University of Bolton Dubai
Overview
University of Bolton Dubai (Academic Centre, RAK) opened in 2008 as the first British university campus in Ras Al Khaimah, offering UK-accredited degrees delivered locally. Operating under license from RAKEZ and recognized by the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge (RAK DOK), it maintains high academic standards through its “Diamond Rating” awarded by the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
The University of Bolton Academic Centre, based in RAK, offers a British-accredited program within the UAE, with the same curriculum, assessment standards, and degree award as the main UK facility. It was founded with the objective of providing quality education, contemporary facilities, and good industry connections, and embracing a wide range of students of various nationalities.
Highlights
Acceptance Rate: 28%
Total International Students: 40+ nationalities represented
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Placement Percentage: 95%
University of Bolton Dubai Rankings
Although the RAK centre is still new than the older branch campuses of the international branches, it carries with it the reputation of Bolton UK. The UAE authorities recognize it, its engineers, business, computing and psychology programs are known in the region.
Whereas the RAK centre is more recent than the older international branch campuses, it inherits the reputation of the Bolton UK. UAE authorities recognize it, its quality assurance is of British standard, and it is well known in the region in terms of engineering, business, computing and psychology programs.
| Ranking Agency | Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World Rankings (Parent University, UK) 2025 | 1201–1400 globally |
| Times Higher Education (Parent University, UK) 2025 | 801–1000 globally |
| KHDA (Dubai) 2024 | 4-Star Rating |
University of Bolton Dubai Courses
University of Bolton RAK has a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Undergraduate degrees include Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics, Software Engineering), Business and Management, Computing, Psychology, Accounting and Law.
There are postgraduate courses such as master degree in Engineering Management, Construction Project management, Software engineering, Business Administration (MBA) and postgraduate specialization of finance, computing and networks. Eligibility holders are also eligible to get top-up degrees.
| Program | Duration | Total Tuition Fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| MBA (Master of Business Administration) | 1 Year | AED 55,000 |
| MSc Information Technology | 1 Year | AED 50,000 |
| MSc Construction Project Management | 1 Year | AED 52,000 |
| BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering | 4 Years | AED 40,000/year |
| BSc (Hons) Business Management | 3 Years | AED 38,500/year |
| BSc (Hons) Computing | 3 Years | AED 39,000/year |
| BSc (Hons) Accountancy | 3 Year | AED 38,000/year |
Cost of Studying at the University of Bolton Dubai
The annual tuition of undergraduate programs usually varies between AED 27,500-32,300, depending on the course stream. Top-up degrees are a little more expensive and postgraduate courses, such as MBA or MSc, are typically between AED 49,500 to complete master’s course. Other expenses include registration, application fees, visa, and examination fees. Additional costs such as registration fees, visa processing, and examination charges should also be budgeted for, alongside living expenses in Ras Al Khaimah.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees | AED 38,000 – 40,000 / year |
| Postgraduate Tuition Fees | AED 50,000 – 55,000 / year |
| Accommodation | AED 20,000 – 35,000 / year |
| Food & Living Expenses | AED 18,000 – 25,000 / year |
| Transport & Miscellaneous | AED 5,000 – 8,000 / year |
University of Bolton Dubai Scholarships
The university provides numerous scholarships and financial assistance to motivate the worthy students. The merit scholarships offer tuition fees to people who have excellent performance in high school or undergraduate education.
It is also attractive to siblings or relatives learning together, as it has early application discounts and family discounts. These scholarships are not only cheaper ways to get an education, but also a reward of excellence and effort. Good grades are normally a prerequisite to keep on enjoying financial assistance.
| Scholarship | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Merit Scholarship | 20% – 30% | For high-achieving students with strong grades |
| Early Payment Discount | AED 2,000 – 5,000 | For students paying tuition in advance |
| Alumni Scholarship | 10% | For graduates continuing to postgraduate study |
| Sports Scholarship | Up to 25% | For students excelling at regional/national sports |
| Community Engagement Scholarship | Up to 20% | For students contributing to social initiatives |
University of Bolton Dubai Admission
Bolton RAK has a simple admission process which is friendly to the students. Applicants must have successfully completed recognized secondary school qualifications, including but not limited to A-Levels, CBSE, or equivalent secondary level completion, with proficiency in English language skills as evidenced by IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognized substitutes.
Programs such as the MBA demand a bachelor’s degree and in certain cases, work experience (postgraduate admissions). The students apply on the online portal and provide necessary documents and could be offered either conditional or unconditional offers in accordance with their credentials.
University of Bolton accepts direct applications for postgraduate taught courses via their online application portal.
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must hold a recognized undergraduate degree, usually equivalent to a UK 2:2. Certain programs like Business and Engineering may require higher GPAs or relevant work experience.
