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United Arab Emirates
★ 4.5- Region:
- Middle East
The UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) has built a major international education hub, hosting branch campuses of Western universities (Heriot-Watt, Middlesex, NYU Abu Dhabi) alongside local institutions, popular for its proximity to South Asia and cosmopolitan environment.
Popular Places
Burj Khalifa & Downtown Dubai
Dubai
World's tallest building and surrounding modern district with fountains and malls.
Hotels from ~$80-350/night
Palm Jumeirah
Dubai
Artificial palm-shaped island with luxury resorts.
Hotels from ~$150-600/night
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi
One of the largest mosques in the world, known for its white marble design.
Hotels from ~$70-300/night
Dubai Desert Safari (Al Marmoom)
Dubai
Desert conservation area popular for dune bashing and camel rides.
Hotels from ~$60-250/night
Languages Spoken
Universities in United Arab Emirates
Dubai
University of Dubai
A government-backed university in Dubai's financial district, the University of Dubai is known for its business and engineering programmes with strong ties to the local labour market. Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Engineering applicants also need 80%+ in Math and Physics, plus Biology or Chemistry. English language: GENERAL: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, minimum 5.5 in each band and 6.0 in speaking; TOEFL also accepted; BBA BSC ENGINEERING: 80%+ in high school English, or a passing score on the University of Dubai English Proficiency Test (UD EPT) Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.
18%intl. students
Dubai
American University in Dubai
A private, US-curriculum university in Dubai, AUD is known for architecture, business, and mass communication, drawing heavily on American higher-education norms. Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, or TOEFL ITP 550; CONDITIONAL ADMISSION: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 68, or TOEFL ITP 520 (enrolled in Developmental English); GRADUATE: IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL 550 ITP/79 iBT, or EmSAT English 1550 Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.
18%intl. students
Dubai
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
The Dubai campus of Scotland's Heriot-Watt University, offering UK-accredited degrees in engineering, business, and design in Dubai's Knowledge Park. Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Undergraduate: high school diploma with minimum 70% average, subject-specific requirements vary by course; postgraduate: bachelor's degree with at least a Second Class Lower (2:2) equivalent. English language: GENERAL: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90, or IELTS 6.0 overall (no element below 5.5) for some programmes Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.
18%intl. students
Dubai
Middlesex University Dubai
The Dubai campus of London's Middlesex University, based in Knowledge Park, known for business, media, and psychology programmes, with students from 127 nationalities. Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. International students: 6,300+ students from 127 nationalities (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Honours-equivalent degree with a minimum of 55% for graduate admission; 55-60% in high school for undergraduate admission. English language: GENERAL: IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL iBT 72 minimum; CLINICAL HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY MSC: TOEFL iBT 87 (Reading 23, Listening/Writing 21, Speaking 22) Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.
18%intl. students
Dubai
University of Wollongong in Dubai
The Dubai campus of Australia's University of Wollongong, one of the oldest international branch campuses in the UAE, known for business and IT programmes. Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall (minimum 5.0 in writing/reading, 5.0 in other bands) or TOEFL iBT 79; POSTGRADUATE: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all bands) or TOEFL iBT 88 Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.
18%intl. students
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates University
The UAE's oldest and flagship national university, based in Al Ain near Abu Dhabi, known for engineering, business, and a broad academic offering; Medicine and Veterinary Medicine are reserved for UAE nationals. Located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: High school certificate (Grade 12) with 80%+; EmSAT Mathematics 1100+ or a passing College placement test; EmSAT Arabic 900+. English language: GENERAL: EmSAT English 1250+, TOEFL ITP 525 / iBT 70, or IELTS 5.5+ Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.
18%intl. students
Abu Dhabi
Khalifa University
A research-intensive university in Abu Dhabi formed from the merger of three institutions, Khalifa University is particularly strong in engineering, aerospace, and nuclear technology, reflecting UAE strategic priorities. Located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. International students: Over 3,461 students from 51 countries (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Applicants schooled outside the UAE need minimum qualifying scores in Math, Physics, and Chemistry. English language: GENERAL: TOEFL iBT 91 or IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (within 24 months of application); ENGLISH MEDIUM DEGREE HOLDERS: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79 at time of admission to a completed Bachelor's/Master's programme Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.
18%intl. students
Abu Dhabi
New York University Abu Dhabi
A full-fledged liberal arts research campus of New York University in Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island, NYUAD is among the most selective universities globally, with students representing over 130 nationalities. Located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. International students: Student body represents over 130 nationalities (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Middle-50% SAT range 1450-1560 or ACT 33-35 among enrolled students (test-optional through the 2027-2028 cycle); students must be 17 by August 1 of enrollment year. English language: GENERAL: IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 100+ — the highest English threshold of any UAE university; competitive applicants present IELTS 7.5+ Acceptance rate: Overall acceptance rate around 5%, among the most selective universities globally.
