University Guide
Find the ideal university for your studies and your future
Unirank: 50 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2010
Location: Abu Dhabi
Lowdown: the Abu Dhabi Polytechnic (ADP) is a private higher-education (EHEI) institution, licensed by the Ministry of Education (MoE) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ADP is a coeducational EHEI that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised higher education degrees such as foundation and bachelor degrees. ADP also has a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services.
Unirank: 48 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2013
Location: Abu Dhabi
Lowdown: Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) is a private EHEI Licensed by the MoE. It is a relatively small coeducational institution that offers courses and programmes from Bachelor (BA) to Master (MA) degrees in a number of areas of study to both Emirati and international students. Entry is based on entrance exams and past academic records and grades. ADSM also offers a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, financial aid and/or scholarships, as well as admin services.
Unirank: 10 – KHDA N/A
Founded in 2003
Location: Abu Dhabi
Lowdown: Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is licensed by the MoE, and is run as a for-profit private EHEI for Emiratis and international students. It also runs a branch campus in Al Ain. It is a small coed EHEI that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs, MAs and PhDs in several areas of study. This EHEI has been around for almost 20 years, and runs an admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic record and grades. ADU also offers several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial help and/or scholarships. ADU also offers study abroad plans and exchange programmes, as well as student admin services.
Unirank: 9 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1988
Location: Abu Dhabi
Lowdown: Ajman University (AU) is a private HEI that also runs a branch campus in the Emirate of Fujairah. MoE licensed, AU is a coed EHEI that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs and MAs in several areas of study. AU welcomes students from the Emirates or Internationally. As one of the more established EHIEs, AU also provides a number of facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.
Unirank: 12 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2004
Location: Al Ain
Lowdown: Al Ain University (AAU) is a for-profit private higher-education institution (PHEI) located in the Al Ain, which borders the Sultanate of Oman, and has a branch campus in Abu Dhabi. Licensed by the MoE, AAU is one of the smaller coed institutions. AAU provides courses and programmes leading to BAs in a number of areas of study. Well into its second decade, AAU has an admissions policy based on students’ past academic records and grades, and is recognised as one of the toughest EHEIs admission policies. AAU welcomes applications from local and international students. AAU also provides study abroad and exchange programmes, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services, including a library, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: 51 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1994
Location: Dubai
Lowdown: Al Dar University College (ALDAR) is a for-profit PHEI licensed by the MoE. ALDAR is a very small coed institution that provides foundation courses and programmes leading to BAs in several areas of study. As one of the older institutions, it has a tough admission policy based on past academic records and grades and is open to applications both locally and internationally. ALDAR also provides study abroad and exchange programmes, scholarships and several academic and non-academic facilities including a library, housing, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: 19 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2015
Location: Dubai
Lowdown: A relatively young institution, Al Falah University (AFU) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. AFU is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to BAs and MAs in a number of areas of study. AFU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services including a library, as well as administrative services.
Unirank: 33 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1999
Location: Academic City, Dubai
Lowdown: Al Ghurair University (AGU) is a non-profit PHEI licensed by the MoE. AGU is a smallish coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to BAs in several areas of study. AGU is open to local and international students, though the tough admissions policy makes this institution one of the most exclusive in the UAE. AGU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: 31 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2014
Location: Sharjah
Lowdown: Nestled amongst Sharjah’s popular university enclave, Al Qasimia University (AQU) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. It is a coed HE institution that offers courses and programmes leading to BAs in several areas of study. AQU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing and administrative services.
