Best Universities in the UAE for Egyptian & Arab Students (2026)
The UAE is a natural choice for Egyptian and Arab students, combining strong universities, Arabic and English program options, and a familiar culture. Government universities and institutions like the Arab Academy for Science & Technology (AASTMT) and Al Qasimia University are especially well regarded across the Arab world.
Below are the universities in the UAE most highly regarded by the Egyptian and wider Arab community. Compare fees, programs and scholarships to find your fit.
Khalifa University
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's flagship research university, formed in 2017 by merging Khalifa University, the Masdar Institute and the Petroleum Institute. It is the UAE's highest-ranked university for science, engineering, medicine and AI, with generous scholarships for top students.
Tuition / year
AED 75,000 – AED 120,000/yr
Affordability
Premium
UAEU
Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
The UAE's oldest and first national university, founded in 1976 in Al Ain. A comprehensive federal research university with nine colleges spanning engineering, medicine, business, science, law and the humanities.
Tuition / year
AED 50,000 – AED 80,000/yr
Affordability
Moderate
NYUAD
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
A highly selective liberal arts and research campus of New York University on Saadiyat Island, granting full NYU degrees. It offers one of the most generous need-based financial aid programs in the world.
Tuition / year
Up to AED 210,000/yr
Affordability
Moderate
MBZUAI
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
The world's first graduate-level research university dedicated entirely to artificial intelligence, located in Masdar City. All students receive full scholarships covering tuition, stipend and housing.
Tuition / year
Fully funded
Affordability
Very Affordable
AASTMT Sharjah
Khorfakkan, Sharjah
The Sharjah campus of the Egypt-headquartered Arab Academy, established in 2019 as its first campus outside Egypt, specializing in maritime sciences, transport, logistics, engineering and business.
Tuition / year
AED 45,000 – AED 55,000/yr
Affordability
Affordable
AUS
Sharjah, Sharjah
One of the most prestigious private universities in the Gulf, delivering an American-style education in architecture, engineering, business and arts & sciences from its University City campus.
Tuition / year
AED 95,000 – AED 115,000/yr
Affordability
Premium
University of Sharjah
Sharjah, Sharjah
A large comprehensive government-supported university with 14 colleges and 120+ programs, known for its medical, dental, pharmacy and engineering clusters in University City Sharjah.
Tuition / year
AED 31,000 – AED 95,000/yr
Affordability
Moderate
ADU
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
A leading private university with campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai, offering business, engineering, health and arts programs. Among the highest-ranked private universities in the UAE.
Tuition / year
AED 45,000 – AED 85,000/yr
Affordability
Moderate
IIMA Dubai
Dubai, Dubai
The new Dubai campus of India's top-ranked IIM Ahmedabad, delivering postgraduate management and MBA-level programs to the region.
Tuition / year
AED 90,000 – AED 130,000/yr
Affordability
Premium
Ajman University
Ajman, Ajman
Established in 1988 as the UAE's first private university, Ajman University offers affordable dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, business and media programs and has one of the world's highest international-student ratios.
Tuition / year
AED 35,000 – AED 75,000/yr
Affordability
Affordable
Birmingham Dubai
Dubai, Dubai
The Dubai campus of the UK's University of Birmingham, a Russell Group university, with a purpose-built campus in Dubai International Academic City awarding the same UK degrees.
Tuition / year
AED 70,000 – AED 95,000/yr
Affordability
Moderate
AUB Dubai
Dubai, Dubai
The new Dubai campus of Lebanon's prestigious, US-accredited American University of Beirut, offering American-style degrees in business, engineering, computer science and the sciences.
Tuition / year
AED 80,000 – AED 100,000/yr
Affordability
Moderate
IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
The first international campus of India's prestigious IIT Delhi, opened in 2024 in Abu Dhabi. It offers B.Tech, M.Tech and PhD programs in engineering, energy and sustainability, with degrees conferred by IIT Delhi.
Tuition / year
AED 55,000 – AED 82,000/yr
Affordability
Moderate
Exeter Dubai
Dubai, Dubai
The Dubai campus of the UK's University of Exeter, a Russell Group university, offering UK degrees in business, computing, data science and related fields.
Tuition / year
AED 70,000 – AED 85,000/yr
Affordability
Moderate
Sorbonne Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
A branch campus of France's Sorbonne University on Reem Island, delivering French-model higher education in Arabic, French and English. Degrees are identical to and accredited in France.
Tuition / year
AED 55,000 – AED 90,000/yr
Affordability
Moderate
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which universities in the UAE are best for Egyptian students?＋
The University of Sharjah, UAE University, the American University of Sharjah and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT) are all highly regarded by the Egyptian and Arab community, offering strong programs and, in several cases, Arabic-medium options.
Are there Arabic-medium universities in the UAE?＋
Yes. Al Qasimia University focuses on Sharia, Arabic and Islamic studies with full scholarships for international students, and several government universities offer Arabic-medium tracks in law, education and the humanities.