There are numerous educational institutions in Abu Dhabi that accept students of all ages. This comprises some of the top colleges and universities with renowned undergraduate and graduate degree programmes. Here is all the information you may require if you are thinking about enrolling in one of these prestigious Abu Dhabi universities.
List of Colleges and Universities in Abu Dhabi
Some of the most illustrious names in the emirate are included on our list of the top universities in Abu Dhabi.
The universities in Abu Dhabi offer cutting-edge amenities, with some campuses providing parking areas, computer/research labs, libraries, student lounges, and prayer rooms.
You can select the institution that is perfect for your academic needs from among the top colleges and other accredited higher education institutions in the emirate that we have included.
Without further ado, let’s look at these institutions of higher learning.
Public Universities in Abu Dhabi
MOHAMED BIN ZAYED UNIVERSITY OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (MBZUAI)
Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is an academic institution focused on research. To encourage scientific research and development in the United Arab Emirates, MBZUAI provides MSc and PhD programmes in the field of artificial intelligence.
100% scholarships are available for full-time degree programmes in computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), and machine learning for those who meet the university’s admission requirements.
- Best for: Machine Learning, Computer Vision
- Location: Masdar City, Abu Dhabi
- Fees: Subject to the course
- Contact: +971-2-811-3331
RABDAN ACADEMY
Government-run Rabdan Academy has received CAA certification. The institute, which was established in 2013, offers both professional certifications and specialized short courses.
Programs like Business Continuity Management (BCM), Policing and Security (PAS), Integrated Emergency Management (IEM), or Intelligence Analysis are available for enrollment by students (MIA).
The topics covered in short courses span from corporate management to law enforcement and security.
- Best for: Business management, Policing and security
- Location: Al Dhafeer Street, Abu Dhabi
- Fees: Contact for a complete fee structure
- Contact: +971-2-599-9111
HIGHER COLLEGES OF TECHNOLOGY (HCT)
A public institution named Higher Colleges of Technology was founded in Abu Dhabi in 1988. HCT is regarded as one of the top institutions in Abu Dhabi and has received formal recognition from the UAE Ministry of Education.
It offers degrees in a variety of fields, including business and science. Men and women have their own campuses at the institute.
- Best for: Business Communication, Applied Media, Engineering Technology and Science
- Location: Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Al Dhafrah, Abu Dhabi (Women’s Campus) | Al Saada Street W / Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi (Men’s Campus)
- Fees: Subject to the course | AED 2,100 – AED 2,500 per credit hour (Summer Courses)
- Contact: +971-800-69-428
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES UNIVERSITY
One of Abu Dhabi’s premier universities, UAE University has a sizable student body of over 20,000 students. This is situated in the Al Ain suburbs and is approved by the UAE Ministry of Education.
Numerous undergraduate and graduate programmes are available through the university. Students have a variety of academic options, from engineering to law.
To deserving students, the university also offers scholarships, fellowships, and graduate assistantships.
- Best for: Law, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Engineering, Food and Agriculture
- Location: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Al Ain
- Fees: AED 1,900 – AED 3,000 per credit hour for international students applying for undergraduate courses | AED 1,600 – AED 3,000 per credit hour for graduate programmes
- Contact: +971-3-767-3333
ZAYED UNIVERSITY ABU DHABI
Zayed University, one of Abu Dhabi’s best universities, is named for H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father. It was established in 1998 to give deserving students the best learning experiences possible.
In addition to international students who have earned a high school certificate in their home countries, Zayed University also accepts UAE citizens.
Applications are accepted by students for design, animation, business, and IT courses.
- Best for: Animation, Business Transformation, Graphic Design, Interior Design
- Location: Khalifa City C, Abu Dhabi
- Fees: AED 84,000 – AED 128,000 (Average)
- Contact: +971-2-599-3111
Private Universities in Abu Dhabi
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY (NYU) ABU DHABI
One of the most well-known foreign universities in the city is New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), which was established in 2010. The institute has more than 2,000 students and is certified by the UAE Ministry of Education.
In the fields of engineering and the arts, NYU offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The university also provides chances for postdoctoral research.
- Best for: Art and Media, Psychology, Engineering Programmes
- Location: Saadiyat Marina District, Abu Dhabi
- Fees: Subject to the course
- Contact: +971-2-628-5511
SYSCOMS COLLEGE
A project of the Lulu Group in Abu Dhabi, Syscoms College has been in operation since 1990. The university’s well-designed curriculum, including with a selection of IT, soft skills, language, and IATA courses, strives to prepare students for the future. The college also provides corporate training and online courses.
- Best for: Cloud Computing, C/C++, Java, SQL, Oracle Programming, Graphic Designing
- Location: Airport Road, Near Corniche, Abu Dhabi | Mashreq Bank Building, Near Al Ain Mall, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
- Fees: Subject to the course
- Contact: +971-2-635-5554 (Abu Dhabi Campus) | +971-3-765-7575 (Al Ain Campus)
SORBONNE UNIVERSITY ABU DHABI
This institution in Abu Dhabi, a part of the renowned Sorbonne University in Paris, was founded in 2006. A private university with about 1,000 students attends it. The UAE Ministry of Education has given the co-educational institution official accreditation.