Unirank: 51 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1986
Location: Dubai
Lowdown: The well established Al Wasl University (AWU) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. It is a very small coed institution offering courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs in several areas of study. Open to applications from local and international students, AWU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 43 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1990
Location: Dubai
Lowdown: American College of Dubai (ACD) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. It is a very small coed institution offering foundation courses and programmes leading to BAs in several areas of study. Established more than three decades ago, this institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic record and grades. Local and international applications are welcomed. ACD offers scholarships, study abroad and exchange programmes as well as several academic and non-academic facilities and services, including a library, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: 8 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1995
Location: Academic City, Dubai
Lowdown: American University in Dubai (AUD) is a for-profit PHEI licensed by the MoE. It is a small, coed institution that offers foundation courses and programmes leading to BAs and MAs in several areas of study. In the middle of its third decade of operation, AUD has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic record and grades. Local and international applications are welcomed. AUD also offers scholarships, study abroad and exchange programmes, and provides a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: 14 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2006
Location: Academic City, Dubai
Lowdown: American University in the Emirates (AUE) is a non-profit PHEI licensed by the MoE. It is a relatively small coed institution offering courses and programmes leading to BAs and MAs in several areas of study. One of the younger institutions, AUE has a tough admissions policy based on students’ past academic record and grades. Applications from local and international applicants are welcomed. AUE also offers scholarships, study abroad and exchange programmes, as well as a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: 13 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2009
Location: Ras Al Khaimah
Lowdown: American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is a non-profit PHEI licensed by the MoE. It is a very small coed institution offering courses and programmes leading to BAs in a number of areas of study. Just over a decade old AURAK has a very selective and rigorous admission policy based on an entrance exam and students’ past academic records and grades. Local and international applications are welcomed. AURAK also offers study abroad and exchange programmes, distance learning opportunities and provides a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: 26 – KHDA 4*
Founded: 2011
Location: Academic city, Dubai
Lowdown: Amity University (AU) is a for-profit PHEI licensed by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. AU is a coeducational Emirati higher education institution, and offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BA and MA degrees in a number of areas of study. AU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, splendid sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: UN KHDA 5*
Founded: 2000
Location: Academic City, Dubai
Lowdown: Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani – Dubai (BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus or BPDC) is a private technical research university licensed by the MoE. It offers a variety of officially recognised BAs and MAs. It is a constituent college of Dubai International Academic City. It became the international branch of BITS Pilani in 2000, making it the second branch established (other branches: Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad). It is the first Indian university to have an overseas campus. BITS Pilani is one of the first six institutes to be awarded the Institute of Eminence status in 2018. BITS Pilani, Dubai offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in various fields of engineering and business management. It enrolls about 1,400 students every year, mostly from India, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.
Unirank: 26 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2004
Location: Academic City, Dubai
Lowdown: the British University in Dubai is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. BUD is a very small coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs, MAs and PhDs in several areas of study. Well into its second decade of operation, BUD has a rigorous admission policy based on students’ past academic records and grades. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. BUD also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including study abroad and exchange programmes, a library, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: 22 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2006
Location: City Walk, Dubai
Lowdown: the Canadian University of Dubai (CUD) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. CUD is a very small coed institution offering courses and programmes leading to foundation, BA and MA degrees in a number of areas of study. Local and international applicants are encouraged to apply for enrollment. Based in the opulent area close to City Walk, CUD also provides a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing and administrative services.
Unirank: UN – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2007
Location: DIFC, Dubai
Lowdown: City University of London’s Dubai Centre was established in February 2007 in collaboration with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), as a regional centre of educational excellence for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The Dubai Centre operates as a not-for profit venture. It offers MSc programmes in Aviation management and Executive MBA. Executive MBA in Dubai is tailored to meet the challenging and ever-changing agenda of managers and potential business leaders in the Gulf and Middle East and North Africa. As such, it incorporates electives which directly reflect the industries and services that power the region. The quality of education is guaranteed with London-based faculty flying in to provide the programmes.
Unirank: 41 KHDA – 5*
Founded: 2012
Location: Ajman
Lowdown: the City University College of Ajman (CUCA) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. It is a small coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to BAs and MAs in a number of areas of study. A little under ten years old, CUCA has a selective admission policy based on past academic records and grades. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrollment. CUCA also offers scholarships, study abroad and exchange programmes, and provides a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services that include a library, housing, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: 52 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2015
Location:
Lowdown: the College of Fashion and Design (CFD) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. CFD is a coed institution that offers foundation courses and programmes that lead to officially recognised BAs in a number of areas of study. Local and international applicants are encouraged to apply for enrolment. CFD also provides a variety of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: UN – KHDA N/A
Founded (Dubai branch campus): 2018
Location: Academic City, Dubai
Lowdown: Curtin University (CU) is a non-profit PHEI located in Academic City, Dubai. One of the more recent institutions, the education is provided by Transnational Academic Group (TAG), on behalf of CU Western Australia. Officially recognised by the DoE and Training of Australia, Curtin University (Curtin) is a large home campus, and although the Dubai institution is a little over two years old, the numbers are swelling. CU offers a foundation programme that guarantees entry into the first year of undergrad, and also offers officially recognised BA and MA degrees. Admission is not difficult, and local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. Curtin provides scholarships, study abroad and exchange programmes, online courses and distance learning opportunities, and a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: 35 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1985
Location: Muhaisnah, Dubai
Lowdown: Dubai Medical College (DMC) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. DMC is a women only institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs in a number of areas of study. Local and iInternational students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. DMC also provides a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.
