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British University in Dubai

Dubai, Dubai (UAE) · Private · Est. 2003

Updated 28 Oct 2026

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Established

2003

Type

Private

Location

Dubai, Dubai (UAE)

Ranking

Not ranked

About the university

The British University in Dubai (BUiD) was set up in 2003 as a not-for-profit university under a law issued by the late Ruler of Dubai. Its founders include the Al Maktoum Foundation, Dubai Holding, Rolls-Royce, the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai and Emirates NBD, and it works in alliance with Russell Group universities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.

BUiD is best known for research-based postgraduate study. It teaches master's degrees in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering management, structural engineering, finance and risk management, construction law and dispute resolution, sustainable design and education, an MBA and a joint MSc in Project Management with the University of Leeds, plus doctorates. It also offers bachelor's degrees in computer science (AI or cybersecurity), business management, law and engineering.

Indian graduates look at BUiD for its British-style, research-led master's degrees at one flat fee of AED 85,000 for the whole programme, with full-time and part-time study and a 20% scholarship advertised for the September 2026 intake.

The campus is in Dubai International Academic City, part of Dubai's education free zone.

Founded
2003, as a not-for-profit university under a law issued by the Ruler of Dubai
Founders
Al Maktoum Foundation, Dubai Holding, Rolls-Royce, British Chamber of Commerce Dubai and Emirates NBD
UK partners
Alliance with Russell Group universities including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester
Recognition
Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; recognised by UK ENIC; QAA quality accreditation
Campus
Block 11, Dubai International Academic City
Master's fee
AED 85,000 for the whole programme (all master's degrees)
Intakes
Two a year (September and April)

Rankings

    Popular courses with Indian students

    View all 8 courses with filters

    Fees for international students

    Course fees
    CourseDurationFee / year (AED)Approx. in rupees
    Master of Science (MSc) in Artificial IntelligenceFull or part time; 180 credits (BUiD does not state the length)AED 85,000≈ ₹21.3 lakh
    Master of Science (MSc) in CybersecurityFull or part time; 180 credits (BUiD does not state the length)AED 85,000≈ ₹21.3 lakh
    Master of Business Administration (MBA)Full or part time; 180 credits (BUiD does not state the length)AED 85,000≈ ₹21.3 lakh
    Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering ManagementFull or part time; 180 credits (BUiD does not state the length)AED 85,000≈ ₹21.3 lakh
    Master of Science (MSc) in Finance and Risk ManagementFull or part time; 180 credits (BUiD does not state the length)AED 85,000≈ ₹21.3 lakh
    Master of Science (MSc) in Structural EngineeringFull or part time; 180 credits (BUiD does not state the length)AED 85,000≈ ₹21.3 lakh
    Master of Science (MSc) in Construction Law and Dispute ResolutionFull or part time; 180 credits (BUiD does not state the length)AED 85,000≈ ₹21.3 lakh
    Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Design of the Built EnvironmentFull or part time; 180 credits (BUiD does not state the length)AED 85,000≈ ₹21.3 lakh

    Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.

    Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at British University in Dubai with similar universities in Dubai (UAE).

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    Scholarships

    • Postgraduate

      Special master's scholarship

      Value: 20% off tuition

      Eligibility: All master's applicants for the September 2026 intake.

      Official page (opens in a new tab)
    • Postgraduate

      Distinction scholarship

      Value: 15% off tuition

      Eligibility: Your bachelor's degree certificate must state Distinction or equivalent; GPA is not considered.

      Official page (opens in a new tab)
    • Postgraduate

      Companies group discount

      Value: 20% off tuition

      Eligibility: A group of five employees from the same company joining at the same time.

      Official page (opens in a new tab)
    • Postgraduate

      Family discount

      Value: 10% off tuition

      Eligibility: A first-degree relative is a BUiD MSc or PhD student or graduate. Scholarships cannot be combined.

      Official page (opens in a new tab)

    Admission requirements

    Undergraduate

    • BUiD teaches bachelor's degrees in computer science (AI or cybersecurity), business management, law and engineering, but does not publish their fees or Indian entry grades online; ask admissions.

