The cogs of digitization of all industries were set in motion, which directly attributed to the latest tech boom in the past couple of years. Despite companies hiring computer science engineering graduates in large numbers, cyber security remains a primary concern for all corporations. With Dubai establishing its stronghold as an advanced global hub, it is of little wonder that a rising number of university applications are being made for Cyber Security Courses in Dubai.
Business, Information Technology, and Engineering have seen an annual increase of 3.6% in international student enrollment- leading the top three program choices in the UAE. Cybersecurity is traditionally provided as an elective option under undergraduate Computer Science degrees, meaning this particular specialization lies within that larger program domain. However, some universities also offer postgraduate degrees in cyber security in the country.
Through this article, we at Gyanberry will familiarize you with detailed information pertaining to different Cyber Security courses in Dubai.
If you are interested in other Computer Science programs, you can also check out our blog on the Best Universities in UAE for Computer Science.
Highlights: Cyber Security Courses in Dubai
| Degree Type | UG programs:
Bachelor of Science in Computing Security Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) BSc Honours Cyber Security and Digital Forensics PG programs: Master of Science in Information Technology (Cyber Security) Master of Science in Computing Security MSc in Network Security MSc Cyber Security And Pen Testing |
| Duration | UG programs: 3-4 years
PG programs: 2 years/ 1 year(full-time), 2 years (part-time) |
| 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 *University-specific eligibility criteria may vary |
| The average program costs | 60,000 AED annually for undergraduate students and 43,000 annually for postgraduate students |
| Career prospects | IT security specialists, Security engineers, Computer forensic analysts, Chief information officers, Ethical hackers, Security managers, etc |
| The median salary for international cybersecurity graduates | 40,000- 65,000 AED a month in Dubai |
Top-Ranked Universities Offering Cyber Security Courses in Dubai
All the best universities offering Computer Science programs in the UAE do not offer specializations in Cyber Security. For those that do, we have compiled a list of the top universities according to the 2023 QS World Rankings.
These universities are renowned for their high-quality education and research output, boasting excellent faculty members who are experts in their fields. In addition to indigenous national institutions, several top foreign universities also have campuses in the heart of Dubai. These institutions comprise
| University Name | QS World University Ranking 2023 | QS World University Rankings by Subject- Computer Science & Information Systems |
| University of Wollongong in Dubai | 185 | 201-250 |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai | 281 | 351-400 |
| Canadian University Dubai | 541-550 | NA |
| Zayed University | 701-750 | 351-400 |
| Middlesex University Dubai | 751-800 | 501-550 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai | 1001-1200 | 451-500 |
University of Wollongong, Dubai
The University of Wollongong is an Australian public research university that opened its doors to students in 1951. Recently, UOWD established an up-to-date, reconfigured ‘Campus of the Future’ at DKP.
Currently, the university offers an undergraduate program in Computer Science with a concentration in Cybersecurity. Despite the plethora of amenities available to students, the tuition fees at UOWD are quite affordable. You can also refer to this list of Cheap Universities in Dubai for International Students.
| Name of the program | Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) |
| Tuition fees for international students | 57,551 AED annually for undergraduate students |
Heriot-Watt University, Dubai
Heriot-Watt University holds the unique distinction of being the first campus of an overseas university to open in the DIAC (Dubai International Academic City). The institute understands the crux of cybersecurity being prioritized as the next hurdle to tackle, with the dramatic advancements in technology seen in recent days.
Heriot-Watt’s portfolio of computer science programs is also offered at both the UG and PG levels. The MSc in Network Security program in particular has a duration of 1 year if students enroll full-time and a duration of 2 years if students opt to enroll part-time.
If you want to learn the fundamentals of software development and programming before moving on to cybersecurity, Heriot-Watt is among the Best Universities for Software Engineering in UAE.
| Name of the program | BSc in Computer Science (Cyber Security)
MSc in Network Security |
| Tuition fees for international students | 70,412 AED annually for undergraduate students
91,990 AED for the entire program for postgraduate students |
Canadian University, Dubai
Ranked #1 in Dubai according to QS and THE international world rankings, the Canadian University Dubai is a class apart. It offers 18 accredited programs and over 30 concentrations to a diverse community of students representing 120 nations.
With a holistic undergraduate program in Cyber Security, CUD is not only among the best universities in Dubai, but it is also one of the most affordable ones.
The university also has a transfer program for meritorious students who wish to complete their degree in Canada. You can be among the selected few to Study Masters in Cyber Security in Canada.
| Name of the program | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security |
| Tuition fees for international students | 67,455.68 AED annually for undergraduate students |
Zayed University
Founded in 1998 as UAE’s flagship university, Zayed University has an extensive network of seven colleges under its aegis.
Offering PG programs in Cybersecurity, the primary focus here is to ensure students have the expertise and insights to effectively manage operations trusted with information security governance.
| Name of the program | Master of Science in Information Technology (Cyber Security) |
| Tuition fees for international students | 48,000 AED annually for postgraduate students |
Middlesex University, Dubai
After expanding beyond the borders of the UK, Middlesex University has established a multi-site educational experience in Dubai. Today, the university has 4000+ students and offers 2 cybersecurity courses in Dubai.
Graduates are trained to be able to detect and analyze cybercrimes that have occurred in organizations in compliance with regulations governing Digital Forensics. The MSc program has a duration of 1 year if students enroll full-time and a duration of 2 years if students opt to enroll part-time.
Middlesex University is also one of the favorite choices for studying digital marketing in Dubai.
| Name of the program | BSc Honours Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
MSc Cyber Security And Pen Testing |
| Tuition fees for international students | 59,947 AED annually for undergraduate students
70,000 AED for the entire program for postgraduate students |
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Dubai
Beyond the main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT has established its presence in 4 other nations. With more than 125,000 graduates, the university is driving progress in industries and communities around the world.
After an introduction to computing disciplines including programming, cryptography, security policy, systems, and network administration, students can focus on particular specializations of their choice. Interested applicants should note that the cybersecurity course is offered at both the UG and PG levels at RIT’s Dubai campus.
| Name of the program | Bachelor of Science in Computing Security
Master of Science in Computing Security |
| Tuition fees for international students | 61,950 AED annually for undergraduate students
106,500 AED for the entire program for postgraduate students |
Admission Requirements for Cybersecurity Courses in Dubai
- For undergraduate admissions, a high school diploma or its equivalent with maths, chemistry, and physics as mandatory subjects are required. Applicants should have 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 or computer science program is required 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
Career Prospects for Cybersecurity Graduates in Dubai
With the government investing in modern technology, cybercrime is becoming an important concern for all companies. Not only multinational corporations, but small businesses are also in dire need of skilled cybersecurity professionals.
With a median salary of 40,000- 65,000 AED a month in Dubai, fresh graduates in this profession can occupy job roles such as
- IT Security Specialist
- Security Engineer
- Computer Forensic Analyst
- Chief Information Officer
- Ethical Hacker
- Security Manager
Conclusion
As we move forward, cybersecurity is bound to undergo a transformational shift, fueled by the rising concerns over the catastrophic effects of cyberattacks. With predictions of global losses due to cybercrime reaching up to USD$ 6 trillion this year, the importance of information security in the UAE cannot be undermined.
With a multitude of job opportunities at your disposal, you can consider cybersecurity courses in Dubai. Book a free appointment with us to understand your admission journey.
