Checkout the Architecture Colleges and Courses in UAE....
Apr 22, 2025 10:38:27
Location: Sharjah
College: College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD)
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) – NAAB-accredited
Master of Urban Planning (MUP)
BArch: AED 100,940/year (~USD 27,500)
MUP: AED 84,000 for the entire program (~USD 22,800)
Fall (August/September)
Spring (January)
Top architecture program in the region
Globally recognized NAAB accreditation
Strong international student services
On-campus housing available
Location: Sharjah
College: College of Fine Arts and Design
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering
Bachelor: AED 63,000/year (~USD 17,200)
Master: AED 3,300/credit hour (~AED 66,000 total)
Fall & Spring semesters
QS World Ranking: Top 600 (2025)
Strong reputation in the GCC
Location: Al Ain
College: College of Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering
Master in Architectural Engineering (MAE)
Bachelor: AED 70,000/year (~USD 19,000)
Master: AED 3,000/credit hour (~AED 72,000 total)
Fall & Spring
QS World Ranking: Top 290 (2025)
Oldest and one of the most prestigious in the UAE
Location: Dubai
Department: School of Architecture, Art & Design
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) – NAAB-accredited
Interior Design, Visual Communication, Urban Design
BArch: AED 91,000/year (~USD 24,800)
Fall (August), Spring (January), Summer (limited)
NAAB Accreditation (USA recognized)
Strong ties with the U.S. academic system
Location: Dubai
Faculty: Architecture and Interior Design
Bachelor of Architecture
Interior Design, Urban Planning (electives/minors)
BArch: AED 66,000/year (~USD 18,000)
Fall, Spring, Summer
QS Arab Region Rank: Top 30
Offers transfer options to Canadian universities
Duration: 5 years (Professional Degree)
Accreditation: Some programs NAAB-accredited (e.g., AUD, AUS)
Core Subjects:
Architectural Design Studios
Building Construction & Materials
Environmental Systems
History & Theory of Architecture
Urban Design & Planning
Universities Offering:
American University of Sharjah (AUS)
American University in Dubai (AUD)
Canadian University Dubai (CUD)
Ajman University
Al Ghurair University (AGU)
Duration: 4–5 years
Focus on combining architecture with engineering (structures, HVAC, etc.)
Universities Offering:
University of Sharjah
UAE University (UAEU)
Abu Dhabi University
Khalifa University (limited courses)
A related design-focused course for those interested in interior spaces
Offered at:
Zayed University
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
Canadian University Dubai
Duration: 2 years
Focus: Sustainable urban development, smart cities, policy
Offered at:
American University of Sharjah (MUP)
UAEU
University of Sharjah
Duration: 1.5–2 years
Advanced topics in architectural structures, sustainability, and energy systems
Offered at:
University of Sharjah
UAE University
Less commonly offered but available in some private universities or through affiliated programs
Specialization |
Focus Area |
|---|---|
|
Sustainable Architecture |
Green design, LEED, energy-efficient buildings |
|
Urban Design & Smart Cities |
Planning modern city spaces |
|
Interior Architecture |
Spatial design, furniture, lighting |
|
Digital Architecture |
CAD, BIM, parametric design |
|
Heritage Conservation |
Preserving historical architecture |
Program: Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
Duration: 5 years
Accreditation: NAAB (U.S. accredited)
Language: English
Annual Tuition: ~AED 100,940 (~USD 27,500)
Intake: Fall (August/September), Spring (January, limited)
Special Notes: One of the most prestigious architecture degrees in the region.
Program: Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
Duration: 5 years
Accreditation: NAAB
Language: English
Annual Tuition: ~AED 91,000 (~USD 24,800)
Intake: Fall, Spring, Summer (limited)
Special Notes: Strong U.S. curriculum links, active student body.
Program: Bachelor of Architecture
Duration: 5 years
Language: English
Annual Tuition: ~AED 66,000 (~USD 18,000)
Intake: Fall, Spring, Summer
Special Notes: Options for transfer to partner Canadian universities.