The University of Sorbonne offers undergraduate and graduate programmes in the arts, sciences, and business.
- Best for: Law, Economics and Management, Archaeology, History and Philosophy
- Location: Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi
- Fees: From AED 48,700 per year
- Contact: +971-2-656-9555
Also Read: Here is everything you need to know about Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
KHAWARIZMI INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE (KIC)
One of the top institutions in Abu Dhabi, Khawarizmi International College (KIC), was founded in 1985 and has two campuses there. This is recognized for having highly qualified employees and is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education.
KIC offers short courses in a variety of fields in addition to associate and undergraduate programmes. At KIC, students can also submit a scholarship application. On all new admissions, the institute offers scholarships up to 50% off.
- Best for: Business Administration, Healthcare and Medical, Islamic Finance
- Location: Near Deerfields Mall, Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi | Next to Al Towayya Park, Al Meryal, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
- Fees: Varies with course
- Contact: +971-2-201-5000 (Abu Dhabi) | +971-3-708-7777 (Al Ain)
Engineering Universities in Abu Dhabi
NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (NYIT)
In 2005, the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) inaugurated operations in Abu Dhabi. The UAE Ministry of Education has accredited the co-educational institution. This university offers a wide range of graduate and postgraduate programmes.
For the benefit of overseas students, the university provides financial aid and scholarships.
- Best for: Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Location: CERT Technology Park, Al Muroor Road, Next to Dusit Thani Hotel, Abu Dhabi
- Fees: Subject to the course
- Contact: +971-2-206-5855
KHALIFA UNIVERSITY
One of Abu Dhabi’s premier engineering schools, Khalifa University was founded in 2007. Students must have strong academic credentials and perform well on the entrance exam in order to be considered for admission. The university has a strict 0–10% admission rate, making it a very elite institution.
In the UAE, Khalifa University is renowned for providing the best scholarships.
- Best for: Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering
- Location: Zone 1, Abu Dhabi
- Fees:
- From AED 3,333 per credit hour (Undergraduate Programmes)
- From AED 5,000 per credit hour (Graduate Programmes)
- From AED 6,666 per credit hour (Postgraduate Programmes)
- Contact: +971-2-312-3333
ABU DHABI UNIVERSITY
One of the city’s most prestigious engineering schools, Abu Dhabi University is accredited by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the UAE Ministry of Education.
The engineering programmes available at Abu Dhabi University range from cyber security to software classes.
For students who are in their third or fourth year of undergraduate study, the university also offers an internship programme. The typical duration of the programme is four to six weeks or 120 to 230 working hours.
- Best for: Cyber Security Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Software Engineering
- Location: Multiple including Zayed City, Abu Dhabi
- Average Fees: From AED 1,430 per credit hour (Undergraduate Programmes) per credit hour | From AED 2,100 per credit hour (Postgraduate Programmes)
- Contact: +971-2-501-5555
Business Schools in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT (ADSM)
The Abu Dhabi School of Management is a business school that offers specialization in entrepreneurship, management, and leadership. It was established by the Abu Dhabi Chamber.
The institution also provides financial help, scholarships, and funding for research. Those who have at least one member of their immediate family who graduated from ADSM are eligible for a 10 percent stipend on their annual tuition costs.
- Best for: Business and Leadership
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street, Abu Dhabi
- Fees: From AED 110,000
- Contact: +971-2-691-7811
EMIRATES INSTITUTE FOR BANKING AND FINANCIAL STUDIES (EIBFS)
Another well-known institution of higher learning in Abu Dhabi is the Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS). In the areas of banking and finance, the institute primarily offers undergraduate programmes, diplomas, and certificate programmes.
Students have the option of enrolling in courses for, among others, a Bachelors in Banking & Finance Accounting, a Bachelors in Banking & Finance, a Diploma in Banking, or a Diploma in Islamic Banking.
- Best for: Banking and Finance
- Location: Next to the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, Al Muroor Street, Abu Dhabi
- Fees: From AED 2,390 per subject
- Contact: +971-2-446-4666
EMIRATES COLLEGE FOR ADVANCED EDUCATION (ECAE)
Emirates College for Advanced Education is a well-known university in Abu Dhabi and is situated in Khalifa City A. It provides graduate and postgraduate programmes that have been approved by the UAE Ministry of Education.
Online training courses are available to students through the virtual academy of ECAE. The institution also features a Fablab, a digital fabrication lab, to aid researchers, educators, designers, and engineers in developing fresh, original ideas and putting them into action.
- Best for: Business Development, Project Management
- Location: Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi
- Fees: Subject to the course
- Contact: +971-2-509-9999
EMIRATES COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
One of Abu Dhabi’s most well-known universities, Emirates College of Technology was established in 1993. This co-educational university offers a number of associate professional degrees in addition to its standard degrees to help students achieve their career goals. Research in Abu Dhabi is also funded by the university.
- Best for: Finance, Business, Technology, Health Sciences, Public Relations
- Location: Baniyas Tower B, Fatima Bint Mubarak Street, Abu Dhabi
- Fees: Subject to the course
- Contact: +971-600-500-606
In addition to the aforementioned institutions, you can check out these well-known universities in Abu Dhabi:
- Fatima College of Health Sciences
- Institute of Applied Technology
