Studying a bachelor’s degree in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) presents international students the opportunity to get quality education in a multicultural setting.
The country spends 16% of its total government expenditure on education. This investment has significantly improved educational infrastructure and access to higher studies across all demographics.
Women make up about 70% of all university graduates in the UAE and hold around two-thirds of government positions.
Moreover, most programs are taught in English, so you don’t have to worry about communication. The country hosted about 230,000 international students in 2024.
Read along to find undergraduate courses in the UAE for different fields, along with university tuition fees, and career opportunities after graduation.
Why Choose the UAE for Undergraduate Studies?
The UAE has rapidly developed into a global education hub. It offers several advantages for students with a focus on quality, affordability, and employment.
Diverse and International Community
Students in the UAE interact with peers from around the world. The expat population in the UAE stands at 11.06 million, which exceeds the Emirati population (1.44 million) by about 667 percent. This means you get exposure to different cultures and perspectives while studying and living in the country.
High-Quality Education
Many universities in the UAE are internationally recognized with high worldwide rankings. It houses several campuses of top UK, USA, Indian and Australian institutes. UAE’s capital city, Dubai, alone hosts over 60 international universities.
Internship and Career Opportunities
The UAE’s steady economy in a world of global uncertainty stands out, despite fluctuating oil prices and global recession fears. The country is the Middle East’s third-largest economy with a business-friendly environment. This stability gives students access to internships and full-time employment after graduation.
Proximity and Comfort
The UAE is also the second safest country in the world, according to Numbeo’s 2025 safety index. The country’s strategic location is another plus. About 33% of the world’s population can reach the UAE within 4 hours. Another 66% within 8 hours. For Indian students, it is also a comfortable option for undergraduate studies near home.
Post-Study Visa Opportunities
The UAE’s visa policies are student-friendly. The country offers up to 10 years of residency permits for outstanding graduates and professionals. International students can thus easily explore career opportunities after completing their studies.
Top universities offering undergraduate programs in the UAE
The UAE offers globally recognized bachelor’s programs at some of the best-ranked institutions in the world. These universities provide accredited programs in business, engineering and social sciences.
Many also collaborate with industry partnerships that enable internships and job placements. Some universities also offer part-time or hybrid learning options to accommodate working students.
Here are some of the top universities for undergraduate studies in the UAE.
| University | Location | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
| Khalifa University | Abu Dhabi | 202 |
| United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) | Al Ain | 261 |
| American University of Sharjah (AUS) | Sharjah | 332 |
| University of Sharjah | Sharjah | 434 |
| Ajman University | Ajman | 477 |
| Abu Dhabi University | Abu Dhabi | 501 |
Some universities, including Lincoln University and London Metropolitan University also offer undergraduate courses for students who already have a diploma or associate degree. These top-up courses can usually be completed in 12 to 18 months.
That’s a strong list—but just seeing rankings and names doesn’t always help you figure out which university is right for you.
After all, the “best” option isn’t just about global rank. You also need to ask:
- Does this course match my goals?
- Will I be able to afford it
- What kind of job opportunities will I have after graduation?
That’s where GradRight’s university search platform helps.
It uses your academic profile, career plans, and budget to give you a personalized shortlist of best-fit universities—with data on ROI, placement rates, tuition, scholarships, and more.
You don’t have to scroll through endless websites or guess your way through rankings. GradRight helps you focus on the choices that actually work for you.
Now, let’s look at the next big question: which undergraduate courses in the UAE are most popular among international students—especially in Business and Management?
Most popular undergraduate courses in Business & Management
Some of the most popular undergraduate majors among international students in the UAE are Marketing, Human Resource Management, Finance, and International Business. Finance, real estate, and hospitality sectors are the largest employers of business graduates.
Here are some of the top business and management courses in the UAE.
| University | Course Name | Duration |
| Middlesex University Dubai | BA Honours Business Management (Project Management/Data Analytics/Human Resource Management) | 3 years (Full-time) |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai | BA (Hons) International Business Management | 3 years (Full-time) |
| University of Bolton, RAK | BSc (Hons) Business Management | 3 years (Full-time) |
| Abu Dhabi University | Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | 4 years (Full-time) |
Business and management bachelor’s graduates earn between AED 108,000 and AED 180,000 annually in entry-level roles.
Engineering & Technology undergraduate programs in UAE
Most engineering degrees in the UAE follow a 4-year full-time structure, aligning with international standards. These programs include theoretical coursework, laboratory work, and industrial internships to prepare students for professional engineering careers.