English Language Proficiency Tests Accepted:
TOEFL iBT -79
IELTS -6.0
PTE -55
Additional Requirements:
Academic transcripts, passport copy, CV/resume, statement of purpose, and references.
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must hold a recognized high school qualification (A-Levels, IB, CBSE, or equivalent) with a minimum average of 60%. Engineering and Computing programs require higher grades in Maths/Science.
English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:
TOEFL iBT -78
IELTS -6.0
PTE 50–57
Additional Documents: High school transcripts, English test results, personal statement, and passport copy.
Accommodation at the University of Bolton Dubai
On-campus housing is available, and male and female students have access to separate facilities, ensuring they feel comfortable and safe. The rooms are well furnished, and it provide use of utilities like Wi-Fi and security, which is convenient to international students.
There is also the provision of shuttle services to transport the students between the hostel and the campus. Alternatively, students may choose to rent their own apartments in Ras Al Khaimah, where the cost of living is usually cheaper than in Dubai, providing affordable accommodation with easy access to facilities.
- On-Campus: The campus offers purpose-built student hostels with shared or single rooms, Wi-Fi, utilities, study lounges, and 24/7 security. Free shuttle buses connect the residences with campus and city hubs.
- Off-Campus: Students may rent apartments in Ras Al Khaimah, with costs ranging from AED 2,000–3,000 per month. Areas like Al Nakheel and Al Seer offer affordable housing close to shops and transport links.
University of Bolton Dubai Placements
The university boasts a 95% placement rate, with graduates employed or in further study within three months. The Careers & Employability Service provides CV workshops, interview preparation, and internships. Top recruiters include Etisalat, RAK Ceramics, Gulf Petrochem, Emirates Airlines, and multinational banks.
Student Essential Services
Bolton RAK gives a significant focus on career development and employability. The campus works in partnership with the industry to offer students internships, project, and real-world exposure.
A careers service is a specialist center that assists students in writing their resumes, preparing for interviews, and networking with employers at job fairs and meetings. Some graduates are able to get jobs in engineering, multi-national companies, and local industries whereas others can go abroad in search of further education. The high emphasis on applied training provides students with a competitive advantage in the labor market.
University of Bolton Dubai has a vibrant international student population and provides a wide range of support services to help students adapt, excel academically, and maintain wellbeing.
- Student Support Centre: student support covers registration, examinations, transcripts and student ID cards. It serves as the primary source of contact regarding any administrative questions, that can ensure that students go through their course of study with ease.
- Wellbeing and Counselling: Provides confidential guidance services to promote mental health, wellbeing, and personal issues. There are professional counsellors who are available on one-to-one counseling and therefore the students have access to counseling whenever they need it.
- Learning Support and Tutoring is additional academic assistance in the form of workshops, tutorials and one-on-one. Academic performance can be enhanced through the development of skills in English, research, writing, and subject-specific skills among the students.
- IT and Library Services: Campus library offers textbooks, journals, and online databases, and IT labs guarantee the availability of the tools needed to do coursework. Wi-Fi printing services are present all around the campus.
- Clubs & Societies: Students have numerous opportunities to socialize, discover hobbies, and discuss cultural diversity with many student-led clubs and organizations. Students are able to participate in sports, cultural or academic organizations in order to make their campus life more complete.
- Careers Service: Provides advice to help students with their workplace preparation, such as reviewing their CVs and conducting mock interviews and job fairs. The team develops the network with employers, providing students with direct access to graduate opportunities and internships.
Location of University of Bolton
Frequently Asked Questions
Applications are accepted year-round with intakes in September, January, and May. However, students are strongly encouraged to apply early, as this ensures timely visa processing, access to scholarships, and a smoother start to university life.
Yes. English proficiency is mandatory for admission to all programs. Applicants must provide IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores, with a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall. Some technical programs such as Engineering may require slightly higher scores to ensure students can cope with academic demands.
Yes. The university provides a range of scholarships including academic merit, alumni, early payment, sports, and community engagement awards. These scholarships are designed to reduce tuition costs and reward student excellence, making education more affordable.
Yes. On-campus hostels offer shared or single rooms, with facilities such as Wi-Fi, study spaces, and 24/7 security. For those who prefer independence, the university also supports students in finding off-campus housing nearby, with affordable rental options in Ras Al Khaimah.
Indeed, this option provides international exposure and allows students to graduate with a UK degree while gaining global academic experience. So yes, students can transfer credits or complete part of their degree at the University of Bolton’s main campus in the UK.
The cost of living is relatively affordable compared to Dubai. Students should budget AED 35,000–45,000 annually, which covers housing, food, transport, and personal expenses. Off-campus rentals may reduce costs but add commuting time.
Internships are strongly encouraged and, in some programs, form an essential part of the curriculum. The Careers Service supports students in securing placements with regional and international companies, giving them valuable hands-on experience before graduation.
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