If you’re looking for great value for your money, then one of the best cities to go to for higher education is Dubai.
Here, universities offer both local and international students excellent facilities and a great environment.
If you want to study in Dubai, you’ll want to make sure that what school you enroll in offers the best value for your money.
This is where American universities in Dubai come in. Some of these American universities like the American University in Dubai (Dubai emirate) and the American University of Sharjah (Sharjah emirate) are ranked as some of the best universities in the United Arab Emirates.
In this post, we’ll give you some tips on how to choose a university in Dubai as well as showing off 7 of our favorite American universities in Dubai.
Education System of American Universities and Its Benefits
You may be asking why studying at an American university in Dubai makes any difference. Studying at an American university has a lot of perks that we will discuss.
First, the ”American way” is one of the best in the world; the result of it is them having the second-best education system in the world, thanks to their unique teaching approach.
American higher institutions (public and private universities, community and technical colleges) employ a teaching method that allows every student to be participative. American universities are notoriously known to accommodate students with varying IQ and assimilation levels and play to their strengths.
This is seen in their:
- small class sizes;
- discussion classes;
- quizzes and seminars;
- their faculty encouraging its students to carry out extra-curricular academic activities;
- and a huge chunk of their budget going into research.
Not to discredit other top countries but, this is mostly why American universities are at the fore of most ground-breaking discoveries.
The reputation of American universities has seen them become the preferred destination for international students worldwide; with over 1 million students traveling to the U.S in 2020 to study.
Furthermore, the United States boasts 5 universities in the top 10 world’s best universities; with MIT being comfortable in the first position for over three consecutive years.
The education system of an American university is different from other universities. American universities in Dubai have well-defined rules for admission requirements, which differ depending on whether you choose a public or private university or college.
Additionally, many American universities in Dubai offer scholarships for international students who have good grades and can pay tuition fees easily without taking loans from banks.
Another major advantage of studying at an American university in Dubai is the degree recognition it affords you in the United States. American universities in Dubai are basically an extension of American schools in the UAE. This means that studying at an American university in Dubai is the same as studying in that particular American university itself.
So, when you obtain a degree from any American university in Dubai (like a Master’s), that degree is automatically recognized in the United States should you seek to further your studies or work in an administrative role in USA one day. Thus, there’ll be no need for any procedure to get your degree recognized.
- Suggested: American universities in Europe
Brief Tour of the City of Dubai: Benefits of Studying in Dubai
If you are a globetrotter and want to live in a city of opportunities, then Dubai is the place for you. The city is home to nearly 3 million people who come from different parts of the world. As a result, it has become one of the most diverse cities in the world.
Dubai offers various career opportunities including IT and Engineering jobs which are among the highest-paying professions in this region. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, then this is another great reason to take up studies at American universities in Dubai as there are plenty of start-ups and small businesses here that could use your services or skillsets when they expand their operations globally.
You will also find that there are plenty of educational institutions offering courses on business management and entrepreneurship skills so if your dream is to start your own business someday, then studying at one of these institutions might just be what gets you started.
Overview of American Universities in Dubai
The city is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates. It is a center for tourism and entertainment, with many attractions including sandy beaches, extensive shopping malls, and hotels.
The majority of American universities in Dubai are located on Sheikh Zayed Road, which runs through the heart of Dubai. Students can find universities offering degree programs at all levels including bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorates as well as non-degree programs such as certificate courses or continuing education classes.
List of Top 7 American Universities in Dubai
Without further ado, these are the best American universities in Dubai that you will find:
# American University in Dubai (AUD)
Arguably the best American university in Dubai, American University in Dubai (AUD) is a private university in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was founded in 1995 as the first American university in the Middle East.
The school offers undergraduate degrees through its School of Business and Leadership, and graduate degrees through its School of Education and Social Sciences, School of Management and Leadership Studies, and School of Technology and Design.
Some of the undergraduate programs offered at AUD include Engineering courses, Architecture, International relations, Business Administration, Communication, and Arts.
In terms of schooling, AUD has a mid-range to expensive taste. the tuition fee at this school cost 47,125 AED (Emirati Dirham) per semester, excluding living, feeding, transportation, and study-related expenses; this fee converts to about US$12,830 per semester.
