
Canadian University Dubai

Canadian University Dubai opened in 2006 to bring the Canadian higher-education model to Dubai, growing out of a partnership between Centennial College and Athabasca University. It teaches entirely in English on a credit-hour system from a campus in the City Walk district, and every one of its degree programmes is accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation. Students can begin a degree in Dubai and transfer with credit to one of CUD's Canadian or international partner universities to finish it abroad. The university is home to students of more than 120 nationalities and ranks =616 in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
4 years · Undergraduate
4 years · Undergraduate
4 years · Undergraduate
4 years · Undergraduate
4 years · Undergraduate
4 years · Undergraduate
Tuition figures are VAT-inclusive and were read from the live CUD fees page on 2026-08-18. CUD states that all published fee information is subject to change without notice.
Awarded on the UAE Secondary School Certificate or equivalent average: 50% waiver at 99% and above, 40% at 95 to 98.9%, 30% at 90 to 94.9%, 20% at 85 to 89.9%. Returning students who held the automatic 20% waiver and maintained a CGPA of 3.8 to 3.84 may receive 10%. Students must enrol in at least 12 credit hours; fall awards run for one year subject to CGPA, spring awards for one semester. Not available for summer semesters.
Published for Summer 2025-26 at 10%, Fall 2026-27 at 5% for new students and 10% for returning students, each subject to its own terms and conditions.
Available to students from schools in the UAE that hold a memorandum of understanding with CUD. See the university scholarships page for participating schools and terms.
See the university scholarships page for terms and conditions.
See the university scholarships page for terms and conditions.
See the university scholarships page for terms and conditions.
Canadian University Dubai accepts applications throughout the year and admits undergraduate students for the Fall, Spring and Summer 1 semesters. Graduate programmes run three intakes a year, beginning in September, January and May. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and where places in a programme are limited, preference may be given to applicants who complete their file before the document deadline.
Submit an application through the CUD portal at cudportal.cud.ac.ae/apply, or apply in person at the City Walk campus. A non-refundable application fee of AED 525.00 is payable for applications from holders of a High School Certificate.
Provide attested official transcripts for the last three years of high school (Grades 10, 11 and 12), or the Year 13 completion certificate for the British system, plus a Ministry of Education equivalency certificate where the qualification was issued outside the UAE.
Provide proof of English proficiency where required. Undergraduate applicants who do not meet it are admitted conditionally and enrol in the English for Academic Purposes programme in their first semester.
Offers are issued by email. Applicants activate their CUD portal account using the credentials in the offer letter and accept the offer through the portal. Graduate applicants are contacted within three to four working days of review to be advised of next steps.
The main intake for undergraduate and graduate programmes. Applications for Fall 2026-27 opened on 1 March 2026.
Second intake for undergraduate and graduate programmes. Applications for Spring 2026-27 open on 3 October 2026.
Graduate programmes run a Summer intake beginning in May, and undergraduate students are admitted for the Summer 1 semester. Admission for Summer 2026-27 opens on 24 February 2027.
Fall 2026-27 applications open
Fall 2026-27 deadline, international applicants
Fall 2026-27 deadline, domestic applicants
Fall 2026-27 file completion
Spring 2026-27 applications open
Spring 2026-27 deadline, international applicants
Spring 2026-27 deadline, domestic applicants
Spring 2026-27 file completion
Summer 2026-27 admission opens
Canadian University Dubai issues student visas to admitted international students. Visa fees are listed separately from tuition on the university fees page.
Canadian University Dubai's City Walk campus is home to students of more than 120 nationalities. The university encourages students to explore their interests through social and recreational activities intended to build creativity, innovation, interpersonal and leadership skills, and the campus runs a programme of clubs, performances and cultural events alongside external initiatives that connect students to Dubai's academic and business communities.
CUD offers student accommodation for both UAE residents and international students, located minutes from the City Walk campus. The semi-furnished apartments include free high-speed Wi-Fi and utilities (DEWA), and a shuttle service runs to and from campus through the day. The buildings sit within easy reach of the metro, supermarkets, laundry services and dining options.
Career Services helps students set professional goals and runs regular careers workshops covering CV writing, cover letter design, interview skills, networking and negotiating an offer. The team works with students alongside their professors and internship mentors from the first year onward, and supports the transition from university into professional life.
Canadian University Dubai occupies a single campus in the City Walk district of Dubai, an expanded state-of-the-art site that replaced the university's earlier premises and allowed it to grow its student community, diversify its academic offering and expand its learning and recreational facilities. CUD states that City Walk is its sole legal and physical campus and that it operates no branches inside or outside the United Arab Emirates. The campus is home to students of more than 120 nationalities.
The university library, offering print books, eBooks, journals, A-Z databases, a digital repository, interlibrary loan and an AI research assistant, with citation and database access guides. Open Monday to Thursday 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Saturday 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 to 5:00 PM.
A centre supporting students through their personal and academic journey, covering time and stress management, note-taking strategies, understanding assignments, and maths, English, reading, writing, grammar and research skills. Workshops on study skills, academic writing, exam technique and building confidence run through the semester or on request.
CUD's campus in Dubai's City Walk district, opened as an expanded state-of-the-art site that allowed the university to grow its student community, diversify its academic offering and expand its learning and recreational facilities. It is the university's sole legal and physical campus.
Semi-furnished student apartments for UAE residents and international students, located minutes from the City Walk campus, with free high-speed Wi-Fi, utilities included and a shuttle service running to and from campus through the day.
Careers advice and regular workshops covering CV writing, cover letter design, interview skills, networking and negotiating an offer, supporting students from their first year through to professional life.
The department supporting students from their first day on campus to graduation, offering career counselling, learning support, sport and activities, and health services, and developing and empowering the Student Councils.
Sport and recreational activities run by Student Affairs alongside cultural events and performances, including university teams such as the football team.
Chancellor
Chancellor of Canadian University Dubai. With President Prof. Karim Chelli, he established the university, building on the foundations of a partnership between Centennial College and Athabasca University.
Vice Chancellor & President
Professor and Dean, School of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology
Dean, School of Management
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City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai, United Arab Emirates