Dubai stands out as a global city renowned for its innovation and high quality of life, making it a prime choice for students seeking global exposure. The local education system is continually advancing, with top-notch universities in Dubai offering a wide range of programmes in business, engineering, and the arts. Students enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, the latest technology, and access to internships in Dubai's rapidly expanding industries. Furthermore, the city’s multicultural atmosphere offers a distinctive cultural experience for students.

Universities in Dubai are growing into global education centres, drawing students from around the globe. With modern infrastructure, a cosmopolitan setting, and an increasing number of respected colleges and universities, Dubai provides a high-standard education system. The city boasts over 60 higher education institutions, including international branches of prestigious universities like Heriot-Watt and Middlesex. Competitive tuition fees and plentiful job opportunities make Dubai colleges and universities a sought-after choice, especially for students from India. CounsellingX can play an important role in helping you ace admission in the top universities listed below!

Heriot-Watt Dubai

The Dubai Campus of Heriot-Watt University, a branch of Heriot-Watt University, is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Established in 2005, it became the first overseas university campus to open in Dubai International Academic City. In April 2019, at the inaugural Forbes Middle East Higher Education Awards, Heriot-Watt’s Dubai campus received the title of ‘Best University’ in the Middle East.

Additionally, the campus has consistently achieved a notable five-star rating from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the main body responsible for educational quality assurance and regulation in the Government of Dubai, for three consecutive years: 2019, 2020, and 2021. Furthermore, in 2021, the university moved its Dubai campus to Dubai Knowledge Park, strengthening its educational footprint in the region.

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Emirates Aviation University

Emirates Aviation University (EAU), formerly Emirates Aviation College, is a prestigious institution situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and acts as the educational segment of The Emirates Group. EAU is well-regarded for its programmes in aeronautical engineering, aviation management, business management, and aviation safety and security studies.

The origins of EAU trace back to 1991 when the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority established Dubai Aviation College to deliver aviation-related training for private students. In September 2001, this college merged with Emirates Training College, resulting in its rebranding to Emirates Aviation College. Later, in December 2010, the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research recognised Emirates Aviation College as a university, leading to its current title, Emirates Aviation University.

The University of Manchester Dubai

The University of Manchester - Middle East Centre, previously known as Manchester Business School, launched its flagship MBA program at Dubai Knowledge Park in 2006. The institution has assisted more than 2,200 part-time MBA students and nurtures a regional network of about 2,500 alumni, creating professional networking opportunities to enhance the broader business community. It is the largest and fastest-growing centre within The University of Manchester's international network. Recognised as part of the oldest university in the UK, it offers a highly ranked MBA program and has pinpointed essential educational and leadership needs in the region through research, collaborations, and consultancies.

As a result, the university now provides executive education courses and industry-focused master’s programs in international healthcare leadership, reliability engineering, and asset management. As the university continues to advance the education sector in the Middle East, it plans to introduce more courses. Collaborations extend to professional bodies such as CIMA, ACCA, IMA, PMI, and CIPD, in addition to UK organisations like UKTI, the British Business Group, and the British Centers for Business.

Furthermore, The University of Manchester - Middle East Centre has established various partnerships with public and private sector organisations through its Strategic Talent Partnership program. Marking the Middle East Centre’s 10th anniversary in 2016, the university initiated the region’s first research on creativity and innovation in the GCC.

Hult International Business School Dubai

Dubai serves as an exciting setting for business studies, showcasing one of the fastest-growing economies globally and a steadfast “nothing is impossible” attitude. This vibrant city offers numerous possibilities for corporate and entrepreneurial careers, acting as a crucial trade link between East and West. Hult’s Dubai campus provides an exceptional environment where you can easily shift from a team meeting to the beach within minutes. With the Metro just a short walk away, you’ll have convenient access to various city areas.

Located in the centre of Dubai’s flourishing innovation hub, Internet City, pursuing business studies here grants access to extensive networking opportunities, premier industry events, and advanced facilities, all easily accessible.

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Manipal Academy of Higher Studies

The campus is located in Dubai International Academic City, spanning a vast area of 850,000 square feet. It boasts essential amenities such as a library, laboratories, a cafeteria, and sports facilities.

