10 Cheap Universities In Dubai for International Students In 2023

Although Dubai is primarily known for its culture and tourism, you can still do many things there. Regarding education in Asia, the UAE is considered by many as the top educational hub in the Middle East. This is because there are several exceptional universities located within its borders.

Different schools in Dubai offer programs for international students. Tuition fees vary between schools located in different parts of Dubai. You might be interested in universities in Dubai that offer programs for international students at affordable costs. We will discuss some of these universities and more in this article. 

10 Cheap Universities in Dubai for International Students in 2023

Several universities in Dubai are affordable and ideal for international students in 2023. Here is a list of universities you can attend.

1. Canadian University of Dubai

This is one of the universities that should come to your mind if you are looking for cheap universities in Dubai that offer programs for international students in 2023. This university, which was established in 2006, has over 50 international partners and offers over 30 programs. 

The Canadian university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs based on a leading global university curriculum. These programs and courses cut across different fields, from psychology to forensic accounting, human resource management, and much more.

The fees are remarkably affordable, as the total cost per year for some courses can be as low as $12,000. There is a possibility that these fees will be higher depending on the course you enroll in. The Canadian University of Dubai also offers scholarship programs for both local and international students. All you need to do is meet the scholarship criteria and apply. 

The admission process for this school varies according to the course you intend to study. However, general requirements include an English proficiency test, a placement test, and the provision of specific high school and university certificates for postgraduate programs.

2. United Arab Emirates University

Founded in 1976, this university is at Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayed St – ‘Asharij, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This university was the first university in the region. It has developed key partnerships with major stakeholders around the world. This makes it easy for its graduates to be in demand once they finish their course of study.

This university offers a wide range of programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. These programs include geography, law, banking and finance, special health, vet medicine, and more. This program has different entry requirements you must meet if you want to apply.

You will not just enjoy the state-of-the-art campus facilities alone, but you will also enjoy their recreational facilities, which are meant to help you develop as a person. As part of your continued growth and development, extracurricular activities are encouraged. 

The tuition fee for this university is as low as $24,000 for its post-graduate program and even lower for its undergraduate program. They also offer scholarship programs for local and international students looking to study but cannot afford the full tuition fee.

3. American University in the Emirates

This is a privately owned university in Academic City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates. This university was founded in 2006 and aims to become a leading institution locally and internationally. The American University in the Emirates boasts core values such as improved quality of life, respect and dignity, innovation and creativity, teamwork, partnership, and more.

It has 7 colleges that offer programs ranging from undergraduate to graduate and general education. These programs include finance, hospital and healthcare management, computer science, graphic design, and many others.

There are also various extracurricular activities both local and international students can choose from. These activities help improve your social skills at university. The tuition fee for this university can be as low as $1000 per course, with students having the freedom to choose multiple courses. There is also a scholarship program you can participate in to cover the full cost of your tuition and other needs.

4. Khalifa University

This university is one of the most affordable in Dubai for international students. It was founded in 2007 and boasts of having over 3500 students currently. It is located at Hakhbout Bin Sultan St, Hadbat Al Za’faranah, Zone 1 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is currently ranked 181st most prestigious university in the world according to the QS world university ranking of 2023.

The Khalifa university also boasts over 20 specialized research centers specializing in engineering, medicine, and more. It is one of the finest universities in Asia where you can study. 

There is a tuition fee of around $1000 per hour for undergraduates and about $1400 per hour for master’s programs. The doctorate program, on the other hand, costs close to $2000 per hour. There are also various scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

5. Al Ghurair University

Al Ghurair University was one of the first private universities in the UAE. This university was founded in 1999 and enjoys strong links with many local industries in the country. It has over 3000 local and international students, offering various accredited programs.

This university takes pride in having a state-of-the-art campus located within the city. It also offers a superior but affordable learning environment. Al Ghurair University offers business administration, engineering sciences, and information technology courses.

The tuition fee for its undergraduate and postgraduate programs is as low as $9500 per year. Scholarship programs are also available for local and international students looking to study but cannot cover the tuition fee. 

6. Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University is another cheap university in the UAE. This university is located in Zayed City, Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, and is considered the largest private institution in the country. This institution was founded in 2003 and has campuses in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain.

Abu Dhabi University is home to over 8000 students and boasts of international students from over 70 countries within and outside its continent. There are over 55 programs organized in these schools, which fall under business, engineering, health, law, and a lot more. Due to its high standard, this university has achieved a top ranking of 6th in the country, according to the QS survey.

As an international student, there are different scholarship programs you may be eligible for. You can apply for these scholarships based on academics, sports, or even merit-based bursaries. The tuition fee is also affordable as they are less than $12,000 annually for undergraduate and graduate programs.

7. British University in Dubai

The British university in Dubai is an affordable research-based university you can easily apply to as an international student. This university was founded in 2004 in partnership with 3 other universities, namely the University of Manchester, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Glasgow. The university is at 4CG6+445 – Block 11, 1st and 2nd Floor – Academic City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Since its inception, this university has been seen by many as one of the cheapest universities for international students, and it is becoming one of the fastest-developing universities in the country. While there are several undergraduate courses, most of the courses at this school are for postgraduate education.

The tuition fee at this school is relatively affordable as undergraduate programs cost as low as $13,000 annually, while post-graduate programs are as low as $21,000. There is also a scholarship program for international students based on merit and academic excellence.

8. Modul University

Modul University Dubai is a relatively new university that was founded in 2016. It is considered the international campus of Vienna’s Modul University. It is located on the 4th Floor, One JLT, PO 336532, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, close to the beautiful Jeremiah Lake Towers.

Since the university is relatively new, you will enjoy a lot of the latest tech within the university, including high-speed lifts, 24-hour security access, and a lot more. This university offers courses mainly on tourism, international management, and much more.

You do not have to worry about the financial implications of studying at this university. The tuition fees are as low as $14000 yearly for undergraduate programs and $18,000 yearly for graduate programs.

9. University of Sharjah

Founded in 1997 by Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, the University of Sharjah is seen by many as one of the finest universities in Dubai and Asia. This university was established to meet the academic needs of the youth in the region at that time. Since then, this university has advanced to become one of the most promising young universities in the region.

The University of Sharjah, popularly called the UOS, boasts the country’s highest number of accredited programs or courses. This university has over 70 programs that are accredited and globally recognized. It also has campuses located in Khor, Fakkan, Dhaid, and Kalba. 

This university has over 12,000 students, with over half coming from different countries worldwide. The tuition fee is also affordable as undergraduate studies cost less than $9,000 annually, while graduate programs cost around $80 per credit hour.

10. Ajman University

For international students looking for affordable universities in Dubai for 2023, Ajman is another favorable option. This university was founded in 1988 and is ranked among the top 50 universities in the Arab region. The Ajman university is also ranked among the 800 top universities in the world according to the QS world university ranking. 

This university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, law, mass communication, medicine, pharmacy, and much more. It is on University Street, Al Jerf 1 – Ajman, United Arab Emirates.

The tuition fee for this university is quite affordable as undergraduate programs cost as low as $11,000 annually, while post-graduate programs cost as low as $15,000 annually. There are also various scholarship programs you are eligible for at this university.

How much Money Do I Need to Study in Dubai?

The money you need to study in Dubai largely depends on factors such as the program you intend to take, the course, and the university you choose. If you want to study for an undergraduate program, you should budget between $10,000 and $20,000 per year. This can vary depending on the course and university you choose.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a graduate program, you might have to budget a bit more as they are more expensive than an undergraduate program. Depending on the school and course, you can budget between $15,000 and $25,000.

Can International Students Work and Study in Dubai?

Yes, you can work and study in Dubai as an international student. All you need to do is get a work permit from the UAE labor department, and you are good to go. Once the work permit is ready, you can easily combine any part-time job with your study program.

Conclusion

Several cheap universities in Dubai don’t just offer an affordable tuition fees but also offer a state-of-the-art academic learning environment in the UAE.

We have discussed the most affordable universities for international students to study at in 2023. Read through this article to get all the details you need.