Top IT Universities in Dubai: Acceptance Rate, Admission & Fees
Explore the Best IT Universities in Dubai and the UAE! Find out which institutions offer the best programs, costs, and job prospects in the thriving field of Information Technology.
Table of Contents
- Why Study IT in Dubai?
- Top 9 Best Universities for IT in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates
- 1. American University of Sharjah
- 2. United Arab Emirates University
- 3. Zayed University
- 4. University of Sharjah
- 5. Abu Dhabi University
- 6. British University in Dubai
- 7. Skyline University College
- 8. Higher Colleges of Technology
- 9. Al Ain University of Science and Technology
- IT Courses in Dubai's Top Universities
- Study IT in Dubai: Eligibility Criteria
- Study IT in Dubai: University-wise Eligibility Criteria
- Study IT in Dubai: How to Apply ?
- Career Opportunities for IT Professionals in Dubai
- Is Dubai Good for IT Jobs?
- Masters in Information Technology in Dubai
- How Much Does it Cost to Study IT in Dubai?
- Conclusion
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The IT universities in Dubai provide state-of-the-art programs and facilities to cater to the growing number of students opting for IT studies. Famous for its skyscrapers, booming economy, and cultural diversity, Dubai has become a major center for higher education in Information Technology (IT). Undergraduate program tuition fees typically range from approximately AED 40,000 to AED 100,000 per academic year, while postgraduate program fees range from AED 50,000 to AED 120,000 per academic year. Basic admission requirements include IELTS/TOEFL scores and a minimum of 60% in secondary education.
In this blog, we will explore the top 9 best IT universities in Dubai, opportunities for IT professionals, study costs, and Dubai's appeal for IT jobs.
Why Study IT in Dubai?
Studying IT in Dubai offers numerous advantages:
- Top-Rated International Universities: Dubai boasts numerous topranking international universities and higher educational institutions. GBS Dubai, a leading UK higher education provider, has campuses in Dubai and Malta.
- Career Opportunities: Dubai’s growing economy offers numerous job prospects and industry-focused courses, with degrees recognized globally for enhanced career prospects.
- Easy Admission Policy: Simplified admission requirements make it easier to pursue bachelor's, master’s, diplomas, or certifications without high scores in competitive exams.
- Wide Range of Courses: From business to IT, Dubai provides various educational programs, including bachelor's degrees, master’s, diplomas, and certifications.
- Part-Time Work Opportunities: Students can work up to 15 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours during breaks, with options for internships.
- Availability of Scholarships: Many universities in Dubai offer scholarships of up to 50% for international studies.
Top 9 Best Universities for IT in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates
Here are the top 9 universities in Dubai and the UAE for IT, based on their research performance:
1. American University of Sharjah
American University of Sharjah (AUS) (Sharjah): Ranked #1 in the UAE for IT research, AUS offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science, information technology, and related fields. Their internationally recognized faculty and strong industry connections make AUS a top choice for aspiring IT professionals.
Category |
Detail |
Location |
Sharjah, UAE |
Global Rankings |
#99 in Asia, #512 in the World |
Acceptance Rate |
80% |
Founded |
1997 |
Admission Criteria |
Mininmum 60% in Class 12 Qualification with IELTS/ TOEFL scores |
Avg Tuition Fees |
AED 43,601 - 82,500 |
2. United Arab Emirates University
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) (Al Ain): Ranked #2 in the UAE for IT research and established as one of the oldest universities in the UAE, UAEU provides a stimulating academic environment with innovative IT programs. Their focus on research and development ensures students graduate with the latest industry knowledge and skills.
Category |
Detail |
Location |
Al Ain, UAE |
Global Rankings |
#117 in Asia, #587 in the World |
Founded |
1976 |
Admission Criteria |
Minimum 60% in Class 12 Qualification with IELTS/ TOEFL scores |
Avg Tuition Fees |
AED 86688.0 |
3. Zayed University
Zayed University (Dubai): Nestled in the heart of Dubai, Zayed University offers a well-respected undergraduate program in Information Technology, highlighting practical learning experiences, preparing students for leadership roles in technology-driven industries. Its emphasis on innovation and practical skills makes it a preferred choice for aspiring IT professionals.
Category |
Detail |
Location |
Dubai, UAE |
Global Rankings |
#130 in Asia, #629 in the World |
Founded |
1998 |
Avg tuition fees |
AED 84,000 - 128,000 |
Admission Requirements |
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, EmSAT 700 or HS subject score 80%, minimum CGPA of 3.00. |
4. University of Sharjah
With a low acceptance rate and a strong focus on research, the University of Sharjah provides rigorous IT education coupled with opportunities for hands-on experience and industry collaboration.
