In this article, we will be listing 30 out of the best schools in Dubai, including the best universities in Dubai, the best colleges in Dubai, and the best business schools in Dubai.
Dubai, popularly known for tourism and hospitality, is also home to some of the best schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
It is the most populous city in the UAE and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. Also, Dubai is one of the wealthiest of the seven emirates that constitute the United Arab Emirates.
Table of Contents
Education in Dubai
The education system in Dubai includes public and private schools. 90% of education in Dubai is provided by private schools.
Accreditation
The UAE ministry of education through the Commission for Academic Accreditation is responsible for accrediting public schools.
Private education in Dubai is regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Medium of Instruction
The medium of instruction in public schools is Arabic, and English is used as a second language.
Private schools in the UAE teach in English but must offer programs like Arabic as a second language for Non-Arabic speakers.
However, all students take Arabic classes, either as a primary or secondary language. Muslim and Arab students must also take Islamic studies.
Curriculum
International curricula are used in Dubai because most of the schools are owned by the private sector. There are about 194 private schools offering the following curricula
- British curriculum
- American curriculum
- Indian curriculum
- International Baccalaureate
- The UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum
- French Baccalaureate
- Canada curriculum
- Australia Curriculum
- and other curricula.
Dubai has 26 international branch campuses of universities from 12 different countries, including the UK, USA, Australia, Indian, and Canada.
Location
Many of the training centers are located in the specialized free economic zones of the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and Dubai Knowledge Park.
Most of the international universities have their campuses in Dubai International Academic City, a free zone built for tertiary academic institutions.
Cost of studying
Tuition fees for an undergraduate program in Dubai range between 37,500 to 70,000 AED per year, while Tuition fees for a postgraduate program range between 55,000 to 75,000 AED per year.
Accommodation costs between 14,000 to 27,000 AED per year.
The cost of living ranges between 2,600 to 3,900 AED per year.
Requirements needed to study in the Best Schools in Dubai
Generally, you will require the following documents to study in Dubai
- UAE secondary school certificate or certified equivalent, approved by the UAE Ministry of Education
- EmSAT scores for English, Mathematics, and Arabic or equivalent
- Student visa or UAE residence visa (for non-UAE citizens)
- Valid passport and Emirates ID card (for UAE citizens)
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Valid passport and a national identity card (for non-UAE citizens)
- Bank statement for the verification of funds
Depending on your choice of institution and program, you may require additional requirements. Check your choice of institution’s website for more information.
Reasons to study in any of the Best Schools in Dubai
The following reasons should convince you to study in Dubai.
- Home to some of the best universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and in the Arab region
- Dubai has one of the fastest-growing economies in the World
- Courses are taught with an international curriculum in private schools
- Study your degree in English in private schools
- Explore rich cultures and experiences
- Many graduate jobs are available in Dubai
- Dubai has a very low crime rate, making it one of the safest cities in the world.
- Tuition fees are affordable, compared to top study destinations like the UK, the US, and Canada.
- Even though Dubai is an Islam country, the city has other religious communities like Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists. This means you have the freedom to practice your religion.
List of the 30 Best Schools in Dubai
Here is a list of the best schools in Dubai, including some of the best universities, colleges, and business schools in Dubai.
- Zayed University
- American University in Dubai
- University of Wollongong in Dubai
- British University in Dubai
- Middlesex University Dubai
- University of Dubai
- Canada University of Dubai
- American University in the Emirates
- Al Falah University
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education
- Al Ghurair University
- Institute of Management Technology
- Amity University
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Islamic Azad University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Emirates Academy of Hospital Management
- MENA College of Management
- Emirates Aviation University
- Abu Dhabi University
- MODUL University
- Emirates Institutes for Banking and Financial Studies
- Murdoch University Dubai
- Emirates College for Management and Information Technology
- S P Jain School of Global Management
- Hult International Business School
- Dental Medical College
- University of Birmingham Dubai
- Heriot Watt University
- Birla Institute of Technology.
1. Zayed University
Zayed University is a public university, founded in 1998, located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The school is one of the three government-sponsored higher education institutions in the UAE.
This school offers internationally recognized undergraduate and graduate programs in:
- Arts and Creative Enterprises
- Business
- Communication and Media Sciences
- Education
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Technological Innovation
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Natural and Health Sciences.