Program: Bachelor of Architecture
Duration: 5 years
Language: English
Annual Tuition: ~AED 51,000 (~USD 13,800)
Intake: Fall, Spring
Design Studios: Core of each year (progressive complexity)
History & Theory of Architecture
Building Materials & Construction
Structures & Environmental Systems
Sustainable Design
Urban Planning
Computer-Aided Design (CAD), BIM
Professional Practice
Portfolio Development & Thesis Project (final year)
High School Certificate: With a good GPA (varies by university; science/maths preferred)
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL (for non-native speakers)
Portfolio: Required for most universities (examples of artwork, sketches, creative work)
Interview: Sometimes required
University |
Approx. Annual Fees (AED) |
Approx. Annual Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
AUS |
100,940 |
27,500 |
|
AUD |
91,000 |
24,800 |
|
CUD |
66,000 |
18,000 |
|
Ajman University |
51,000 |
13,800 |
Modern architectural landscape: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are global hubs for innovative architecture.
Multicultural student community: Large international student population.
Internship opportunities: Many leading architectural firms and mega-projects are based in the UAE.
International recognition: NAAB-accredited programs accepted worldwide.
Main Intake: Fall (August/September)
Spring Intake: January (limited seats)
On-campus and off-campus housing available
Student activities, clubs, and professional networking events
Architect (licensed after required experience/exams)
Urban Designer
Landscape Architect
Interior Designer
Construction Manager
Further studies: M.Arch, Urban Planning, Sustainable Design, etc.
Location: Sharjah
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering
Emphasis: Sustainable Design, Smart Cities, Energy Efficiency
2 years (full-time)
~AED 3,300 per credit hour
Total ~AED 66,000–70,000 (~USD 18,000–19,000)
BSc in Architecture/Architectural Engineering or B.Arch
IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79
Interview + portfolio may be requested
Location: Al Ain
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering
Focus on research, advanced building systems, sustainable environments
2 years (full-time)
~AED 3,000 per credit hour
Total ~AED 72,000 (~USD 19,600)
B.Arch or BSc in Architectural Engineering
English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+)
Statement of purpose, references, possibly portfolio
Location: Ajman
Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Studies
2 years (thesis & coursework)
~AED 52,000 total (~USD 14,200)
Bachelor’s in Architecture or Urban Studies
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent
Interview & academic transcripts
Location: Sharjah
While AUS doesn’t currently offer a traditional M.Arch, it offers:
Master of Urban Planning (MUP) – Professionally oriented with urban design elements
~AED 84,000 total (~USD 22,800)
Urban Design, Smart Cities, Policy & Planning
Location: Dubai
Master of Architecture (M.Arch) – Sustainable Design
2 years
~AED 40,000/year (~USD 10,800/year)
B.Arch or 5-year equivalent degree
Portfolio and interview required
Requirement |
Typical Criteria |
|---|---|
|
Undergraduate Degree |
B.Arch / BSc in Architecture (5-year degree preferred) |
|
GPA |
Minimum 2.5–3.0 out of 4.0 |
|
English Proficiency |
IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 79+ |
|
Portfolio |
Often required for design-based programs |
|
Interview |
May be part of the selection process |
University |
Approx. Total Fees (AED) |
Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Sharjah |
~66,000–70,000 |
~18,000–19,000 |
|
UAEU |
~72,000 |
~19,600 |
|
Ajman University |
~52,000 |
~14,200 |
|
AUS (Urban Planning) |
~84,000 |
~22,800 |
|
Manipal Dubai |
~80,000 |
~21,800 |
Licensed Architect
Urban Designer
Sustainable Design Specialist
Architectural Consultant
Interior Architect
Urban Planner
BIM Specialist
Academic/Researcher
Fall (August–September) – Main intake
Spring (January) – Limited availability
Summer – Rare, for some private institutions
Global architecture hub (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
Exposure to modern and experimental architecture
Access to large-scale urban projects
Multicultural design studios
Strategic location to work in the Gulf, MENA, and Asia-Pacific