A wide selection of academic programs exceeds 50, covering seven distinct disciplines for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

The university consists of six schools, each linked to their respective institutes on the main campus.

Student life thrives at the university, exemplified by the annual Carnival, a cultural festival featuring music, dance, fashion, debates, quizzes, painting, and photography.

Moreover, a student team gained recognition by winning the Sustainable Campus Initiative, a collaborative effort initiated by the Emirates Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Borouge in 2014, underscoring the university’s dedication to sustainability and innovation.

Middlesex University Dubai 

Middlesex University Dubai (MDX Dubai), operates as an offshore campus of Middlesex University London in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus consists of two primary locations: Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City, and it opened in 2005. It currently hosts over 4,500 students from more than 110 nationalities. Dr Cedwyn Fernandes is the Director of Middlesex University Dubai and also holds the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Middlesex University London.

Overall, Middlesex University London has a worldwide enrollment of over 37,000 students from more than 140 nationalities, showcasing its dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive educational environment.

Institute of Management Technology-Dubai 

The Institute of Management Technology-Dubai (IMTD) is a prestigious international business school known for its academic rigour. It is certified by the Ministry of Higher Education in the UAE and is licensed by MOHESR and KHDA, ensuring compliance with educational standards. Additionally, all its programmes have received accreditation from the CAA.

IMTD offers an array of accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes designed for students from various nationalities and educational backgrounds. Founded in 2006, it is one of the first International Business Schools to establish a comprehensive campus in Dubai.

At the undergraduate level, IMTD offers a full-time Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. For postgraduate students, it has a full-time MBA programme aimed at recent graduates and an Executive MBA programme held on weekends for working professionals. The student body at IMTD is notably diverse, with individuals from regions including the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, and Europe all pursuing their studies together.

Importantly, the Dubai campus is the third in the IMT network, which broadens its global presence and educational influence.

Murdoch University Dubai

Murdoch University Dubai is a branch of Murdoch University located in Perth, Western Australia. It is recognised as one of Australia’s premier institutions in Dubai and provides fully accredited Australian degrees that hold international prestige. Its programmes are accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA) in Australia and are locally recognised by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
 

The university offers a diverse selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines, such as business, management, accounting, finance, information technology, engineering, education, nursing, and psychology. Additionally, Murdoch University Dubai provides pathway courses for students who do not fulfil the direct entry criteria for its undergraduate offerings.

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Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai

The Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai (RIT Dubai) is a prestigious, privately-owned university located in the vibrant city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Established in 2008, RIT Dubai serves as an international branch of the renowned Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) based in New York, United States. This institution is dedicated to delivering high-quality education and fosters a dynamic learning environment that emphasises innovation, creativity, and practical skills.

RIT Dubai offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programmes catering to various fields of study, including business, engineering, computing, and design. The university is committed to equipping its students with the knowledge and competencies required to excel in today’s competitive global landscape. With a focus on experiential learning, RIT Dubai provides students with opportunities for real-world application through internships, co-op programmes, and industry collaborations, enhancing their learning experience and career readiness.

The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities and technology, creating an environment conducive to academic and professional growth. Additionally, RIT Dubai embraces a multicultural community, drawing students from around the world. This enriches the educational experience through diverse perspectives and ideas.

University of Birmingham Dubai

With a rich history spanning over a century, the University of Birmingham has consistently dedicated itself to cultivating and empowering exceptional minds across various disciplines. In line with this proud legacy, the Dubai campus is firmly committed to delivering a world-class educational experience. This is achieved through a comprehensive curriculum that is enriched by the expertise of distinguished academics and esteemed leaders in their respective fields, who bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom.

The University of Birmingham Dubai campus fosters an innovative learning environment that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and a global perspective. It provides students with the skills and insights needed to excel in an increasingly interconnected world.

University of Wollongong Dubai

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) operates as an offshore branch of the University of Wollongong, located in the United Arab Emirates. Established in 1993, it is situated within the Dubai Knowledge Park and boasts a diverse student population, with over 3,500 students hailing from more than 108 countries.

Significantly, the University of Wollongong in Dubai stands out from other foreign universities in the UAE due to its autonomy and independence. Although it maintains a connection with the University of Wollongong in Australia, it operates as a separate educational institution.

