Tuition Fees in the UAE
Each university in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sets its own fees, in UAE dirham (AED). Here are fees from universities that students from India and Pakistan often choose, with the year or intake each one is for.
Example: BITS Pilani Dubai B.E. tuition
Example: Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.)
Example based on BITS Pilani Dubai Campus Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) fees for 2026-27.
How UAE Universities Charge Fees
Fees differ a lot between universities. A Dubai campus of an Indian university (a branch campus) can cost much less than an American-style or British university.
VAT
Some universities charge a fixed fee each semester (half a study year). Others charge per credit hour (one unit of a course). Check which one before you compare.
Add the visa fee, health insurance, a deposit (money you pay first to keep your place) and housing. See our other finance pages.
Always read your offer letter (the letter that says you got a place). It gives the exact fee for your programme and start date.
Check Each Figure's Period
Fees by University
Fees differ by university.
| University Type | Range | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| BITS Pilani Dubai Campus (BPDC) | AED 27,750 per semester (B.E., 2026-27) | Merit scholarships on the first-year fee. |
| American University of Sharjah (AUS) | AED 110,876 a year (2026-27) | Lab fees per course are extra. |
| Khalifa University (KU) | AED 2,500 per credit hour (bachelor's) | You pay for each credit hour (one unit of a course) you take. |
- BITS Pilani Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, University of Birmingham Dubai.
- Fees from about AED 27,750 a semester (BITS Pilani Dubai B.E.).
- American University of Sharjah: AED 110,876 a year.
- Khalifa University: AED 2,500 per credit hour.
Foundation Years
Fees by Degree Level
Examples from UAE universities, with the year or intake each one is for.
Range
BITS Pilani Dubai B.E.: AED 27,750 a semester. AUS: AED 110,876 a year.
Duration
4 years at Amity University Dubai (BSc Computer Science)
typical
Key Considerations
- See each university's own fee page for the full list.
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai: students whose visa the university arranges pay in full or in four equal parts.
- Amity University Dubai master's: international students pay the year's fee in one payment.
Example Fees by Programme
Each line shows what the fee covers.
| Field of Study | Low-End | High-End | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| BITS Pilani Dubai Campus (BPDC): B.E. engineering | AED 27,750 per semester | AED 27,750 per semester | 2026-27 fee. Plus a one-time admission fee of AED 2,000. |
| Khalifa University (KU): Bachelor of Science | AED 2,500 per credit hour | AED 2,500 per credit hour | About AED 81,250 a year if you take the usual number of courses. |
| American University of Sharjah (AUS): all majors | AED 55,438 per semester | AED 55,438 per semester | 2026-27 fee for 12 to 16 credits. Lab fees are extra per course. |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai: BSc Computer Science | AED 82,264 a year | AED 82,264 a year | Fee for the January 2027 intake. |
| Amity University Dubai: BSc Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) | AED 2,200 per credit | AED 2,200 per credit | 125 credits in total over 4 years. The course starts in September 2026. |
- Application fee: AED 220 at BITS Pilani Dubai, AED 400 plus VAT at AUS.
- Lab fees at AUS: AED 1,552 or AED 1,700 per course.
- Deposits: AUS seat reservation deposit AED 5,000; BITS Pilani Dubai caution deposit AED 5,000.
- Student visa and health insurance cost extra. Most universities do not include them in tuition.
Compare the Whole Degree
Other Fees to Add
Tuition is not the only cost. Add these fees too.
- Application feeAED 220 (BITS Pilani Dubai); AED 400 plus VAT (AUS); AED 525 (Heriot-Watt University Dubai, with VAT)
Paid when you apply. Usually not refunded.
- Fee to join the universityAED 2,000 one time (BITS Pilani Dubai); AED 500 a semester (Amity University Dubai, master's)
Paid when you join or each semester.
- DepositsAED 1,000 (Heriot-Watt University Dubai) to AED 5,000 (AUS, BITS Pilani Dubai)
Some are refunded when you leave.
- Student visaAED 2,900 for a new visa (BITS Pilani Dubai); AED 1,114.5 (AUS)
See our visa pages for what each covers.
- Health insuranceAED 3,250 medical insurance fee (BITS Pilani Dubai); AED 600 plus VAT a semester (AUS Plan I)
Needed for your visa.
Health Insurance Is Needed
Pro Tips for Managing Additional Fees
- Ask your university for its full fee list.
- Check if VAT is added.
- Keep every receipt. You may need them for your student visa.
How and When You Pay
Each university has its own payment rules.
Payment Methods
Bank transfer
Most universities accept a bank transfer in AED. Your bank may charge a fee.
Card
BITS Pilani Dubai and Heriot-Watt University Dubai accept card payments for some fees.
1Two parts per semester (BITS Pilani Dubai)
- Each semester's tuition is paid in 2 instalments.
2Four instalments (Heriot-Watt University Dubai)
- Students whose visa the university arranges can pay the year in full or in four equal instalments.
- Pay 10% of the first-year fee and an AED 1,000 deposit you get back later when you accept.
3One payment (Amity University Dubai, master's)
- International students pay the annual fee in a single instalment.
Pay on Time
Quick Facts
Key points before you compare offers.
- 1Fees are in UAE dirham (AED).
- 2BITS Pilani Dubai B.E. tuition is AED 27,750 a semester in 2026-27.
- 3American University of Sharjah (AUS) tuition is AED 110,876 a year in 2026-27.
- 4Khalifa University charges AED 2,500 per credit hour for a bachelor's.
- 5At Heriot-Watt University Dubai, the fee you pay in your first year stays the same until you graduate.
Per semester, per year or per credit. Compare like with like.
Many universities ask for a deposit when you accept your offer.
Many UAE universities give merit scholarships at admission. See our scholarships page.
Plan the Whole Degree
Related Pages
Plan the rest of your budget.
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