Canadian University Dubai
Overview
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) was established in 2006, inspired by early partnerships with Centennial College and Athabasca University in Canada. It is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education and the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), with programmatic ties to Canadian institutions that ensure globally recognised standards.
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) graduates have a remarkable track record in employment, underscoring the institution’s commitment to empowering students for success in the professional world. With an impressive employment rate of approximately 90%, many graduates secure roles within prestigious local and global companies, showcasing the university’s strong reputation in the job market.
The university’s proactive Career Services team plays a crucial role in facilitating this success, providing comprehensive support to students from their very first day on campus.
Highlights
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Total International Students: 3,000+ (from 100+ countries)
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29:1
Canadian University Dubai Rankings
Being proclaimed as a University of Distinction, Canadian University Dubai is not that unfamiliar not only in the UAE but also in other regions of the world. It was also Five-Star Qualified under QS Stars University Rating System which indicates that the CUD is performing well in the field of academics and student engagements. Their success, achievements, above are just some of the recent highlights of CUD Ratings:
| Ranking Agency | Rank |
|---|---|
| Top University in Dubai (QS World University Rankings 2025) | 1st in Dubai (fourth consecutive year). |
| International Faculty (QS World University Rankings 2025) | 4th worldwide |
| International Students (QS World University Rankings 2025) | 6th worldwide |
| Arab Region Universities (QS Arab Region Rankings 2024) | 21st in all universities in the Arab Region |
| Global Ranking (QS World University Rankings 2025) | 523rd overall worldwide |
Canadian University Dubai Intakes
Canadian University Dubai offers three admission intakes each year, giving international students flexibility when planning their studies. Applying early is highly recommended to secure a place and allow enough time for visa processing.
- September Intake – Main intake, with applications opening in spring and closing in late summer, and classes starting in September.
- January Intake – Secondary intake, with applications open in autumn and closing in early winter, and classes beginning in January.
- April Intake – Available for the Daytime MBA program, with applications open ahead of the April start.
Canadian University Dubai Courses
From its business and engineering to its IT and design and health sciences divisions, Canadian University Dubai has endless opportunities for advanced learning. Along with studies, emphasis is placed on sustaining innovation, fostering creativity, and equipping students with hands-on abilities. The university maintains close links with the industry, and its global alumni network enhances its students’ prospects for establishing purposeful careers that make a difference on the global stage.
| Program | Duration | Total Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA (Master of Business Administration) | 1.5–2 Years | AED 103,700 |
| Master of Public Health (MPH) | 2 Years | AED 123,480 |
| MSc in Artificial Intelligence | 1–2 Years | AED 137,700 |
| MSc in Business Analytics | 2 Years | AED 86,867 |
| Master in Information Technology Management (MITM) | 2 Years | AED 103,719 |
| MSc in Design Innovation for Circular Economy | 2 Years | AED 106,554 |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analytics | 1 Years | AED 70,014 |
Cost of Studying at Canadian University Dubai
Studying at Canadian University Dubai combines world-class academics with the vibrant lifestyle of Dubai. Students should plan for both tuition fees and living expenses when budgeting their studies.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| UG Tuition Fees | AED 65,000 – 85,000 / year |
| PG Tuition Fees | AED 85,000 – 137,000 / year (depending on program) |
| Accommodation | AED 2,500 – 5,000 / month (≈ AED 25,000 – 35,000 / year) |
| Food | AED 1,500 – 2,500 / month (≈ AED 18,000 – 30,000 / year) |
| Transport | AED 300 – 600 / month (≈ AED 3,500 – 7,000 / year) |
| General Expenses | AED 1,000 – 1,500 / month (≈ AED 12,000 – 18,000 / year) |
Canadian University Dubai Scholarships
Canadian University not only offer financial aid in form of scholarships but also awards discounts, and recognition. And these awards recognize academic excellence, financial need, and community involvement, helping students reduce the overall cost of their studies.
