- Overall, students rate UAE universities positively, with an average score of 3.99, higher than Spain and Nigeria.
- Class sizes are small, enhancing engagement and interaction with professors, promoting an effective learning environment.
- Hands-on experiences, such as internships, are commonly integrated into programmes, preparing students for practical applications of their studies.
- The UAE's multicultural community offers diverse perspectives, enriching the educational experience for both international and Emirati students.
Ever thought about studying in the United Arab Emirates? The country is a rich educational destination, with a wide variety of top institutions and a diverse expat population that means it may feel more like home than you expect. But what of students who study in UAE? What do they say about their universities?
In Dubai, one of UAE’s biggest cities, more than one in four students come from outside the UAE. As of summer 2021, over 215,000 Indian students were studying in UAE, one of the largest international groups. But what draws them here, and what do they say about their experience?
We looked at EDUopinions student reviews for universities in the United Arab Emirates to find out the most common student opinions about their universities, the student experience, and life in some of the most exciting cities in the world.
So, read on to find out exactly what it’s like to study in the UAE.
What Do Students Say About Studying in UAE?
Small class sizes make learning more engaging
In general, students can expect relatively small class sizes at a university in the United Arab Emirates. The American University of Sharjah, for example, publishes the average class sizes at the beginning of each fall semester, and the majority of undergraduate classes have between 10-39 students.
The total number of students in university education in the UAE each year totals around 300,000, which is less than in country’s of comparable populations. Take Portugal, for example, which is approximately the size of the UAE when it comes to overall population numbers, but where there are almost 450,000 students in higher education.
Lower overall numbers of students means that universities in the UAE can keep class sizes to a minimum. Students reviewers on EDUopinions say that this keeps classes engaging, given that students have more opportunities to discuss directly with their professors.
Student Review – Public Health at Zayed University
Zayed University offers a personalized education with a focus on academic excellence and good values. With a range of programs, students benefit from small class sizes, modern facilities, and a strong sense of community. The university develops the whole person – intellectually, spiritually, and socially – in a diverse and supportive environment.
Student Review – Psychology at American University in Dubai
This university is a great community with caring and detailed teachers. They know all the students by name and the small class sizes make it for a better attentive work environment. The cafeteria food is good and diverse and there is also a Starbucks on campus. The students are very friendly and welcoming, although a bit superficial. Even though the campus is small it’s easy to find like-minded people. The academics are incredible, especially the Arabic teachers. There is a Mcdonald’s right next to the campus which makes it fun to do with friends in between classes. The classes are always reasonably timed and flow well. The campus is very diverse with people from all over the world. Good experience.
There’s a focus on real-world experience
EDUopinions reviewers who are studying in the UAE frequently mention the hands-on nature of their study programmes. These experiences may take place within the classroom (such as practical classes with use of technology or other facilities) or outside of the classroom, on field trips or internships.
At many universities in the UAE, an internship is a required part of an undergraduate study programme. For example, students at Zayed University cannot graduate without having completed an internship at the end of their programme.
Student Review – Health Sciences at Zayed University
As a Zayed University student, I appreciate the wide range of academic programs that equip me with a comprehensive education and crucial skills for success. The curriculum emphasizes real-world applications, enabling students like me to reach our full potential and build a solid foundation for thriving professional careers.
Student Review – Advertising at Canadian University Dubai
Canadian University Dubai delivers excellent education and an incredible campus vibe. You’ll be greeted by warm, welcoming students and have the chance to explore your studies beyond traditional lectures through internships, research opportunities, and field experiences, giving you real-life insights into your chosen career path. With countless majors, student organizations, and events happening on and off-campus, there’s always something exciting to do!
Genders are Split on Some University Campuses
As an international student, you may experience culture shock when you’re adjusting to life in a very different country. For those studying in the UAE, the fact that some university campuses (especially those of public institutions) are split into male and female campuses can come as a surprise.
Our student reviewers do mention the fact that campuses are separate—but very often, this isn’t a negative aspect. Rather, reviewers mention it as something to be aware of if you’re thinking of studying in the UAE. At universities where male and female students are taught separately, such as United Arab Emirates University, both sets of students have access to the same facilities on each of their campuses, including gyms, student groups, and extracurricular activities.
Student Review – Computer Science at United Arab Emirates University
The UAEU is one of prestigious universities in the UAE. I like the professors, and the fact that there’re lots of resources to dig deep into the courses by our own. The university is separated into male and female campuses with separate learning classes. I don’t like the strict rules they have in the residential area.