    Postgraduate

    • A relevant bachelor's degree equivalent to a UK upper second class, or a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, from an accredited university.
    • Graduates of an unrelated subject may be admitted with at least two years' relevant work experience or professional development.
    • IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79 or EmSAT 1400; conditional admission is possible with IELTS 5.5 if you reach 6.0 by the end of the first term.
    • A non-refundable AED 5,000 payment reserves your place.

    Documents

    • Online application
    • Bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts
    • English test score (IELTS, TOEFL or EmSAT)
    • Passport copy
    • Evidence of work experience if your degree is in a different subject

    Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.

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    English language requirements

    English requirements
    Test or routeTypical requirement
    IELTS Academic6.0 for master's and postgraduate diplomas; 5.5 for conditional admission
    TOEFLiBT 79, CBT 213 or paper-based 550
    EmSAT Achieve English1400
    ExemptionsSome exemptions apply, for example for native English speakers; check with admissions

    Accommodation and living costs

    BUiD's website does not list student housing or rent prices. Students usually rent rooms in private residences around Dubai International Academic City; ask BUiD admissions for options. The rows below are BUiD's published fees to include in your budget.

    Accommodation and living costs
    ItemIn AEDApprox. in rupees
    Place reservation payment (master's)Non-refundableAED 5,000one-off≈ ₹1.3 lakh
    Master's tuition, whole programmeAED 85,000total programme≈ ₹21.3 lakh
    Postgraduate diploma tuitionAED 60,000 on the fees page; AED 80,000 in the 2025–26 catalogueAED 60,000–80,000total programme≈ ₹15 lakh – ₹20 lakh

    Campus and location

    BUiD is based on the first and second floors of Block 11 in Dubai International Academic City, in Dubai's education free zone.

    • Research-based master's and doctoral programmes, full or part time.
    • Joint MSc in Project Management with the University of Leeds.
    • Alliance with Russell Group universities including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.
    • Recognised by UK ENIC and accredited for quality by the UK's QAA.

    Careers and graduate outcomes

    BUiD's master's programmes can be studied full or part time. BUiD does not publish graduate employment figures on the pages we checked. See our Dubai guide for the rules on working after graduation.

    Graduate outcomes
    WhatFigureSource

    Studying in Dubai (UAE)

    Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in Dubai (UAE). Our country guide covers them in detail:

    Other universities in Dubai (UAE)

    Compare all universities in Dubai (UAE)

    FAQs

    How much does a master's at BUiD cost?

    Every master's degree costs AED 85,000 for the whole programme, according to BUiD's postgraduate fees page and 2025–26 catalogue. A 20% scholarship is advertised for the September 2026 intake.

    What IELTS score do I need?

    IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79 or EmSAT 1400. With IELTS 5.5 you may get conditional admission if you reach 6.0 by the end of the first term.

    What degree marks do I need?

    A relevant bachelor's equivalent to a UK upper second class, or a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0. If your degree is in a different subject, two years of relevant work experience can help.

    When can I start?

    BUiD has two intakes a year; its pages advertise September and April intakes.

    Is BUiD a British university?

    BUiD is a Dubai university set up in 2003, licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and recognised by UK ENIC, with an alliance with UK Russell Group universities.

    Sources

    1. British University in Dubai: homepage (opens in a new tab)
    2. British University in Dubai: Discover BUiD (opens in a new tab)
    3. British University in Dubai: postgraduate fees (opens in a new tab)
    4. British University in Dubai: programme fees (opens in a new tab)
    5. British University in Dubai: Masters and MBA programmes (opens in a new tab)
    6. British University in Dubai: Construction Law and Dispute Resolution fees (opens in a new tab)
    7. British University in Dubai: Construction Law entry requirements (opens in a new tab)
    8. British University in Dubai: PG scholarships (opens in a new tab)
    9. British University in Dubai: PG Catalogue 2025–2026 (PDF) (opens in a new tab)

    Official website: www.buid.ac.ae (opens in a new tab)

    Check the latest details

    We researched this page on 28 Oct 2026. Fees, entry requirements and scholarships change every year, so confirm them on the university's website before you apply. Listing a university doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents it.

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