Government Universities in the UAE (2026 List)

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.

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.

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.

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.

A federal university with modern campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, offering US-accredited programs in business, communication, IT, education and humanities. Originally for Emirati women, now coeducational.

The UAE's largest federal applied higher-education institution, operating 16+ campuses nationwide (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and more). It focuses on applied bachelor's and diploma programs.

A government academy specializing in safety, security, defence, emergency preparedness and crisis management, offering civilian bachelor's and master's degrees alongside professional training.

A government health-sciences college with campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, offering bachelor's degrees in nursing, pharmacy and allied health professions.

A government college in Abu Dhabi specializing in teacher education and educational leadership, offering bachelor's and master's degrees in education.

A government applied-technology institution offering bachelor's and diploma programs in specialized engineering fields including nuclear technology, aerospace and information security.

Dubai's government-backed smart university focused on blended and online learning in business, health, education, quality management and Islamic banking.

A private Islamic university in University City Sharjah focused on Sharia, Islamic studies, Arabic language and humanities, known for fully-funded scholarships to international students from 120+ countries.

A government university established by Emiri Decree in 2022 on Sharjah's east coast, comprising five colleges and notable for marine sciences in partnership with the University of Exeter.

A government conservatoire in University City Sharjah dedicated to the performing arts, offering BA degrees in acting, musical theatre and production arts to students from 40+ countries.

A government-affiliated American-model university in Ras Al Khaimah, awarding US-accredited degrees in engineering, business, arts & sciences and education.

A government maritime academy in Khorfakkan, the only UAE institution offering CAA-accredited baccalaureate degrees in maritime education, specializing in marine engineering, transport and logistics.

A government university inaugurated in 2023 in Kalba on the UAE's east coast, offering bachelor's programs across five colleges, with a sport-science program developed with Monash University.

The first university of the Umm Al Quwain emirate, sponsored by the Ruler of Umm Al Quwain. It offers colleges of business, law, mass communication and arts & sciences, with a new College of Computer Science from 2026/27.