The UAE is an ideal destination for students looking for a degree in software engineering. The country has a rapidly growing tech industry and advanced technological infrastructure. Graduates also receive competitive salaries and during their studies, have access to the latest tools and technologies. If you are looking for some of the best Software Engineering Universities in the UAE, you’ve come to the right place. These Universities prepare students for professions in the technology sector by giving them a thorough grasp of software development principles, programming languages, and software engineering processes.
Students can study for a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering in the United Arab Emirates, which typically requires four years to finish and covers topics including software design and development and computer programming. Additionally, there are master’s degrees in software engineering that provide more in-depth training in subjects including software architecture, software security, and software development processes. In the UAE, a master’s program in software engineering typically lasts two years.
Depending on the institution, curriculum, and degree level, different software engineering courses in the UAE have different costs. While tuition for a Bachelor’s degree in software engineering typically varies from AED 60,000 to 80,000 per year, a Master’s program in the field may cost between AED 80,000 and AED 100,000 annually.
For those seeking degrees in software engineering, the UAE is a great location. Some top-ranked universities in the UAE provide globally accredited degrees in software engineering. According to a survey by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the Middle East and Africa area is also seeing strong growth in the technology industry, with the market there expected to reach $240 billion by 2026. The UAE is a great place for anybody interested in a career in technology because of these and other factors.
Why Choose Software Engineering Universities in UAE?
Government Support
The UAE government is aware of the significance of the technology industry and has made major investments in programs like the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and the Dubai Smart City project. These programs seek to make the nation a hub for global technology and a knowledge-based economy, creating many possibilities for software engineers to succeed.
Global Exposure
As a center for global corporations, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) now offers a wide variety of career prospects for software engineers. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s top nations for luring international investment, according to a survey by Bayt.com, include the UAE, further solidifying its status as a corporate powerhouse.
High Living Standards
For students interested in studying software engineering, the UAE is a great choice due to its high level of living, safety, and contemporary amenities. The nation provides cutting-edge labs, excellent professors, and a pleasant lifestyle, giving students plenty of chances to participate in extracurricular activities and learn about the culture of the nation.
Entrepreneurship Possibilities
In 2020 alone, entrepreneurs in the UAE will receive almost $1 billion in venture capital investments, continuing the steady development trajectory of the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem (MENAbytes). Numerous incubators, accelerators, and financing programs are available throughout the nation to aid in the expansion of technology-based enterprises.
With such assistance, students studying software engineering may hone their talents, experience real-world innovation and entrepreneurship, and contribute to the nation’s burgeoning technological industry.
Top International Software Engineering Universities in UAE
There are several international universities with branch campuses in UAE that offer high-quality programs in Software Engineering. Mentioned below are some of these top-ranked universities
Heroit-Watt University
| Name of Program | Duration | Tuition Fee/ Year in AED | Application Deadline |
| BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering) | 4 Years | 70,412 | – |
Admission Requirements
- English Language Proficiency IELTS Academic Overall 5.5 (with no band below 5.0)
- Highschool Diploma with a minimum of 65% marks
- Compulsory Subject to include mathematics and English
- Academic Transcripts
The British University in Dubai
| Name of Program | Duration | Tuition Fee/ Year in AED | Application Deadline |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Software Engineering | 4 Years | 56,520 | – |
Admission Requirements
- Senior Secondary School Certificate (12th Standard) minimum of 65%
- 65% Score in Mathematics and Physics
- Register for a non-credited Basic Arabic Language course at the University
- A certified official transcript and an equivalence letter from the MOE-UAE are required for non-UAE high school curricula.
- English Language Proficiency IELTS Academic Overall 5.0
University of Birmingham Dubai
| Name of Program | Duration | Tuition Fee/ Year in AED | Application Deadline |
| Computer Engineering BSc | 3 Years | 126,455 | – |
| Computer Science and Software Engineering MEng | 4 years | 120,294 | – |
Admission Requirements
Browse your country-specific entry requirements by visiting the university website.