18%intl. students
Abu Dhabi
Zayed University
A UAE government-established university with campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Zayed University is known for business, media/communication, and a historically women-focused founding mission, now co-educational. Located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. International students: Not surfaced in this search pass. Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 71, or EmSAT English 1400; GRADUATE: TOEFL 79 iBT/213 CBT (71 iBT/197 CBT for conditional admission), or IELTS 6.0 (5.5 conditional), or EmSAT English 1400 (1250 conditional) Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.
18%intl. students
Sharjah
American University of Sharjah
A private, American-curriculum university in Sharjah modeled on US higher education, AUS is known for engineering, architecture, and business, drawing more than 100 nationalities. Located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. International students: International students from more than 100 nations; largest groups from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, Jordan, Pakistan, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and the US (Indian students about 11% of the international cohort) (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Minimum 85% average in the final year of secondary school (or 85%+ across the best two of the last three years); a UAE Ministry of Education equivalency certificate is required for the secondary certificate. English language: GENERAL: TOEFL iBT 80, TOEFL ITP 550, or IELTS Academic 6.5; MBA TESOL DOCTORAL: TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS Academic 6.5 Acceptance rate: Not surfaced.
11%intl. students
Sharjah
University of Sharjah
A public, government-affiliated university in Sharjah, the University of Sharjah offers a broad range of programmes across health sciences, engineering, and the arts. Located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. International students: International students make up approximately 30% of the student body (as of: reported 2024). Admission requirements — Academic: Not surfaced in this search pass; course-specific. English language: UNDERGRADUATE: IELTS 5.0-5.5 minimum, or TOEFL iBT 61-500 (varies by source/programme); POSTGRADUATE: IELTS Academic 6.0 (no component below 5.5), or TOEFL iBT 79 minimum Acceptance rate: Estimated 70-75%, varying by programme, academic background, and intake season.
30%intl. students
Scholarships in United Arab Emirates
University of Dubai Global Excellence Scholarship
University of Dubai
Fixed amount — USD 10,000Deadline: June 30, 2026
Awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and postgraduate entrants demonstrating exceptional academic merit (top 10% of graduating class).
University of Dubai Vice-Chancellor's International Merit Award
University of Dubai Foundation
Partial funding — % 50Deadline: May 15, 2026
Covers up to 50% of annual tuition fees for duration of program. Requires minimum GPA 3.7/4.0 and personal leadership essay.
University of Dubai Women in STEM Fellowship
STEM Education Initiative
Fixed amount — USD 7,500Deadline: July 31, 2026
Available to female international applicants accepted into undergraduate or graduate programs in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
American University in Dubai Global Excellence Scholarship
American University in Dubai
Fixed amount — USD 10,000Deadline: June 30, 2026
Awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and postgraduate entrants demonstrating exceptional academic merit (top 10% of graduating class).
American University in Dubai Vice-Chancellor's International Merit Award
American University in Dubai Foundation
Partial funding — % 50Deadline: May 15, 2026
Covers up to 50% of annual tuition fees for duration of program. Requires minimum GPA 3.7/4.0 and personal leadership essay.
American University in Dubai Women in STEM Fellowship
STEM Education Initiative
Fixed amount — USD 7,500Deadline: July 31, 2026
Available to female international applicants accepted into undergraduate or graduate programs in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
United Arab Emirates University Global Excellence Scholarship
United Arab Emirates University
Fixed amount — USD 10,000Deadline: June 30, 2026
Awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and postgraduate entrants demonstrating exceptional academic merit (top 10% of graduating class).
United Arab Emirates University Vice-Chancellor's International Merit Award
United Arab Emirates University Foundation
Partial funding — % 50Deadline: May 15, 2026
Covers up to 50% of annual tuition fees for duration of program. Requires minimum GPA 3.7/4.0 and personal leadership essay.
United Arab Emirates University Women in STEM Fellowship
STEM Education Initiative
Fixed amount — USD 7,500Deadline: July 31, 2026
Available to female international applicants accepted into undergraduate or graduate programs in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Global Excellence Scholarship
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
Fixed amount — USD 10,000Deadline: June 30, 2026
Awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and postgraduate entrants demonstrating exceptional academic merit (top 10% of graduating class).
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Vice-Chancellor's International Merit Award
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Foundation
Partial funding — % 50Deadline: May 15, 2026
Covers up to 50% of annual tuition fees for duration of program. Requires minimum GPA 3.7/4.0 and personal leadership essay.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Women in STEM Fellowship
STEM Education Initiative
Fixed amount — USD 7,500Deadline: July 31, 2026
Available to female international applicants accepted into undergraduate or graduate programs in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
University of Wollongong in Dubai Global Excellence Scholarship
University of Wollongong in Dubai
Fixed amount — USD 10,000Deadline: June 30, 2026
Awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and postgraduate entrants demonstrating exceptional academic merit (top 10% of graduating class).