Unirank: 11 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1992
Location: Muhaisnah, Dubai
Lowdown: One of the longest established institutions, Dubai Pharmacy College (DPC) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE, and is a women only institution. DPC offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in a small number of areas of study. Local and international applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. DPC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 24 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2001
Location: Jumeirah, Dubai
Lowdown: the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. EAHM is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised foundation programmes, BAs and MAs in a number of areas of study. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. EAHM also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students.
Unirank: UN – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1991
Location: Al Garhoud, Dubai
Lowdown: Emirates Aviation College (EAC) is the Middle East’s leading educational institution for aeronautical engineering, aviation management, business management, aviation safety and security studies. Studying at EAC is the best way to help your career in aviation really take off. Admission is very tough, and applications must supply an official copy of high school certificate and transcripts, attested by the appropriate authorities, academic TOEFL or IELTS, or EAU’s English Language Entry Test pass where applicable, a passport copy including visa page (if applicable), a copy of your UAE ID (if applicable), personal photographs, 70% overall or equivalent, 70% in Mathematics and Physics. EAC offers a number of academic and non-academic services such as a library and administration.
Unirank: 25 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2010
Location: Academic City, Dubai
Lowdown: A little over ten years old, Emirates Aviation University (EAU) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. It is a coed institution that provides courses and programmes leading to foundation certification, BAs and MAs in a variety of areas of study. Local and international applicants are encouraged to apply for enrolment. EAU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 36 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2007
Location: Abu Dhabi
Lowdown: the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) is licensed by the MoE. ECAE is a coed institution that provides courses and programmes leading to BAs, MAs and PhDs in a variety of areas of study. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. Located between Masdar and Khalifa City, ECAE also provides a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 40 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1993
Location: Abu Dhabi
Lowdown: another of the longer established institutions, the Emirates College of Technology (ECT) is a for-profit PHEI licensed by the MoE. ECT is a medium sized coed HE facility that offers courses and programmes such as foundation and BAs in a number of areas of study. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. ECT also provides financial aid and/or scholarships, and a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: 34 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1983
Location: AcademicCity, Dubai
Lowdown: the second oldest HE institution in the UAE, the Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. It is a coed institution that offers foundation courses and programmes that lead to officially recognised BAs in a number of areas of study. EIBFS has two campuses; one in the old University City on the border of Sharjah, the other in Academic City, and it also has several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 57 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2006
Location: Abu Dhabi
Lowdown: ESMOD is a coed PHEI licensed by the MoE that offers courses and programmes that lead to officially recognised higher education BAs in media and design. ESMOD also provides a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students.ESMOD is
Unirank: 57 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2006
Location: Abu Dhabi
Lowdown: the European International College (EIC) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. EIC is a coed institution that offers foundation courses and programmes that lead to officially recognised higher education BAs and MAs in several areas of study. EIC also provides a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students.
Unirank: 53 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2006
Location: Umm Hurair, Dubai
Lowdown: the European University College (EUC) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. It is a coed institution that offers a foundation programme leading to officially recognised BAs and MAs in a number of areas of study. Local and international applicants are encouraged to apply for enrolment. EUC also provides a variety of academic and non-academic facilities and services including administrative services.
Unirank: 46 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2006
Location: Abu Dhabi
Lowdown: the Fatima College of Health Sciences (FCHS) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. It is a coed institution with branches in Al Ain, Ajman and Madinat Zayed. FCHS offers courses and programmes leading to officially BAs in a number of areas of study, and also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 21 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1998
Location: Ajman
Lowdown: the Gulf Medical University (GMU) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. It is a very small coed institution with branches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah. GMU offers courses and programmes leading to BAs in several areas of study. Into its third decade, the institution’s very selective admissions policy is based on past academic record and grades. Local and iInternational applicants are encouraged to apply for enrolment. GMU provides financial aid and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programmes and a number of academic and non-academic facilities including a library, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: 2 –KHDA N/A
Founded: 1988
Location:
Lowdown: the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is a non-profit PHEI licenced by the MoE. Its head campus is located in Abu Dhabi, and it has branch campuses in Dubai, Fujairah, Madinat Zayed, Ras Al Khaimah, Ruwais and Sharjah. HCT is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs and MAs in several areas of study. HCT also provides a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 45 –KHDA N/A
Founded: 2011
Location: Academic City, Dubai, Sharjah
Lowdown: the Imam Malik College for Islamic Sharia and Law (IMCISL) is a HEI licensed by the MoE. IMCISL is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to BAs in several areas of study. IMCISL also boasts several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: NA –KHDA 4*
Founded: 2008
Location: Knowledge Park, Dubai
Lowdown: The Higher Education Classification collected data from HULT International Business School, Dubai campus, and evaluated it against the criteria. HULT International Business School, Dubai campus has earned an overall 4-stars rating. A 5-stars rating was achieved in the employability, learning environment, programme strength and wellbeing categories. 4-stars rating was achieved in Teaching, Internationalisation and social responsibility and Inclusiveness. A 3-star rating was achieved in the research category.
