Home to some of the world’s biggest architectural marvels, Dubai hosts colleges with cutting-edge engineering technology. The city’s unique landscape and iconic structures stand as a testament to the quality of education imparted to students here. Despite having global accreditation, even the best engineering colleges in Dubai are more affordable than other first-world countries like the UK or the US.
As of today, 29,168 international students are enrolled in 609 undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the best universities in UAE. In addition to the country’s native universities, several global colleges have also established campuses in Dubai.
With an annual intake growth of 3.6%, Business, Information Technology, and Engineering remain the top three program choices for international applicants. Through this article, let us take a look at the top-tier engineering colleges in Dubai.
Highlights: Best Engineering Colleges in Dubai
| Degree Type | Undergraduate- Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng), Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSc)
Postgraduate- Master of Engineering (M.Eng), Master of Science in Engineering (MSc) |
| Duration | BEng- 3 years
BEng (Hons)- 4 years BSc in Engineering- 4 years M.Eng- 2 years MSc in Engineering- 2 years |
| Medium of instruction | English |
| Eligibility | For undergraduate courses, students must have a high school diploma or its equivalent with maths, chemistry, and physics being mandatory subjects
A minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required For postgraduate admissions, students should have completed their bachelor’s from a recognized university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale Work experience of 1-2 years is preferred. GRE scores may also be asked by some institutions for PG admissions English language proficiency scores: IELTS scores: A minimum of 6.0 for UG and 6.5 for PG TOEFL iBT scores: 79 for UG and 80-90 for PG ACT/SAT scores may also be required for individual subjects during UG admissions *University-specific eligibility criteria may vary |
| The average program costs | 70,000-100,000 AED annually for UG programs
36,000-52,000 AED annually for PG programs |
| Career prospects | Job positions include the likes of Project Engineer, Associate Engineer, Research and Development Supervisor, Team Leader, Project Manager |
| The median salary for international engineering graduates | The salary for freshers starts at 84,000 AED annually |
Popular Engineering Specializations
Engineering is a vast field that covers many aspects of modern-day industrial growth. Engineering professionals play a pivotal role in many sectors of the UAE economy. As a result, the job portfolio is diversified, and many engineering specializations have immense career scope.
The most popular engineering disciplines in Dubai are
- Computer Engineering: Graduates of computer and software engineering are always highly sought-after. With the advent of AI-based technology, this primary engineering branch is a top pick for young students.
- Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical engineering is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses branches like thermodynamics, manufacturing, and transportation.
- Electrical Engineering: Electrical engineers single-handedly manage power transmission plants and grid lines alongside maintaining telecommunications infrastructure.
- Civil Engineering: The United Arab Emirates is home to some of the world’s best infrastructural wonders. Civil engineers here are in high demand here.
- Petroleum Engineering: Petroleum engineering is a specialized field that involves the production, and processing of oil and gas resources. The UAE is a major supplier of these products, making petroleum engineering a coveted discipline.
- Chemical Engineering: Chemical engineering is a core field that has multiple applications. Graduates find employment opportunities in several sectors, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, medicine, research, and agrochemicals.
- Aerospace Engineering: Aerospace engineers are professionals involved in designing systems used for space transportation, communications, exploration, and defense applications. The UAE government’s investment in the aviation industry creates opportunities for aerospace engineers in the country.
- Environmental Engineering: With sustainable living rising through the ranks to become the need of the hour, the importance of environmental engineering cannot be undermined.
- Construction Engineering and Management: Known as construction operations, this engineering specialty is usually offered as an adjunct degree by the Department of Civil Engineering. It is concerned with the construction and management of large-scale utility projects.
Top Engineering Colleges in Dubai
UAE’s universities are seen charting high on international ranking lists. Here, we will compare the best engineering colleges in Dubai on the basis of the 2023 QS Subject Rankings in Engineering and Technology.
| QS Subject World Rank 2023 | Name of the University |
| 103 | Khalifa University |
| 260 | United Arab Emirates University |
| 356 | American University of Sharjah |
| Top 450 | University of Sharjah |
We also have many global universities with campuses in Dubai that offer engineering courses to international students. Some of these premier institutions comprise
- Middlesex University, Dubai
- BITS Pilani, Dubai
- University of Wollongong, Dubai
- Heriot Watt University, Dubai
- Manipal University, Dubai Campus
- Curtin University, Dubai
- Amity University, Dubai
- University of Birmingham, Dubai
Khalifa University
Khalifa University boasts the reputation of being the top-ranked engineering institution in the UAE for 5 years in a row. With over 2600+ students enrolled across their undergraduate and graduate programs, 9 academic departments here currently offer 10 BSc and 16 MSc concentrations.
