Rochester Institute of Technology - RIT Dubai (RIT)

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.

Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai Job Opportunities in Tech

The placement rate at Rochester Institute of Technology is 87.5%, meaning that 87 to 88 out of every 100 graduates find work within a few months of graduation. According to data gathered from the internet, Rochester Tech graduate students are employed by corporations like Microsoft, Paychex, Amazon, Apple, Google, Amazon Web Series (AWS), and others. Engineering, business development, operations, information technology, arts and design, and so forth are some of the most popular areas in which students are employed.

Ranking

In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Rochester Institute of Technology is ranked #91 among National Universities.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a college or university with accreditation

• Putting in an application online

• Documents to support

• An application fee of $65.

• Individual declaration

• Resume

Transcripts of undergraduate studies

•Recommendation letters

•A writing sample, portfolio, or entrance exam (such as the GRE or GMAT) may be required by certain programs.

Most graduate programs can be completed in three semesters because they require 30 credit hours or ten courses. However, additional courses must be completed for other degrees.

Most graduate schools accept applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply whenever you like. However, some have specific application deadlines.

The majority of graduate institutions give out merit-based scholarships and assistantships. All overseas students are considered for assistantships and scholarships based on merit. Because scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, your chances of receiving one increase the earlier you apply during rolling deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai

What is the ranking of RIT Dubai?

RIT Dubai is a relatively new institution with no separate ranking in major global university ranking systems. However, it is part of the Rochester Institute of Technology, which is recognized for its strong programs in engineering, computing, and technology. RIT New York is ranked #91 among National Universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report for 2025.

What are the requirements for RIT Dubai?

Undergraduate Admissions:

• Academic Performance: A strong high school record, particularly in required academic subjects.
• Standardized Tests: Submission of SAT or ACT scores is recommended but not mandatory.
• English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL (minimum score of 79 iBT) or IELTS (minimum score of 6.5) scores.
• Additional Materials: Letters of recommendation and a personal statement may also be required.

Graduate Admissions:

• Academic Performance: A bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must have TOEFL (minimum score of 79 iBT) or IELTS (minimum score of 6.5) scores.
• Additional Materials: Resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

What is RIT ranked in the world?

RIT New York is ranked #91 among National Universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. In the QS World University Rankings, RIT is placed in the 1001-1200 range globally.

Is RIT Dubai accredited?

Yes, RIT Dubai is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education – Higher Education Affairs for all its bachelor's and master's programs. Additionally, its engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). The degrees awarded are identical to those from RIT New York and are recognized globally.

What are the requirements for RIT Dubai?

Undergraduate Admissions:

• Academic Performance: A strong high school record, particularly in required academic subjects.
• Standardized Tests: Submission of SAT or ACT scores is recommended but not mandatory.
• English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL (minimum score of 79 iBT) or IELTS (minimum score of 6.5) scores.
• Additional Materials: Letters of recommendation and a personal statement may also be required.

Graduate Admissions:

• Academic Performance: A bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• English Proficiency: TOEFL (minimum score of 79 iBT) or IELTS (minimum score of 6.5) scores for non-native English speakers.
• Additional Materials: Resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

How prestigious is the Rochester Institute of Technology?

RIT is renowned for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, particularly through its cooperative education (co-op) programs, which integrate classroom learning with real-world work experience. The university is recognized for its programs in engineering, computing, and technology. RIT New York is ranked #91 among National Universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report for 2025.

What is the average SAT score for RIT Dubai?

While specific data for RIT Dubai is not readily available, the main campus in New York has an average SAT score of 1352. The 25th percentile SAT score is 1290, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1440. It's reasonable to assume that RIT Dubai maintains similar standards.

What is the highest placement in RIT?

The highest placement at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has historically been around $200,000 per year for graduates in high-demand fields like technology and computer science. Specific salary data may vary annually.

Which is the No. 1 school in Dubai?

Dubai College is often ranked as the No. 1 school in Dubai for its outstanding academic performance and extracurricular offerings. For higher education, Heriot-Watt University Dubai and University of Birmingham Dubai are also well-regarded.

What is the RIT acceptance rate?

The acceptance rate at Rochester Institute of Technology is approximately 71%, making it moderately selective.

Is RIT good for international students?

Yes, RIT is excellent for international students. It offers diverse programs, strong career placement opportunities, a global campus network (including RIT Dubai), and robust student support services.

Does RIT have an entrance exam?

RIT does not have a specific entrance exam. Admissions are based on academic records, standardized test scores (optional for SAT/ACT), essays, and other supporting materials.

What is the fee structure of RIT?

• At RIT Rochester (USA): The tuition fee is approximately $56,000 per year, excluding housing and other expenses.
• At RIT Dubai: The tuition fee is around AED 75,000–85,000 per year, depending on the program.

How can I get 100% scholarship in Dubai?

To secure a 100% scholarship in Dubai:

• Aim for academic excellence (90%+ or equivalent GPA).
• Demonstrate strong leadership, community service, or extracurricular achievements.
• Apply for merit-based scholarships like those offered by RIT Dubai and other universities.

Is RIT Dubai accredited?

Yes, RIT Dubai is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and the New York State Board of Regents in the United States.

What celebrities went to RIT?

Notable alumni include:

• Stan Munro – Renowned toothpick artist.
• John Resig – Creator of jQuery.
• Robert Fichter – Prominent photographer and visual artist.
• While not heavily celebrity-focused, RIT is celebrated for producing industry leaders and innovators.

Is RIT public or private?

RIT is a private university.

What is the highest salary of RIT?

The highest reported salary for RIT graduates is around $200,000 annually, particularly in sectors like computer science, engineering, and IT.

Is Rochester Institute of Technology Tier 1?

Yes, RIT is considered a Tier 1 university for its exceptional programs in engineering, computer science, and design, as well as its strong industry partnerships.

What is the highest package of RIT?

The highest package offered to RIT graduates has been approximately $200,000 annually for top-performing students.

Is it difficult to get into RIT?

RIT is moderately competitive, with a 71% acceptance rate. While not extremely difficult, you will need a strong academic background, a solid statement of purpose, and relevant extracurricular achievements to secure admission.