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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

#2 Arab

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.

GovernmentEst. 2017

Tuition / year

AED 75,000 – AED 120,000/yr

Affordability

Premium

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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.

International BranchEst. 2010

Tuition / year

Up to AED 210,000/yr

Affordability

Moderate

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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.

GovernmentEst. 2019

Tuition / year

Fully funded

Affordability

Very Affordable

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UAEU

Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

#5 Arab

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.

GovernmentEst. 1976

Tuition / year

AED 50,000 – AED 80,000/yr

Affordability

Moderate

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SZABIST Dubai

Dubai, Dubai

The Dubai campus of Pakistan's SZABIST in Dubai Academic City, offering business, computing, management and media programs.

International BranchEst. 2004

Tuition / year

AED 35,000 – AED 44,000/yr

Affordability

Affordable

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AUS

Sharjah, Sharjah

#9 Arab

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.

PrivateEst. 1997

Tuition / year

AED 95,000 – AED 115,000/yr

Affordability

Premium

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ADU

Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi

#11 Arab

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.

PrivateEst. 2003

Tuition / year

AED 45,000 – AED 85,000/yr

Affordability

Moderate

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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.

International BranchEst. 2018

Tuition / year

AED 52,000 – AED 72,000/yr

Affordability

Affordable

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Ajman University

Ajman, Ajman

#12 Arab

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.

PrivateEst. 1988

Tuition / year

AED 35,000 – AED 75,000/yr

Affordability

Affordable

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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.

International BranchEst. 2000

Tuition / year

AED 48,000 – AED 60,000/yr

Affordability

Affordable

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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.

International BranchEst. 2017

Tuition / year

AED 70,000 – AED 95,000/yr

Affordability

Moderate

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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.

International BranchEst. 2025

Tuition / year

AED 80,000 – AED 100,000/yr

Affordability

Moderate

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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.

International BranchEst. 2023

Tuition / year

AED 70,000 – AED 85,000/yr

Affordability

Moderate

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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.

International BranchEst. 2025

Tuition / year

AED 90,000 – AED 130,000/yr

Affordability

Premium

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University of Sharjah

Sharjah, Sharjah

#14 Arab

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.

GovernmentEst. 1997

Tuition / year

AED 31,000 – AED 95,000/yr

Affordability

Moderate

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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.

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