Top 6 UAE Universities for Indian Students 2025

If you are a student aspiring to study overseas, the UAE should be at the top of your list due to its proximity to India and world-class educational and living standards. The UAE is rapidly emerging as a global education hub, offering internationally accredited universities, competitive tuition fees, and scholarships. In this blog, we spotlight the top 5 universities in the UAE for Indian students. 

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1. University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)

• UOWD is the first Australian university in the UAE and is recognised among the top modern universities worldwide, holding 184th international rank in QS rankings. 

• Notable programs include business, engineering, IT, supply chain and media, with degrees aligned to global accreditation standards. 

• Tuition fee is approximately AED 70,000 (~ Rs 16,70,000) annually.

• Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students, offering 15–50% tuition discounts at the undergraduate level, and 15–25% for graduate students.

• All UOWD degree programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and are audited by the Australian Universities Quality Agency.

• Students can apply for Fall (Sept–Oct) and Spring (Jan–Feb) admissions.

2. American University of Sharjah (AUS)

• American University of Sharjah is ranked 272 in the QS World University Rankings and is in the top 18% globally.

• Authorised by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education, AUS has been accredited in the USA by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

• The university is particularly known for architecture & design, engineering, business and computer science programs ranked among the best in the region.

• Annual tuition fee is approximately AED 105,000 – 107,600 (~ Rs 25,00,00).

• AUS offers merit‑based scholarships, family tuition grants and new‑student financial grants covering up to 55% of fees, with further awards available after the first semester based on academic performance.

• The university admissions are accepted in Fall (Sept–Oct) and Spring (Jan–Feb) intakes.

3. Heriot‑Watt University Dubai

• Heriot‑Watt University Dubai, affiliated to the main campus in Edinburgh, UK, is QS‑ranked 287 globally.

• The Dubai campus is best known for business, data science, software/IT, logistics & supply chain, civil and petroleum engineering, and finance.

• AED 95,700 – 103,350 (~ Rs 24,00,000) is the annual tuition fee at the university.

• Undergraduate and postgraduate merit‑based scholarships, sports/community engagement awards, alumni and family discounts are available.

• The campus has been awarded KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) five‑star accreditation and recognised as “Best University” by Forbes Middle East.

• The university accepts Fall (Sept–Oct), Spring (May–June), and Summer (Jan–Feb) intakes.

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4. Abu Dhabi University (ADU)

• ADU surged into 391st position in the QS World rankings and stands as one of the top 5 UAE institutions in the QS rankings.

• The university is well‑regarded for its courses in the field of business, accounting and finance.

• The tuition fee ranges from AED 45,000 – 85,000 (~ Rs 17,00,000).

• Scholarship schemes include merit‑based waivers up to 50 – 100%, family waivers, alumni and athletic awards.

• ADU campuses across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and Al Dhafra accept admissions for the Fall (Sept–Oct) and Spring (Jan–Feb) intakes.

5. Zayed University

• Zayed University is ranked around 595 in QS World Rankings and is a government‑funded public university.

• The university offers business, education, health sciences, arts and communication programs across its Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses.

• Tuition fee for international students is around AED 60,000 – 70,000 (~ Rs 16,70,000) per year.

• Merit‑based scholarships offer up to 30% fee discounts to high‑achieving international students.

• Both the university campuses offer Fall (Sept–Oct) and Spring (Jan–Feb) intakes.

6. Canadian University of Dubai (CUD)

• CUD is ranked 604 globally and 24th in the Arab region in QS World Rankings.

• The university offers programmes in business, engineering, architecture, computer science, communication, and health sciences based on the Canadian curriculum and educational principles.

• The tuition fee typically runs around AED 65,000 (~ Rs 15,50,000) per year.

• CUD offers scholarships based on merit for academic and sports excellence, as well as need-based financial assistance, which covers up to 100% of tuition fees.

• The campus intake students all around the year (Fall, Spring, Summer).

As we have seen, the UAE is home to some of the best institutions for international education. Once you are admitted, handling tuition payments does not have to be complicated. With ExTravelMoney, you can easily book your tuition fee transfer to the UAE online, compare rates from trusted banks and forex providers, and enjoy a stress-free money transfer experience.

Also Read: Complete Guide to ICICI Globetrotter Student Insurance

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