Student Review – Computer Science at United Arab Emirates University
UAEU is a well accredited university in the region. I like the availability of learning resources in all forms. The campus is separated into male and female campuses. I recommend anyone interested to join the university.
Classrooms are modern and well-equipped
The UAE is known for embracing modern technology, so it’s no surprise that students often say that their universities are modern and well-equipped. In fact, student reviewers on EDUopinions give the UAE a higher ‘facilities’ score than European countries including Portugal, Belgium, and Ireland.
Facilities are often a concern for students in more practical subjects like computer science, engineering, or medicine, where access to facilities can make a huge difference to the learning experience. However, students remark that campuses are designed to allow collaborative, hands-on work during and outside classes.
Student Review – Computer science at American University Dubai
American University in Dubai is committed to academic excellence, reflected in its challenging curriculum and top-tier faculty who cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills in their students. Highly structured and equipped classrooms, laboratories, and research centers provide an exceptional learning environment where students can engage in practical learning, fostering collaborative projects that enable them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations
Student Review – Administration at the University of Sharjah
The university experience was great the instructors are outstanding, the environment helps students to study more, and the classrooms are well equipped. The overall system is out standing, registration ,admission and internship portal
Learn from a multicultural student community
The United Arab Emirates is unique in that it has one of the largest expat communities in the world. Around 88% of the country’s population is from outside of the UAE, while just 12% are native Emiratis. As a result, the university classroom in the UAE can be incredibly diverse, introducing students to many different cultures and perspectives.
Both international students and Emirati student reviewers mention the multicultural atmosphere at university in UAE, suggesting that both groups learn from each other while studying together. While there is likely more diversity at international universities (more on these below), the international environment in cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai can greatly add your international student experience.
Student Review – Archaeology at Canadian University Dubai
I’m absolutely loving my time at Canada University Dubai! I’ve settled in nicely, and the campus is truly impressive. My professors have been incredibly supportive, and the student life is vibrant and exciting. As an international student, I was initially anxious about adapting to a new environment, but the diverse community here has made me feel welcome and included. The Dubai weather takes some getting used to, but it’s a small trade-off for the top-notch education and experiences I’m having. I’m excited to see what the next few semesters bring – CUD has already exceeded my expectations.
Student Review – American University in the Emirates
At AUE, the focus on practical learning and global outlook stands out, establishing a strong foundation for student success. Hands-on experience has greatly improved my problem-solving capabilities, while the multicultural environment has expanded my perspective. Despite limited extracurricular options, the supportive faculty cultivates an engaging academic atmosphere. AUE’s career services are commendable, providing students with the necessary tools to thrive in their professional careers.
Where can I study in The UAE?
The United Arab Emirates boasts five universities ranked in the top 500 in the world in 2024: Abu Dhabi University, Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates (UAE) University, the University of Sharjah, and Zayed University.
Of these institutions, Zayed University and UAE University are the only two main public institutions of the UAE. Other universities in the country may be public or private, but all must be recognised by the Ministry of Education.
Aside from Emirati institutions—which, although internationally recognised, may follow an Emirati-style study programme—there are universities in the UAE that are more internationally-oriented. These institutions typically have the title ‘American University of…’ or ‘Canadian University of…’.
So, at the American University in Dubai, undergraduates can enrol on a four-year degree in the liberal arts and sciences, allowing them to gain a degree with a major and a minor subject, as is popular in the United States.
Additionally, some global universities have campuses in the United Arab Emirates, meaning students can follow a similar programme as in the main country of the institution but in the UAE. Students at these universities can typically take advantage of global networks outside of the UAE, but curricula may not cover the cultural aspects of living in the UAE.
One of these institutions is Heriot-Watt University, a research university in Edinburgh that has a campus in Dubai. Here, students can enrol in a British-style curriculum and participate in student initiatives alongside their peers in Edinburgh—such as the Edinburgh Business School Global Incubator.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a unique destination for your studies abroad, then the United Arab Emirates is a rewarding choice. As an internationally-renowned business destination, there are plenty of job opportunities for graduates in the country, while the large expat community can make it easier to adjust to student life abroad.
Student reviewers on EDUopinions are broadly positive about their experience studying in the UAE, giving the country an overall rating of 3.99, meaning it ranks higher than Spain, Malta, and Nigeria.
Still wondering if studying abroad is for you? Here are five ways it could transform your career.
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