Top Public Universities in UAE

The United Arab Emirates has earned its reputation as a global education hub — and continues to reinforce it year after year. Over the past 50 years, more than 100 private and public universities have opened across the country, many of which are consistently ranked in top international rankings such as QS and Times Higher Education (THE).

As of today, the UAE is home to 123 accredited universities. The majority of them are private institutions and international branch campuses (read more about the top private universities in Dubai here).

However, public education in the country deserves just as much attention — and here’s why.

Why Do International Students Choose Public Universities in UAE?

UAE public universities are becoming increasingly attractive to students from around the world — and that’s no coincidence. These institutions combine high academic quality, affordable tuition, internationally recognized degrees, and a unique opportunity to immerse in UAE’s culture and society.

1. Affordable Tuition

Studying at public universities in UAE for international students is often more cost-effective than at private universities or foreign branch campuses. Since UAE public universities are government-funded, they can offer subsidized programs, particularly in engineering, IT, education, and applied sciences.

2. High-Quality Education

Many public universities in Dubai and other emirates provide an education that meets or exceeds international standards. Institutions like United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and Khalifa University are regularly featured in top global rankings such as QS and THE, especially in fields like engineering, computer science, and scientific research. This positions UAE public universities as strong contenders on the global academic stage.

3. English-Taught Programs

Most public universities in UAE for international students offer programs entirely in English while incorporating local cultural elements. This allows students to receive a world-class education while gaining exposure to Arab traditions, language, and business etiquette — an invaluable asset for careers in the Middle East and international markets.

4. Cultural Diversity

Students at Dubai public universities and other UAE institutions come from dozens of different countries, fostering a truly multicultural environment that encourages cross-cultural dialogue, global awareness, and personal growth.

5. Internships and Career Opportunities

Many public universities in Dubai for international students, as well as those in Abu Dhabi, maintain strong partnerships with global corporations, government agencies, and research centers. These connections provide students with access to internships, research opportunities, and career pathways after graduation.

Top Public Universities in UAE

Interestingly, only three out of over 100 universities in the United Arab Emirates are strictly considered public — that is, they are directly managed by the federal government:

• United Arab Emirates University
• Zayed University
• Higher Colleges of Technology

In addition to these, the country also has institutions that can be described as “semi-public.” While not federally operated, they are state-funded and, importantly, highly ranked in global academic ratings. We have included them in the list of public universities in UAE due to their strong public support and academic standing.

So, according to international rankings, the top 5 best public universities in UAE for international students are:

1. Khalifa University
2. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
3. Zayed University
4. Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
5. Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)

1. Khalifa University

Khalifa University of Science and Technology is one of the most prestigious institutions in the country and is consistently included in the list of top public universities in UAE. Founded in 2007 in Abu Dhabi, it is widely recognized as a regional leader in technical and research-based education.

The university actively welcomes international students, offering English-taught bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs in the following areas:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Petroleum and Energy Engineering
• Robotics
• Computer Science and Cybersecurity
• Biomedical Engineering

According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, Khalifa University holds the 202nd position globally and ranks first in the UAE — a national leadership position it has maintained for eight consecutive years. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for public universities in UAE for international students with strong academic and research credentials.

Khalifa University maintains partnerships with major global companies and research centers, including Lockheed Martin, ADNOC, Siemens, and Dassault Systèmes. These collaborations ensure students have access to internships and gain hands-on, industry-relevant experience.

In addition, the university strongly supports its international student community: as of 2023, over 30% of its student body consisted of international students.

2. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is the country’s first national university, founded in 1976 in the city of Al Ain. It is considered one of the leading public universities in UAE, offering more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines — from medicine and engineering to law, economics, and education.

As of 2025, UAEU ranks 261st globally in the QS World University Rankings and is listed among the top 5 universities in the Arab region. It plays a key role in setting quality standards for UAE public universities for international students.

UAEU is heavily invested in research, operating over nine research centers in fields such as sustainable development, healthcare, advanced technologies, and climate science. Faculty and students frequently participate in projects funded by the UAE government and international research foundations.

The entire academic process is tailored to an English-speaking audience. The university offers:

• Foundation programs for international students
• International exchange opportunities and summer schools
• A modern campus with student housing and comprehensive infrastructure

3. Zayed University

Zayed University is one of the most prominent public universities in UAE, with a strong focus on international education standards. Established in 1998, the university has campuses in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and has grown into a key pillar of the national higher education system.

Initially founded as a women’s university, Zayed University is now co-educational and internationally oriented. It offers English-taught programs in:

• Business and Economics
• International Affairs
• Design and Media
• Education and Humanities
• Information Technology

Zayed University follows the American model of education and is accredited not only in the UAE (by the Commission for Academic Accreditation) but also in the United States (by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education). This makes it particularly appealing to those seeking public universities in Dubai for international students with globally recognized degrees.

According to the QS Arab Region Rankings 2024, Zayed University ranks 19th among Arab universities. The institution is actively working toward internationalization, offering various support programs for international students, on-campus housing, foundation year courses, and career development services.

4. Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)

Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is the largest network of applied higher education institutions in the country, with 17 campuses across seven emirates — including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, and Ras Al Khaimah. Established in 1988, HCT is known as one of the most accessible and career-oriented public universities in UAE.

Unlike traditional academic institutions, HCT focuses on hands-on, industry-aligned education, especially in the following fields:

• Business Administration
• Information Technology
• Engineering
• Healthcare
• Education and Innovation

Key features of HCT include its emphasis on practical skills, mandatory internships, project-based learning, and strong industry partnerships. This makes it a top choice among those looking for public universities in Dubai or other emirates that are focused on preparing students for the real-world job market.

All programs are taught in English. The campuses are equipped with modern labs, simulation centers, and coworking spaces. The university also offers online learning options, English foundation programs, and dedicated support for international students.

5. Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a unique example of how rapidly UAE public universities are developing in high-tech fields. Founded in 2019 in Masdar City (Abu Dhabi), MBZUAI became the world’s first public university dedicated entirely to artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The university offers master’s and PhD programs in:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Vision
• Machine Learning
• Natural Language Processing
• Robotics and Data Science

All courses are delivered in English, and tuition is completely free for all students, including international applicants. MBZUAI provides full scholarships, accommodation, and health insurance — making it one of the most affordable and attractive options for international students looking at public universities in UAE.

Despite being a young institution, MBZUAI has quickly established itself as a leading research center in the Middle East. Its faculty members frequently publish in top-tier academic conferences such as NeurIPS, CVPR, and ACL. Professors come from prestigious institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Tsinghua University.

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