Universities in the UAE in 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.

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.

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 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.

The first international campus of India's prestigious IIT Delhi, opened in 2024 in Abu Dhabi. It offers B.Tech, M.Tech and PhD programs in engineering, energy and sustainability, with degrees conferred by IIT Delhi.

A branch campus of France's Sorbonne University on Reem Island, delivering French-model higher education in Arabic, French and English. Degrees are identical to and accredited in France.

Opened in 2024 as a partnership between Switzerland's Les Roches and DCT Abu Dhabi, this is Les Roches' first Middle East campus, blending Swiss hospitality pedagogy with Emirati culture at Zayed Sports City.

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 private university with campuses in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, offering bachelor's, master's and PhD programs across engineering, business, law, pharmacy, education and media.

A specialized private business school in Abu Dhabi offering undergraduate and graduate management programs, including an MBA and DBA, with a focus on leadership and entrepreneurship.

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.