Canadian University Dubai
الجامعة الكندية دبي
A private, Canadian-curriculum university at Dubai's City Walk, built around transfer pathways to universities in Canada.
- Tuition
- AED 64,040
- From · 2026-27 (rates effective from 2023-24)
- Founded
- 2006
- QS World Ranking
- #616
- 2027 edition
- Campus
- Urban
About CUD
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) opened in 2006 to bring a Canadian-style university education to Dubai. It grew out of a partnership with two Canadian institutions, Centennial College and Athabasca University, and was originally called Centennial University of Dubai. It is now a private university licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with all degree programmes accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation, and it teaches in English from a large campus in Dubai's City Walk district.
Undergraduate teaching is organised into six schools: Architecture and Interior Design; Communication; Creative Industries; Engineering, Applied Science and Technology; Management; and Health Sciences, Digital Innovation and Sustainability. Several programmes carry outside accreditation: ABET for Computer Science and Cyber Security, PRSA for Public Relations and the International Advertising Association for advertising, with CIMA and ACCA exemptions for Accounting and Finance.
CUD's defining feature is its transfer route. Every programme has at least one formal partner in Canada (or the US for Architecture), including Queen's, Ottawa, Guelph, Windsor, Wilfrid Laurier and Toronto Metropolitan University, so students can start in Dubai and finish in Canada. It suits students who want Dubai's city life and a Canadian-style credit system, and are comfortable paying private tuition.
Why students choose CUD
Transfer pathways to Canadian universities such as Queen's University, the University of Ottawa, the University of Guelph and Toronto Metropolitan University, with at least one formal partner for every programme.
According to QS 2027, CUD is ranked 1st in Dubai and 6th in the world for international student ratio.
Industry-accredited degrees: ABET for Computer Science and Cyber Security, PRSA for Public Relations (the only one in the MENA region) and up to eight CIMA exam exemptions for Accounting and Finance.
Three intakes a year (Fall, Spring and Summer 1) and Academic Excellence Scholarships of 20% to 50% for high school averages of 85% and above.
Admissions
Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 entry (2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years)
Selectivity
CUD does not publish an acceptance rate. Any high school certificate that gives access to public universities in its home country and is recognised by the UAE Ministry of Education qualifies; engineering has subject minimums. Where places are limited, applicants with complete files may be preferred.
Typical entry requirements
| UAE secondary certificate | Pass in all subjects; Engineering requires the Advanced Track with 80% in Mathematics, Physics and a science |
|---|---|
| British system (IGCSE/GCSE/A-level) | Year 13 completed, seven subjects: five O-levels at grade C/4 or above and two AS-levels or one A-level at grade D/3 or above; Engineering needs Mathematics and Physics at C (O-level or AS) or D (A-level) |
| IB | IB Diploma with at least 24 points and six subjects; Engineering needs 5 in Mathematics, Physics and Biology or Chemistry |
| Indian / Pakistani boards | Higher/Senior Secondary certificate with grade 10 and 12 transcripts; Engineering needs 70% in Mathematics, Physics and a science |
| English language | IELTS 5 · TOEFL iBT 61 IELTS Academic 5.0, TOEFL iBT 61 (2.5 on the new scale for tests from 21 January 2026) or TOEFL ITP 500; BA Creative Industries needs IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 71. IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online, IELTS UKVI and TOEFL Home Edition are not accepted. Students below the level start in the English for Academic Purposes programme. |
Deadlines
- Spring 2027 (international applicants) Non-binding Next deadline · In ~3 months3 January 2027
Applications open 3 October 2026; file completion by 9 January 2027.
- Spring 2027 (UAE-resident applicants) Non-binding In ~3 months8 January 2027
File completion by 9 January 2027.
- Summer 1 2027 (international applicants) Non-binding In ~7 months12 May 2027
Applications open 24 February 2027; domestic deadline 19 May 2027; file completion 21 May 2027.
Past (2026 cycle): the Fall 2026 deadlines were 21 August 2026 (international) and 27 August 2026 (domestic). CUD has not yet published Fall 2027 dates; based on the 2026 pattern, Fall applications open around March with deadlines in late August. Scholarship applications close 7 July (Fall) and 20 December (Spring).
How to apply
Apply online through the CUD portal, then complete your file with transcripts, your high school certificate (with a UAE Ministry of Education equivalency for non-UAE certificates) and English test results. Admitted students without a math exemption take the placement test. CUD arranges student visas for international students.
What admissions looks for
- A recognised high school certificate that would admit you to a public university in the country that issued it.
- For engineering, strong Mathematics, Physics and science grades (80% in the UAE or American systems).
- English at IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL iBT 61, or schooling taught in English.
- A complete application file submitted early, since CUD may favour complete files when a programme is full.
