As the years pass, a few key trends have emerged from the cauldron that is the education industry. Among those that impact higher education, the shift to digital education stands out. As such, there is a new option for those hoping to thrive in the accounting and finance industries. And that is- an online education.

Since the Pandemic has swept the world, social distancing forced humanity to scrounge up creative solutions for meetings. As everyone is well aware, in the academic sector, this translated to online learning. Of course, since then, academics have also adopted AI into their teaching. Additionally, digital education is not entirely new to the market. It has been around since the early 2000s. However, the recent decade has seen it destigmatized and wholly embraced like never before. Thus, students of accounting and finance now have a new type of learning available to them. Online degrees have become popular because of their flexible, affordable nature. They are also a boon for students who want international degrees without travelling to the campus to learn.

The 15 Best Accounting and Finance Degrees in the UAE for International Students

In the UAE, which is poised to claim its role as the education hub of the Middle East, accounting and finance hopefuls have many exceptional courses to pick from. Apart from international universities setting up branches in the country, degree providers like LUBM offer students a safe online haven.

• University of Dubai

  One of the highest-rated universities for digital MBAs based out of Dubai. The University of Dubai offers several exceptional courses in the accounting and finance division. These include diplomas in cutting-edge disciplines such as blockchain and AI technology. The classes can also be attended on campus in Dubai.

• London Business School

  The London Business School is globally renowned for its brilliant programs. Its impressive ranking as #1 for international 2-year MBA programs by Forbes hints at its exceptional teaching quality. As such, it is recognized in the UAE as one of the best places to earn a distance degree.

  Within the accounting and finance realms, the institution provides a full-time Master’s in Financial Analysis. Putting that aside, the Financial Times has rated its full-time and part-time Master’s in Finance as the best in the world. It’s also important to note that LBS holds the second-place position among European business schools.

• Lincoln University of Business and Management

  Since its inception in 2014, Lincoln University of Business and Management has become one of the top degree providers in the UAE. It partners with ranked universities like York St. John University and Geneva Business School, Switzerland. Together, they offer a multitude of accounting and finance MBAs that can be taken 100% online. This allows students to tailor the programs to suit their needs. Additionally, it has proved to be a blessing for working professional students and provides exceptional networking prospects.

• SP Jain School of Global Management

  Once again, a globally ranked business school joins the ranks. Times Higher Education has ranked the SP Jain School of Global Management #4 in the world. Additionally, its courses are recognized as some of the best online MBAs in the world. The institute offers stellar global MBA and executive MBA programs. They are the perfect entry points for accounting and finance hopefuls looking to skyrocket their careers.

• Hult International Business School

  This is a fitting addition to a list of the best accounting and finance degrees in the UAE for international students. Hult International Business School earned the #12 spot in the Financial Times MBA Ranking List for International Students in 2021. The institute’s beloved courses include a full-time Master’s in Finance, earned in Boston, USA, or London, UK. Additionally, it also offers a 100% online global MBA and an on-campus executive MBA.

• Insead

  Yet another global force of education. The institute has campuses across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the US. Insead offers students interested in accounting and finance an on-campus Executive Master’s in Finance. Besides, it also offers an MBA that typically takes 16 months to complete. In less than two years, many working professionals have benefited from this course. Further, the university offers umpteen levels of accessibility through its shorter online courses on new technology.

• University of Northampton

  A notable feature of the University of Northampton is the sheer number and variety of its course offerings. Those interested in accounting and finance will find a veritable treasure trove of options. Indeed, the institute offers top up courses, bachelor’s degrees, and even a Master of Science program. Finally, the university offers a respectable PhD in accounting and finance, too.

• Middlesex University

  A UAE classic today, Middlesex University is a UK institute with a local outpost. The institution has earned a spot in the top 5 among young universities, according to Times Higher Education in 2023. It curates its BSc and MSc programs in finance to facilitate students’ real-time learning. As such, it offers an Investment and Finance MSc, a Banking and Finance MSc, and even an Accounting and Finance BA. That aside, it holds numerous top up classes. It also teaches a blended, online friendly MBA course.

• Zayed University

  One of the best home-growth universities in the UAE, Zayed University, has earned its place on this list. The respected institute caters to undergraduate and postgraduate needs in the accounting and finance sectors. As such, it offers potential students a BSc in Accounting, a BSc in Finance, and an MSc in Finance. The university has fully equipped and tech savvy campuses in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

• University of Strathclyde

  The University of Strathclyde offers a myriad of accounting and finance programs to students worldwide. This is an excellent choice for international students interested in preparing for a superb career. The Times Higher Education Awards named this institute “University of the Year” in 2012 and 2019. It offers specialized courses in accounting and finance from a bachelor’s level to the MPhil level. It also offers some unique and relevant blends of domains, like the MSc in Sustainable Finance. The university also has an online division that offers exclusively online programs.

• American University in Dubai (AUD)

  The popular AUD is yet another local landmark in education. This august university attracts students worldwide, cultivating an excellent network of future business leaders. As such, it offers students in-demand BBA and MBA courses within the accounting and finance domains.

• York St John University, UK

  The WES-listed York St John University was founded over 180 years ago in the UK. In the UAE, this august academy has partnered with LUBM to offer a range of accredited MBAs. As a result, with the help of talented accounting and finance faculty, students can learn entirely online. One of the MBAs that it offers students online is the MBA in Finance, which can be completed in 1 year. The affordability and flexibility of this program are a boon to employed students.

• Geneva Business School, Switzerland

  This Swiss institute has distinguished itself within the global business school community. In 2023, CEOWORLD Magazine graced it with the title of the second business school in Switzerland. Further, it ranked it #52 among the World’s top 100 business schools. In the UAE, Geneva Business School has partnered with LUBM to offer an MBA in Global Banking and Finance. This course is valued not only for being totally online but also for its exceptional curriculum in the accounting and finance department.

• Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Dubai

  The local Ministry of Education has accredited the only independent business school in the UAE. IMT Dubai offers its offerings in accounting and finance through its one year MBA program. Established in 2006, this institute is set apart for the quality of education. Its accounting and finance faculty are comprised of 100% PhD holders.

• University of Wollongong in Dubai

  Since it arrived in the UAE in 1993, UOWD has offered students an exceptional Australian education. It offers locally and internationally accredited degrees to students. Its wide range of course offerings includes the classic MBA. However, it also provides specialized Master’s programmes in accounting and finance. A notable one is the Master of Applied Finance, which comes in three varied specializations. Perhaps this goes without saying, but most postgraduate classes are held in the evenings.

  Selecting the accounting and finance degree that suits you can be a bit harrowing, given the options. So, we have compiled a list of the best programs available in the UAE. The best thing is that it has been curated for international students. So, explore and apply!