Middlesex University Dubai
| Name of Program | Duration | Tuition Fee/ Year in AED | Application Deadline |
| BEng Hons Computer Systems Engineering | 3 Years | 59,947 | – |
Admission Requirements
- Highschool Diploma With a minimum score of 55%-70% overall
- IELTS Academic 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
- A certified official transcript and an equivalence letter from the MOE-UAE are required for non-UAE high school curricula.
Top Software Engineering Universities in UAE
Few institutions in the UAE offer programs in software engineering, despite the fact that several universities there provide engineering degrees. The best software engineering universities in the UAE are listed here.
| University Name | Location | QS Ranking in UAE 2023 |
| United Arab Emirates University | Al Ain | 2 |
| Canadian University Dubai | Dubai | 4 |
| Al Ain University | Al Ain | 5 |
| Abu Dhabi University | Abu Dhabi | 6 |
United Arab Emirates University
UAEU is the country’s first and top-tier comprehensive national university. The late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan created UAEU in 1976. There are now 14,968 Emirati and international students registered there. UAEU is the second-best University in UAE according to QS Ranking 2023 and it’s one of the best MBA universities in UAE
The College of Information Technology’s Master of Science in Software Engineering program is intended to advance technical and management capabilities in software engineering. The curriculum is geared toward filling the increasing need for software developers. In addition to preparing students for Ph.D. degree programs in IT and allied fields, the program is intended to convey knowledge and develop the skills necessary to satisfy the present and future information technology demands of governmental and business entities.
| Name of Program | Duration | Tuition Fee/ year in AED | Application Deadline |
| Master of Science in Software Engineering | 2 years | 72,000 | Spring: 15 November |
| Fall: 30 March |
Admission Requirements Master of Science in Software Engineering
- A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent, together with a Bachelor’s degree in the discipline or a closely related field from an authorized university recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education.
- Passport Copy
- CV
- 2 Academic Recommendation Letters
- Academic Transcripts
- English Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.0
Scholarships
United Arab Emirates University Provides a number of scholarships to students, some of which are listed here.
| Name of Scholarship | Description | Amount in AED |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Administrative Assistantship | Graduate administrative assistants (GAAs) are typically full-time graduate students who assist with the university administration in exchange for payment. | Varies |
| Chancellor’s Fellowship | The Chancellor’s Fellowship seeks to draw outstanding students by offering them financial support for their pursuit of higher education. | Up to 50% discount on tuition fees. |
Canadian University Dubai
The Canadian University of Dubai is a recognized school of higher learning in the United Arab Emirates that provides students with an education in a Canadian manner. The institution is renowned for its demanding academic standards, eminent staff, and cutting-edge facilities. It provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of subjects.
Students at Canadian University Dubai can get a specialized degree in the art and science of computer software design, architecture, analysis, and evolution through the Software Design program.
| Name of Program | Duration | Tuition Fee/ Year in AED | Application Deadline |
| Bachelor of Science in Software Design | 4 years | 60,952 | Spring: December 9 |
| Summer: May 5 |
Admission Requirements Bachelor of Science in Software Design
- Elite track/Advanced Track 70% or equivalent.
- General Track 75%, or equivalent.
- EmSAT English Language: 1100/equivalent or above.
- Minimum of 60% in one science subject (Physics, Biology, or Chemistry) or,
- Minimum 500 score of EmSAT in one science subject (Physics, Biology, or Chemistry), or Equivalent.
- A certificate indicating that the student has finished 12 years of education.
- Certified copies of the graduation certificate and the certificates for grades 10, 11, and 12 (diploma).
- Equivalent certificate issued by the UAE Ministry of Education.
