The British University in Dubai (BUiD) logo

The British University in Dubai (BUiD)

United Arab Emirates flagDubai, United Arab Emirates

buid.ac.aePrivate research university
The Dubai skyline, the city where the university is based

Photo: Robert Bock, CC0

Overview

The British University in Dubai is a research-focused private university in Dubai International Academic City, teaching in English on a British academic model. It offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral programmes, with a notably strong doctoral portfolio for the region.

3
Study levels listed
2
Intakes a year
1
Accreditations

Cost to study at BUiD

Undergraduate

Approx. AED 56,250 - 62,500 per year
Indicative tuition
3-4 years
Duration

Master's degree

Approx. AED 85,000 total
Indicative tuition
1-2 years
Duration

Doctoral (PhD)

Approx. AED 200,000 - 250,000 total
Indicative tuition
3-5 years
Duration

Indicative — not yet confirmed with the institution · last checked 2026-08-22 · source · always confirm current figures with us before you budget or apply.

Admission requirements

  • Undergraduate: minimum 65% in Class 12 and IELTS 5.0 (or TOEFL iBT 61 / EmSAT 1100)
  • Postgraduate: bachelor's degree with GPA 3.0 or above and IELTS 6.0 (or TOEFL iBT 79)
  • Conditional master's admission may be available at IELTS 5.5
  • Doctoral: IELTS 6.5 - 7.0 depending on the programme

Indicative — not yet confirmed with the institution · last checked 2026-08-22 · source · always confirm current figures with us before you budget or apply.

Intakes

  • September 2026 (main intake)
  • January 2027 — confirm availability for your programme

Indicative — not yet confirmed with the institution · last checked 2026-08-22 · source · always confirm current figures with us before you budget or apply.

Student visa for United Arab Emirates

  • UAE student visas are sponsored by the university once you accept an offer — you do not apply independently as you would for Europe.
  • You must pass a medical fitness test and complete Emirates ID biometrics after arriving in Dubai.
  • The student visa is typically issued for one year and renewed annually against proof of continued enrolment.
  • Working while studying requires separate permission arranged through the university and the relevant free-zone authority.

Accreditation

  • Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education, with programmes accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA)

Frequently asked questions

Is BUiD recognised in India?

BUiD is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education with CAA-accredited programmes. For Indian recognition — for example for government jobs or further study — you should confirm the position with the Association of Indian Universities for your specific programme before enrolling.

What IELTS score do I need for BUiD?

Broadly, IELTS 5.0 for undergraduate entry, 6.0 for master's (with conditional admission sometimes possible at 5.5), and 6.5 to 7.0 for doctoral programmes. Requirements vary by programme, so confirm for your specific course.

How much does it cost to study at BUiD?

Indicative tuition is around AED 56,250-62,500 per year for undergraduate study and about AED 85,000 for a master's. Dubai living costs add substantially, typically AED 3,000-5,000 a month depending on accommodation.