Tips for applying to CUD
- 1 Check the scholarship dates: Academic Excellence applications must be emailed by 7 July for Fall or 20 December for Spring, earlier than the admission deadlines.
- 2 A 99% high school average earns a 50% tuition waiver and 85% earns 20%. Spring awards last one semester, while Fall awards run for a year if you keep your CGPA.
- 3 If you plan to transfer to Canada, pick your CUD programme with the partner university's requirements in mind: every programme has at least one formal Canadian (or US) partner.
- 4 Get your certificate equivalency from the UAE Ministry of Education started early if you studied outside the UAE.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 (rates effective from 2023-24) · figures in AED
Academic Excellence Scholarships give new undergraduates a tuition waiver of 20% (high school average of 85-89.9%), 30% (90-94.9%), 40% (95-98.9%) or 50% (99% and above), renewable each semester if you keep the required CGPA. Sports Scholarships of up to 40% go to athletes with at least city-level success. Scholarships are for undergraduates only and applications are made by email with supporting documents.
- 20%-50% tuition waiver (85%-99%+ high school average)
- Academic Excellence Scholarship
- Up to 40% tuition waiver, one semester at a time
- Sports Scholarship
- 7 July (Fall), 20 December (Spring)
- Scholarship application deadlines
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (Fall, Spring, plus Summer sessions)
BSc in Computer Science / BSc in Cyber Security
Both accredited by ABET's Computing Accreditation Commission.
BA in Communication (Public Relations)
CUD says it is the first and only institution in the MENA region with PRSA accreditation for public relations.
BBA in Accounting and Finance
Up to eight CIMA exam exemptions, and CUD is a CFA Institute University Affiliation Program member.
Bachelor of Architecture
An Autodesk Authorized Academic Partner programme with a US transfer partner; 35 credit hours a year.
BSc in Artificial Intelligence
One of CUD's newer computing degrees, alongside Cloud Computing and Software Design.
Research
- Environmental research and campus initiatives are coordinated through the Center for Sustainability and Innovation, aligned with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 goal.
- CUD is a UN PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education) partner and publishes a PRME report.
- CUD and FINTECH.TV have launched a Global Markets Studio on campus linking Dubai and Wall Street.
Schools & faculties
- School of Architecture and Interior Design
- School of Communication
- School of Creative Industries
- School of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology
- School of Management
- School of Health Sciences, Digital Innovation and Sustainability
Student life
CUD's campus is at City Walk in central Dubai, and its student body is highly international: QS ranks it 6th in the world for international student ratio. Student Affairs runs clubs, sports, a Student Council, a Robotics Club and IEEE branch, a health clinic, counselling, and career and internship services. Many students treat CUD as a first step to Canada, and the university hosts design shows, innovation events and leadership workshops through the year.
- The Study in Canada office helps students plan transfers to partner universities such as Queen's, Guelph and Brock.
- Students can join the Robotics Club, the IEEE student branch and the Student Council.
- Student Affairs offers personal counselling, a health clinic and internship and career services.
- University Residence buildings run a shuttle to campus throughout the day.
Housing. CUD's University Residence offers semi-furnished studios and apartments a few minutes from City Walk, with Wi-Fi and utilities included and a campus shuttle, allocated first-come, first-served.
Location
CUD's campus is in City Walk, a district in the heart of Dubai; its residence buildings are a few minutes away, near the metro, supermarkets and restaurants. Dubai is a global business city where most residents are expatriates and English is widely used, but rents are high: CUD's own residence starts at AED 36,000 a year for a shared room.
Nearest airport: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Frequently asked questions
How much does Canadian University Dubai cost per year?
Tuition is charged per credit hour: AED 2,134.65 to 2,527.88 including VAT. A typical full-time year costs about AED 64,000 to 88,500 depending on the programme, and UAE and international students pay the same.
Can I transfer from CUD to a university in Canada?
Yes. CUD has formal transfer partners for every programme, including Queen's, the University of Ottawa, Guelph, Windsor, Wilfrid Laurier and Toronto Metropolitan University (US partners for Architecture).
What IELTS score does CUD require?
IELTS Academic 5.0 or TOEFL iBT 61 for most programmes, and IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 71 for Creative Industries. Students who studied in English can be exempt.
When is the CUD application deadline?
For Spring 2027: 3 January 2027 for international applicants and 8 January 2027 for UAE residents. Fall 2027 dates are not yet published; in 2026 they were 21 August (international) and 27 August (domestic).
Does CUD offer scholarships?
Yes. Academic Excellence Scholarships give 20% to 50% off tuition for high school averages from 85% to 99%, and sports scholarships give up to 40%. Apply by 7 July for Fall or 20 December for Spring.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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