Category |
Detail |
Location |
Sharjah, UAE |
Global Rankings |
#148 in Asia, #691 in the World |
Acceptance Rate |
13% |
Founded |
1997 |
Admission Requirements |
Completion of secondary education and at least 12 years of schooling. |
Avg tuition fees |
AED 45,045 |
5. Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi University offers a vibrant IT program designed to meet the evolving demands of the digital era. Its strategic location in the capital city provides students with access to diverse internship and job opportunities in the IT sector.
Category |
Detail |
Location |
Abu Dhabi, UAE |
Global Rankings |
#180 in Asia, #762 in the World |
Founded |
2003 |
Admission Criteria |
Mininmum 60% in Class 12 Qualification/ Bachelor’s degree with IELTS/ TOEFL scores |
Avg Tuition Fees |
AED 58,930 |
6. British University in Dubai
As a leading institution for IT education in the UAE, the British University in Dubai emphasizes a British-style education combined with local relevance, preparing students for global IT challenges.
Category |
Detail |
Location |
Dubai, UAE |
Global Rankings |
#205 in Asia, #803 in the World |
Founded |
2004 |
Avg tuition fees |
AED 55,000 |
Admission requirements |
Bachelor's degree equivalent to an Upper Second Class or with a Good GPA (3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent) with a inimum EmSAT score of 1400, TOEFL score of 550 (213 CBT, 79 iBT), IELTS academic score of 6.0 or equivalent. |
7. Skyline University College
Known for its practical approach to IT education, Skyline University College offers specialized programs that cater to the needs of the industry, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among its students.
Category |
Detail |
Location |
Sharjah, UAE |
Global Rankings |
#223 in Asia, #840 in the World |
Founded |
1990 |
Avg tuition fees |
AED 203,700 |
Admission requirements |
A Minimum score of 1100 in EmSAT Achieve English, 500 out of 677 in TOEFLITP, 5.0 in IELTS - Academic, or any other equivalent test standardized nationally or internationally, recognized & approved by the MoE. |
8. Higher Colleges of Technology
With a network of campuses across the UAE, Higher Colleges of Technology provides hands-on IT training and education aligned with industry standards, preparing graduates for immediate employment.
Category |
Detail |
Location |
Al Ain, UAE |
Global Rankings |
#233 in Asia, #853 in the World |
Founded |
1998 |
Avg tuition fees |
AED 36,750, AED 2,500 per credit |
Admission Requirements |
|
9. Al Ain University of Science and Technology
Recognized for its research contributions in IT, Al Ain University of Science and Technology offers a supportive learning environment and opportunities for academic growth in the field of technology.
Category |
Detail |
Location |
Al Ain, UAE |
Global Rankings |
#293 in Asia, #951 in the World |
Acceptance Rate |
64% |
Founded |
2004 |
Avg tuition fees |
98,400 AED, International tuition 98,400 AED |
Admission requirements |
a Bachelor's GPA of 3.0 or higher, a TOEFL score of 61+, an IELTS score of 5+, an International Baccalaureate score of 33+, or a SAT score of 1100+. |
This guide highlights the best universities and cities in the UAE for studying Information Technology. It caters to both local and international students aiming to excel in IT. These institutions offer rigorous academics, industry connections, and career pathways for success in today's digital age.
IT Courses in Dubai's Top Universities
Tabulated below shows the IT courses offered by leading universities in Dubai, along with eligibility criteria and essential details for prospective students.
University |
Course Offered |
QS World University Ranking 2024 |
Duration |
Annual Tuition Fee |
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
MSc in Information Technology (Software Systems) |
235 |
1 Year |
AED 92,065 |
Middlesex University Dubai |
BSc Honours Information Technology |
661-670 |
3 Years |
AED 58,485 |
British University in Dubai |
MSc in Informatics |
- |
2 Years |
AED 42,547 |
University of Birmingham, Dubai |
Computer Science BSc |
84 |
3 Years |
AED 120,294 |
Study IT in Dubai: Eligibility Criteria
To study IT in Dubai, a candidate must meet the following admission requirements:
Requirements |
Details |
Educational Qualifications |
high school score with 50% to 60% marks, |
English Language Proficiency |
TOEFL IBT: minimum 80 |
Visa |
Obtain a student visa, following the university's guidelines and local authorities' requirements. |
Financial Support |
Proof of adequate financial resources to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs. This can include bank statements or scholarship letters. |
Additional Requirements |
Some universities may request a resume, statement of purpose, or letters of recommendation. |
Study IT in Dubai: University-wise Eligibility Criteria
Here's a table detailing the university-wise eligibility criteria for studying IT in various universities in Dubai:
College |
IELTS Requirement |
Average GPA / Percentile |
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
6.5 |
3.0 / 70% |
Abu Dhabi University |
6.0 |
2.8 / 65% |
BIG Academy |
6.0 |
2.7 / 60% |
Zayed University |
6.5 |
3.0 / 70% |
United Arab Emirates University |
6.0 |
3.0 / 70% |
These requirements are typical but can vary depending on the program and specific entry requirements.