Unirank: 29 –KHDA 4*
Founded: 2006
Location: Academic City, Dubai
Lowdown: the Institute of Management Technology Dubai (IMT) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. IMT Dubai is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs and MAs in a variety of areas of study. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. IMT Dubai also offers several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 45 – KHDA 2*
Founded: 1995
Location: Knowledge Park
Lowdown: the Islamic Azad University (IAU) U.A.E. Branch is a PHEI licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). IAU is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs. IAU UAE also provides a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 48 –KHDA N/A
Founded: 2011
Location: Jumeirah, Dubai
Lowdown: Jumeirah University (JU) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. JU is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs in several areas of study. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. JU also provides a variety of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 6 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2007
Location: Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
Lowdown: Khalifa University (KU) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. It is a very small coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs in a number of areas of study. SInto its second decade, KY has a strict admission policy based on entrance examinations and past academic records and grades. Local and international students are welcome to apply for enrolment. KU also provides financial aids and/or scholarships and several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 27 –KHDA N/A
Founded: 1985
Location: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain
Lowdown: Khawarizmi International College (KIC) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. KIC is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs in a number of areas of study. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. KIC also provides a variety of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 30 –KHDA N/A
Founded: 2000.
Location: Academic City, Dubai
Lowdown: now into its third decade in the UAE, Manipal University, Dubai is a PHEI licensed by the KHDA. MUD is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs in several areas of study. MUD also provides a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including sports facilities, a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 55 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2013
Location: Jumeirah, Dubai
Lowdown: the MENA College of Management (MCM) is a PHE licensed by theMoE. MCM is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs in number of areas of study. MCM also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students
Unirank: 20 – KHDA 5*
Location: Knowledge Park, Dubai
Lowdown: one of the busiest campuses in Dubai, Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai is the first off shore campus for the English university. A PHEI l licensed by the MoE, MDX is an average sized coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs and MAs in a variety of areas of study. MDX has a selective admission policy, which considers past academic achievements and records. Local and international applicants are encouraged to apply for enrollment. MDX also provides a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including financial aid and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programmes, a library, housing, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: 37 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2016
Location: Jumeriah Lake Towers, Dubai
Lowdown: MODUL University, Dubai is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. MODUL is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs and MAs in a number of study areas. MODUL has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrollment. MODUL also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students.
Unirank: 23 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2005
Location: DWTC, Dubai
Lowdown: the beautifully designed Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. MBRSG is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised higher BAs, and also provides a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 18 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2014
Location: Healthcare City, Dubai
Lowdown: the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. MBRU is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs and MAs in a number of study areas. MBRU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 56– KHDA N/A
Founded: 2009
Location: Abu Dhabi
Lowdown: the Mohammed V University (MVU) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. MVU is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs, MAs and PhDs in several study areas. MVU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: UN – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2013
Location: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Lowdown: Synergy University (SU) Dubai Campus is a branch campus of Synergy University or Moscow University for Industry and Finance. SU is an PHEI licensed by MoE, and it provides courses in a number of areas of study that are officially recognised BAs and MAs. The institution aims to combine traditional and modern methods of instruction teaching fundamental knowledge and practical orientation. SU also collaborates with foreign universities and foundations in the field of joint educational programmes. It also provides finds for scientific research and activities.SU runs an in-house TV channel, “Synergy TV” in Dubai. It is one of the largest institutions in Europe, and is represented in 40 countries across the globe.