Location: Sharjah
College: College of Engineering – Department of Architectural Engineering
PhD in Architectural Engineering
Sustainable architecture
Energy efficiency in buildings
Urban and environmental design
Smart architecture technologies
3–5 years
~AED 2,500–3,000 per credit hour
Approx. total cost: AED 90,000–100,000 (~USD 24,500–27,000)
Master’s in Architecture/Architectural Engineering or related
Research proposal
IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 85+
Academic references
Interview may be required
Location: Al Ain
College: College of Engineering
PhD in Architectural Engineering
Energy-efficient buildings
Digital modeling & simulation
Urban sustainability
Construction technologies
4 years (full-time)
Funded opportunities available
Without funding: ~AED 100,000+ for entire program
Stipends available for high-performing researchers
Master’s in a related field
Research plan and supervisor approval
IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 85+
GPA ≥ 3.3 (Master's level)
Location: Dubai
Faculty: Architecture and Sustainable Built Environment
PhD in Architecture and Sustainable Built Environment
Urban design & planning
Energy and environmental design
Smart cities
Heritage architecture
3–5 years (flexible study options for working professionals)
Approx. AED 185,000 total (~USD 50,400)
Scholarships available
Master’s in architecture, built environment, or sustainability-related field
IELTS 6.5 minimum
Research proposal
Professional CV and academic references
May offer a PhD in future under Architecture & Urban Studies
Currently offers Master's and research-based tracks
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Master’s Degree |
Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Urban Design |
|
GPA |
Typically 3.0–3.3 out of 4.0 |
|
English Proficiency |
IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 85+ |
|
Research Proposal |
Clear and innovative proposal aligned with faculty |
|
Supervisor Approval |
Some universities require pre-approval of a faculty guide |
|
References |
2–3 academic or professional |
|
Interview |
May be required for shortlisted applicants |
Climate-responsive architecture in desert environments
Smart building systems and AI in architecture
Urban heat island effect and mitigation strategies
Digital fabrication & parametric design
Islamic architectural heritage preservation
University Professor / Lecturer
Lead Researcher (Urban planning, sustainability, smart cities)
Government/NGO policy advisor in urbanism or heritage
Design director in advanced architecture firms
Consultant for green buildings & LEED/BREEAM projects
Main Intake: Fall (August–September)
Secondary Intake: Spring (January) – Limited seats
Some institutions offer rolling admission depending on supervisor availability
Exposure to world-class architecture projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Research focus on desert environments, sustainability, and smart cities
Funding opportunities at public universities (UAEU, UoS)
Strategic location for work across Middle East, Africa, and Asia
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
High School Certificate |
Equivalent to UAE Grade 12 / A-Levels / IB Diploma or national board |
|
Minimum Grades/GPA |
70–85% overall (varies by university) |
|
Compulsory Subjects |
Mathematics, Physics, or Science-based subjects preferred |
|
English Proficiency |
IELTS 6.0+ / TOEFL iBT 80 / EmSAT English ≥ 1400 |
|
Portfolio |
Required by most design schools (creative/artwork samples) |
|
Admission Interview |
Sometimes required (especially in AUS, AUD, CUD) |
University |
Portfolio |
English Test |
Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AUS |
Yes |
IELTS 6.5 |
Math in high school required |
|
AUD |
Yes |
IELTS 6.0 |
NAAB-accredited, creative aptitude emphasized |
|
CUD |
Yes |
IELTS 6.0 |
Transfer options to Canada available |
|
Ajman Univ |
Optional |
IELTS 6.0 |
More flexible entry route |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s Degree |
B.Arch or BSc in Architecture / Architectural Engineering (5-year preferred) |
|
Minimum GPA |
2.5–3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent) |
|
English Proficiency |
IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 85+ |
|
Portfolio |