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Study IT in Dubai: How to Apply ?
International students interested in studying Information Technology in Dubai can go through the following steps:
- Choose a University: Select a university offering IT programs that match career goals.
- Check Eligibility: Review academic qualifications, English proficiency, and other requirements.
- Submit Application: Apply online or via email with transcripts, language scores, resume, and supporting documents.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the required fee to process the application.
- Receive Offer Letter: Wait for and accept the offer letter upon meeting criteria.
- Confirm Admission: Pay tuition deposit to confirm enrollment.
- Apply for Visa: Obtain a student visa with passport, offer letter, and financial proof.
- Attend Orientation: Attend university orientation for program and campus details.
Career Opportunities for IT Professionals in Dubai
Studying IT in Dubai opens doors to diverse job opportunities in a rapidly advancing field. Here are popular IT job profiles and their average annual salaries:
- IT Specialist: AED 14,300 per month
- Software Engineer: AED 22,350 per month
- IT Architect: AED 90,000 per month
- Cloud Engineer: AED 18,000 per month
- IT Manager: AED 37,500 per month
Is Dubai Good for IT Jobs?
Dubai's ambitious vision for the future heavily relies on technological advancements. The government is actively investing in IT infrastructure and fostering innovation, creating a booming job market for IT graduates, with high salaries and exciting opportunities across various sectors. Here's a table with top IT job profiles in Dubai along with their base and average salaries:
Job Profile |
Base Salary |
Average Salary |
Software Engineer |
15,000 AED/month |
18,000 AED/month |
IT Project Manager |
20,000 AED/month |
25,000 AED/month |
Cyber Security Analyst |
14,000 AED/month |
17,000 AED/month |
Data Scientist |
18,000 AED/month |
22,000 AED/month |
Network Engineer |
12,000 AED/month |
15,000 AED/month |
Systems Analyst |
16,000 AED/month |
19,000 AED/month |
IT Consultant |
22,000 AED/month |
27,000 AED/month |
Database Administrator |
13,000 AED/month |
16,000 AED/month |
These figures are approximate and can vary based on experience, qualifications, and the specific employer.
Masters in Information Technology in Dubai
Many universities in Dubai offer a range of postgraduate programs specializing in Information Technology. Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge in a specific area like cybersecurity or broaden your skills with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an IT specialization, there's a program waiting for you. Here’s a table showing top universities in the UAE offering advanced degrees in Information Technology and related fields.
University Name |
Popular Program |
Annual Tuition Fees |
Abu Dhabi University |
Information Technology |
42,525 AED |
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
Information Technology (Business) |
91,990 AED |
BIG Academy |
Master of Science in Data Analytics |
22,956 AED |
Heriot-Watt University |
Information Technology (Software Systems) |
50,051 AED |
Zayed University |
Information Technology (Cyber Security) |
48,000 AED |
United Arab Emirates University |
Information Security |
72,000 AED (full) |
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
Information Technology (Software Systems) |
91,990 AED |
Heriot-Watt University |
Information Technology (Business) |
50,051 AED |
How Much Does it Cost to Study IT in Dubai?
Tuition fees for IT programs in Dubai vary by university, program type, and nationality, ranging from AED 30,000 (USD 8,167) to AED 80,000 (USD 21,800) per year. Scholarships and financial aid are available to help reduce costs. However, living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal costs, range from AED 40,000 to AED 60,000 per year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dubai offers a dynamic and supportive environment for studying IT, with world-class universities, abundant career opportunities, and a multicultural lifestyle. Whether you're pursuing a Bachelor's degree, Master's program, or seeking to enhance your IT skills through specialized courses, Dubai's IT universities provide a solid foundation for academic and professional success.
Interested in IT universities or courses in Dubai? Contact us to begin your study abroad journey today!
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