Studying in the United Arab Emirates: Universities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi 2026
Why study in the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates has become a major international education hub, attracting satellite campuses of the world’s leading universities. Dubai and Abu Dhabi host branches of NYU, the Sorbonne, King’s College London and many other top institutions. The country offers a uniquely multicultural environment, an exceptional quality of life and career opportunities in a fast-growing market.
The best universities in the UAE
NYU Abu Dhabi
One of the most selective campuses in the world (with an admission rate of around 4%), NYU Abu Dhabi offers an outstanding liberal arts education, with generous scholarships covering 100% of costs for most admitted students. It is a springboard to an international career.
Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
The first French campus abroad, offering recognised French degrees in an exceptional setting. It is ideal for French-speaking students who want to combine a French education with international experience.
Khalifa University (Abu Dhabi)
Ranked among the best universities in the region, Khalifa University excels in engineering, science and technology, with cutting-edge research programmes and partnerships with MIT and other world-class institutions.
American University of Sharjah
An accredited American university offering more than 60 programmes. It is known for its exceptional campus and the quality of its teaching in business, engineering and architecture.
Admission requirements
Requirements vary from one university to another: a strong academic record, SAT/ACT scores (for American universities), TOEFL/IELTS, letters of recommendation and personal essays. NYU Abu Dhabi uses the same admissions process as NYU New York. French universities such as Sorbonne Abu Dhabi accept applications through their own procedure.
Cost of living and scholarships
Tuition fees range from €10,000 to €50,000 per year. However, many merit scholarships are available, notably at NYU Abu Dhabi and Khalifa University, which offer full funding. The cost of living in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is comparable to that of major European cities, with a notable tax advantage (no income tax).
How we can help
Your Dream School helps you navigate the UAE university landscape: selection of programmes suited to your profile, application preparation, interview coaching and help with visa formalities. Our experts guide you to success.