The university's history began in 1993 when the University of Wollongong in Australia launched the Institute of Australian Studies (IAS) in the UAE. This initiative marked it as the first foreign institution to open a campus in the UAE and the initial Australian higher education entity to establish a presence in the GCC. Starting with English language courses, IAS transformed into a ‘feeder college’ by 1995, allowing students to undertake part of their Business or IT degrees in Dubai before continuing their education in Australia. In 1999, it became the first foreign-owned institution worldwide to obtain a license from the UAE’s Federal Government. It was officially launched as the University of Wollongong, Dubai Campus in October 2000, and in 2004, it was incorporated as the University of Wollongong in Dubai.

Zayed University

Zayed University (ZU) is a leading public institution located in the United Arab Emirates. Established in 1998, it is one of only three government-funded higher education institutions in the country. The university is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the UAE.

A pivotal moment in its journey came when Zayed University received international accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the United States, becoming the first federal university in the UAE to achieve this honour. ZU provides a wide range of academic offerings, with 17 undergraduate majors, 10 minors, and 10 master’s degree programmes. It consists of eight colleges, each focusing on specific disciplines, including the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, College of Business, College of Communication and Media Sciences, College of Education, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, College of Technological Innovation, and College of Interdisciplinary Studies.

The Emirati federal government initiated the founding of Zayed University in 1998. In its early years, the university only accepted UAE national women until 2008, when the Sweihan campus, a partnership between Zayed University and the UAE Armed Forces, opened, allowing approximately 200 male students to enrol. This development represented a significant growth in the university’s student body and its dedication to offering educational opportunities to a more diverse range of students.

Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is a private, multi-campus institution focused on professional higher education in the UAE. It has four campuses: the main one in Abu Dhabi and branches in Al Ain and Dubai. ADU also operates an Educational Complex in Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra Center, which opened in 2018 to fulfil educational needs in the region.

ADU aims to be the leading institution in the MENA region, providing graduates with essential skills and fostering impactful research and innovation. The university offers various undergraduate courses, including communications, business, science, engineering, architecture, law, and medicine.

Since July 2014, ADU has gained ABET accreditation for six engineering programs, AACSB accreditation in 2015, and EQUIS accreditation for its College of Business Administration. RIBA validates the Bachelor of Architecture programme, while the College of Health Sciences is accredited by APHEA.

ADU is dedicated to empowering students through scholarships and ensuring equal opportunities for all pursuing higher education.

S P Jain School of Global Management Dubai

S P Jain School of Global Management is a renowned private business school with campuses in Sydney, Mumbai, Singapore, and Dubai. It offers a wide array of educational programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and specialised technical courses in business.

The school is named after Sahu Shreyans Prasad Jain (1908-1992) to honour his contributions. S P Jain began its international expansion by opening its first overseas campus in Dubai in 2004, followed by the establishment of its Singapore campus in 2006, courtesy of an invitation from the Singaporean government. In 2012, it launched its third campus in Sydney, Australia, further enhancing its global reach. Most recently, S P Jain opened its fourth international campus in Mumbai, India, in 2015, marking a significant achievement in its quest to deliver high-quality education globally.

Amity University Dubai

Founded in 2011, Amity University Dubai has become a leading international institution in the United Arab Emirates and is part of a worldwide educational network. This respected brand has locations in Dubai, London, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Uzbekistan, Kenya, and numerous campuses across India.

Amity University Dubai functions under the Amity Education Group, a well-established organisation with over 30 years of rich history. The group encompasses a large educational community of over 175,000 students, an impressive alumni network of 85,000, and a dedicated faculty of 6,000 professionals.

With a significant history of contributions to the region, Amity University Dubai is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Moreover, the university’s degrees are accredited by the MOE through the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), and it also holds international accreditation from reputable bodies such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

Amity University Dubai offers over 30 programmes, including foundation courses, undergraduate degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. These programmes cover various sectors, such as business, engineering, computer science, journalism, fashion design, hospitality and tourism, forensic science, architecture, media, and law. Notably, these degrees are recognised by leading professional organisations, including the CIPD, ACCA, CPA, AHRI, CIM, CIMA, CIPS, EFQM, and ACS.