Guide To Finding a Quality University in Abu Dhabi

If you’re considering pursuing your higher studies in the UAE, then you should know about the universities in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the Emirates. Abu Dhabi has an abundance of educational institutions for graduates and postgraduates and even those who want to go further into academia. If you are looking for more information on the list of universities in Abu Dhabi, then you’ve come to the right place. 

List of Universities in Abu Dhabi

Our list features some of the best universities in Abu Dhabi, which will guarantee a good education for the students. With world-class facilities and a highly educated staff, these universities aim to change the life course of students. For your ease, we have divided our article into several types of universities that are in Abu Dhabi. 

• Public Universities in Abu Dhabi

UAE has a total of 3 public universities that are only open to UAE nationals and children of women who belong to the UAE. These are some of the best universities in Abu Dhabi and other regions. 

• • United Arab Emirates University  

The UAEU offers a comprehensive variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees and numerous globally approved programmes. The UAEU was named one of the best research institutions in the Gulf area and the Arab world and one of the top 5% of universities globally. The university is located in the region of Al Ain. 

• • • Best known for subjects :  Accounting, Forestry, Architecture
    • Located in : Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Al Ain
    • Fees : AED 1,900 to AED 3,000 per credit hour for international students applying for undergraduate courses | AED 1,600 to AED 2,750 per credit hour for master’s programmes
    • Contact here : +971-3-767-3333

  • Zayed University, Abu Dhabi

Zayed University Abu Dhabi was founded in the year 1998. The university had a mission to provide proper education to deserving students. It is named after the founding father of the United Arab Emirates. Zayed university is now among the top-ranked universities in Abu Dhabi. 

• • • Best known for subjects : Business Administration, Animation, Graphic Design
    • Located in : Abu Dhabi, UAE
    • Fees : AED 84K – 128K
    • Contact here : +971-2-599-3111

  • Higher Colleges of Technology

HCT (Higher Colleges of Technology) was established in 1988. It is the UAE’s largest applied higher education school, with 23,000 students enrolled in over 16 locations. It provides over 70 academic programmes and certification courses from internationally recognised awarding agencies. Its HCT 4.0 strategy plan includes a mixed education paradigm, converting HCT into a campus of the future.

• • • Best known for subjects : Computer Science, Engineering, Business
    • Located in : Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Al Dhafrah (Women’s Campus) | Al Saada Street W / Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street, Al Nahyan (Men’s Campus)
    • Fees : AED 2,100 – AED 2,500 per credit hour 
    • Contact here : +971-800-69-428 (Women’s campus), +971-2-206-2444 (Men’s campus)

• Private Universities in Abu Dhabi

Here is a list of private universities in Abu Dhabi and the facilities and education available here. 

• • New York University, Abu Dhabi

If you’re looking for one of the top universities in Abu Dhabi, then this should be your choice. With world-class amenities and top-tier private education, New York University in Abu Dhabi boasts various academic programmes and certifications. The campus caters to over 20,000 national and international students from all over the world. 

• • • Best known for subjects : Psychology, Engineering, Humanities, Media
    • Located in : Saadiyat Marina District, Abu Dhabi
    • Fees : Varies for different programmes
    • Contact here : +971-2-628-4000

  • Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi

We are sure you are familiar with this name. Yes, it is none other than the famous Sorbonne University in Paris, which has a branch in Abu Dhabi. This branch became functional in 2006 and caters to national and international students. 

• • • Best known for subjects : Banking, Archaeology, Economics
    • Located in : Al Reem Island
    • Fees : AED 2,700 per year
    • Contact here : +971-2-656-9555

  • Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi

Khalifa University is one of the best private universities in Abu Dhabi. It holds an entrance examination for whoever wants to pursue a higher degree there. Before becoming a student at this prestigious academic institution, it is important to pass that test. 

• • • Best known for subjects : Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering
    • Located in : Sharjah, Abu Dhabi
    • Fees : Varies from undergrad to postgrad
    • Contact here : +971-2-312-3333

• Engineering Universities in Abu Dhabi

If you’re looking for engineering universities in Abu Dhabi, read about them here. 

• • Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University is one of the top engineering institutions in Abu Dhabi and has multiple branches around the UAE. It is affiliated with the Ministry of Education in the UAE.  It is a medium-sized university with around 5,000 students. Abu Dhabi University is quite stringent in its student admission. 

• • • Best known for subjects : Software Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Cyber Security Engineering
    • Located in : Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
    • Fees : Varies in undergrads and postgrads
    • Contact here : +971-2-501-5555

  • Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi

Al Ain University (AAU), founded in 2004, welcomed its first students in 2005 and opened a second campus in Abu Dhabi in 2008. This engineering college is accredited by the prestigious Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) in the United States. It has two campuses, in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, respectively. 

• • • Best known for subjects : Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering
    • Located in : Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
    • Fees : Varies in different departments
    • Contact here : +971 3 7024888

• Business Schools in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is also famous for universities that specialise in business administration. They provide a good future for anyone who enrols there. 

• • Abu Dhabi School of Management

The Abu Dhabi School of Management offers various courses to students interested in entrepreneurship, management and leadership roles. It is one of the most prestigious universities in Abu Dhabi and has national and international professors working as faculty.

• • • Best known for subjects : MBA and Entrepreneurship
    • Located in : Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St
    • Fees: AED 110,000 – AED 135,000
    • Contact here : +971-2-691-7811

  • Emirates College for Advanced Education

This is one of the top universities in Abu Dhabi, which is famous for its management programme. Students from all over the world come here to pursue degrees in management and go out with hefty job offers. It indeed provides world-class education. 

• • • Best known for subjects : Business Administration
    • Located in : Khalifa City A
    • Fees : Varies for different degrees
    • Contact here : +971-2-509-9999

  • Emirates College of Technology

If you’re looking for a popular university in Abu Dhabi that pertains to professional degrees that will boost your career, this is it. This college was founded in 1993 to promote a healthy future for corporate aspirants.  

• • • Best known for subjects : MBA, PR and Marketing
    • Located in : Baniyas Tower,  Fatima Bint Mubarak Street
    •  Fees : Varies from course to course
    • Contact here : +971-6-005-006-06

In a Nutshell

The UAE has many prestigious institutions, most of which are in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi has different universities in the public, private, engineering, and as well as business domains. Students worldwide come to Abu Dhabi to pursue higher education as they provide world-class facilities and promise a good future. 

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