The curriculum of each course is tailored to ensure students stand at the forefront of creating new knowledge that is integral to societal sustenance. Emphasis is given to research with 200+ patents under Khalifa University’s name. With over 8,000 published articles, 35% of publications ranked in the top 10% of scientific journals.
| Name of the program | UG programs:
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering PG programs: M.Sc in Aerospace Engineering M.Sc in Chemical Engineering M.Sc in Computer Science M.Sc in Computational Data Science M.Sc in Civil Infrastructure and Engineering M.Sc in Electrical and Computer Engineering M.Sc in Engineering Systems and Management M.Sc in Cyber Security M.Sc in Materials Science and Engineering M.Sc in Mechanical Engineering M.Sc in Nuclear Engineering M.Sc in Petroleum Engineering M.Sc in Sustainable Critical Infrastructure M.Sc in Water and Environmental Engineering M.Sc in Biomedical Engineering Master of Engineering in Health, Safety, and Environmental Engineering |
| Tuition fees for international students | 456,621-463,287 AED for BSc programs (3,333 AED per credit hour)
180,000 AED for the entire MSc program (5,000 AED per credit hour) |
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
Founded in 1980, the College of Engineering at UAEU comprises 5 academic departments offering several courses at the baccalaureate and postbaccalaureate levels. All UG programs are accredited by the prestigious Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, which is a standing attestation of the quality of education offered here.
Coursework is divided over the span of 132 hours at the UG level and 30 hours at the postgraduate level. The college integrates the use of blue-chip engineering software such as LabView, Autocad, HYSYS, Fluent, ABACUS, ANSYS, and others. Collaborations with industry giants also help students gain relevant practical exposure.
| Name of the program | UG programs:
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Communication Engineering Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering PG programs: M.Sc in Chemical Engineering M.Sc in Civil Engineering M.Sc in Electrical Engineering M.Sc in Mechanical Engineering M.Sc in Petroleum Engineering |
| Tuition fees for international students | 330,000 AED for BSc programs (2,500 AED per credit hour)
72,000 AED for the entire MSc program (2,400 AED per credit hour) |
American University of Sharjah (AUS)
Known for pioneering sustainability in the classroom, the American University of Sharjah has consistently proven to be worthy of its spot in the list of the best engineering colleges in Dubai. In 2019, the College of Engineering inaugurated a state-of-the-art sustainable building equipped with the latest technology. The AUS abides by the American curriculum of education, proving its dedication to excellence by offering 7 UG and 9 PG courses.
The student body is incredibly diverse, with representation from over 60 nationalities. The faculty comprises learned Ph.D. scholars making up 84% of the academicians. With a focus to make graduates industry leaders, the college also provides certification programs by Cisco, HP, Amazon AWS, IBM, SAP, VMware, and more.
| Name of the program | UG programs:
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering PG programs: M.Sc in Computer Engineering M.Sc in Chemical Engineering M.Sc in Civil Engineering M.Sc in Biomedical Engineering M.Sc in Electrical Engineering M.Sc in Mechanical Engineering M.Sc in Mechanotrics Engineering |
| Tuition fees for international students | Tuition for all majors is AED 100,940 per academic year (UG programs)
149,700 for the entire MSc program (4,990 AED per credit hour) |
University of Sharjah
The University of Sharjah prides itself on being one of the largest civil engineering departments in the entire country. Holistic development is encouraged, with the college undertaking several student activity drives. Personal development as a part of career growth is highlighted as the key objective.
The Department of Sustainable and Renewable Energy hosts a unique Wind Energy Lab where renewable energy is harvested. In addition to this, the American Nuclear Society (ANS) chapter at UOS is also one of a kind. Extensive library resources and modern lab facilities ensure students get the best of both worlds.
| Name of the program | UG programs:
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering PG programs: M.Sc in Civil Engineering M.Sc in Environmental Science and Engineering M.Sc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering M.Sc in Mechanical Engineering M.Sc in Mechanotrics Engineering |
| Tuition fees for international students | 57,812-63,670 AED annually for BSc programs
100,485 AED for the entire MSc program (3,045 AED per credit hour) |
Middlesex University, Dubai
Middlesex University Dubai is the first overseas campus of this renowned University based in the heart of London. After expanding beyond the borders of the UK, the institution has established a multi-site educational experience in Dubai. While the first campus opened in 2005 in DKP, the second campus location was soon launched in 2021 in the DIAC.
As of today, the university has 4000+ students from 118 countries. The Dubai campus of MDX only offers 3-year-long honors bachelor’s courses in engineering. This diverse set of students is trained to become a skilled, responsible batch of engineers that adhere to the highest of professional standards.
| Name of the program | BEng Honours Computer Systems Engineering
BEng Honours Electronic Engineering |
| Tuition fees for international students | 59,947 AED annually for 3 years for BEng Honours courses |
BITS Pilani, Dubai
BITS Pilani is an esteemed private technical institution that was first established in the state of Rajasthan in India. Since then, the university has diversified to set up several other campuses in other Indian States and its first international location in Dubai.
