GN FOCUS

Essential insights for success in higher education

Here's our guide to top universities and courses in the UAE

Last updated:
5 MIN READ
American University of Sharjah
American University of Sharjah

American University of Sharjah

Highlights

  • An elite American education for today’s brightest minds

  • 33 bachelor’s degrees, 20 master’s degrees and 7 PhD programmes

  • Over 6,000 students and more than 350 faculty, representing 90 nationalities

  • 129 active student clubs

  • AUS is accredited by the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation and the USA’s Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Initiatives to enhance academic excellence

  • Excellent integration of industry experience and project-based learning throughout the curriculum

  • State-of-the-art academic, sporting and recreational services

  • A supportive environment through the Academic Support team and the Office of Student Experience

  • A strong emphasis on research and innovation

  • A wide selection of scholarships and financial aid programmes

New degree programmes starting in 2025

  • Bachelor of Science in Data Science

  • Master of Arts in Media Studies and Practice

  • Master of Business Data Analytics

  • PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering

  • PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Admissions details

June 12: Deadline for Fall 2025 early admission applications

July 17: Deadline for Fall 2025 regular applications

Contact details

aus.edu; 06 515 5555

BITS Pilani Dubai Campus

Highlights

  • 25 years of legacy

  • 5-star rating by KHDA

  • Diverse academic programmes

  • Strong industry connections

  • Attractive scholarships

Initiatives to enhance academic excellence

  • BPDC has established itself as a research hub with over 100 active studies across various disciplines

  • The practice school programme offers a 7.5 months of hands-on industry internship experience.

  • Industry Advisory Panel (IAP) comprises experts from various engineering fields who support the academicians to seamlessly integrate industry requirements and update the curriculum periodically.

  • Center of Excellence in blockchain and AI research

New programmes launched in 2024

  • B.E Architectural & Urban Engineering

  • B.E. Mathematics & Computing

  • B.E. Biotechnology with specialisation in Applied Molecular Biology

  • B.E. Chemical Engineering with specialisation in Energy, Environment & Sustainability

  • B.E. Mechanical Engineering with specialisation in Aerospace

  • M.Sc. Physics with specialisation in Space Science & Technology

  • B.B.A. (Hons.)

Other programmes on offer in 2025

  • B.E. Civil Engineering

  • B.E. Biotechnology

  • B.E. Chemical Engineering

  • B.E. Computer Science

  • B.E. Electrical & Electronics

  • B.E. Electronics & Communication

  • B.E. Electronics & Computer Engineering

  • B.E. Mechanical Engineering

  • M.E. Design

  • M.E. Software Systems

  • M.E. Electrical with specialization in Power Electronics & Drives

  • M.E. Civil with specialization in Infrastructure Engineering & Management

  • M.B.A in Business Analytics

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Engineering & Allied disciplines

Admission details

Refer website for the eligibility criteria. The applications for admission 2025 will be open from February 15.

Fees

  • B.E.: Dh26,420 per semester

  • B.B.A : Dh18,750 per semester

  • M.E/ M.B.A: Dh16,000 per semester

Contact details

admission@bitspilanidubai.ae; 04 2753700; Bits-pilani.ac.in/dubai

Canadian University Dubai

Highlights

  • #1 University in Dubai for the fourth consecutive year by the QS World University Rankings 2025

  • Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai Canadian-inspired curriculum with the option to transfer and graduate in Canada

  • Scholarship opportunities

  • Career support and internships opportunities Access to entrepreneurial opportunities

Initiatives to enhance academic excellence

  • Accreditation from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research and the Ministry of Education – Saudi Arabia

  • Program-level accreditations, affiliations, and certifications

  • Research collaborations with renowned global institutions

  • Award-winning international faculty

New courses to be launched in 2025

CUD is launching two groundbreaking courses: Data Analytics in the Built Environment (DES 382) and Artificial Intelligence for Design Applications (DES 381)

Admission details

Admissions are open for the Fall September 2025 intake until the August 22

Fees

From Dh66,000 to Dh91,000 annually

Contact details

Cud.ac.ae; 800-69283

DeMont Institute of Management and Technology

Highlights

  • Offering over 25 programmes across 15 specialisations, including teachers training, business, finance, software engineering, healthcare, and cybersecurity

  • Endorsed by prestigious awarding bodies.

  • Featuring over 12 classrooms, two auditoriums, computer and fashion labs, and vibrant recreational spaces.

  • Enriched campus life with leadership workshops, guest lectures, Toastmasters, and an active student council

Initiatives to enhance academic excellence

  • Collaborations with industry experts to ensure programmes blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on expertise for real-world application

  • A team of seasoned professionals who combine academic rigor with industry experience

  • Initiatives like DeLead, DeCode, and Skill Master foster critical thinking, leadership, and lifelong learning.

  • Frequent leadership workshops, industry interactions, and guest lectures that prepare students for competitive industries.

New courses launched in 2024

  • Higher National Diploma in Counselling and Applied Psychology

  • Higher National Diploma in Art and Design

  • Higher National Diploma in Sport

  • BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Information Technology·

Other top courses for 2025

  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector

  • BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business

  • Higher National Diploma International in Computing

  • Higher National Diploma International in Business (Marketing)

  • Higher National Diploma International in Business (Accounting and Finance)

Fees

Dh18,000 – Dh25,000

Admission

Admissions for February 2025 intake are now open.

Contact details

Demont.ac.ae; hello@demont.ac.ae; 800 33 666 8; 058 625 0566

Gulf Medical University (GMU)

Initiatives to enhance academic excellence

  • Cutting-edge curriculum: Regular updates to programmes to align with global healthcare trends

  • State-of-the-art facilities: Advanced simulation labs, research centers, and Thumbay University Hospital for hands-on training.

  • Industry partnerships: Collaborations with leading healthcare providers for internships and clinical exposure.

  • Research opportunities: Focus on interdisciplinary research in healthcare innovation and technology

New courses launched in 2024

  • Master in Artificial Intelligence and Health Informatics (MAIHI)

  • Bachelor of Science in Optometry (BSc. OPT)

  • Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BSc. ASLP)

  • Dual PhD in Health Professions Education GMU & Erasmus University Netherlands

Top courses for 2025

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD Program)

  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

  • Bachelor of Pharmacy program (BPharm)

  • Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)

  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)

  • Bachelor of science in healthcare management and economics (bsc.Hme)

Admissions details

  • Applications open: January 15

  • Application deadline: First cum first basis – Limited seats

  • Academic year starts: September 2025

Fees

Dh40,000 – Dh150,000 annually

Contact details

www.gmu.ac.ae; 06 743 1333

Heriot-Watt University Dubai

New courses launched in 2024

  • BSc (hons) Psychology and Marketing

  • MSc Sustainable Finance with Fintech

Top 10 programmes for 2025 include:

  • Construction Project Management

  • Real Estate

  • Interior Architecture and Design

  • Energy

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Data Science

  • Business Analytics and Consultancy

  • Business Psychology

  • International Business Management with Marketing

  • Finance and Management

Admissions details

Admissions are open for September intake. Classes commence from 8th September 2025.

Contact details

04 571 7000 or dubaienquiries@hw.ac.uk; Hw.ac.uk/dubai

Related Topics:

Sign up for the Daily Briefing

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox

Up Next