University of Dubai
جامعة دبي
The Dubai Chamber's own university: AACSB-accredited business and ABET-accredited computing on a solar-powered Academic City campus.
- Students
- 1,279
- International
- 32%
- of students
- Founded
- 1997
- QS World Ranking
- 781-790
- 2027 edition
About UD
The University of Dubai (UD) was founded in 1997 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which has backed it through its growth and its international accreditations. In 2006 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum granted UD a three-million-square-foot plot in Dubai's Academic City, the Chamber contributed 200 million dirhams to build it, and by December 2015 all operations had moved there from the original campus on Maktoum Street.
UD is small and business-focused. QS lists 1,279 students, 408 of them international, and 82 academic staff; the university itself cites 1.6k+ students from more than 40 nationalities and over 26 programmes. Teaching is organised into the Dubai Business School, the College of Engineering and IT and the College of Law, plus general studies. The business school holds AACSB accreditation, and the Computing and Information Systems and Electrical Engineering programmes are ABET-accredited. Its campus reports the region's first LEED Zero Energy certification.
UD suits students who want a practical, English-taught business, computing, engineering or law degree in Dubai with close industry links through the Chamber, morning or evening classes on some programmes, and generous merit discounts for strong school results.
Why students choose UD
The Dubai Business School is AACSB-accredited, and the Computing and Information Systems and Electrical Engineering programmes carry ABET accreditation.
New students with a high school score of 95% or above get 50% off tuition for the whole programme (30% for 90% or above) if they keep their CGPA up.
The Bachelor of Law is a dual-degree programme run in collaboration with the University of London.
The campus in Dubai Academic City is powered by 10,284 square metres of solar panels and holds LEED Zero Energy certification.
Admissions
Spring 2027 (January) and Fall 2027 intakes
Selectivity
UD does not publish an acceptance rate. Applications are reviewed holistically against programme minimums (typically a 70% to 80% high school average), and applicants who fall short may be considered case by case by the Academic Director.
Typical entry requirements
| High school (Grades 10 to 12, attested; UAE Ministry of Education equivalency where applicable) | BBA: 70% average (Advanced or Elite track) or 75% (General track); BSc Computing and Information Systems: 70%; BSc Electrical Engineering: 75% (Elite) or 80% (Advanced) |
|---|---|
| Engineering subject requirements | 80% or higher in Mathematics and Physics, plus Biology or Chemistry |
| Bachelor of Law (LLB) | IELTS Academic 6.0 and at least 70% in high school Mathematics (UD's undergraduate admission requirements) |
| English language | IELTS 6 Per the undergraduate admission requirements on UD's How to apply page (used here for entry 2027): if English is not your first language, IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each band and 6.0 in speaking, or equivalent. For the BBA, BSc Engineering and BSc IT, 80% in high school English or a pass on the UD English Proficiency Test is also accepted; the Bachelor of Law requires a valid IELTS Academic 6.0. Some other UD pages quote different figures, so confirm your programme's requirement with admissions. |
Deadlines
- Spring 2027 Non-binding Next deadline · In ~3 months10 January 2027
UD's admission deadline is the day before classes begin; Spring 2027 classes start on 11 January 2027.
- Summer 2027 Non-binding In ~8 months30 May 2027
Summer classes start on 31 May 2027 (admission closes the day before).
Per UD's 2026-2027 academic calendar, the admission deadline for all programmes is the day before classes begin. Fall 2027 dates will appear in the 2027-2028 calendar; Fall 2026 classes began in late August 2026.
How to apply
Create an account on UD's online application portal, complete the sections (personal details, English proficiency, education history), upload attested Grade 10 to 12 certificates, equivalency certificate if needed, English test results, passport and photos, and submit. All undergraduate applicants are interviewed. Offers are accepted in the portal by paying the non-refundable AED 1,260 admission fee.
What admissions looks for
- A high school average at or above the programme minimum (70% to 80% depending on programme and track).
- Subject strength where required: 80% in Mathematics and Physics for engineering, 70% in Mathematics for Law.
- English proficiency at the required level (IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, including for the Bachelor of Law, or 80% in school English or the UD English Proficiency Test for BBA, engineering and IT).
- A satisfactory admissions interview, which all undergraduate applicants take.
Tips for applying to UD
- 1 Start document attestation early: school certificates from abroad need attestation and, where applicable, a UAE Ministry of Education equivalency certificate.
- 2 If you scored 90% or above in high school, ask about the 30% or 50% merit discount, which continues if you keep a CGPA of 3.3 or 3.5.
- 3 Students who completed high school outside the UAE are eligible for a partial international students scholarship.
