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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thinking about going to college in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? You have picked a great place! The United Arab Emirates is renowned as a premier destination for study abroad, housing some of the world's best universities.
Top universities in the UAE bring in a perfect blend of innovative research and dynamic campus life, providing students with an enriching environment. Whether you are seeking academic excellence or a culturally diverse experience, the UAE offers an education that aligns with your ambitions.
List of the Top Universities in UAE
QS Top Universities highlights the United Arab Emirates University among the top universities in UAE. Other prestigious institutions of higher education are as follows:
1. United Arab Emirates University
Founded in 1976, the United Arab Emirates University is the nation’s oldest university that continues to be a leader in academic excellence. Home to over 17,500 students from 64 countries, it offers a diverse and dynamic learning environment, with tuition fees of approximately AED105,498 per year.
With nine colleges, UAEU supports cutting-edge research through state-of-the-art facilities, including over 160 specialized research labs. Located in Al Ain, students can also explore the area’s stunning landscapes, such as Jebel Hafeet, enhancing both their academic and personal experiences.
2. American University of Sharjah
Consistently ranked among the top universities in UAE, the American University of Sharjah (AUS) is renowned for its American-style education. The university equips students with the skills to excel across various fields, including Architecture, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Business Administration.
AUS offers 32 undergraduate majors and minors, 18 master’s programs, and five PhD degrees. Its alumni work in prestigious multinational companies like Deloitte & Touche and Ernst & Young. Tuition fees are approximately AED 105,020 per year.
3. Khalifa University
Khalifa University stands as a global leader in science, engineering, and technology education. With a strong focus on research and development, the university is dedicated to addressing global challenges through innovation. It boasts six research domains and 12 specialized centers to support groundbreaking discoveries. Tuition fees amount to AED999,050 per year.
4. University of Sharjah
Renowned for its diverse community, the University of Sharjah has made its mark among the top universities in UAE. This private university includes 14 colleges, running more than 120 academic programs.
Putting emphasis on real-world experiences, the university has strong industry ties, including partnerships with organizations such as the Sharjah Agriculture and Livestock Department and Al-Futtaim Health. Undergraduate tuition fees range from AED30,000 to AED70,000.
5. Zayed University
Named after the founding father of the UAE, Zayed University is one of the leading public universities in the country. It provides programs in various fields, with campuses in centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The university offers 20 undergraduate programs across seven colleges, fostering a well-rounded academic experience. Tuition fees are AED750,020 per year.
6. American University in Dubai
As one of the country’s top private universities, the American University in Dubai combines the flexibility and innovation of American-style education with the dynamic culture of the UAE. It’s a favorite for students pursuing degrees in business, architecture, engineering, and design.
The university currently enrolls 1,895 students, with 86% of them reporting their satisfaction with their academic experience. According to QS Top Universities, the university’s School of Architecture, Art, and Design is the first and only school outside of the U.S. to have held the three primary accreditations (NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board), CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation), and NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design).
The UAE shines for its comprehensive and exceptional opportunities in higher education. provide a unique blend of world-class academic experiences and access to cutting-edge research, all aimed at global advancements.
If you are inspired by what the UAE has to offer, you might also want to broaden your exploration to include the best global universities in 2025.
Aris Schuler Shah contributed to the editing of this article.
Editor's Choice: World's Top Universities by Academy Field in 2025
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