Unirank: UN – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2005
Location:
Lowdown: the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. NYIT is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs and MAs in various areas of study. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. NYIT Abu Dhabi also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 5 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2010
Location: Abu Dhabi
Lowdown: New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. NYUAD is a very small coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs in a number of areas of study. Local and international applicants are encouraged to apply for enrolment. NYUAD also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 39 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2006
Location: Ras Al Khaima
Lowdown: Ras al-Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU) is a PHEI licensed by the MoD. RAKMHSU is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs in several study areas. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. RAKMHSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: UN – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2008
Location: Silicon Oasis, Dubai
Lowdown: the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Dubai is a non-profit PHEI licensed by the MoE. RIT is a small coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs and MAs in several study areas. In its second decade in the UAE, RIT has a through admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades. Local and international applicants are encouraged to apply for enrolment. RIT also provides financial aid and/or scholarships, several academic and non-academic facilities and a range of services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programmes and administrative services.
Unirank: UN – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2005
Location: Healthcare City, Dubai
Lowdown: the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Dubai is a HEI licensed by the MMoE. RCSI is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs and MAs in a number of areas of study. Local and International applicants are encouraged to apply for enrolment. RCSI Dubai also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services and administrative services.

SAE (School of Audio Engineering)
Unirank: UN – KHDA 4*
Founded: 2005
Location: Knowledge Park, Dubai
Lowdown: Centrally located and licensed by KHDA, SAE Dubai is part of the city’s thriving and vibrant media and Internet cities as well as Dubai Knowledge Village. The campus boasts a large and diverse student community and a staff of dedicated, knowledgeable professionals committed to best-practice teaching and learning. SAE Dubai offers one-on-one attention and collaborative learning opportunities along with industry-standard equipment and facilities. There are specialised short courses and masterclasses and the institution has links with multiple studios in the neighbouring creative communities. It has an active and welcoming Student Representative Council and strong ties with various audio, film, graphic design, web, games and animation development companies. SAE’s facilities include analog and digital acoustically balanced recording studios, multiple control rooms, supersized green screen and photography studio, huge online edit suite overhead lighting rig, high-end cameras and industry leading software.
Unirank: 42 – KHDA 2*
Founded: 2003
Location:
Lowdown: the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) is a PHEI licensed by the KHDA. SZABIST is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised degrees in a number of areas of study. SZABIST also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 11 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1990
Location: University City, Sharjah
Lowdown: Skyline University College (SUC) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. SUC is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs and MAs in a number of areas of study. Heading into its fourth decade of operation, this beautiful university has a rigorous admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. SUC also provides financial aid and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programmes, several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: UN – KHDA 4*
Founded: 2004
Location: Academic City, Dubai
Lowdown: SP Jain’s (SPJ) Dubai campus is located in the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC). Licensed by KHDA, SPJ offers a variety of degrees from BA to MA. SP Jain’s campus is a large stand-alone building covering approximately 60,000 square feet, and spread over three floors. It has hi-tech learning centres, mock trading rooms, a library, video conferencing facility, a Reuters terminal and more. The on-campus cafeteria, along with DIAC’s food court, offers multinational cuisine to the students. Students are encouraged to participate in the numerous festivals and events hosted by SP Jain and other schools in DIAC. SP Jain’s excellent accommodation is in the International City, one of Dubai’s largest residential areas, and students are housed in either studio or one-bedroom apartments. A bus service to transfer students to and from campus is provided, which is about 30 minutes away.
Unirank: 49 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2011
Location: Umm Al Quwain
Lowdown: Umm Al Quwain University (UAQU) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. AQU is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs in a number of areas of study. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. UAQU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: 1 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1976
Location: Al Ain
Lowdown: set in the grounds of a stunning campus, the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is a non-profit PHEI licensed by the MoE. UAEU, as well as heading the pile of great universities, is also the oldest university in the United Arab Emirates. It is a large coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs in a variety of areas of study. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. UAEU also provides a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank:15 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2006
Location:
Lowdown: the Université Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi (UPSAD) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. UPSAD is a very small coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs, MAs and PhDs in a variety of areas of study.Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. UPSAD also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library and administrative services.
Unirank: UN – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2008
Location:
Lowdown: the Université Saint-Joseph de Dubai (USJ) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. USJ is a coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs and MAs in a number of areas of study. Local and international applicants are encouraged to apply for enrolment. USJD also provides a number of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students.
Unirank: UN – KHDA 3*
Founded: 2005
Location: Knowledge Park, Dubai
Lowdown: The University of Bradford (UB) has been delivering an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programme in Dubai for 16 years. Licensed by the KHDA, it became an open programme to applicants in 2009 following the establishment of the University’s Middle East Regional Office (MERO). The University currently offers two programmes: the EMBA, delivered by the School of Management, and an MSc in International Health Management.Courses are delivered in weekend block teaching for three days every four to six weeks.
