Affordable Universities in UAE

The UAE provides a surprisingly diverse range of affordable higher education options. While known for premium international branch campuses, many local and specialized institutions offer competitive tuition rates designed to be accessible to a wider range of students without compromising on accreditation or quality.

Universities by Tuition Range

Bath Spa University
Branch of International Institution

Bath Spa University

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BachelorsMasters
AED 22500/ year
Islamic Azad University
Institution

Islamic Azad University

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AED 28606/ year
Al Ain University (AAU)
Private

Al Ain University (AAU)

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AED 30000/ year
Al Wasl University
Private

Al Wasl University

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AED 30000/ year
Regent Middle East
Institution

Regent Middle East

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AED 30000/ year
Dubai Police Academy (DPA)
Local Government

Dubai Police Academy (DPA)

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AED 30020/ year
University of Bolton
Branch of International Institution

University of Bolton

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BachelorsMasters
AED 32500/ year
Curtin University Dubai
Branch of International Institution

Curtin University Dubai

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BachelorsMasters
AED 40000/ year
Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Dubai
Private

Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Dubai

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AED 40326/ year
Imam Malik College for Islamic Sharia and Law
Local Government

Imam Malik College for Islamic Sharia and Law

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AED 42000/ year
UK College of Business and Computing, Dubai
Branch of International Institution

UK College of Business and Computing, Dubai

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AED 43000/ year
EM Normandie Business School – Dubai Campus
Branch of International Institution

EM Normandie Business School – Dubai Campus

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BachelorsMasters
AED 43300/ year
Moscow University for Industry and Finance (Synergy University)
Institution

Moscow University for Industry and Finance (Synergy University)

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AED 44055/ year
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Branch of International Institution

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

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BachelorsMasters
AED 47270/ year
City, University of London
Institution

City, University of London

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AED 49012/ year
Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani (BITS Pilani) Dubai Campus – BPDC
Branch of International Institution

Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani (BITS Pilani) Dubai Campus – BPDC

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BachelorsMasters
AED 51817/ year
American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK)
Local Government

American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK)

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BachelorsMasters
AED 55000/ year
SKEMA Business School
Branch of International Institution

SKEMA Business School

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BachelorsMasters
AED 56675/ year
Abu Dhabi University, Dubai Campus
Institution

Abu Dhabi University, Dubai Campus

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AED 57416/ year
SAE University College – Dubai Campus
Branch of International Institution

SAE University College – Dubai Campus

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Bachelors
AED 57960/ year
Murdoch University Dubai
Branch of International Institution

Murdoch University Dubai

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BachelorsMasters
AED 58200/ year
Plekhanov Russian University of Economics – Dubai Campus
Branch of International Institution

Plekhanov Russian University of Economics – Dubai Campus

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AED 62000/ year
Middlesex University Dubai
Branch of International Institution

Middlesex University Dubai

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BachelorsMasters
AED 62687/ year
Batterjee Medical College – Dubai
Branch of International Institution

Batterjee Medical College – Dubai

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Bachelors
AED 63317/ year
Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE)
Local Government

Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE)

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AED 65000/ year
Canadian University Dubai
Private

Canadian University Dubai

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BachelorsMasters
AED 66000/ year
Rochester Institute of Technology – Dubai
Branch of International Institution

Rochester Institute of Technology – Dubai

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BachelorsMasters
AED 68000/ year
University of Bradford
Branch of International Institution

University of Bradford

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Masters
AED 68000/ year
De Montfort University Dubai (DMU Dubai)
Branch of International Institution

De Montfort University Dubai (DMU Dubai)

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BachelorsMasters
AED 69473/ year
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
Branch of International Institution

Heriot-Watt University Dubai

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BachelorsMasters
AED 74000/ year
Ajman University (AU)
Private

Ajman University (AU)

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BachelorsMasters
AED 75000/ year
Zayed University
Federal Government

Zayed University

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AED 75000/ year
Zayed University Dubai
Federal Government

Zayed University Dubai

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AED 75000/ year
Georgetown University – McDonough School of Business
Branch of International Institution

Georgetown University – McDonough School of Business

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AED 77000/ year
The University of Manchester – Dubai
Branch of International Institution

The University of Manchester – Dubai

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AED 89596/ year
SBS Swiss Business School
Branch of International Institution

SBS Swiss Business School

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AED 90000/ year
Luiss University Dubai
Branch of International Institution

Luiss University Dubai

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AED 94380/ year
Khalifa University of Science and Technology
Local Government

Khalifa University of Science and Technology

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AED 100000/ year
University of Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas – Dubai Campus
Branch of International Institution

University of Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas – Dubai Campus

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AED 100000/ year
S P Jain School of Global Management
Branch of International Institution

S P Jain School of Global Management

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BachelorsMasters
AED 103965/ year
ESMOD French Fashion Institute – UAE
Branch of International Institution

ESMOD French Fashion Institute – UAE

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AED 110000/ year
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
Federal Government

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)

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AED 114000/ year
Istituto Marangoni Dubai
Branch of International Institution

Istituto Marangoni Dubai

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BachelorsMasters
AED 125000/ year
Hult International Business School – Dubai Campus
Branch of International Institution

Hult International Business School – Dubai Campus

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BachelorsMasters
AED 206700/ year
ESCP Business School – Dubai Campus
Branch of International Institution

ESCP Business School – Dubai Campus

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AED 250000/ year
London Business School, Dubai Campus
Branch of International Institution

London Business School, Dubai Campus

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AED 266000/ year
New York University Abu Dhabi
Branch of International Institution

New York University Abu Dhabi

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AED 300000/ year

What Affects Tuition Fees in UAE?

Tuition fees in the UAE vary significantly based on several key factors:

  • Program Level: Specialized graduate programs (Masters/PhD) often have different fee structures compared to undergraduate degrees.
  • Institution Type: International branch campuses often have higher fees reflecting their global brand, while some local institutions may offer more competitive rates.
  • Location: Universities in major hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi might have different pricing strategies compared to those in Northern Emirates.
  • Scholarships: Many institutions offer merit-based or need-based financial aid which can significantly reduce the advertised cost.

Who Should Consider Universities in This Budget?

  • Budget-conscious students seeking accredited UAE degrees.
  • Expatriate families looking for affordable higher education options for their children.
  • International students prioritizing high ROI (Return on Investment) for their studies.
  • Individuals seeking flexible payment plans and scholarship opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the most affordable universities in the UAE?

Affordability depends on the program, but many local government and private institutions offer competitive rates starting from 30,000 AED per year.

Does low tuition mean lower quality of education?

No, all universities listed are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education, ensuring they meet national standards for quality and curriculum.

Are there scholarships available for affordable universities?

Yes, many affordable institutions offer additional merit-based and need-based scholarships that can further reduce the cost of study.

Can international students pay in installments?

Most universities in the UAE allow tuition fees to be paid in installments per semester or through flexible payment plans.

Are there hidden costs besides tuition?

Students should also budget for visa fees, medical insurance, books, and accommodation, which are typically not included in the base tuition.

Summary

In summary: In summary: The UAE offers a range of affordable higher education options with several institutions providing accredited programs at competitive tuition rates. This list features 47 colleges where students can find quality education that balances cost and academic excellence, with many offering flexible payment options and scholarships for both national and international students.

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