2. American University in Dubai (AUD)
American University in Dubai is a private institution of higher learning in Dubai, founded in 1995. AUD is one of the best schools in Dubai for global students looking to study in the country.
They offer recognized undergraduate and graduate degree programs in:
- Psychology
- Architecture
- International Studies
- Business Administration
- Engineering
- Interior Design
- Visual Communication
- Urban Design and Digital Environment.
3. University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)
The University of Wollongong is an Australian university in the UAE, established in 1993, located in Dubai Knowledge Park.
The institution offers over 40 bachelor’s and master’s degrees sparing 10 industry sectors, such as:
- Engineering
- Business
- ICT
- Healthcare
- Communication and Media
- Education
- Political science.
4. British University in Dubai (BUiD)
British University in Dubai is a research-based university, established in 2003.
BUiD offers bachelor, master’s and MBA, doctorate, and PhD programs in the following faculties:
- Engineering & IT
- Education
- Business & Law.
5. Middlesex University Dubai
Middlesex University Dubai is the first overseas campus of the renowned Middlesex University based in London, UK.
Its first learning space in Dubai opened at Dubai Knowledge Park in 2005. The university opened a second campus location in Dubai International Academic City in 2007.
Middlesex University Dubai offers a quality UK degree. The institution offers a range of foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the following faculties:
- Art and Design
- Business
- Media
- Health and Education
- Science and Technology
- Law.
6. University of Dubai
The University of Dubai is one of the best-accredited universities in Dubai, UAE.
The institution offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in:
- Business Administration
- Information System Security
- Electrical Engineering
- Law
- and many more.
7. Canada University of Dubai (CUD)
The Canada University of Dubai is a private university in Dubai, UAE, founded in 2006.
CUD is a leading teaching and research university in the UAE, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in:
- Architecture and Interior Design
- Communication and Media
- Engineering
- Applied Science and Technology
- Management
- Creative Industries
- Environmental Health Sciences
- Social Sciences.
8. American University in the Emirates (AUE)
American University in the Emirates is a private university in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), founded in 2006.
AUE is one of the most rapidly growing universities in the UAE, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in:
- Business Administration
- Computer Information Technology
- Design
- Education
- Law
- Media and Mass Communication
- Security and Global Studies.
9. Al Falah University
Al Falah University is one of the best universities in UAE, located in the heart of the emirate of Dubai, established in 2013.
AFU offers current academic programs in:
- Business Administration
- Law
- Mass Communication
- Arts and Humanities.
10. Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai is a branch of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India, one of the largest private universities in India.
It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the streams of;
- Arts and Humanities
- Business
- Design and Architecture
- Engineering and IT
- Life Sciences
- Media and Communication.
Manipal Academy of Higher Education was previously known as Manipal University.
11. Al Ghurair University
Al Ghurair University is one of the best among UAE academic institutions, located in the heart of Academic City in Dubai, founded in 1999.
AGU is a globally accredited university offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in:
- Architecture and Design
- Business and Communication
- Engineering and Computing
- Law.
12. Institute of Management Technology (IMT)
Institute of Management Technology is an international business school, located in Dubai International Academic City, founded in 2006.
IMT is a leading business school offering undergraduate and graduate programs.
13. Amity University
Amity University claims to be the largest multi-disciplinary university in the UAE.
The institution offers globally recognized degree programs in:
- Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Science
- Architecture
- Design
- Law
- Arts and Humanities
- Hospitality
- Tourism.
14. Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences is a good Med school in Dubai that is located in the Emirates of Dubai.
It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in:
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Medicine
- Dental Medicine.
15. Islamic Azad University
Islamic Azad University is a private university, located in Dubai Knowledge Park, established in 1995.
The institution provides degree programs for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate candidates.
16. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
RIT Dubai is a not-for-profit global campus of Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, one of the leading world’s leading technological-focused universities.
Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai was established in 2008.
This highly rated school offers highly valued bachelor’s and master’s degrees in:
- Business and Leadership
- Engineering
- and Computing.
17. Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM)
Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management is one of the top 10 hospitality schools in the World, located in Dubai. Also, EAHM is the first and only home-grown hospitality management university in the Middle East.
