The UAE capital offers a long list of advantages for its residents, including some of the best educational institutions available to students of all ages that offer undergraduate and graduate programmes. We have prepared an article with all the necessary information about the top educational facilities in Abu Dhabi including public and private universities, as well as the colleges in the emirate.
There are currently more than 15 universities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, with some of them being the most prestigious in the region. Below we have listed several top colleges and universities in Abu Dhabi, which include Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS), Rabdan Academy, as well as Khawarizmi International College (KIC). These are considered the top universities due to the variety of education programmes on offer and their well-developed campuses.
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Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a research-based university which educates top talent and fosters an innovation ecosystem. Full-time degree programmes in the university comprise Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning and Computer Vision. MBZUAI has access to nearly 1,000 NVidia DGX-1/2 GPU servers, which is one of the biggest in the world.
The educational institution is fully funded by the UAE government and offers MSc and PhD degree programmes in the field of Artificial Intelligence on a full scholarship basis for exceptional graduates from around the globe. Accepted students will be given a monthly allowance, a UAE residence visa for non-UAE nationals, on-campus accommodation, health insurance and more.
Applications for international and UAE residents will be open on September 1, 2022 and will close on April 30, 2023.
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The Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS) provides specialised career-oriented academic programmes for students who want to build a well-rounded career in the banking and financial sector, as well as training sessions in the fields of banking and finance. Successful learners in the university will be awarded an international certificate by EIBFS and Chartered Banker Institute, UK.
The institution has three campuses in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. EIBFS academic courses include Diploma in Banking, Diploma in Islamic Banking, BSc in Banking & Finance Accounting and BSc in Banking & Finance.
Note! Expats applying to Abu Dhabi University must complete the online form and pay the stated fee, submit a copy of your residence visa and passport and submit an NOC letter written by your home university.
Rabdan Academy is a world class education university owned by the government. The institution was founded in 2013 and offers professional qualifications in defence, security, safety, emergency and crisis management.
Khawarizmi International College (KIC) has two campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, and comprises an international community of more than 40 nationalities. The institution is one of the best universities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and is accredited by the UAE’s Ministry of Education. KIC offers 12 academic bachelor and diploma programmes across its two campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Accredited programmes include career oriented programmes, hands-on learning and highly engaging educational experience.
Public universities are educational institutions that are state owned or receive public funds through a national or subnational government. Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and Zayed University Abu Dhabi are a couple of the best public institutions in Abu Dhabi.
Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is the biggest higher education university in the UAE, which is well-known for its leadership in applied and technological education. The educational institute has a separate campus for both men and women.
HCT offers approximately 100 majors in academic programmes in line with international criteria, as well as the UAE vision and future development requirements. The federal institution provides free education for UAE national students, as well as the sons/daughters of UAE national mothers for one credential (qualification) only.
A limited number of seats are available for expats, and they must fulfill the following criteria: Minimum EmSAT English score of 1,250 or equivalent and Minimum High School average (GSC) = 85%.
Note! The main language of education in Abu Dhabi universities, as well as in the whole UAE, is English. If you wish, you can also study in Arabic.
The university, named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, was opened in 1998. The educational facility offers globally recognized Bachelors and Masters Degree programmes, including Interior Design, Visual Arts, Social Innovation, etc.
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Private universities are not owned, operated or institutionally funded by governments. The best private universities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi include New York University Abu Dhabi, Al-Hosn University and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
The one of the best international institutions in Abu Dhabi, New York University Abu Dhabi is accredited by the Ministry of Education UAE. Graduate programmes in NYU Abu Dhabi include Biology, Art and Media, Social Science, Engineering, etc.
Al-Hosn University was founded in 2005 and includes three faculties containing a total of nine departments. The university is segregated and male and female students study in different villa buildings. Al-Hosn University offers a range of disciplines including software engineering, industrial engineering, urban planning, education, business and more.
Note! A student visa is issued to expatriate students who are over 18 years and residing in the UAE. A student visa can be issued only through a university and only after official enrollment in the course.
The private university was established in the emirate of Abu Dhabi in 2006. The institution is officially accredited by the Ministry of Education of UAE and offers 11 undergraduate bachelor programmes. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is located in one of the best areas to live and buy real estate in Abu Dhabi – Al Reem Island.
Metropolitan Capital Real Estate provides services for buying and selling real estate, as well as arranging investor visas, allowing you to move with your family and enjoy all the benefits of UAE residency. If you are interested in buying or renting property in Abu Dhabi, contact our highly qualified professionals for advice and the best selection of properties for living and investment.
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