Canadian University Dubai offers a variety of scholarships for international students. Some of them are as follows:
| Scholarship | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Excellence | 10% – 50% tuition waiver | For students with high GPA results |
| Sports Scholarship | Up to 40% tuition waiver | Awarded to national/city-level athletes |
| Financial Hardship | Up to 40% tuition waiver | For students with proven financial need |
| Special Needs/Talent | Up to 40% tuition waiver | For students with disabilities or special talents |
| Study Scholarship | 5% tuition discount | For students enrolled in at least 12 credit hours |
Canadian University Admissions
Canadian University Dubai accepts applications directly via the university’s online portal for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Applicants must hold a recognised Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:
- TOEFL iBT – 79
- IELTS – 6.0
- TOEFL ITP – 550
Additional Requirements:
Applicants need to provide official academic transcripts, a copy of their passport, a CV or resume, English language test results, and other supporting documents. Students who fall slightly short of the English proficiency criteria may be considered for conditional admission.
To qualify for undergraduate study, applicants must hold a recognised high school diploma with a minimum overall average of 60%. Some programs—particularly in Engineering, IT, and Architecture—may ask for stronger grades in Mathematics or Science subjects.
English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:
- TOEFL iBT – 61
- IELTS – 5.0
- TOEFL ITP – 500
(*Creative Industries programs require IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL iBT 71 / ITP 530*)
Additional Requirements:
Applicants must submit official high school transcripts, copy of passport, English language proficiency scores, and any program-specific requirements.
Accommodation at Canadian University Dubai
Canadian University Dubai’s campus is within easy reach of a variety of rental-hostel opportunities, and the University as well provides shuttles for longer distances. They also provide partially furnished as well as fully furnished lodgings for the convenience of the students.
On-Campus:
Various studios and one or two bedroom apartments are available for students and they are semi furnished and purposefully built for the comfort of students of Canadian University Dubai. These include high speed WiFi, utilities such as DEWA along with the shuttle service. The University’s new Residences are conveniently located near deli’s, supermarkets and the Dubai Metro. This, alongside the shuttle service makes commuting around the city easier. Dwellings will be occupied on a first come first serve basis. There is also a restriction of a max of two people per bedroom..
Off-Campus:
Additionally, students also have the option of spending Uni days living off campus. The University then assists the students in finding what they are looking for. The Discovery Gardens furnished studios and one bed apartments, and The Myriad, KSK Homes, and Yugo Dubailand purpose built student accommodation are just some of the options available. There is also the Myriad, KSK Homes, and Yugo Dubailand. The above listed accommodations usually have shared facilities such as restrooms, gyms, social lounges and also offer shuttle services. The approx. Total Fee Range is AED 2000-3000 for the services listed above.
Placements at Canadian University Dubai
Most graduates from Canadian University Dubai have found success in their employment endeavors, maintaining a 90% employment rate. Numerous graduates have accepted positions in major global and regional corporations. From day one, the university Career Services Team provides students with CV and interview coaching. Students are also helped in job placements, internships and annual career fairs, which assists the students in getting exposed to industry professionals. Additionally, 90 per cent of the MBA program graduates within one year of graduation, which is further supported by the pedagogy and industry orientation of the program and focus on the growing needs of the profession.
Student Essential Services
Canadian University Dubai provides a wide range of student services to support academic success, wellbeing, and campus life.
- Student Affairs: Support for campus life, events, student council, and wellbeing.
- Student Success Centre: Workshops and one-on-one guidance on study skills, writing, and time management.
- Career Services & Internships: Career counselling, CV/interview workshops, and mandatory internships.
- Counselling & Accessibility: Confidential counselling and academic accommodation for students with disabilities.
- Health Centre: On-campus healthcare, licensed nurses, insurance guidance, and emergency referrals.
- Clubs & Recreation: Student clubs, sports facilities, gymnasium, tennis court, and cultural activities.
- Learning Resources: Access to libraries, computer labs, science labs, and digital platforms.
Location of Canadian University Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions
Canadian University admits students in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. It’s best to apply early as seats are limited and priority is given to applicants who complete their files on time.
Canadian University accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and TOEFL ITP. Minimum scores vary by program, with higher requirements for postgraduate and creative industry programs.
Yes, internships are a compulsory part of undergraduate programs. The Career Services team helps students find placements aligned with their field of study.
Yes, Canadian University manages semi-furnished apartments near campus and also supports students in finding off-campus housing across Dubai.
Yes, Canadian University offers scholarships for academic excellence, sports, financial hardship, and special needs/talent. Awards range from 5% to 50% tuition waivers.
The New Student Hub provides guidance on visas, accommodation, and orientation to help students settle quickly into university life.
Yes, CUD students may transfer credits to partner universities in Canada, subject to program and institutional requirements.