- English Language Proficiency: IELTS Academic 5.0
Scholarships
Canadian University Dubai provides a number of scholarships to its students, some are listed here
| Name of Scholarship | Description | Amount in AED |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Excellence Scholarship | Students must be registered for at least 12 credit hours in order to be eligible for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. | Up to 50% tuition waiver |
| Sports Scholarship | This scholarship is intended for exceptional and skilled athletes from any sport who have participated in the competition and found | Up to 40% of tuition fee |
Al Ain University
Al Ain University is a private university located in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The institution provides a wide selection of undergraduate and graduate degrees in a number of academic fields, including business, engineering, law, education, and pharmacy. The goal of the university is to give students a top-notch education that equips them for the challenges of the future and advances society. Moreover, Al Ain University is one of the best universities to study BBA in the UAE.
Al Ain University’s Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering program is a thorough four-year course of study that includes the most recent techniques and tools for software development. Students will be taught by knowledgeable teachers, have access to cutting-edge equipment, and acquire real-world experience through internships and projects with local businesses. Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of software engineering positions and related disciplines.
| Name of Program | Duration | Tuition Fee/ Year in AED | Application Deadline |
| Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | 4 Years | 33,075 | – |
Admission Requirements Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
- A general secondary certificate from the United Arab Emirates for the track (science/advanced) or its equivalent, recognized by the Ministry of Education, with a minimum grade point average of 60%.
- English Language Proficiency: IELTS Academic 5.0 Overall
Scholarships
Al Ain University Provides a number of scholarships to students, some of which are listed here.
| Name of Scholarship | Description | Amount in AED |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Excellence Scholarships | A minimum of 15 credits must have been successfully completed in the first or second semester, and the student must have a semester GPA of at least 3.6. | Up to 40% discount on credit fees |
| Humanitarian aid | Scholarships are offered by the institution to students who, due to financial constraints, are unable to continue their education. | Varies |
| Scholarships for high school graduates | Awarded according to the high school average of students | Up to 40% tuition waiver |
Abu Dhabi University
In the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is a reputable school of higher learning that is well-known for its top-notch academic offerings, illustrious staff, and cutting-edge facilities. Employers in the area strongly value the university’s alumni, who may choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in many different professions.
You will gain the knowledge and abilities to design systems, components, and processes to satisfy needs while adhering to economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability constraints by enrolling in a software engineering program at Abu Dhabi University, one of the top software engineering universities in the UAE.
| Name of Program | Duration | Tuition Fee/ Year in AED | Application Deadline |
| Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | 4 Years | 48,600 | – |
Admission Requirements Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
- A certified copy of the certificate from your high school or general secondary education, or its equivalent.
- Passport Copy
- Original letter of equivalence for a foreign curriculum from the UAE Ministry of Education
- Passport size photo
- English Language Proficiency: IELTS Band 5.0
- Academic Transcripts
Scholarships
Abu Dhabi University provides scholarships for students, some of them are listed here
| Name of Scholarship | Description | Amount in AED |
|---|---|---|
| Chairman Scholarship | Students who earn an average of 97% or higher in each of their last three years of secondary school (grades 10, 11, and 12) are eligible for this grant. | Varies |
| Humanitarian Aid | Students who have been enrolled for at least two semesters and have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 3.60 are eligible for this grant. | 20% Tuition Waiver |
Career Opportunities After Software Engineering in Dubai
A software engineering curriculum may help students enter a variety of fields, including technology, finance, healthcare, and many more. Some of the possible career pathways are shown in the list below.
- Software Developer/Engineer
- Systems Analyst
- Quality Assurance Analyst/Tester
- Database Administrator
- Network Administrator
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Cloud Solutions Architect
- Data Scientist
- UX/UI Designer
- Technical Project Manager
Conclusion
The discipline of software engineering is highly recognized and has many useful applications in the modern economy. Top universities in Dubai provide undergraduate and graduate degrees in software engineering. These courses provide students with a solid foundation in software engineering, setting them up for a lucrative future.
You may want to think about studying Software engineering in the UAE as there are so many career prospects there. For a smooth admissions procedure, get in touch with Gyanberry.
