Public institutes are restricted to UAE nationals and children of women who are UAE nationals. For admission of students who are not UAE nationals, you can check with each university's terms and conditions.

UAE University

UAE University was founded in 1976. It awards 70 undergraduate degrees in addition to graduate degrees with many programmes that are internationally accredited. 

Zayed University (ZU)

Zayed University (ZU) was established in 1998 as a women's institute. It recently opened a men's campus. ZU has US accreditation attesting its high standards.

Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)

Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) was founded in 1988. It is the largest higher educational institute in the UAE with an enrolment of 16,000 students. It offers more than 80 technical and professional degrees and certifications.

If you are looking for a university in the UAE or abroad, the following links will help you:

• Government higher education institutes in the UAE- Ministry of Education
• Private higher education institutes in the UAE- Ministry of Education
• Recommended online higher education institutes - Ministry of Education  
• UAE Cultural Attaché abroad - Ministry of Education
• List of higher education institutes in Abu Dhabi - Department of Education and Knowledge -Abu Dhabi
• Higher education responsibilities- Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)