Here’s a fact that might surprise you: Indian students now make up about 42% of the international student population in Dubai’s universities.
That’s almost half of all foreign students choosing this city for higher education, and the numbers keep rising.
“According to Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), over 100,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in private schools across the Emirate-making Indians the largest expatriate student group.”
—Megha Chaturvedi, Sr. Assistant Editor, India Today, New Delhi, June 2025
Almost all of the UAE’s best engineering colleges are located in Dubai.
When you’re exploring options like B.Tech abroad, the best colleges in Dubai for engineering start to stand out for more than just beautiful campuses.
They offer modern labs, global curriculums, and ties to real‑world industries.
But what about costs, deadlines, and admissions? We hear you.
These questions matter more than ever as more Indian students consider Dubai alongside traditional destinations like the UK or Canada.
In this guide, I will break it all down in clear, simple terms and what’s relevant for 2026.
Top B.Tech and engineering universities/colleges in the UAE
Let’s get to what really matters, i.e., your choices.
If you search for the best colleges in Dubai for engineering, you’ll see a handful of names that keep coming up, and for good reason.
These universities have built a reputation not just on glossy brochures.
But on the kind of real results that matter to students:
- BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus: It’s a name most Indian families trust, and the Dubai branch carries the same academic rigor and has a huge alumni network.
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai: Known for tech and engineering, with a UK degree that opens global doors.
- American University of Sharjah: A top choice for civil, chemical, and electrical streams. It also has a strong regional ranking.
- UOWD (University of Wollongong in Dubai): It is popular for IT, management, and networking. Its popularity is due to its Australian curriculum and placement support.
Other notable institutes are Amity University Dubai and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai. Both offer modern labs, diverse student bodies, and plenty of Indian faces in class and faculty.
There are others like Canadian University Dubai and University of Birmingham Dubai, each with their own specialty and strong engineering programs.
Now, once you’ve shortlisted a few of these names, it’s time to look at their fees (and possible scholarships) next.
Fees and scholarships
The best colleges in Dubai for engineering have fees ranging from AED 40,000 to AED 95,000 a year. That’s roughly ₹9 to 20 lakh per year, depending on your program and university.
Here’s a table of a summary of the expected fees of the best engineering institutions in the UAE:
| University/College | Annual Tuition (AED) | Annual Tuition (INR, approx.) | Notes |
| BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus | 40,000–60,000 | ₹8 L–₹13 L | Popular among Indian students; strong placements. |
| Heriot‑Watt University Dubai | 60,000–85,000 | ₹13 L–₹22 L | UK degree; global recognition in engineering. |
| American University of Sharjah | 105,000–115,000 | ₹24 L–₹26 L | Regionally ranked; accredited engineering programs. |
| UOWD – Wollongong Dubai | 60,000–70,000 | ₹14 L–₹16 L | Australian curriculum; internship support. |
| Amity University Dubai | 45,000–55,000 | ₹10 L–₹19 L | Competitive fees; modern campus. |
| Canadian University Dubai | 70,000–95,000 | ₹16 L–₹22 L | Well‑known for CS/ECE programs. |
| University of Dubai | 60,000–80,000 | ₹14 L–₹19 L | Good industry connections in Dubai. |
| University of Birmingham Dubai | 130,000–180,000 | ₹30 L–₹42 L | Premium tier; UK degree value. |
Note:
- Figures are approximate ranges. Fees depend on the exact engineering specialization you choose, like computer science vs. mechanical.
- Living costs are extra. Rent, food, travel, visas, and insurance can add ~₹3–6 L per year.
- Some universities charge more than ₹20 L per year; these are on the higher end of the market.
Also, note that fees in AED are usually locked at the time of enrollment. This means you don’t have to worry about currency fluctuations that students face when studying in Europe/North America.
Scholarships
Most of the best colleges in Dubai for engineering offer scholarships.
It’s not uncommon for Indian students to get 10–40% off their tuition with these scholarships.
That means you could cut your annual costs by several lakhs. Especially at private universities like BITS Pilani Dubai or Amity Dubai.
Take care not to miss the scholarship deadlines.
Scholarship applications often close early, sometimes months before regular admissions.
For September intake, deadlines can fall as early as March or April.
If you’re serious about getting financial support, make it a priority to apply as soon as portals open.
The good news is that GradRight also offers loan assistance and scholarships. Through our platform, experts like us have been helping lakhs of students to live their study abroad dreams.
Here’s what one of our students had to say:
“This scholarship has lightened my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies.”
—Anushree Ayyar, Masters in Human Resource Management, Pace University.
If expenses seem like a barrier to your education abroad, reach out to our GradRight experts to help you get over your doubts regarding costs involved in your international degree.
Next, let’s see what eligibility you will need to get into the best colleges in Dubai for engineering.
Eligibility and admission requirements
Here’s what you need to be eligible for the best colleges in Dubai for engineering:
- High School Degree: Most universities ask for a completed Class 12 (or equivalent) with physics, chemistry, and math.
- Marks Cutoff: A minimum of 60% is the usual cutoff. However, top colleges like BITS Pilani Dubai might expect 70% or more.
- English Proficiency: You’ll need an English proficiency score (IELTS or TOEFL) unless your previous education was in English.
Some programs may ask for a personal interview or a statement of purpose.
Keep all academic transcripts and ID proofs handy for the application process.
Sometimes strong extracurriculars or project work can tip the balance in your favor.
Let’s talk about application deadlines next.
Application deadlines and intakes
Most of the best colleges in Dubai for engineering have two main intakes: September (fall) and January (spring).
A few might offer a summer intake, but that’s less common.
For the September intake, application windows usually open in December or January.
For the January intake, apply by September or October.
Scholarship deadlines fall between March and June for most universities, but some require earlier submissions.
Pro tip: Start your application process at least six months ahead. This ensures that you’re never caught off-guard by sudden document requests or scholarship forms.
Final thoughts
The recent trends show that the influx of Indian students to Dubai only continues to grow.
Recent data from Leverage Edu, a global education and talent mobility platform revealed:
“Applications from Indian students to Dubai have surged sharply, with postgraduate programmes now accounting for over 70% of interest.”
—Sanjay Sharma, Assistant Editor, Times of India Education, December 2025
In this scenario, articles like this one are handy for students like you.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already ahead of the curve.
You now know more than just to spot the best colleges in Dubai for engineering.
You have an idea of what the real costs look like, and how to boost your chances with scholarships.
And as always, if you need personalized guidance, GradRight is here to walk you through the process, step by step, from the first application to the day you start your journey.
