Popular Courses to Study in Dubai
Learn everything you need to know about top courses in Dubai and get end-to-end expert guidance from us.
More than just a world-renowned tourist spot, Dubai has rapidly emerged as a premier global hub for international students. From exciting student life and branches of leading global universities to promising career potential and earning a global degree at a relatively lower cost of studying, Dubai ticks all the boxes for a perfect study destination.
And this leads to the most important question: What are the most popular courses to study in Dubai? Programmes like Business, Data Science, Engineering, Architecture, and Marketing top the list. These degrees not only offer industry-specific learning and world-class campus facilities but also come with exciting part-time work opportunities and great post-study work visa options to explore your career potential in the UAE.
On this page, we will break down the top courses, career prospects, and everything you need to know about the best study options in study in Dubai. So, let’s get started!
Most Popular Courses to Study in Dubai
Dubai's academic landscape is meticulously aligned with its ambitious 10-year economic plan for Dubai, known as Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Vision 2040. This vision aims to make Dubai a global education hub, attracting double the number of international students. The vision of E33 is highly focused on Business and Management courses, Information Technology and Computer Science, Engineering and Architecture, Hospitality and Tourism Management courses.
These programmes are offered by multiple global university branches spanning multiple levels, from advanced diploma to undergraduate degree to master's.
| Popular Course Category | In-Demand Specialisations | High-Paying Career Prospects |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Management | MBA (Finance, Marketing), International Business, Supply Chain Management | Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Investment Banker, HR Manager |
| Information Technology & Computer Science | Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Software Development | Data Scientist, AI Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist, Cloud Architect |
| Engineering and Architecture | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Petroleum, Construction Management, Sustainable Design, Urban Planning, Interior Design | Project Engineer, Urban Planner, Drilling Supervisor, Site Manager, Architect, Urban Planner, Landscape Designer, Construction Manager |
| Hospitality and Tourism Management | Hotel Management, Event Management, Culinary Arts | Hotel General Manager, Event Planner, Resort Operations Director |
Here is the list of most popular courses in Dubai in detail:
Business and Management Courses
Dubai is a commercial capital city and the commerce drives a huge scope for business management studies be it BBA or MBA. Specialisation like MBA in Finance, MBA in Marketing are considered to be a popular course in Dubai thanks to the country’s huge financial resources and marketing growth for multiple brands and enterprises.
- Why it's Popular: Direct access to leading banks, and free-zone enterprises. These courses offer high-paying roles in finance, consulting, and senior management.
- Key Specialisations: International Business, Finance & Accounting, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Human Resource Management, and Entrepreneurship.
Information Technology and Computer Science
UAE is aggressively pursuing digital transformation through Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Smart City initiatives, which has created an enormous, long-term demand for tech professionals.
- Why it's Popular: High demand for specialists in fields that align with national strategic goals. These roles are among the highest-paying in the country.
- Key Specialisations: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science and Analytics, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Cloud Computing.
Engineering and Architecture
Dubai is synonymous with ambitious infrastructure projects, from record-breaking skyscrapers to new urban developments. This creates room for specialised engineers and design professionals.
- Why it's Popular: Students receive hands-on experience and internships on major, real-world construction and development sites.
- Key Specialisations: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Sustainable Architecture, and Construction Management. Petroleum Engineering is also a top-paying field due to the region's energy sector.
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Given that tourism is a core pillar of Dubai's economy, generating billions in revenue, degrees focused on managing hotels, luxury resorts, and large-scale events are extremely popular.
- Why it's Popular: Hospitality and Tourism courses in Dubai provide real-world experience across 5-star and 7-star hotels. Students gain insights into front-end and back-end management while learning from the very best through mandatory internships and hands-on training at world-class luxury hotels—offering direct pathways to employment.
- Key Specialisations: Hotel Operations, Event Management, Luxury Brand Management, and Aviation Management (due to the Emirates Group).
Best Courses to Study in Dubai for Indian Students
India has a highly competitive market for engineering and medical courses. The admission is determined by highly competitive national entrance exams like JEE Main/Advanced and NEET. However, the international branch campuses of top Indian universities in Dubai often simplify their admissions for Indian students, accepting applications primarily based on Grade 12 (Board) performance or a mere NEET qualifying score, bypassing the intense rank-based competition.
