10 Cheap Universities in the United Arab Emirates for International Students

The United Arab Emirates or UAE is home to the tallest skyscraper in the world, the Burj Khalifa. In addition to this landmark, the UAE also hosts the biggest mall in the world, the Dubai Mall where the largest aquarium in the world is found.

Another tourist attraction in this Middle Eastern country is the palm tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah Islands. The islands also host the Atlantis Resorts, which has become a major tourist destination in the country. The UAE also made going to the desert cool through the Desert Safari organized for local and international tourists.

These are just sights visitors can look forward to when they visit the UAE. But the country is more than just a tourist destination. It can also be a destination for students looking to study outside their home country.

Aside from getting a good education, international students have the chance to explore one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf Region. In this article, we will be going over the cheap universities in UAE for international students.

Cost of Studying in the United Arab Emirates

While living expenses in the United Arab Emirates are not cheap, international students can breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to tuition.

Several UAE universities offer affordable tuition while giving high-quality education for their students. The tuition in the UAE starts at around 14,400 AED or $3,900 USD for a 16-credit semester. Moreover, they can also apply for scholarships to cover the cost of education.

In terms of living expenses, the cost can start at around 3,000 AED or $800 USD up to around 6,000 AED or $1,600 USD per month. This already includes accommodation, food, utilities, and other expenses.

Are Universities Free in the United Arab Emirates?

Public universities in the UAE are free for citizens of the country. But the same cannot be said for international students who have to pay for studying in the country. When it comes to private institutions of higher learning, both locals and international students have to pay for tuition.

What are the languages of instruction for universities in the United Arab Emirates?

While Arabic is the main language of instruction in universities in the UAE, some subjects are taught in English. These subjects include science and mathematics.

Cheapest Universities in UAE for International Students

1. Al Dar University College

  • Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs:
    • 900 AED ($200 USD) to 1,200 AED ($300 USD) per credit hour
  • Tuition Fee Link

Established in 1994, the Al Dar University College is among the oldest institutions of higher learning in Dubai. It has been providing its students with all the necessary skills they need once they enter their chosen field. The student body of the university is diverse since they come from different parts of the world. Al Dar University College is one of the cheap universities in UAE for international students.

The three academic schools of the university offer a broad range of programs for its students. These programs include Communication Engineering, Information Technology, Marketing, Industrial Management, and Public Relations.

Being an urban campus, the students of the university have access to banks, restaurants, shopping centers, and other similar facilities in Dubai’s historic business district. Moreover, learning facilities are also available to enhance the experience of the students during their stay at the university.

2. University of Sharjah

  • Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs:
    • 31,049 AED ($8,500 USD) to 107,545 AED ($29,300 USD) per year
  • Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs:
    • 2,541 AED ($700 USD) to 6,090 AED ($1,700 USD) per credit hour
  • Tuition Fee Link

Established in 1997, the University of Sharjah was created to meet the demand for quality education in the region. It was also meant to promote the qualities possessed by the best universities in the world. The university offered multidisciplinary and comprehensive education and research programs.

The 14 colleges of the university offer a host of programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. These programs include Arabic Language and Literature, Sociology, Accounting, Finance, Public Relations, Mass Communications, and Civil Engineering.

The campus offers all the facilities the students need for a comfortable stay. These facilities include food courts, barbershops and hair salons, a healthcare facility, and a special needs center. In addition to the facilities and resources, social and cultural activities are organized for the students on the campus.

3. Al Ain University of Science and Technology

  • Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs:
    • 1,000 AED ($300 USD) to 1,600 AED ($400 USD) per credit hour
  • Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs:
    • 2,000 AED ($500 USD) to 3,000 AED ($800 USD) per credit hour
  • Tuition Fee Link

Next on our list of the cheapest universities in UAE for international students is the Al Ain University of Science and Technology. It was established in 2004 to provide the foundations of knowledge and science to the people of the UAE. It was also intended for the development of the country and respond to the challenges brought about by the evolution of mass media and technology.

The university has six colleges offering a host of undergraduate and graduate programs. These programs include Special Education, Applied Sociology, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Pharmacy, Law, Business Administration, Mass Communication and Media, and Civil Engineering.

The university aims to become one of the leading centers of learning in the region. It aims to achieve this goal by attaining an international standard of teaching and research as well as promoting community engagement.

4. Ajman University

Ajman University was established as the first private university in the Gulf Cooperation Council region in 1988. It was also the first university in the country to accept international students. The university has pioneered the concept of inclusion, social impact, and innovation in the UAE ever since it opened its doors to the public.

This cheap university in UAE has nine colleges aimed at preparing the students for their future life in their chosen industry. These colleges are the College of Engineering and Information Technology, College of Dentistry, College of Law, College of Medicine, College of Humanities and Sciences, College of Business Administration, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, College of Architecture, Art, and Design, and College of Mass Communication.

The students can receive support and services from the Deanship of Student Services of the university. The office provides the necessary support and services to promote the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the students.

5. Alhosn University

  • Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs:
    • 35,000 AED ($9,500 USD) to 58,000 AED ($15,800 USD) per year
  • Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs:
    • Masters 35,000 AED ($9,500 USD) to 55,000 AED ($15,000 USD) per year
  • Tuition Fee Link

Established in 2005, Alhosn University has continued to be a leading education group around the world. Aside from Abu Dhabi, the university has a presence in different parts of the world, including India, Singapore, China, and the United Kingdom.

