years of age and possess a/an: 

• Medical fitness test
• Written approval of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
• Official letter from visa sponsor (could be the university or any other relative)
• Valid passport with two blank visa pages and its photocopies
• Passport size photographs
• Admission offer letter
• Bank statement to show financial stability
• Tenancy agreement
• A photocopy of the tuition fee receipt
• Visa fee receipt
• Copy of undergraduate degree, if applying for master’s course

Top Colleges and Universities in UAE

Let’s look at the top 10 best universities in UAE, along with their popular courses and tuition fee: 

Academic Cycle

The admission intake cycle of every university differs. But, in general, the top universities in UAE follow the same pattern as the west.

Admissions run in two, sometimes three cycles.

One is the fall semester. Its application deadline concludes in late February or early March. Then, there is a spring cycle that closes its applications by October or November. 

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Cost of Attendance

Students excited to partake in a prestigious university in UAE must stay apprised of the pre-arrival and post-arrival cost of living. 

Firstly, students who have applied to top universities in UAE for their bachelor’s, and moving to the country for the first time, need to apply for a student visa. It will only be issued to individuals over 18 years and enrolled in one of the UAE universities.

This visa will cost AED 100 during the first time issue and renewal. Moreover, it will only be valid for one year. 

Once in UAE, an individual student can expect expenses of around AED 10,394 per month. These expenditures include clothes, food, personal care, transportation, health, entertainment, etc.

Top Recruiters

UAE is a place of intersection where the crossroads of modernity and tradition meet. In a diverse country like this, the list of opportunities is endless. While the cost of living might be on the steep side, the living standards and job quality make up for it.

Here is a list of big-shot business companies in Dubai that hire fresh university graduates:

• Amazon
• PwC
• EY
• HSBC
• KPMG
• Oracle
• Deloitte

Career Prospects

Let’s look at some of the best-paying career pathways and the expected salaries that one might receive in UAE:

• Social media marketing – AED 5,150/month
• Nursing – AED 7,000/month
• Translator – AED 7,500/month
• Engineer – AED 8,000/month
• Architect – AED 9,000/month