Computer science and IT-related programs are offered as three-year options in some universities.
Below are some popular undergraduate course options for engineering and tech roles in the UAE.
| University | Program Name | Duration |
| Khalifa University | BSc in Mechanical/Civil Engineering | 4 years (Full-time) |
| United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) | BSc in Computer Engineering | 4 years (Full-time) |
| University of Wollongong in Dubai | Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil) | 4 years (Full-time) |
| University of Sharjah | Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering | 4 years (Full-time) |
| Middlesex University Dubai | BSc (Hons) Computer Science | 3 years (Full-time) |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai | BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 4 years (Full-time) |
| Middlesex University Dubai | BSc (Hons) Software Engineering | 3 years (Full-time) |
Salary after a BTech or BEng graduate can reach up to 107,000 per year in the UAE. While entry-level IT and software engineering roles annually pay on average AED 150,000.
Healthcare & Life Sciences undergraduate degrees
MBBS programs in the UAE combine pre-clinical and clinical training. These courses prepare students for traditional roles, including general practitioners, pharmacists, lab technicians, and nurses. In addition, new emerging roles such as Medical Tourism & Telemedicine are in high demand in the UAE’s private sector.
Pharmaceutical and biotech roles in regulatory affairs or clinical trials are other career options for competitive pay.
Here are some popular healthcare and life science undergraduate degree programs in the UAE.
| University | Program Name | Duration |
| Gulf Medical University (GMU) | Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) | 6 years (Full-time) |
| Gulf Medical University (GMU) | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences | 4 years (Full-time) |
| United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) | Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences | 4 years (Full-time) |
| United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) | Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy | 5 years (Full-time) |
| University of Sharjah | Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences | 4 years (Full-time) |
| American University of Sharjah (AUS) | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | 4 years (Full-time) |
| Ajman University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4 years (Full-time) |
| Middlesex University Dubai | BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care | 3 years (Full-time) |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai | Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) | 4 years (Full-time) |
After a 6-year MBBS (or MD) program in the UAE, students can pursue different career paths. With specialization, licensing, and experience, doctors can earn up to AED 109,176 per year. General nurses earn between AED 144,000 and AED 240,000 per year.
On the other hand, hospital administrator roles carry an entry-level salary of AED 174,173 annually.
Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management courses
The UAE’s thriving tourism sector is ideal grounds for a hospitality degree. The recent boom in luxury tourism growth also provides a strong career opportunity for graduates in hotel operations, event planning, and travel management.
The table below summarizes the top bachelor’s degree courses in the field.
| University | Program Name | Duration |
| Middlesex University Dubai | BA Honours Business Management (Tourism & Events) | 3 years (Full-time) |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai | BSc (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism Management | 3 years (Full-time) |
| American University in Dubai | Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management | 4 years (Full-time) |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai | Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management | 4 years (Full-time) |
| Dubai College of Tourism | Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management | 3-4 years (Full-time) |
Luxury hotels and resorts such as Marriott, Accor, Jumeirah Group and Taj Exotica Dubai offer entry-level roles in hospitality management with pay around AED 60,000–120,000 per year.
Finance, Accounting, and Banking undergraduate degrees
These degrees offer pathways into high-demand sectors such as investment banking, corporate finance, auditing, and fintech.
Many universities in the UAE offer finance, accounting, and banking as majors within broader Business Administration degrees. Several programs are also accredited by international accounting and finance bodies such as ACCA, CIMA, and CFA Institute. This ensures global recognition and improved chances for an international career outside the UAE.
| University | Program Name | Duration |
| Middlesex University Dubai | BA Honours Business Management (Finance) | 3 years (Full-time) |
| University of Dubai | Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance & Banking | 4 years (Full-time) |
| American University of Sharjah (AUS) | Bachelor of Science in Accounting | 4 years (Full-time) |
| Abu Dhabi University | Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance or Accounting | 4 years (Full-time) |
| University of Europe for Applied Sciences, Dubai | BSc Business & Management Studies (Finance/Accounting electives) | 3 years (Full-time) |
| Next Education Group / London Metropolitan University (UK) | BSc (Hons) International Business Management (Top-Up) | 12 months (Full-time/Part-time, Blended) |
| Lincoln University of Business & Management | BA (Hons) Business Management (Top-up, Finance specialization) | 18 months (Full-time, Blended) |
Entry-level roles after an accounting degree, such as accounts assistant and junior auditor, pay about AED 60,000–120,000 per year in the UAE. Financial analysts and retail banking officers enjoy higher pay of about AED 96,000 and AED 1,29,000 annually.
