Best Universities in the UAE for Pakistani Students (2026)
The UAE is home to a large Pakistani community, and offers strong, affordable university options that are respected both in the Emirates and in Pakistan. SZABIST University Dubai — a campus of Pakistan's well-known SZABIST — is a popular choice, alongside globally-ranked and affordable private universities.
Below are the universities in the UAE most highly regarded by the Pakistani 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
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
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
SZABIST Dubai
Dubai, Dubai
The Dubai campus of Pakistan's SZABIST in Dubai Academic City, offering business, computing, management and media programs.
Tuition / year
AED 35,000 – AED 44,000/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
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
Curtin Dubai
Dubai, Dubai
The Dubai campus of Australia's Curtin University in Dubai International Academic City, awarding Australian degrees in business, IT, engineering and data science.
Tuition / year
AED 52,000 – AED 72,000/yr
Affordability
Affordable
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
BITS Pilani Dubai
Dubai, Dubai
The Dubai campus of India's renowned BITS Pilani in Dubai International Academic City, offering rigorous engineering degrees identical to the Indian campus with a strong placement record.
Tuition / year
AED 48,000 – AED 60,000/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
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
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
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
Get a free, personalised shortlist
Tell us your field, budget and nationality and our advisors will match you with the right universities from this list — and the scholarships you qualify for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which university in the UAE is best for Pakistani students?+
SZABIST Dubai is popular with Pakistani families for business and computing. For global recognition, the American University of Sharjah, Khalifa University and the University of Sharjah are top choices, while Ajman University and Gulf Medical University lead for dentistry, pharmacy and medicine.
Are there affordable universities in the UAE for Pakistani students?+
Yes. Ajman University, the University of Wollongong in Dubai, and UK branch campuses in Ras Al Khaimah (from ~AED 27,000/year) offer strong value. Many universities also give merit scholarships of 10–50% for strong FSc/A-Level results.