5 Most Affordable Universities in Dubai for Master's Degree in Innovation under AED 90,000 with Scholarships in 2026

The University of Wollongong in Dubai is well renowned higher education institution recognized internationally for its interdisciplinary research fields and excellence in teaching. The University is the most respected young University privileged in the world and part of UOW’s Australian Global Network. They have ranked 24th in the world in Times Higher Education Young University 2021 and got a five star rating in QS World University Rank 2021.

The University of Wollongong in Dubai was established in 1993 and became the first International Australian University in the UAE. Now the University has expanded its campuses in Australia, Hong Kong, and Malaysia by becoming an international brand.

UOW’s Dubai campus is the new Campus of the Future that aims to cater to the enthusiastic surge in young and dynamic international students to fulfill the globalized approach in higher studies. The University of Wollongong Dubai is situated in the heart of Dubai’s Business city and surrounded by well-known multinational companies, encouraging young minds to collaborate through the academic industry and understand the career prospects in their respective fields.

The new campus of the University of Wollongong Dubai has a modern architectural design combining traditional and innovative learning spaces and seamlessly installed new-age technologies to facilitate teaching in the best-in-class programs. This new campus is specially designed to enrich young minds to experience enriching education with creativity and world-class infrastructure.

The University offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees, short courses, and foundational courses in Arts, Sciences, Computers, Management, Business, Health Sciences, etc. The admission process is quite easy and simple, with some basic requirements of IELTS or OET scores. They also have excellent placement ratios, where 83% of graduates got their employment within 6 months of graduation.

On the campus, there are dedicated student learning rooms, meeting rooms, and small and large rooms accommodating 30 and 80 students, respectively. Also, an exhibition space, recruitment lounge, student lounge, and an ultra-modern aesthetic auditorium for various cultural programs and seminars. We have an on-campus cafe that facilitates everything the students need to relax their minds and appetites. To have a technological experience closely, we have laboratories for every respective department to conduct practical classes and examinations.

UOWD in Dubai exists because it aims to create a future for students and make them part of the global community consisting of 152,000 alumni having experienced and achieved greater heights in academics and industries, which is why our students are creating their spaces at prestigious multinational organizations such as IBM, Microsoft, GE, Adidas, Deloitte, Emirates, PepsiCo, etc. Therefore, what are you waiting for? Choose the University of Wollongong Dubai, you will invest in a brighter future and enjoy a lifetime experience.

UE Dubai's new campus, located in the vibrant Future District, will commence its first-degree programs this autumn. All our programs are State accredited in Germany and by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai, ensuring our students are prepared for the job markets of the future. UE Dubai aims to combine high-quality theoretical education from Germany with the international companies already established in Dubai.

The September 2023 Intake presents three cutting-edge programs featuring a curriculum that emphasizes practical learning with a remarkable 90% hands-on experience:

• MSc in Data Science; 
• MSc in Software Engineering;
• MA Visual and Experience Design

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai is the first overseas campus of the internationally renowned Middlesex University London. Since opening in 2005, it has grown to become the largest British KHDA higher education institution in Dubai. 

The Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) granted MDX Dubai its initial institutional license, reflecting the university’s commitment to the highest standards of academic quality and governance. 

The university offers foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA programmes across a wide range of disciplines, and was the first to offer a face-to-face LLB (British Qualifying Law) degree in Dubai. 

MDX Dubai is a global university dedicated to supporting the ambitions of a culturally and internationally diverse student body through challenging academic programmes, innovative research, grants, and professional practice. 

Students benefit from studying in the heart of Dubai, with cutting-edge facilities across multiple campuses. The primary campus in Dubai Knowledge Park features high-tech classrooms, the Icon Studio fashion lab, MDX Studios film lab, Sports Performance lab, RoboTechx lab, VRx lab, and more. 

The second campus in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) serves as the MBA Global Study Hub, offering state-of-the-art facilities for MBA students. 

In January 2026, MDX Dubai opened a further Study Hub in Dubai Media City, enhancing its presence in the city’s innovation and creative industries and offering further opportunities for students to engage with industry and research. 

MDX Dubai offers two main intakes in September and January, with an additional April intake for the MBA (Daytime Delivery) programme and the International Foundation Programme (IFP).

