United Arab Emirates University logo

United Arab Emirates University

Al Ain, AE · Ranking #2

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is the oldest and flagship public research university in the UAE, founded in 1976 by Sheikh Zayed. Located in Al Ain, it is a comprehensive institution offering a full spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across nine colleges, including engineering, medicine, business, IT, and law. UAEU is known for its strong research focus, modern laboratories, and innovation centers, including a Science and Innovation Park that collaborates with industry. With students from over 60–80 countries, it provides a multicultural environment. The university plays a key role in national development, especially in energy, sustainability, healthcare, and technology sectors.

United Arab Emirates University logo United Arab Emirates University

United Arab Emirates University

About the university

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is the oldest and flagship public research university in the UAE, founded in 1976 by Sheikh Zayed. Located in Al Ain, it is a comprehensive institution offering a full spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across nine colleges, including engineering, medicine, business, IT, and law. UAEU is known for its strong research focus, modern laboratories, and innovation centers, including a Science and Innovation Park that collaborates with industry. With students from over 60–80 countries, it provides a multicultural environment. The university plays a key role in national development, especially in energy, sustainability, healthcare, and technology sectors.

Key information

  • Location: Al Ain, AE
  • Ranking #2
  • QS #229
  • THE #201
  • US News #401
  • National ranking #1
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Business And Economics
  • Information Technology
  • Law
  • Science
  • Education

Programs (5)

  • Business Administration
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Law
  • Medicine

Student body

  • Total students: 15,000
  • Undergraduate: 13,000
  • Graduate: 2,000
  • International students: 19%

Campus life

Campus life at UAEU is balanced between academic rigor and a comfortable residential experience. Located in Al Ain, a quieter and greener city compared to Dubai, the campus provides a focused study environment with less distraction. The university offers modern dormitories, sports complexes, research labs, and over 40 student clubs. Cultural diversity is strong, with students from many countries participating in events, competitions, and leadership programs. The campus is large and well-equipped, with separate facilities in line with local traditions. Overall, the lifestyle is structured, safe, and academically oriented, making it ideal for students focused on education and research.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $200 - $600 / per month

Housing options

  • On-Campus Dormitory
  • Student Housing
  • Shared Apartment

Student clubs and organizations

  • Engineering Club
  • Business Club
  • Cultural Clubs
  • Student Council
  • Innovation Clubs

Sports

  • Football Team
  • Basketball Team
  • Volleyball Team
  • Athletics Team

Career & internships

Employment rate: 90%

Partner companies

  • ADNOC
  • Etisalat
  • Emirates
  • Mubadala
  • Microsoft
  • Siemens

Internships: UAEU has strong partnerships with government and industry, integrating internships and practical training into many programs. Students in engineering, medicine, and business often complete internships with leading UAE organizations such as ADNOC, hospitals, and financial institutions. The university’s Science and Innovation Park connects students with real-world projects and research collaborations. Career services support students with job placement, CV preparation, and networking. Many students gain hands-on experience before graduation, improving employability in the UAE and internationally.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL

Required documents

  • Online Application
  • Academic Transcripts
  • High School Certificate
  • English Test (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Passport Copy

Minimum GPA: 3

Tuition costs

  • $5,000 - $12,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 40.00%
  • Scholarships available: UAEU offers a wide range of scholarships, particularly for high-achieving students. Emirati students often receive fully funded education, while international students can access merit-based scholarships covering 25% to 100% of tuition fees. Some scholarships also include accommodation, monthly stipends, and research funding for graduate students. The university provides assistantships for Master’s and PhD students, allowing them to work on research projects while studying. Scholarships are competitive and depend on GPA, test scores, and academic excellence. UAEU is considered one of the more affordable top-ranked universities in the UAE due to strong government support.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1976
  • Teaching languages: english, arabic
  • Study formats: offline

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