Fortunately, as an international institution that promotes diversity on campus and throughout its community, AUD offers several scholarship opportunities for qualified students who are accepted into their programs.
# Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai
Rochester Institute of Technology is originally a top tech college in Rochester, New York, USA. While its satellite campus, Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai is a private, non-profit, non-sectarian university based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was established in 2008 as Rochester Institute of Technology at Dubai (RIT Dubai).
Today, RIT Dubai has grown into one of the biggest American universities in Dubai offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in several areas that include Business Administration, Engineering, Psychology, Arts, Communication and Media, etc.
The school caters to more than 700 students from 80 countries, and it is one of the most preferred American universities in Dubai to study in.
The cost of tuition at RIT Dubai varies, but you should be expected to spend in excess of 61,950 AED (Emirati Dirham) per year for major programs like Engineering, Computing Security, and Business Administration – this fee roughly translates to about US$20,000. You can learn more here.
# Hult International Business School Dubai
Hult International Business School Dubai (HIBD) is a private business school based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Originally a business school founded in 1964 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Hult extended its global reach to include the Dubai campus which was founded in 2008, and San Francisco, California. Hult’s curriculum focuses on leadership development, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
The school offers a one-year MBA program and two-year Executive MBA programs, both of which are taught by faculty from around the world. The school also offers undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Management (BA).
The school’s one-year MBA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and ranked #1 in the Middle East by Eduniversal in 2018. In addition, Hult’s one-year MBA program has been recognized as a top business school for women by The Financial Times, Forbes, and Bloomberg Businessweek.
The cost of a full-time (1 year) MBA at Hult Business School Dubai is a whopping 176,000 AED (Emirati DIrham) which is roughly US$48,000.
It is quite an expensive fee. However, this high fee is justified as Hult is known internationally as one of the best business schools, and one of the top American universities in Dubai.
# The Dubai Havard Foundation for Medical Research
The Dubai Havard Foundation for Medical Research is a private medical research institute set up by the Havard Medical School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The institute is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the UAE.
It was established as one of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s initiatives with an aim to promote medical education across the region.
The university offers only postgraduate programs to candidates who will be working to discover groundbreaking solutions to problems in medicine and healthcare, generally.
This research-based institute differs from American universities in Dubai in that it does not offer undergraduate programs and it is not exactly a university.
The foundation is a school for professional medical practitioners and problem-solvers who have already established themselves in the industry.
So, if you are looking for an undergraduate program in Medicine, this is not the right place to look.
However, if you have an interest in furthering your education at a research-based institute, then you’ll be glad to know that this school offers scholarships. Master’s programs are available.
# Duke University Dubai, Fuqua School of Business
Duke University Dubai is a private research university in Dubai. It was founded as a branch campus of Duke University in the United States.
The American-style institution offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business. Some of these courses include:
- Global MBA (22 months, hybrid);
- Executive MBA (21 months, hybrid);
- Accelerated MBA (11 months, hybrid);
- Master of Management;
- Master of Quantitative Management; etc.
The university has two campuses, one in Jumeirah Lakes Towers and the other in Academic City.
The university offers undergraduate degrees in business administration, business management, and sustainability. It also offers graduate programs in business administration and management.
However, the downside to this school is its astronomical tuition fee. Studying for an MBA at Fuqua will cost you US159,700 (586,578.90 AED) which is more than thrice what you will spend on the same degree at Hult Business School.
However, Fuqua is a top-ranking American University in Dubai, and it is easily one of the best business schools in the world.
# American InterContinental University Dubai
American InterContinental University Dubai is a private, for-profit university that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Established in 1995, the American Intercontinental University Dubai (AIU) is a business education institution with campuses in several countries, including the United States (originally), India, China, and South Africa.
The AIU offers online undergraduate, graduate, and associate programs at all academic levels: associate’s degrees at its campus in Hyderabad; bachelor’s degrees at its campus in Florence; master’s programs around the world as well as online through AIUDevon International School of Business; doctoral programs through partner universities abroad or online through AIUDevon Graduate School of Education; executive education courses around the world. It’s accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
AIU has a huge catalog of programs; including professional majors like Software Analysis, Criminal Justice, Law, or even Business Administration. You can choose to study at the Dubai campus or online.