Key USPs:

• Middlesex University Dubai is the largest UK university in Dubai in KHDA’s Private Higher Education Open Data 2024 – 2025 report, based on student enrolments for the fifth consecutive year 
• Officially granted institutional licensure by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) 
• Students can earn a full bachelor’s honours degree in just three years (typically this can be four years) 
• 90+ programmes at foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate and MBA level 
• Diverse community with 7,100+ students from 120+ nationalities 
• Up to 50% scholarships and grants available 
• 30+ sports teams and social clubs  
• Industry connections and internship opportunities with major businesses across all sectors 
• Students graduate 100% employable and have access to a dedicated Careers and Employability service up to one-year post-graduation 
• Opportunity for international travel to locations such as Japan, Italy, Georgia, or Switzerland, with up to 3 optional trips per year  
• Opportunity to transfer to the London or Mauritius campus during studies 
• Innovation and entrepreneurship support is provided via the Middlesex Innovation Hub 
• Luxury student accommodation options at The Myriad Dubai 
• Cutting edge facilities including state-of-the-art labs, creative studios and tech-focused classrooms 
• Lifetime access to the MDX Alumni Network with industry opportunities and support 
• One of the only universities to offer a direct progression from UG to MBA programme, accessible to those without work experience 
• Three intakes in September, January, April (potentially July) 

Other important statistics and USP's:

• Middlesex University Dubai has a 5-Star KHDA rating, awarded first in 2020 and then for a second time in 2022. 
• 247,000+ global alumni of Middlesex University. 
• Students can choose from UK courses in the following areas: 
• IFP 
• Business 
• Accounting and Finance 
• Computer Engineering and Informatics 
• Sport Science 
• Psychology 
• Law 
• Art and Design 
• Media 
• Health and Education 
• MBA 
• We offer two key intakes, one in September and one in January, and an additional intake for the Daytime MBA programme in April and July, and a further intake in April for the IFP. 
• Official number: 19 social clubs, 15 sport teams 

About RIT Dubai

The Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai (RIT Dubai) maintains its position as a prestigious satellite campus of the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, United States, while operating in the city of Dubai within the United Arab Emirates territory. RIT Dubai provides a total of 11 doctoral degrees, together with 78 bachelor's degrees and 73 master's degrees. The college delivers 49 dual-degree programs among its university offerings. All programs at RIT Dubai received accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation under the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR).

The government authority, known as the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, licensed the Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai to operate as a private educational institution in Dubai. 

RIT maintains more than 300 groups covering political science, athletics, movement arts, drama and music, and virtual gaming. RIT Dubai provides students access to multiple facilities, including technology and engineering laboratories, a bookstore and gym space as well as outdoor sports areas, cafeteria service, and a reading library.

Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai History

Two foundations merged together to establish the Rochester Institute of Technology when the Mechanics Institute joined forces with Rochester Athenaeum in 1885. The institution received its present name in 1944. The initial Bachelor of Science degree was issued by Rochester Tech in 1955.

RIT Dubai emerged in 2008 as the not-for-profit global branch of Rochester Institute of Technology, which originated as one of the world's top technology-centered institutions with 185 years of academic legacy in New York.

The establishment of the Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai started in 2008 at the Dubai Silicon Oasis to provide top-tier higher education in the vicinity. The institution delivers undergraduate and graduate academic programs to Middle Eastern student groups across North Africa and Southeast Asia.

President Mustafa A.G. Abushagur stood as the founding president of RIT Dubai when he established its first Middle Eastern campus. He served as the mediator who brought RIT together with the UAE government to develop a university campus within the Dubai Silicon Oasis.

RIT Dubai served as evidence of the partnership between RIT president William W. Destler and Dubai officials. The Rochester Institute of Technology was invited by the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority to establish a community and network of highly skilled, technology-proficient people. RIT gained the chance to pursue its strategic plan that sought platform growth and worldwide educational possibilities for students.

Dr. Youssef Al Assaf took over as president of Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai in 2013 after Mustafa A.G. Abushagur accepted the prime minister position in modern Libyan history.

In February 2019, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum initiated the development of new RIT Dubai campus facilities through his role as the Chairman of the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA). The construction project worth 500 million AED requires completion by 2023, and the first building phase will finish by the first quarter of 2020.

Education at RIT Dubai

RIT Dubai grants bachelor's degrees together with master's degrees in multiple disciplines between computers and business administration alongside engineering and leadership. The innovative cooperative education program delivers practical work experience to students via their curriculum, which increases their career market value in this highly competitive environment.