The university offers a wide range of courses in different fields of study. These fields of study are Engineering and Technology, Law, Architecture and Design, Science, Hospitality and Tourism, Arts and Humanities, and Management.

The facilities of the university are designed to nurture and take care of the physical and mental wellbeing of the students. Outdoor spaces for studying are also available in different parts of the campus.

6. Abu Dhabi University

  • Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs:
    • 1,150 AED ($300 USD) to 1,890 AED ($500 USD) per credit hour
  • Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs:
    • 1,750 AED ($500 USD) to 4,620 AED ($1,300 USD) per credit hour
  • Tuition Fee Link

Even as the Abu Dhabi University, another cheap university in UAE, was officially established in 2003, its journey started in 2000 when its charter was being developed. After all its programs were accredited, the university opened its doors to its first students three years later. The university started with two colleges but has grown ever since.

The different colleges of the university offer a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. These programs include Mass Communication, Educational Leadership, Business Administration, Architecture, Aviation, Public Health, Environmental Health and Safety, and Law.

The university offers numerous extracurricular activities for its students. The students can take advantage of the different sports and wellness facilities on the campus. They can also join clubs depending on their individual passions. Another option is to get involved in the community and volunteer in the outreach activities organized by the university.

7. Al Ghurair University

  • Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs:
    • 39,000 AED ($10,600 USD) to 51,237 AED ($14,000 USD) per year
  • Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs:
    • 82,500 AED ($22,500 USD) to 90,000 AED ($24,500 USD) per year
  • Tuition Fee Link

Al Ghurair University was established in 1999 as a private university by the Al Ghurair Group. The university trains its students to excel academically and acquire the knowledge and critical thinking capacity to meet the needs of their chosen field of study.

Located in the Dubai International Academic City, the university is globally accredited and offers several undergraduate and graduate programs for both local and international students. These programs include Architecture, Business Administration, Public Relations, Mechanical Engineering, Law, Computer Science and Engineering, and Interior Design.

The university also provides word-class facilities to support the needs of the students. These facilities include a well-sourced library, well-designed laboratories, and a spacious cafeteria. Moreover, the gym and fitness facilities are available to allow the students to stay fit while studying at the university.

8. American University in the Emirates

  • Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs:
    • Local Students 1,225 AED ($300 USD) to 1,750 AED ($500 USD) per credit hour
    • Visiting Students 1,575 AED ($400 USD) to 1,925 AED ($500 USD) per credit hour
  • Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs:
    • 1,444 AED ($400 USD) to 3,675 AED ($1,000 USD) credit hours
  • Tuition Fee Link

Established in 2006, the American University in the Emirates aims to become among the leading institutions of higher learning in the region. Using an American education system, the university aims to empower its students and encourage them to take charge of their studies to become productive members of society in the future.

The seven colleges of the university provide a suitable number of undergraduate and graduate programs to its diverse student population. The programs offered by these colleges include Hospital and Healthcare Management, Graphic Design, Computer Science, Public Relations, Digital Animation, and Finance,

As part of its enrichment program, this cheap university in United Arab Emirates encourages the students to engage in extracurricular activities to have a positive and holistic student experience. The students can join student clubs, engage in sports activities, attend the annual Global Day of the university, or put their skills and talents on display during the Student Showcase event.

9. United Arab Emirates University

  • Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs:
    • 1,900 AED ($500 USD) to 2,500 AED ($700 USD) per credit hour
  • Tuition Fee Link

Established in 1976, the United Arab Emirates University is the first comprehensive national university in the UAE. This research-intensive university is the flagship university of the UAE and has developed key partnerships with employers around the world. This partnership benefitted the students who are in high demand when they graduate.

The university has nine colleges offering a wide range of programs for undergraduate and graduate students. These programs include Statistics, Finance and Banking, Special Education, Health and Physical Education, Architectural Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Film Studies, Geography, and Law.

The students of the university have several options when it comes to their extracurricular activities. They can join student clubs based on their interest. The students can also take advantage of the sports facilities of the university so they can keep themselves fit and healthy. Student activities are also available to further develop the academic experience of the students.

10. Canadian University of Dubai

  • Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs:
    • 62,086 AED ($16,900 USD) to 73,111 AED ($19,900 USD) per year
  • Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs:
    • 81,354 AED ($22,100 USD) to 97,104 AED ($26,400 USD) per course
  • Tuition Fee Link

The final candidate in our list of cheapest universities in UAE for international students is the Canadian University of Dubai. It was established in 2006 and it brought the Canadian education system into the UAE. It is the first licensed Canadian university located out of the territory of Canada. The partnership of partnership Athabasca University and Centennial College made it possible for the university to open its doors in this GCC country.

The university currently has more than 50 international academic partners and offers over 30 programs. It provides a gateway for students aiming to move to Canada and other countries in the future. The university has an excellent academic program offering courses in several fields of study, including Engineering, Architecture and Interior Design, Social Sciences, and Management, among others.

Aside from providing a notable academic experience, the university also encourages the students to engage in extracurricular activities. The students can join a student club or play a sport or two. They can also join events and activities aimed at enhancing their social skills and allowing them to develop self-confidence.

The United Arab Emirates is an excellent option for international students planning to study in one of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

 

I hope that this article on the cheapest universities in UAE for international students was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Cheap Tuition Category!