The cost of tuition at AIU varies; however, studying online is more expensive. You can expect to spend over US$62,100 (228,000 AED) on tuition costs.
American University in the Emirates (AUE)
American University in the Emirates (AUE) is a private university located in Al-Garhoud, Dubai. AUD was established in 2006 and is one of the fastest-growing American universities in Dubai.
The campus spans over 80 acres and provides educational services to over,300 students from more than 20 countries worldwide. The university offers master’s degrees through its School of Business Administration (SBA), School of Public Policy & Government Affairs (SPPA), School of Communication & Media Studies (SCMS), School of Arts & Social Sciences (SASS), and School of Engineering & Technology Management (SETM).
In addition to these schools, there are several other departments which include:
- Liberal Arts.
- International Programs.
- Student Life Center.
FAQs
What are the admission requirements to study at American universities in Dubai?
According to The American University in Dubai, the admission requirements for studying in Dubai are typically hectic; we have highlighted a few of them below:
First in the category are your high school qualifications. You will need:
- A completed AUD application for admission.
- Transcript and attestation letter from previous high school, college, or university covering the last three years and showing a good academic standing.
- High School Diploma (or the equivalent), original to be verified.
For British qualifications, the following standard applies to IGCSE/GCE: grade “C” or above.
AS-level and A- level will also be considered with a minimum grade of “D”.
The student shall complete the 12th Grade (Year 13). A combination of seven subjects (O/AS/A) or four subjects (AS/A) is required.
Students following the IB system must be awarded the IB Diploma and attain a minimum score of 24 points. Higher Level courses passed with a grade of 4 or above will be considered for transfer credit.
Students who complete the IB Certificate/Course, are required to earn at least 22 points for admission.
In the second category is your English Language proficiency. You will need:
- English Requirements: English placement tests are required for admissions at AUD. If you have taken any international/national exams (TOEFL/IELTS/EMSAT), you will be required to submit them with your application for evaluation.
- AUD’s international code for TOEFL® is C005.
In the third category, AUD requires your personal category to be provided. This information will contain:
- A passport photocopy with validity page (and Ethbara page for UAE nationals).
- Photocopy /proof of UAE residency.
- Photocopy of Emirates ID.
- Army Exemption Letter (for UAE nationals).
- Also, a mandatory Health History Form is expected to be signed and stamped by a Physician.
There are also program-specific requirements for students applying to AUD. Learn more about their requirements.
How much money will it cost me to study at one of these universities?
Studying at any of the top AMerican universities in Dubai can cost you as much as 40,000 AED to 150,000 AED for most professional majors.
However, in schools like Fuqua Business School, these costs tend to be way higher.
Can I get a student visa for my stay in Dubai and what documents do I need for this purpose?
Yes, you can get a student visa for your stay in Dubai. You will need to provide the following documents (but not subject to these documents):
- A valid passport with at least one blank page;
- Two completed visa application forms (one of which must be signed by your sponsor);
- A copy of your birth certificate or equivalent document (eg. Certificate of Naturalisation);
- A copy of your high school or university diploma/certificate proving that you have completed at least 12 years of education, or that you are over 21 years old.
Can I find accommodation on campus or off-campus, including nearby areas like Deira and Bur Dubai?
Yes, you can find accommodation on campus or off-campus, including nearby areas like Deira and Bur Dubai.
Most American universities in Dubai provide paid accommodation options to students.
But if you are looking for off-campus solutions instead, there’s a wide range of accommodation options available for students in Dubai, from apartment blocks to villas to houses. The best websites for finding accommodation include:
Final Thoughts
American universities in Dubai offer you a key advantage if you choose to study there. Aside from the American-based style of teaching, most courses are taught in English, although some courses may be offered in Arabic or other languages depending on the student’s needs and interests.
This lingual advantage gives you the chance to learn a language that The only discouragement may be the high tuition fees associated with American universities in Dubai (with the cheapest school being AUD). However, tuition aid and scholarships are available at some American universities, so you should try applying for those.
Wrapping It Up
Now that we have gone through the list of the 7 best American universities in Dubai, you can choose your favorite university and apply for admission.
The city of Dubai is a great place to study and is home to many international universities from around the world, including schools from Europe.