RIT Dubai receives its program authorization from the United Arab Emirates, allowing students to receive American academic credentials. Likewise RIT Dubai students acquire the opportunity to take classes at any of its international campuses together with its New York residence location.

The United Arab Emirates conducts accreditation of RIT Dubai programs to deliver American degrees to students. The education at RIT Dubai allows students to add international study experience through their facilities throughout New York and its global locations.

All educational programs of Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai align with New York programs, which delivers the exact degrees given to New York campus students. All academic programs at RIT Dubai received approvals through MOHESR's Commission for Academic Accreditation.

Programs for Undergraduate Students

RIT Dubai initiated the provision of Bachelor of Science degrees in the autumn of 2010, offering a variety of major program options and concentrations. RIT Dubai provides a variety of disciplines, including:

• Business Management Marketing International Business Finance Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Microelectronics Engineering – 2+2 Program – Complete your degree in Microelectronics Engineering at the NY campus after spending two years studying Electrical Engineering in Dubai.
• Industrial Engineering
• Information and Computer Sciences
• Computer Security Computing and Information Technologies

These undergraduate programs are intended for full-time study, allowing students to integrate practical experience with academic foundations and an emphasis on modern and newly developed technologies. Students have the opportunity to satisfy a portion of their degree requirements by attending classes at the New York campus and studying abroad.

Postgraduate programs

In September 2008, the Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai initiated the provision of graduate degree programs in a variety of fields. PhD programs exist to direct training, foster regional economic expansion, and enhance human resources in Dubai and across the Persian Gulf region. All master's programs at RIT Dubai operate on a part-time basis while providing flexible learning formats to meet the needs of working students.

The following master's programs are available:

• Customer Service Innovation and Leadership
• System administration and networking
• Electrical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Engineering administration

Professional studies: City science, subject to Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research Approval

The English Language Center

The English Language Center also provides English courses for professionals, personal interests, international students, and RIT Dubai students.

Certification

The Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai awards degrees from its main institution, RIT New York, which is internationally recognized. All Master's and Bachelor's programs at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) accrediting body known as the Commission for Academic Accreditation have received their certification. Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai started accepting more students because its Engineering Programs earned accreditation from the US Department of Education and ABET.

The regulatory authority of the Emirate of Dubai called the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, has issued a license to the Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai.

Rochester Institute of Technology holds its accreditation from Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the New York State Education Department. At the same time, it operates with its charter from the New York state legislature.

The Rochester Institute of Technology in New York has bachelor's and master's programs in engineering and business that are accredited by accreditation bodies such as the American Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) and the Association of Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), in addition to institutional accreditation.

Facilities and Services in RIT Dubai

Facilities offered by the Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai include a bookstore, a fitness center, outdoor and indoor sports facilities, a cafeteria, and a library. Additionally, the institute offers engineering and computing laboratories.

An onsite collection of 3,000 volumes is maintained by the library. Furthermore, students at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai have access to more than 125,000 electronic books, 50,000 electronic journals, and 250 databases from the primary campus library in Rochester, New York.

Students from RIT Dubai who require housing are accommodated at the Dubai Silicon Oasis Accommodation, which is situated approximately five minutes from campus. This establishment, which was inaugurated in August 2016, offers a comprehensive array of amenities to accommodate the requirements of students, such as study, dining, recreation, and leisure. Shuttles from the main campus building depart at various intervals throughout the day, and buses are available to convey students to specific malls and metro stations.

If necessary, students are provided with transportation. RIT Dubai provides daily transportation services for students residing in the cities of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and Dubai. Bus routes are available at numerous convenient pick-up locations in neighbourhoods and suburbs across the country. The buses arrive at the RIT Dubai before classes commence at 9:00 AM. Buses depart from RIT Dubai daily between 5:00 and 5:15 p.m.

Campus activities in RIT Dubai

Events University Challenge

The primary event that takes place annually on campus is the RIT Dubai University Competition. High school students are encouraged to participate in a variety of competitions, including those in the fields of engineering, business, and knowledge. The competition's champions are awarded a scholarship to continue their education at RIT Dubai.

Days of Orientation

At the commencement of the academic year in the Fall semester, the university conducts orientation sessions during which students are provided with an overview of the university's operations, register for classes, and complete the Math and English placement tests.

Workshops for Counselors

The counselor workshop is designed to equip high school representatives with the necessary resources to ensure that their students select the appropriate university, whether they are moving abroad to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or remaining in the UAE.

