Higher Colleges of Technology

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Established in 1988 by Federal Decree, the Higher Colleges of Technology is the largest applied higher education institution in the United Arab Emirates and the first approved federal institution of its kind.  HCT operates across 16 men’s and women’s campuses including Dubai’s Academic City and Al Nadha campuses.
Add to compare
25.8k
2k
22:1
0

Tuition Fees, Cost of Living & Accommodation at Higher Colleges of Technology

Cost Of Living

AED 34000

Undergraduate Fees International Students

AED 36000

Post Graduate Fees International Students

AED 40000

Bachelors

  • AED 15000
  • AED 18000

Higher Colleges of Technology Departments

  • Department of Applied Media
  • Department of Business
  • Department of Computer Information Science
  • Department of Education
  • Department of Engineering and Technology
  • Department of Health Sciences
  • Department of Military & Security

Distinguished Alumni of Higher Colleges of Technology

Hala Badri

Director General of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Chairperson of the Dubai Women Establishment, and a member of HCT’... View More

Sara Awad Issa Musallam

UAE Minister of State for Early Education and member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. She is an HCT alumna from the A... View More

Mohammad Omran Al Shamsi

Former CEO and Chairman of Etisalat, former Chairman of Thuraya, and past President & CEO of HCT. His leadership helped ... View More

Mishal AlMarzouqi

Emirati mechatronics engineer and inventor. A notable HCT graduate (2013, with distinction), now serving as Director of ... View More

Saeed Al Nazari

A senior official in the UAE government and one of the prominent alumni representing HCT’s impact on national administ... View More

Mona Ghanem Al Marri

Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, underscoring her leadership in shaping regional media strategy... View More

Tarik bin Faisal Al‑Qasimi

Chairman of ENSHAA PSC, a key leader in urban development and architecture, and a distinguished HCT alum.

Saeed Mohamed Ali Al Nabouda

Chief Project Officer at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, former student of HCT’s Dubai Men’s College with significan... View More

Step-by-Step Guide to Admission Requirements at Higher Colleges of Technology

The below information is required while
completing the university application :

1. Entry to Applied Bachelor Programs (Direct Entry, e.g., Computer Information Science)

High school requirements: Minimum General Secondary Certificate (GSC) average of 85%

EmSAT (Federal Standardized Test) requirements:

English: Minimum score of 1,250

Other required subjects may include Math or other prescribed disciplines depending on the chosen field

2. General Eligibility & Federal Funding Criteria

Nationality/documentation:

Must be a UAE national or child of a UAE national

Required documents: Valid Emirates ID, National ID/Family Book, and UAE passport (or another passport if eligible)

Educational qualifications: Must have completed the General School Certificate (GSC) or an equivalent credential

National Service: Male applicants must either have completed or be exempted from National Service

Priority admissions: Allocated based on certain categories such as being a recent graduate, transfer student with valid CGPA, or returning HCT student.

3. Placement via Common Educational Proficiency Assessment (CEPA)

HCT employs CEPA exam scores to determine applicants’ eligibility:

CEPA?English: Minimum score of 180 for direct entry (writing band ≥5)

CEPA?Math: Minimum score of 170 for direct entry.

 

Know more

Notable Achievements of Higher Colleges of Technology

Achievements

01.
Strategic Partnership with Saal.ai

In July 2025, HCT partnered with Saal.ai to integrate the DigiXT AI and big data platform into its curriculum—empowering students with hands-on experience using advanced cognitive technologies.

Year
2025
02.
Expansion of Industry-Aligned Apprenticeships

HCT expanded its work-based learning initiatives through MOHRE collaborations—creating 4,000 new employment and training opportunities as part of a strategy to achieve a graduate employment rate exceeding 90%.

Year
2024
03.
Graduation of Distinguished Students

In October 2023, the institute celebrated its graduation cohort with distinction and honors, an event graced by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and HCT’s leadership.

Year
2023

Notable Innovation, Research & Development Higher Colleges of Technology

Notable Innovation

01.
InCuVation Forum & Startup Development Program

Through its InCuVation Forum, HCT fosters entrepreneurial thinking by facilitating applied research and startup development. By 2021, the initiative had engaged over 1,220 participants, leading to the creation of 67 startups, with 33 female-led ventures, and 21 successfully obtaining trade licenses.

Year
2021

We also can help you with following Services

Co-curricular Activities Guidance
Shortlisting of Programs
College Essays
Crafting Academic CV
Personal Statements
Scholarship & Financial Aid
Interview Preparation
Student Accommodation
SAT Preparation
IELTS Preparation
TOEFL Preparation
Standardized Test Prep

Connect With Higher Colleges of Technology

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts

Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.