Engineering in UAE – Top Universities, Fee, Eligibility, Intake, scholarships
The United Arab Emirates is becoming an engineering powerhouse with fast economic growth, high technologies, as well as audacious goals for constructing Burj Khalifa, Expo City Dubai, and Masdar City. UAE provides a vigorous platform for innovation. Altogether with culturally diversified experience and numerous opportunities, learners and working professionals can build their careers successfully in the engineering profession.
Engineering programs in the UAE are recognized globally. All the universities provide curriculums recognized by the ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). These graduates will always be ready for the labour market to compete all over the world.
The UAE is located in the Middle East, but it also borders Europe and Asia and is near Africa. This location makes it ideal for the oil and gas industry, construction, renewable energy, as well as aerospace businesses. This would ensure that students have access to fresh projects and job openings on the market.
Engineering in UAE Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Total Number of Colleges | 20 colleges or more are available in UAE that provide courses in Engineering. |
| Cost | The basic tuition fee for studying engineering courses ranges between AED 50,000 to AED120,000. |
| Intake | Main intakes are taken during September and Fall. |
| Specialisation | Architectural design, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering, vehicle engineering, computer science, chemical engineering, electrical and electronics engineering. |
| Exams Required | IELTS/TOEFL and SAT for some institutions. |
Types of Engineering in UAE
| Bachelor’s degree | Master’s degree | Others |
| A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering takes 4 years to complete. One can pursue a Bachelor’s degree in subjects like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, etc. | A Master’s degree in Engineering can be completed within 1-2 years depending on the course and the university. | Few universities provide diploma courses in Engineering. The diplomas offer subjects like automobile engineering, civil engineering, quantity surveying, and more. |
Top 10 Engineering Colleges in UAE
| Name of the college | QS Ranking | Action |
| New York University | 601-650 | Apply |
| Abu Dhabi university | 501 | Apply |
| Ajman university | 477 | Apply |
| Amity University, Dubai Campus | 1001 | Apply |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education – Dubai Campus | 901-950 | Apply |
| University of Birmingham Dubai | 80 | Apply |
| Heriot-Watt University | 256 | Apply |
| Curtin university of Dubai | 174 | Apply |
| The University Of Wollongong in Dubai | 162 | Apply |
| Emirates Aviation University | 5 star | Apply |
Eligibility Criteria to Pursue Engineering in UAE
To pursue an engineering degree in the UAE, students must meet the eligibility criteria established by universities. Key requirements include:
- High test scores: Some universities may require high test scores for certain programmes.
- English Fluency: Fluency in English is required since most programs are taught in English. Applicants must submit results of IELTS with a minimum of 5.5–6.5 or TOEFL with a minimum of 500–550 on paper-based tests or equivalent.
- High School Diploma: International students must acquire a high school equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education.
- SAT scores: Some institutions require SAT scores, especially in Mathematics, while applying for engineering programs.
- Desire to learn: These may include personal interviews, a statement of purpose, or experience in technical subjects.
Engineering in UAE Student Visa
- Validity: The visa is valid for a year and is renewable, subject to providing proof of continuation in the course of study.
- Sponsorship: You can stay in the UAE with a sponsorship from your educational institution or parents.
- Documents: The period of study requires your institute’s certificate, and other conditions include Emirates ID application as well as medical fitness certificates.
How Much Does it Cost to Study Engineering in UAE?
- Average Engineering fees cost around 74-90,000 AED.
- Well-known institutes charge up to 164-389,000 AED for Engineering.
This varies depending on the degree, master’s, or other.
Cost of Living in UAE
- Living– 22-55,000 AED per month
- Transportation– 250-2000 per month
- Food– 2,000-3,000 per month
- Recreation & Sports– 290 per month
Work Permit after Pursue Engineering in UAE
- Students graduating and getting employed can apply for a post-study work permit.
- One option is a Green visa with self-sponsorship for five years.
- Another option is a standard work visa for two years or a golden visa for outstanding students and graduates (5-10 years).
Eligibility Criteria for Work Permit
| Green Visa | Standard Work Visa | Golden Visa |
| Skilled employees, self-employed, as well as freelancers may apply. Requirements include minimum academic qualifications and income/salary proof. | Those employed in the public or private sector may apply, subject to meeting specific conditions. Investors in real estate or public investments may apply. | Other eligible applicants include entrepreneurs in addition to outstanding specialised talents (creative people, doctors, scientists, executives, specialists, inventors, as well as athletes). |
Engineering Scholarships for UAE
Some popular scholarships available to students in the UAE for engineering degrees include the following:
| Scholarship name | Description | Funding type |
| Abu Dhabi University, Merit-based graduate scholarship. | Universities provide merit-based scholarships to students. To qualify for this scholarship, students need to score at least a 3.5 CGPA in the Master’s program. | Fully funded |
| Khalifa University, Master’s scholarship | The students can also avail scholarships for Master’s degrees for both full-time and short-term courses. This will cover full-time tuition costs, and textbooks are provided by the university. Along with this, medical insurance is also given to international students. | Partially/Fully Funded funded |
| Master Research Teaching Scholarship | Khalifa University provides scholarship for Master Research Teaching Scholarship for students who are pursuing full-time graduate programs. The monthly stipend provided under this course is AED 4000. | Partial/Full funding |
| Zayed University Undergraduate Merit Scholarship | This is also available for undergraduate students. Under this scholarship, the students can avail of up to 50% of the waiver of tuition fees. The students need to have a minimum average of 95% or equivalent, as well as an IELTS score of 6, to get this scholarship. | Partial Funding |
Career Prospects
- Construction and Urban Development: Graduates getting their engineering degrees from UAE can get jobs in the construction and urban industry. They can engage in residential projects.
- Renewable Energy: Individuals can engage in the renewable energy sector as engineers. UAE is currently investing in many sustainability projects. This provides a huge opportunity for engineers to broaden their job scope and knowledge base.
- Information Technology and Automation: Engineers specializing in areas like data science, IT, and engineering can also get career opportunities under the smart city initiatives of the UAE.
- Manufacturing and Robotics: Students graduating with data analytics and robotics engineering can broaden their horizons in advanced sectors that use advanced manufacturing, robotics, automation, etc.
Salary after studying Engineering in UAE
- Civil engineers: AED 7783 per month
- Chemical engineers: AED 9657 per month
- Electrical engineers: AED 6667 per month
- Software engineers: AED 30002 per month
- Energy engineers: AED 6500 per month