EAHM specializes in providing business management degrees with a focus on hospitality.
18. MENA College of Management
MENA College of Management is located in the heart of Dubai, with its first campus in the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), established in 2013.
The college offer bachelor’s degree programs in specialized areas of management that are critical to the needs of Dubai and the UAE:
- Human Resource Management
- Healthcare Management
- Hospitality Management
- Health Informalities.
19. Emirates Aviation University
Emirates Aviation University is a leading aviation university in UAE.
It offers an extensive range of programs designed to provide students with the best aviation-related specializations.
Emirates Aviation University is the Middle East’s leading educational institution for
- Aeronautical engineering
- Aviation management
- Business management
- Aviation safety and security studies.
20. Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi University is the largest private university in the UAE, established in 2000, with four campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Alin, Al Dhafia, and Dubai.
The school offers over 59 internationally accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs in:
- Arts and Sciences
- Business
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Law
21. MODUL University
MODUL University is the first internationally accredited Austrian university in the Middle East, established in Dubai in 2016.
It offers 360-degree higher education degrees in
- Business
- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Public governance and new media technology
- Entrepreneurship and Leadership.
22. Emirates Institutes for Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS)
Established in 1983, EIBFS offers specialized education in the area of banking and finance at its three campuses in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
23. Murdoch University Dubai
Murdoch University is an Australian university in Dubai, established in 2007 in Dubai International Academic City.
It offers foundation, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programs in
- Business
- Accounting
- Finance
- Communication
- Information Technology
- Psychology.
24. Emirates College for Management and Information Technology (ECMIT)
ECMIT is an institution of higher education that was originally established and licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education in 1998 as the Emirates Center for Management and Information Technology. It is one of the best schools in Dubai for anyone looking for quality education.
In 2004, the center was renamed as Emirates College for Management and Information Technology. ECMIT offers programs related to management and technology.
25. S P Jain School of Global Management
S P Jain School of Global Management is a private business school, located in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC).
The school offers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and professional technical courses in business.
26. Hult International Business School
Hult International Business School is a non-profit business school located in Dubai’s Internet City.
The school is recognized among the best business schools in the World.
27. Dubai Medical College
Dubai Medical College is the first private college to award degrees in Medicine & Surgery in the UAE, established in 1986 as a non-profit educational institution.
DMC is committed to providing students with medical education to obtain an accredited degree of Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery, through the following departments;
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology.
28. University of Birmingham Dubai
The University of Birmingham is another UK university in Dubai, located in Dubai International Academic City.
It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and foundation courses in:
- Business
- Computer Science
- Education
- Law
- Engineering
- Psychology.
The University of Birmingham Dubai offers a globally recognized education taught with a UK curriculum.
29. Heriot-Watt University
Established in 2005, Heriot-Watt University is the first international university to set up in Dubai International Academic City, offering top-quality British education
This quality school in Dubai offer a range of programs at degree entry, undergraduate, and postgraduate level across the following disciplines:
- Accounting
- Architecture
- Business Management
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Finance
- Psychology
- Social Sciences.
30. Birla Institute of Technology (BITS)
BITS is a private technical research university and a constituent college of Dubai International Academic City. It became the international branch of BITS Pilani in 2000.
Birla Institute of Technology offers first-degree, higher degree and doctoral program in:
- Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Computer Science
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- General Sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions on Schools in Dubai
Is education free in Dubai?
Primary and secondary education is free for the citizens of the emirate. Tertiary education is not free.
Is education expensive in Dubai?
Tertiary education in Dubai is affordable, compared to top study destinations like UK and US.
Are the best schools in Dubai accredited?
Yes, all the schools listed in this article are accredited/permitted by the UAE Ministry of Education or Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Is education in Dubai good?
Most of the top-ranked and recognized schools in Dubai are private schools. So, you can earn top-quality education in private schools and some of the public schools in Dubai.
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Schools in Dubai Conclusion
You can enjoy a great level of tourism while studying in Dubai, from Burj Khalifa to Palm Jumeirah. Dubai has one of the world’s lowest crime rates, which means you get to study in a very safe environment.
Which of the best schools in Dubai do you wish to attend?
Let us meet in the Comment Section.