Often required for design-based M.Arch programs |
|
Recommendation Letters |
Usually 2 (academic or professional) |
|
Statement of Purpose |
Required |
|
Interview |
May be part of the selection process |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Master’s Degree |
Master in Architecture, Urban Planning, or Architectural Engineering |
|
Minimum GPA |
3.0–3.3 out of 4.0 |
|
Research Proposal |
Strong proposal aligned with faculty expertise |
|
English Proficiency |
IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL iBT 85+ |
|
Supervisor Approval |
Often required at UAEU and UoS |
|
References |
2–3 academic recommendations |
|
Interview |
Common at PhD level |
Equivalency Certificate from UAE’s Ministry of Education (MOE)
Student Visa: Sponsored by university (valid passport required)
Health Insurance: Mandatory
Accommodation: Optional, available at most universities
University |
Intakes |
Application Deadlines (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
|
American University of Sharjah (AUS) |
Fall & Spring |
Fall: May 31 – Early Admission; Final: July 15 |
|
American University in Dubai (AUD) |
Fall, Spring, Summer |
Fall: July 15 |
|
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) |
Fall, Spring, Summer |
Fall: Aug 1 |
|
Ajman University |
Fall & Spring |
Fall: August 1 |
|
University of Sharjah |
Fall & Spring |
Fall: July 30 |
University |
Intakes |
Application Deadlines (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Sharjah (UoS) |
Fall & Spring |
Fall: June 30 |
|
UAE University (UAEU) |
Fall & Spring |
Fall: June 15 |
|
British University in Dubai (BUiD) |
Rolling admissions |
Fall Preferred: Aug 1 |
|
Ajman University |
Fall & Spring |
Fall: August 1 |
|
Manipal Academy Dubai |
Fall & Spring |
Fall: July 15 |
University |
Intakes |
Application Deadlines (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Sharjah (UoS) |
Fall & Spring |
Fall: June 30 |
|
UAE University (UAEU) |
Fall only (some Spring) |
Fall: May 31 (for funded applicants), June 30 (general) |
|
British University in Dubai (BUiD) |
Flexible / Rolling |
Applications accepted year-round; recommend: Fall: by Aug 15 |
Equivalency Certificate (MOE UAE): Apply 1–2 months in advance of admission deadline.
Student Visa Processing: Starts after admission confirmation – allow 3–4 weeks.
English Proficiency Test Scores (IELTS/TOEFL): Should be submitted before the final deadline.
University |
Annual Tuition (AED) |
Approx. USD/Year |
Program Duration |
Total Est. Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
American University of Sharjah (AUS) |
100,940 |
~$27,500 |
5 years |
~505,000+ |
|
American University in Dubai (AUD) |
91,000 |
~$24,800 |
5 years |
~455,000 |
|
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) |
66,000 |
~$18,000 |
5 years |
~330,000 |
|
Ajman University |
51,000 |
~$13,800 |
5 years |
~255,000 |
|
University of Sharjah |
63,000 |
~$17,200 |
5 years |
~315,000 |
Registration & admin fees: AED 2,000–4,000/year
Books & materials (especially for design studios): AED 3,000–5,000/year
On-campus housing (optional): AED 10,000–25,000/year
University |
Total Program Fees (AED) |
Approx. USD |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Sharjah (UoS) |
~66,000–70,000 |
~$18,000–19,000 |
2 years |
|
UAE University (UAEU) |
~72,000 |
~$19,600 |
2 years |
|
BUiD (British University in Dubai) |
~85,000–100,000 |
~$23,000–27,000 |
2 years |
|
Ajman University |
~52,000 |
~$14,200 |
2 years |
|
Manipal Academy Dubai |
~40,000/year |
~$10,800/year |
2 years |
University |
Total Program Fees (AED) |
Approx. USD |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Sharjah (UoS) |
~90,000–100,000 |
~$24,500–27,000 |
3–5 years |
|
UAE University (UAEU) |
~100,000+ (non-funded) |
~$27,000+ |
4–5 years |
|
BUiD (British University in Dubai) |
~185,000 |
~$50,000+ |
3–5 years |
UAEU and UoS offer fully funded PhD scholarships for top-performing students (stipends + tuition waiver).
BUiD offers partial merit scholarships and employer-sponsored study options.
Expense Type |
Estimated Cost (AED) per year |
|---|---|
|
Student Visa & Medical |
3,000 – 4,500 |
|
Accommodation |
10,000 – 25,000 (on-campus) |
|
Food & Living |
15,000 – 25,000 |
|
Laptop & Design Tools |
4,000 – 7,000 (one-time) |
|
Field Trips / Studio Tours |
Optional, varies by course |