And, based on this point here are the best courses to study in Dubai for Indian students:
| University (Branch Campus) | Competitive Course | Admission Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai | B.Sc. Nursing / B.Sc. Allied Health Sciences | Class 12 (PCB) scores + sometimes an internal test. NEET score is mandatory for many Allied Health programs but rank is less stringent than in India. |
| Amity University Dubai | B.Sc. Biotechnology / B.Sc. Food & Nutrition Science | Class 12 (PCB) scores with a minimum aggregate (typically 50%-60%+). |
| Gulf Medical University (Ajman, near Dubai) | MBBS | NEET Qualifying Score + minimum 80% in Class 12 PCB |
Top Universities in Dubai for International Students
Dubai’s higher education sector is growing rapidly, with the government focusing on establishing a world-class educational environment for both domestic and international students. As a result, several universities in Dubai are now ranked among the top institutions globally. Additionally, the city hosts branch campuses of internationally renowned universities that offer the same degrees, follow similar teaching methodologies, provide comparable campus facilities, and allow credit transfer opportunities at their Dubai campuses.
Here is the top universities in Dubai for international students:
| University Name | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
|---|---|
| Khalifa University | #177 |
| United Arab Emirates University | #229 |
| American University of Sharjah | #272 |
| University of Sharjah | #328 |
| Abu Dhabi University | #391 |
| Ajman University | #440 |
Eligibility Criteria for Popular Courses in Dubai
The eligibility criteria for popular courses in Dubai depends on the level of programme, type of programme and university of your choice. As an international student it is important to take standard entrance exams like IELTS and TOEFL for language proficiency, SAT and ACT for undergraduate programmes at American universities and GMAT, GRE for subject-specific programmes like MBA, MSc.
Here are the general eligibility criteria for admissions in popular courses in Dubai:
| Requirement | Details | Typical Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Successful completion of 12 years of schooling (for UG) or a recognised Bachelor's degree (for PG). | Minimum 60%–75% aggregate in Class 12 (Highly dependent on the type of programme). |
| English Proficiency | Mandatory, as teaching is in English. Scores can sometimes be waived if schooling was in English | IELTS Academic: 6.0–6.5 (Overall) |
| TOEFL iBT: 79–90 (Overall) | ||
| Standardised Tests | Required for specific programmes to assess aptitude. | GMAT: 550+ (for MBA) or GRE: 150+ Quantitative (for MS). |
| Equivalency Certificate | An attested letter from the UAE Ministry of Education confirming your international qualification is equivalent to the UAE secondary school certificate. | Mandatory for all non-UAE qualifications. |
Career After Popular Courses in Dubai
The aim of studying popular courses in Dubai is to explore potential career opportunities that lead to post-study work visa options, stable employment, and long-term career growth in the region. Here is a list of careers you can pursue after completing some of the most popular courses in Dubai:
| Course of Study | Job Role | Average Monthly Salary (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Management | Financial Analyst | AED 2500 - AED 24,000 |
| Finance Manager | AED 3500 - AED 28,000 | |
| Information Technology | Data Scientist | AED 6,500 - AED 25,000 |
| Software Developer | AED 7,500 – AED 11,000 | |
| Engineering & Architecture | Civil Engineer | AED 2000 - 18,000 |
| Project Engineer/Manager | AED 3,000 – AED 50,000 | |
| Hospitality & Tourism Management | Hotel Manager | AED 3200 - AED 18,000 |
| General Manager (Hotel/Hospitality) | AED -3000 - AED 25,000 |
Source: Naukri Gulf
International students have plenty of options when it comes to popular courses in Dubai, ranging from business management to IT & computer science to engineering & architecture to hospitality. These top courses are supported by world-class facilities and comparatively lower tuition fees than many Western study destinations. Moreover, several affordable universities in Dubai offer globally recognised degrees at a lower cost, while maintaining the same international standards and excellent career prospects within the region. For more information, speak to one of AECC’s expert counsellors today.