Student life at Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai

Student government

The student government (SG) elections for president and vice president were conducted on May 1, 2013, with the objective of representing the entire student body of the university and assisting the Student Services department in all student-related tasks. Representative elections were conducted during the initial week of October. External Communication Officer, Internal Communications Officer, Events Organizer, Athletics Director, Treasurer, and Secretary comprise the remaining positions in the Student Government. Candidates who submit applications for these positions are appointed.

The student government at RIT Dubai is one of the most prominent student organizations at the university.

The following are examples of previous Student Government President and Vice President leadership:

• Rabeet Khan and Yara Hattab (2013–2014)
• Tarun Yenna and Yara Hattab (2014–2015)
• Mohammad Yousefi and Mashal Waqar (2015–2016)
• Omar Adel and Kareem Hassan (2016–2017)
• Loana Ifrim and Ira Palaioudi (2017–2018)
• Ronald Noronha and Judy Akbik (2018–2019)

WRITERS Magazine

WRITERS is the inaugural student-run publication at RIT Dubai. It is an online and print publication that is distributed throughout the Dubai Silicon Oasis and at RIT Dubai. The circulation of the magazine exceeds 1000 volumes. The RIT Dubai Marketing Club initiated the WRITERS initiative with the objective of providing a platform for the most opinionated voices of RIT Dubai. It has been instrumental in the discussion of critical issues that students hold dear. Issue 1 was published in May 2015, and issue 2 was released in May 2016.

Issue 2 profiles Sharpen Obaid-Chinoy, a two-time Oscar recipient, for her pioneering work in the production of documentary films that address topics that are considered taboo in Pakistan. Mashal Waqar served as the editor-in-chief for both publications. Dana Osman, Bushra Siddiqui, and Junaid Seraj served as the sub-editors for issue 2, while Raina Zakir served as the designer.

Athletic Club

The Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) Sports Cup 2013 was attended by the Sports Club. Basketball, volleyball, table tennis, athletics, football, cricket, tennis, squash, badminton, and swimming were all participated in by approximately forty-five students.

Cultural Club for Palestinians

In 2012, the Palestinian Cultural Club was established with the objective of representing the Palestinian community at RIT Dubai. Its primary objective is to preserve the Palestinian culture and heritage and to revitalize it. Additionally, our objective is to establish connections between the Palestinian community in the UAE and the Palestinian community in Palestine, as well as to engage in communication with various Palestinian organizations and figures both within and outside the UAE. One of the club's ongoing initiatives is the Donate to Educate charity campaign, which is designed to assist students in Palestine in their pursuit of education.

Happenings

The club's inaugural event was the invitation of the General Consul of Palestine to the opening ceremony. This was followed by a delightful evening of Palestinian folklore.

The General Consulate of the State of Palestine organized a charity dinner event at Atlantis to support the financial support box of President Mahmmoud Abbas, which is to assist Palestinian students in Lebanon. The club attended the event.

• The RIT Got Talent event was hosted by the club.
• The PCRF charity marathon, which was organized by Standard Charter and took place on Dubai Mall Boulevard, was attended by members.
• In order to assist students in Palestine in their education, the organization initiated the "Donate to Educate" charity campaign.
• Participated in the Donate to Educate charity campaign by attending the DSO Bazaar.
• The club aimed to broaden its charity campaign in order to garner the support of a larger number of individuals in the UAE. In collaboration with the General Consulate of the State of Palestine and other Palestinian Clubs in the UAE, the PCC-RIT could host an event titled "Voices from the Heart of the Land" on the same day as "Yawm Al-Ard/The Land Day" to assist the blind children in Palestine.

Arab Orients Club

In March 2012, the Arab Orients Club was established with the objective of introducing the various Arab cultures of the globe to the universities in the United Arab Emirates. In April 2013, the Arab Orients Club hosted a "all you can eat" event that was attended by both students and staff.

"The Humanitarian Club"

The RIT Dubai Humanitarian Club was established in 2011 to facilitate the collaboration and work of students who share a common interest in improving the community. In the early months of 2012, the club joined forces with the Sharjah Book Shelter.

Accessibility

The Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai is situated in the Dubai Silicon Oasis, a technology complex that is situated between Academic City and Mirdiff City Center. The University is situated approximately 15 minutes from the Dubai International Airport and 15 minutes from Etisalat Academy, which serves as student accommodation. In 2016, the Student Government organized weekly ASL courses to enhance the campus's accessibility for the deaf community. The classes were led by Mashal Waqar and Asher Kirschbaum.