July 18, 2025 
Dubai has quickly emerged as one of the top study destinations in the world due to the quality of education, global recognition, cosmopolitan culture, and career prospects. University options are so numerous for students seeking to study in Dubai, especially Indian high school graduates, that it becomes a daunting task to choose which university to study in.
Dubai has more than 60 internationally accredited universities and higher education institutions. Several offer degrees which are accepted in the UAE (to work) as well as across the globe (to study). You can choose from UK and Australian branch campuses, American-type institutions, Indian-affiliated universities, and others. Students just need to find out which university is most suitable for their own academic objectives, monetary conditions, and graduate aspirations.
This summary will highlight the top universities in Dubai, outline their distinctive features, total cost of studying in Dubai from India, total academic strengths, and discuss why they are desirable for Indian as well as global students.
Top Universities To Study in Dubai
List of Top Universities To Study in Dubai
| University | Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| University of Birmingham Dubai | ~AED 100,000 (₹22,50,000) |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai | AED 55,000–85,000 (₹12–19 lakhs) |
| Middlesex University Dubai | AED 55,000–70,000 (₹12–15 lakhs) |
| University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) | AED 75,000–90,000 (₹17–20 lakhs) |
| American University in Dubai (AUD) | AED 80,000–100,000 (₹18–22 lakhs) |
| SP Jain School of Global Management | AED 80,000–120,000 (₹18–27 lakhs) |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai | AED 35,000–55,000 (₹8–12 lakhs) |
Best Universities To Study in Dubai
1. University of Birmingham Dubai
Being the elite extension of UK’s #1 University of Birmingham, this institution has fast become one the most sought after for students looking to study in Dubai after the 12th. Recent rankings, reputation for research, the integration of industry, and employability rates continue to position this university as a strong option.
- Popular Courses: Computer Science, Business Management, Mechanical Engineering
- Best Course to Study in Dubai here: BSc Business Management, BEng Mechanical Engineering
- Tuition Fees: Roughly AED 100,000 each year (~₹22,50,000)
- Scholarships: All international and Indian students can receive a discount via merit-based scholarships.
- They accept direct admissions after 12th from students who have strong prior academic records.
This particular university is in high favor with students searching for the costs to study in Dubai because it offers students a name-brand education to give students solid career path options.
2. Heriot-Watt University Dubai
This Scottish university is prominent for Engineering, Finance and Data Analytics. The Dubai campus offers the same curriculum and academic qualifications as the UK campus, making the university a leading option for international students.
- Study in Dubai for international students is noted for its project-based learning and campus infrastructure.
- Total cost to study in Dubai from India: AED 55,000–85,000/year (₹12–₹19 lakhs)
- Offers foundation programs for students who are not quite ready to meet direct entry admissions requirements.
- Highly respected among students asking how they can study in Dubai with flexible entry.
Popular among students who would like to have the best courses to study in Dubai, such as AI, Civil Engineering and Finance.
3. Middlesex University Dubai
Middlesex University, which is perfect for students seeking affordability, multiculturalism, and academic flexibility, provides degrees in Law, Psychology, Marketing, and Hospitality. The university Dubai campus follows the UK education system and inbuilt to help support students in their career progression.
- Study in Dubai for Indian students after 12th is more tangible here because of the strong student support services.
- Tuition Fees: AED 55,000-70,000 per annum (approx. ₹12-15 lakhs)
- Accepts study gaps after 12th but 1-2 years are acceptable if there is good explanation and supporting documentation.
- Part-time work permitted for eligible students – helping to offset the average cost of living in Dubai.
This is an ideal proposition for students asking, why study in Dubai over other study abroad opportunities.
4. University of Wollongong in Dubai
UOWD is one of the oldest and most reputable international campuses in Dubai. It is recognized for practical education, international connections with UAE, and accredited bachelor and master programs in IT, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, and Healthcare.
- Best courses to study in Dubai here: MSc Cybersecurity, BBA Logistics.
- The University is recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) with international recognition and accreditation.
- Tuition fee from AED 75,000–AED 90,000 (approximately ₹17 lakhs–₹20 lakhs annually).
- The University offers a unique dual recognition of degree, students degree is valid in UAE and Australia.
Students juggle this option with study in Dubai cost when researching study in Dubai as Indian students and often see the long-term value of importance of industry placements and ROI.
5. American University in Dubai (AUD)
For students who want a U.S.-style education, but prefer to stay closer to home, AUD blends the American curriculum, UAE job opportunities and an international student body. AUD is known for high-quality programs in Architecture, Communication, Design and International Relations.Â
- Average fees: AED 80,000–100,000 per year (₹18–₹22 lakhs)
- There are good internship programs with placement support.Â
- Students who are asking about how much gap is acceptable for study in Dubai after 12th need to know that AUD accepts gaps up to 2 years with legitimate explanations.Â
AUD is usually the university of choice for students who are applying who are presumably prioritizing how much money is needed to study in Dubai in Indian rupees, while also wanting an American academic experience.
6. SP Jain School of Global Management
SP Jain’s model of three cities instead of one and allowing students to begin in Dubai and complete in Singapore or Sydney is unique compared to traditional universities (1st year Dubai, 2nd year Singapore or Sydney or other), and integrates global business, entrepreneurship, and technology management.
- It is very popular among Indian students wishing to study BBA, Global MBA, and Data Science immediately after 12th standard
- Tuition (Main campus): AED 80,000–120,000/year (~₹18 –₹27 lakhs depending on program and location).
- It provides internships and job opportunities in multiple cities/countries.
This model addresses the question that many students wonder: why only study in Dubai if you can study in many other cities around the world?
7. Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai
MAHE Dubai is a home away from home for Indian students, and is one of only a few Indian institutions in the UAE that offers recognized Engineering, Biotechnology, Interior Design, and Journalism programs.Â
- MAHE Dubai offers the most affordable tuition structure for Indian students considering a low cost of study in Dubai and are seeking careers in the UAE!Â
- Tuition fees: AED 35,000–55,000 per year (approx. ₹8–₹12 lakhs)
- A viable opportunity for students researching living expenses in Dubai with a limited budget.
- Accepts academic gaps, provides continuous counseling, and provides strong facilitation for Indian students after 12th grade.Â
This campus is particularly suitable for families looking to reduce their total cost to study in Dubai from India while ensuring that they receive a valuable degree.
Quick University Selection Tips
- If your budget is limited, you should only look at school possibilities such as MAHE which is an offshore course or Middlesex, while it is still worth exploring funding opportunities.
- When it comes to internationally recognized degree choices, we have demonstrated that University of Birmingham, Heriot-Watt, or UOWD are good choices to make in regards to education return on investment.
- Choose a university on the basis of course quality, more than tuition if you are to choose the best course to study in Dubai in the subject area that you wish to study, be it business, tech, or healthcare, with a high-quality learning experience.
- Always address the study in Dubai consultants at the universities you wish to join about part time job assistance through universities, visa processing, and university recognition prior to proceeding any further.