Study in the UAE: Education in the UAE

At the forefront of the UAE’s efforts to usher in a modern era of knowledge and empowerment, they have established an excellent and diversified higher education system over a very short period and consequently witnessed an increase in the number and quality of public and private higher education institutes.

The higher education system is divided among the different institutions in the seven emirates — composed of local and international universities and colleges, both private and public— and though most are located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you will find that some institutions will have campuses in the smaller emirates.

There are only three government institutions of higher education across the country and the competition to attend is high for international students:

• UAE University, the country’s flagship university that offers many internationally accredited programs.
• Zayed University, which used to be a female-only campus and has now opened to male students.
• Higher Colleges of Technology, the UAE’s largest university.

Fortunately, the number of private institutions is high and very sought-after by both expats and locals due to many of them being internationally accredited. To this is added a great presence of prestigious international universities, also called global partnerships, that allow students to study in some of the best universities in the world and attain an international education right in the UAE.

Proof of proficiency in English may be required in the form of a TOEFL test, so be sure to read the requirements to attend to the institution of your choice very thoroughly.