- 4 Budget for the student residency visa, which UD arranges: AED 3,300 from outside the UAE plus AED 900 health insurance and a refundable AED 2,500 deposit.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in AED
UD gives 50% off tuition for the full programme to new students with a high school score of 95% or above (keep a 3.5 CGPA) and 30% for 90% or above (keep a 3.3 CGPA), a partial scholarship for students who completed high school outside the UAE, and discounts for Esaad cardholders, partner-school graduates and employees of partner organisations. The Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Scholarship fully funds three students of any nationality each year, and the TDRA ICT Fund covers UAE nationals in selected engineering and computing programmes.
- 50% tuition discount for the full programme
- High school score 95% or above
- 30% tuition discount for the full programme
- High school score 90% or above
- AED 1,260 (non-refundable, including VAT)
- Admission fee
- AED 3,300 plus AED 900 health insurance and AED 2,500 refundable deposit
- Student residency visa (applying from outside the UAE)
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (Fall and Spring, plus optional Summer 1 and Summer 2)
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
AACSB-accredited, four years and 120 credit hours, with majors from finance and accounting to logistics, real estate and hospitality, and morning or evening classes.
BSc in Computing and Information Systems (AI or Information Systems Security)
ABET-accredited, 123 credit hours, with capstone projects and an internship or industry project.
BSc in Electrical Engineering (Communication or Power and Energy)
ABET-accredited, 128 credit hours over 3.5 to 4 years.
Bachelor of Law (LLB)
A dual-degree LLB delivered in collaboration with the University of London, 129 credit hours, starting September 2026.
BSc in Computer Engineering (Cyber-physical Robotics or Artificial Intelligence)
Newer computer engineering tracks in the College of Engineering and IT.
Research
- The Cyber-Security and Applied Resilience Center (CSAR) and a Wireless Communications Research Lab.
- The Ali Mohammed Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri Drones Lab, a Renewable Energy Research Lab and a Future Foresight Scenario Lab.
- The campus holds the region's first LEED Zero Energy certification, with 10,284 square metres of solar panels generating about 2,000 kW a day.
Schools & faculties
- Dubai Business School
- College of Engineering and IT
- College of Law
- College of General Studies
UD runs an Internship and Career Center and an alumni association (founded 2007); it does not publish a graduate employment rate on its website.
Student life
UD is a compact commuter campus in Dubai Academic City. The Department of Student Services reports more than 25 clubs and 150 events a year, and students come from over 40 nationalities, with national clubs from Afghan and Ethiopian to Emirati and Indian alongside debate, gaming, basketball, football and sustainability clubs. The University of Dubai Students' Union represents students. UD's FAQ describes the university as segregated rather than coeducational. There is a health centre with a resident nurse, counselling, a recreation room and six prayer rooms.
- 25+ student clubs and organisations and 150+ events a year.
- The University of Dubai Students' Union (UDSU) represents students and organises events.
- A mandatory, free orientation course for all new students.
- An Alumni-Student Mentoring Program and an alumni scholarship fund.
Housing. UD has no halls of its own; it recommends Uninest Student Residences in Dubailand (about 10 minutes away, with a shuttle) and the DSOA University Residence in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Location
The campus is in Dubai Academic City off Emirates Road (Exit 49), on the city's inland eastern side, about 20 km from UD's former site on Maktoum Street. It is a purpose-built university district rather than a city-centre location, so most students rely on cars, shuttles or partner residences nearby. Dubai itself has a large expatriate community and job market.
Nearest airport: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Frequently asked questions
What are the University of Dubai's admission requirements?
Minimum high school averages are 70% to 75% for the BBA (depending on track), 70% for Computing and Information Systems and 75% to 80% for Electrical Engineering, plus English proficiency and an interview.
What IELTS score does the University of Dubai require?
UD's application page asks for IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band and 6.0 in speaking; some programmes also accept 80% in high school English or UD's own English test.
Does the University of Dubai offer scholarships?
Yes: 50% off tuition for a high school score of 95% or above and 30% for 90% or above, a partial scholarship for students who finished school outside the UAE, and the fully funded Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Scholarship for three students a year.
Is the University of Dubai accredited?
Its programmes are licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education; the business school is AACSB-accredited, and Computing and Information Systems and Electrical Engineering are ABET-accredited.
Does the University of Dubai provide student visas?
Yes. From outside the UAE the one-year residency visa costs AED 3,300, plus AED 900 for mandatory health insurance and a refundable AED 2,500 deposit.
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.
Explore nearby in the world top 100
Universities ranked close to UD in the QS World University Rankings 2027.