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Abu Dhabi is the capital and second-largest city of the United Arab Emirates, as well as an increasingly popular study destination for international students.
Located off on an island off the Persian Gulf, the city boasts more than 400 kilometres of stunning coastline, including 10 kilometres of pristine public beaches. The opportunity to study next to the city’s gorgeous beaches is complemented by year-round sunshine.
Abu Dhabi places joint 71st in the world with two of its universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2023. This year the city earns its best score in the student view category, based on a survey of more than 85,000 students.
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Abu Dhabi?
A multicultural city
The city is known for being extremely diverse, with 46 percent of its student population coming from outside the UAE.
Home to plenty of leading universities
In addition to the two local universities, Abu Dhabi also contains several branch campuses from top ranking international universities.
It’s surprisingly affordable
This year the city ranks 67th for affordability – one of its highest scores across the indicators.
Stunning landscape
Magnificent skyscrapers overlook a stunning coastline in Abu Dhabi, combining to make an enviable backdrop.
Cost of studying in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is more affordable than you might expect. It ranks 67th in the affordability indicator this year. This is due to Abu Dhabi’s surprisingly modest cost of living and low tuition fees in comparison to other student cities.
Numbeo estimates that a single person living in Abu Dhabi will need around 2,990AED (approx. US$813) per month, in addition to 4,630AED (approx. US$1,260) for rent in a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. Rent in Abu Dhabi is approximately 13 percent lower than in Dubai.
Tuition fees in the city are also lower than student cities in countries such as the UK and the US. Tuition fees in Abu Dhabi cost an average of US$23,000 per year for international students.
Life and culture in Abu Dhabi
Tourists flock to Abu Dhabi to visit its skyscrapers, malls and world class hotels, but there’s so much more to the city. Abu Dhabi’s exciting and diverse culture is combined with ancient traditions, culture and history, making the city completely unique.
There’s also an abundance of breathtaking architecture to explore in your spare time, with the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the largest in the country, a particular must-see.
As well as its affordability, one of the most appealing aspects of life in Abu Dhabi is its multiculturalism – Emirati citizens represent 20 percent of the city’s population, with people from other, diverse nationalities making up the remaining 80 percent. And of its student population, almost half (46 percent) come from outside the UAE.
If you want to study in Abu Dhabi, it’s important to remember that the UAE is a Muslim country, and you should be respectful of local laws and customs at all times.
Abu Dhabi is generally slightly more conservative than Dubai, so it’s advisable to cover up with long, loose clothing – this will also help with the heat! You should be especially respectful during Ramadan and when visiting religious sites.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai have both been rated among the best places to live in the Middle East, thanks to the vibrant lifestyle of the UAE, the excellent job opportunities on offer due to the cities’ fast-growing economy, and high quality of living.
Major industries in Abu Dhabi include construction, retail, finance, manufacturing and business services. There are many international companies with branches located in the city, such as Samsung Electronics, Huawei, Boeing, BP and Etoile group.
Those working in Abu Dhabi work a maximum of eight hours per day as regulated by the UAE labor law. This is reduced by two hours per day during Ramadan.
The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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Study in Abu Dhabi
Sabrina Collier
Updated Jun 30, 2022Save
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Abu Dhabi for students
Abu Dhabi is the capital and second-largest city of the United Arab Emirates, as well as an increasingly popular study destination for international students.
Located off on an island off the Persian Gulf, the city boasts more than 400 kilometres of stunning coastline, including 10 kilometres of pristine public beaches. The opportunity to study next to the city’s gorgeous beaches is complemented by year-round sunshine.
There are three excellent universities to choose from, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi University and Al Ain University, as well as several branch campuses of excellent overseas institutions such as INSEAD, New York University and Sorbonne University.
Would you choose Abu Dhabi? Share your thoughts.
Best universities in Abu Dhabi - QS Best Student Cities ranking: Joint 71st
World Ranking
Institution
=181
Khalifa University
651-700
Abu Dhabi University
More about Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi places joint 71st in the world with two of its universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2023. This year the city earns its best score in the student view category, based on a survey of more than 85,000 students.
Number of universities ranked by QS
2
Highest-ranked institution
Khalifa University (joint 181st in the world)
Population (inc. urban area)
1,206,000
Average international fees (at ranked unis)
US$23,000
Desirability rank
78th
Employer Activity rank
=89th
Affordability rank
67th
Student View rank
36th
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Abu Dhabi?
A multicultural city
The city is known for being extremely diverse, with 46 percent of its student population coming from outside the UAE.
Home to plenty of leading universities
In addition to the two local universities, Abu Dhabi also contains several branch campuses from top ranking international universities.
It’s surprisingly affordable
This year the city ranks 67th for affordability – one of its highest scores across the indicators.
Stunning landscape
Magnificent skyscrapers overlook a stunning coastline in Abu Dhabi, combining to make an enviable backdrop.
Cost of studying in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is more affordable than you might expect. It ranks 67th in the affordability indicator this year. This is due to Abu Dhabi’s surprisingly modest cost of living and low tuition fees in comparison to other student cities.
Numbeo estimates that a single person living in Abu Dhabi will need around 2,990AED (approx. US$813) per month, in addition to 4,630AED (approx. US$1,260) for rent in a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. Rent in Abu Dhabi is approximately 13 percent lower than in Dubai.
Tuition fees in the city are also lower than student cities in countries such as the UK and the US. Tuition fees in Abu Dhabi cost an average of US$23,000 per year for international students.
Life and culture in Abu Dhabi
Tourists flock to Abu Dhabi to visit its skyscrapers, malls and world class hotels, but there’s so much more to the city. Abu Dhabi’s exciting and diverse culture is combined with ancient traditions, culture and history, making the city completely unique.
There’s also an abundance of breathtaking architecture to explore in your spare time, with the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the largest in the country, a particular must-see.
As well as its affordability, one of the most appealing aspects of life in Abu Dhabi is its multiculturalism – Emirati citizens represent 20 percent of the city’s population, with people from other, diverse nationalities making up the remaining 80 percent. And of its student population, almost half (46 percent) come from outside the UAE.
If you want to study in Abu Dhabi, it’s important to remember that the UAE is a Muslim country, and you should be respectful of local laws and customs at all times.
Abu Dhabi is generally slightly more conservative than Dubai, so it’s advisable to cover up with long, loose clothing – this will also help with the heat! You should be especially respectful during Ramadan and when visiting religious sites.
Testimonials
Careers in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi and Dubai have both been rated among the best places to live in the Middle East, thanks to the vibrant lifestyle of the UAE, the excellent job opportunities on offer due to the cities’ fast-growing economy, and high quality of living.
Major industries in Abu Dhabi include construction, retail, finance, manufacturing and business services. There are many international companies with branches located in the city, such as Samsung Electronics, Huawei, Boeing, BP and Etoile group.
Those working in Abu Dhabi work a maximum of eight hours per day as regulated by the UAE labor law. This is reduced by two hours per day during Ramadan.
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The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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