Unirank: 59 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2010
Location: Al Raqaib, Ajman
Lowdown: the University College of Mother and Family Sciences (UCMFS) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. UCMFS is a women only institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised degrees in a number of areas of study. UCMFS also provides a variety of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students.
Unirank: 16 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1997
Location: Academic City, Dubai
Lowdown: the University of Dubai (UD) is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. UD coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs and MAs in a number of areas of study. Approaching its silver jubilee year, UD has a thorough admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades. Local and international applicants are eligible to apply for enrolment. UD also provides study abroad and exchange programmes, several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, and administrative services.
Unirank: UN – KHDA 3*
Founded: 1999
Location: Knowledge Park, Dubai
Lowdown: The University of Exeter (UE) is a PHEI licensed by the KHDA. It specialises in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), and works with an extremely small cohort. The programme is delivered by core ‘flying faculty’ from the UK based campus, combined with well qualified local tutors. Student support between workshops is provided remotely from the home campus and library facilities in Dubai. Students are encouraged, but not required, to travel to Exeter during their studies. Electronic communication and learning resources mean that the student experience is comparable with part-time study in the UK. UE has a long-standing connection with the Arab world, which includes the University’s Exeter-based Centre for Gulf Studies. The EdD programme is seen as part of this special connection with the UAE, as well as contributing to the development of high-level professional TESOL skills in the region.
Unirank: 38 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2006
Location: Fijairah
Lowdown: the University of Fujairah (UoF) is a non-profit PHEI licensed by the MoE. UoF is a small coed higher education facility that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised foundation courses, BAs and MAs in a number of areas of study. Half way into its second decade of operation, the institution has a selective admission policy based on students’ past academic record and grades. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrollment. UoF also provides financial aids and/or scholarships, several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.
Unirank: UN – KHDA 4*
Founded: 2006
Location: Knowledge Park, Dubai
Lowdown: The business school of The University of Manchester (UM) is one of the world’s top-ranked business schools and in Dubai is the largest and fastest growing executive centre in the University’s international network. Licensed by the KHDA, it has provided support for more than 2,000 Global Part-time MBA students across the region. The business school also has a regional community of around 2,500 alumni and actively works to create professional networking opportunities to help enrich the wider business community. In the Middle East, The University of Manchester offers part-time MBA for experienced working professionals, in addition to a range of MSc and executive education programmes, and research and consultancy projects.
Unirank: 3 – KHDA
Founded: 1997
Location: University City, Sharjah
Lowdown: the University of Sharjah (US)is a PHEI licensed by the MoE. US is a large coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised foundation programmes, BAs and MAs in a variety of areas of study. Well into its third decade of operation, the institution has a tough admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades. Local and international students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UoS also provides financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programmes, several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: UN – KHDA N/A
Founded: 2018
Location: Dubai South, Dubai
Lowdown: The University of South Wales Dubai (USWD) is the first international campus launched by the UK based University of South Wales. Licensed by the KHDA, this British university is based in Dubai South, an exciting new development that offers students excellent prospects and opportunities. Delivering a number of courses for the next generation of professionals in Dubai and the wider Middle East region, USWD prepares students with the skills needed to succeed in their chosen industry. The University offers recognised British Bachelor degrees in aircraft maintenance engineering, through a range of accessible routes, as well as, multi-accredited Masters courses in cyber security and international logistics and supply chain management.
Unirank: UN – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1993
Location: Knowledge Park, Dubai Lowdown: Boasting a wonderfully contemporary campus design, the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) is a non-profit PHEI licensed by the MoE. UOWD) is a small coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised foundation programmes, BAs, MAs and PDs in a number of areas of study. Well into its third decade of operation, the institution has a very selective admission policy based on students’ past academic records and grades. Local and international applicants are encouraged to apply for enrolment. UOWD also provides a variety of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including financial aid and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programmes, a library, housing, sports facilities and administrative services.
Unirank: 7 – KHDA N/A
Founded: 1998
Location: Dubai, Abu Dhabi
Lowdown: the exquisitely designed Zayed University (Z) is a non-profit PHEI licensed by the Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates, It is an average sized coed institution that offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised BAs and MAs in several areas of study. Now in its third decade of operation, this Emirati higher-education institution has a rigorous admission policy based on entrance exams and students’ past academic records and grades. Local and international students are encouraged to apply for enrolment. ZU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including study abroad and exchange programmes, a library, sports facilities and administrative services.
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