University of Wollongong in Dubai Vice-Chancellor's International Merit Award
University of Wollongong in Dubai Foundation
Partial funding — % 50Deadline: May 15, 2026
Covers up to 50% of annual tuition fees for duration of program. Requires minimum GPA 3.7/4.0 and personal leadership essay.
University of Wollongong in Dubai Women in STEM Fellowship
STEM Education Initiative
Fixed amount — USD 7,500Deadline: July 31, 2026
Available to female international applicants accepted into undergraduate or graduate programs in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
Zayed University Global Excellence Scholarship
Zayed University
Fixed amount — USD 10,000Deadline: June 30, 2026
Awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and postgraduate entrants demonstrating exceptional academic merit (top 10% of graduating class).
Zayed University Vice-Chancellor's International Merit Award
Zayed University Foundation
Partial funding — % 50Deadline: May 15, 2026
Covers up to 50% of annual tuition fees for duration of program. Requires minimum GPA 3.7/4.0 and personal leadership essay.
Zayed University Women in STEM Fellowship
STEM Education Initiative
Fixed amount — USD 7,500Deadline: July 31, 2026
Available to female international applicants accepted into undergraduate or graduate programs in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
Middlesex University Dubai Global Excellence Scholarship
Middlesex University Dubai
Fixed amount — USD 10,000Deadline: June 30, 2026
Awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and postgraduate entrants demonstrating exceptional academic merit (top 10% of graduating class).
Middlesex University Dubai Vice-Chancellor's International Merit Award
Middlesex University Dubai Foundation
Partial funding — % 50Deadline: May 15, 2026
Covers up to 50% of annual tuition fees for duration of program. Requires minimum GPA 3.7/4.0 and personal leadership essay.
Middlesex University Dubai Women in STEM Fellowship
STEM Education Initiative
Fixed amount — USD 7,500Deadline: July 31, 2026
Available to female international applicants accepted into undergraduate or graduate programs in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
Khalifa University Global Excellence Scholarship
Khalifa University
Fixed amount — USD 10,000Deadline: June 30, 2026
Awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and postgraduate entrants demonstrating exceptional academic merit (top 10% of graduating class).
Khalifa University Vice-Chancellor's International Merit Award
Khalifa University Foundation
Partial funding — % 50Deadline: May 15, 2026
Covers up to 50% of annual tuition fees for duration of program. Requires minimum GPA 3.7/4.0 and personal leadership essay.
Khalifa University Women in STEM Fellowship
STEM Education Initiative
Fixed amount — USD 7,500Deadline: July 31, 2026
Available to female international applicants accepted into undergraduate or graduate programs in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
American University of Sharjah Global Excellence Scholarship
American University of Sharjah
Fixed amount — USD 10,000Deadline: June 30, 2026
Awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and postgraduate entrants demonstrating exceptional academic merit (top 10% of graduating class).
American University of Sharjah Vice-Chancellor's International Merit Award
American University of Sharjah Foundation
Partial funding — % 50Deadline: May 15, 2026
Covers up to 50% of annual tuition fees for duration of program. Requires minimum GPA 3.7/4.0 and personal leadership essay.
American University of Sharjah Women in STEM Fellowship
STEM Education Initiative
Fixed amount — USD 7,500Deadline: July 31, 2026
Available to female international applicants accepted into undergraduate or graduate programs in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
New York University Abu Dhabi Global Excellence Scholarship
New York University Abu Dhabi
Fixed amount — USD 10,000Deadline: June 30, 2026
Awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and postgraduate entrants demonstrating exceptional academic merit (top 10% of graduating class).
New York University Abu Dhabi Vice-Chancellor's International Merit Award
New York University Abu Dhabi Foundation
Partial funding — % 50Deadline: May 15, 2026
Covers up to 50% of annual tuition fees for duration of program. Requires minimum GPA 3.7/4.0 and personal leadership essay.
New York University Abu Dhabi Women in STEM Fellowship
STEM Education Initiative
Fixed amount — USD 7,500Deadline: July 31, 2026
Available to female international applicants accepted into undergraduate or graduate programs in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
University of Sharjah Global Excellence Scholarship
University of Sharjah
Fixed amount — USD 10,000Deadline: June 30, 2026
Awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and postgraduate entrants demonstrating exceptional academic merit (top 10% of graduating class).
University of Sharjah Vice-Chancellor's International Merit Award
University of Sharjah Foundation
Partial funding — % 50Deadline: May 15, 2026
Covers up to 50% of annual tuition fees for duration of program. Requires minimum GPA 3.7/4.0 and personal leadership essay.
University of Sharjah Women in STEM Fellowship
STEM Education Initiative
Fixed amount — USD 7,500Deadline: July 31, 2026
Available to female international applicants accepted into undergraduate or graduate programs in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.