Approved as an ‘Institute of Eminence’ by the Indian Government, the university stands on the principles of interdisciplinary research and collaboration. It has a diverse student population with over 58% of the student body at the Dubai campus hailing from a multinational coterie.
| Name of the program | UG programs:
B.E. Biotechnology B.E. Chemical Engineering B.E. Civil Engineering B.E. Computer Science B.E. Electronics & Communication Engineering B.E. Electrical & Electronics Engineering B.E. Mechanical Engineering PG programs: M.E. Design Engineering M.E. Electrical with specialization in Power Electronics and Drives M.E. Microelectronics M.E. Software Systems M.E. Civil Engineering with specialization in Infrastructure Engineering and Management |
| Tuition fees for international students | 49,800 AED annually for B.E. programs (for 4 years)
32,000 AED annually for M.E. programs (for 2 years) |
University of Wollongong, Dubai
The University of Wollongong is an Australian public research university that was first founded in 1951. UOWD has established a state-of-the-art ‘Campus of the Future’ at DKP that has been completely revamped to accommodate the highest technical advancements for the benefit of its students.
The dedicated Learning Resource Center supports blended learning. A modern array of facilities are presented to those enrolled in UG and PG programs. Despite the plethora of amenities made available to students, the tuition fees at UOWD are quite affordable.
| Name of the program | UG programs:
BEng Honours in Civil Engineering BEng Honours in Electrical and Electronics Engineering BEng Honours in Computer and Autonomous Systems Engineering BEng Honours in Mechanical Engineering BEng Honours Mechatronics Engineering BEng Honours in Telecommunications Engineering PG programs: Master of Engineering Management |
| Tuition fees for international students | AED 62,503 annually for B.Eng Hons programs
AED 47,985 annually for the Master of Engineering Management program |
Heriot-Watt University, Dubai
Founded in 1821 as the world’s first mechanics institute, Heriot-Watt University was granted University status by the Royal Charter in 1966. Heriot-Watt also holds the unique distinction of being the first campus of an overseas university to open in DIAC in 2005. Dubai was chosen because of its sophisticated technology and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Even while studying in Dubai, you can experience the UK and Malaysia campuses of this global university with their inter-campus transfer programs. Heriot-Watt’s portfolio of engineering courses is impressive at both the UG and PG levels and is offered extensive collaboration opportunities.
| Name of the program | UG programs:
BEng Honours in Civil Engineering BEng Honours in Chemical BEng Honours in Architectural Engineering BEng Honours in Mechanical Engineering BEng Honours Electrical Engineering PG programs: MSc in Advanced Structural Engineering MSc in Civil Engineering and Construction Management MSc in Safety, Risk, and Reliability Engineering MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering |
| Tuition fees for international students | AED 70,412 per year for BEng Hons programs
AED 91,990 for the entire MSc program (1-year duration) |
Admission Requirements for Engineering in Dubai
The detailed criterion includes
- For undergraduate admissions, a high school diploma or its equivalent with maths, chemistry, and physics as mandatory subjects and a minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This may be from an Arabian university or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
- For postgraduate admissions an undergraduate degree in a relevant field from an engineering program with a GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This may be from an Arabian university or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
- Minimum test scores in standardized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, and GRE. IELTS and TOEFL scores are mandatory for both UG and PG admissions. Although university-specific requirements may vary, a TOEFL iBT score of 79 and an IELTS score of 6.0 is considered safe for UG, and a TOEFL iBT score of 80-90 and an IELTS score of 6.5 is considered best for PG admissions.
- For PG courses that require GRE scores, the desired range of marks lies in the 90 percentile range and above.
- Although prior work experience in a related field is unnecessary, it provides a consequential advantage in securing admission to PG courses.
Documents required for international students
Before confirmation of acceptance, international students will be asked to furnish the following records
- All past academic transcripts
- 2-3 references from senior officials who can vouch for your academic ability and qualifications
- Proof of English Language Proficiency exam results
- Updated CV
- Passport photos and proof of residence
For the timely submission of documents, you can employ our admissions counseling services and get into any university of your picking.
Please schedule a video conversation with one of our specialists for further information.
Career Prospects for Graduates After Engineering in Dubai
In the UAE, engineers occupy a respected position in society and earn handsomely. With the government investing in modern technology and infrastructural development, the demand for skilled workers is going to rise steadily over the next few years. A degree from the top engineering colleges in Dubai balances academics with real-world skills that equip students to solve perplexing problems with great acuity.
With a median salary of 84,000 AED annually for freshly graduated engineers, available job roles will be
- Project Engineer
- Associate Engineer
- Research and Development Supervisor
- Team Leader
- Project Manager
Conclusion
Engineering is a reputed course that finds several real-world applications in the current economy. Through the undergraduate and graduate programs at the top engineering colleges in Dubai, students are continuously introduced to independent research using workshops, advanced lab technology, and seminars conducted by professors from various universities across the globe.
With a multitude of job opportunities at your disposal, you can consider pursuing engineering in the UAE. Contact us at Gyanberry for a seamless admissions process.