Media, Design, and Communication programs
The UAE’s media and design undergraduate courses cover a range of creative and professional fields, including media production, journalism, digital media, film and visual communication.
Graphic design, multimedia, advertising and communication are also some of the most affordable undergraduate courses in the UAE.
Here are popular media, design and communication courses in the UAE.
| University | Program Name | Duration |
| Middlesex University Dubai | BA Honours Media and Communication/Film/Graphic Design/Digital Media | 3 years (Full-time) |
| University of Sharjah | Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication | 4 years (Full-time) |
| University of Sharjah | Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design and Multimedia | 4 years (Full-time) |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai | Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication | 3 years (Full-time) |
| Ajman University | Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Advertising | 4 years (Full-time) |
Companies like Gulf News, Al Arabiya and Dubai Media Incorporated are top employers of media roles like Digital Journalist, Broadcast Reporter, and Photojournalist. These positions carry an entry-level salary of about AED 72,000–144,000 per year. Meanwhile, design roles such as graphic designer, ui/ux specialist, and social media strategist, can earn an annual income of AED 90,000 in the UAE.
PR manager, corporate communications specialist and brand strategist are other popular roles with an average salary of AED 120,000 per year.
Law, International Relations, and Social Sciences degrees
Law degrees (LLB) offer the foundational legal knowledge to students for legal practice or further study.
Whereas, International Relations and Political Science programs focus on diplomacy, global politics, international organizations, and policy analysis.
These undergraduate degrees are especially relevant in the hub of diplomacy, trade, and multicultural governance. See the table below for popular programs.
| University | Degree Name | Duration |
| Middlesex University Dubai | LLB Honours Law | 3 years (Full-time) |
| Zayed University | Bachelor of Arts in Legal and Judicial Studies | 4 years (Full-time) |
| American University in Dubai (AUD) | Bachelor of Arts in International Studies or Psychology | 4 years (Full-time) |
| American University of Sharjah (AUS) | Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature | 4 years (Full-time) |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai | BA in Humanities and Social Sciences | 3 years (Full-time) |
Legal Consultants and law firm employees can expect a salary of around AED 120,000 annually in the UAE. Whereas, international relations roles offer salaries averaging about AED 144,000 per year.
Tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid for undergraduates
The UAE is considered an affordable destination compared to traditional Western study abroad countries like the USA and the UK. Tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in the country can cost anywhere between AED 20,236 to 123,000 per year, depending on the university and program.
Some universities charge the same fee for all bachelor’s degrees, while different courses will cost you differently in others. For example, AUD charges AED 102,060 per year for all its undergraduate programs. While, B.A. in Mass Communication costs AED 46,515 per year and BSc in Software Engineering costs AED 60,200 in the Abu Dhabi University.
However, several universities offers various merit scholarships and need-based grants. Here are some examples:
| University | Scholarship Types | Coverage | Eligibility Criteria |
| Khalifa University | Merit-based, Need-based | Partial to full tuition | Academic performance |
| Abu Dhabi University | Merit Scholarships, Need-based Aid (Sanabil-Qutoof) | 10%–100% tuition waiver | GPA ≥ 3.6 (merit), GPA ≥ 2.75 (need) |
| University of Wollongong Dubai | Outstanding Academic Excellence Scholarships | 10–40% tuition waiver | Academic performance |
Other universities that offer scholarships include BITS Pilani Dubai, IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi, Middlesex University Dubai and Zayed University.
FAQs
1. What are the best undergraduate courses in the UAE?
Business, engineering, computer science, media studies, and hospitality are among the most popular and best undergraduate courses in the UAE.
2. Which universities offer top undergraduate programs in the UAE?
Some top universities for undergraduate courses in the UAE are University of Dubai, American University of Sharjah, Khalifa University, and Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
3. How much does an undergraduate degree cost in the UAE?
Undergraduate tuition fee on average costs about AED 50,000 per year in the UAE.
4. Are there scholarships available for undergraduate students?
Yes. Many UAE universities offer merit-based, need-based, and nationality-specific scholarships. These grants cover anywhere from 10 to 100% of tuition fees.
5. What are the job opportunities after completing an undergraduate degree in the UAE?
Popular sectors with high job opportunities in the UAE include finance, tech, engineering, tourism, and media sectors.
