Study in UAE

UAE is a perfect study-abroad destination offering a wealth of knowledge in combination with unmatched innovative and intercultural experiences in a globally recognized nation. With six of its universities in UAE making it to the QS World University rankings, UAE is rising up the ladder and making its name in the popular abroad destinations for higher education.

In addition to some world-class universities in the gulf region, potential tax-free earnings after completion of studies from the United Arab Emirates attracts a huge number of Indian students to the country. UAE currently serves over 77,400 international students with over 13,300 students from India. To further expand its international student enrollment, UAE introduced a new five-year visa for its international students with a focus on the internalization of its education system.

Salient features to note when planning to study in UAE:

Study in UAE: Top Universities for International Students

Some top universities to study in UAE according to QS World University Rankings 2024 are:

Apart from these universities that are established in the nation, there are plenty of other international campuses to choose from when planning to study in UAE.

Study in UAE: Top International Campuses

Some popular international campuses to look forward to while planning to apply to study in UAE are as follows:

Why Study in UAE?

Choosing to study with a specific nation can depend on various factors. Though pointing out one single specific reason why students now choose to study in UAE can be difficult, here are some of the experiences to look forward to if you wish to apply with universities in UAE.

• Experience Unique Study Abroad Destination: UAE ensures its students with a culturally diverse and rich educational environment. It is one of the world’s rising economies with a charm of the diverse mosaic of seven emirates.
• Medium of Education: Though the country’s official language is Arabic, higher education in UAE is offered in English medium and is accepted throughout the world.
• Accreditations: From large to the small public and private universities, UAE offers everything you need. Most of these are accredited by both UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and by an accrediting agency in another country. Such as, the American University of Sharjah (AUS) is accredited jointly by MOHESR and by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in USA.
• International Education: Home to many international campuses, UAE ensures that the education standards are at par with other popular study destinations like the UK and USA. The education system in the UAE is in parallel with that in the UK and is accepted throughout the world.
• College Secured Visa: Many licensed institutions secure a student visa for their students and help them through the complete process.
• Diverse Range of Courses: There is a range of courses available with universities in the UAE along with study abroad programs.
• Research and Development: UAE’s investment in research and innovation is increasing year on year. The Abu Dhabi government has created an AED4bn ($1.09bn) fund to boost R&D in the UAE.

With licensed institutions, accredited programs, on-campus accommodations, world-class educational facilities, and global recognition, UAE has a lot to offer to students planning to study here.

Where to Study in UAE?

• Public Universities: Studying in UAE’s public universities is free for citizens. Some public universities popular among international students are UAE University, Zayed University, and Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT).
• Private Universities: Some popular private higher education institutions to study in UAE are Sharjah University, American Universities of Sharjah and Dubai, Abu Dhabi University, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Al Hosn University, and Ajman University of Science and Technology.
• International Universities/Global Partnerships: International institutions that have campuses in UAE are the University of Washington, New York University, Boston University, Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health, Sorbonne, Middlesex University, and Rochester Institute of Technology.
• Technical Institutions: Sponsored by the Center of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT), Higher Colleges of Technology in UAE aim at providing education, applied technology instruction and training. Other technical centers in the country are funded by the Petroleum Institute, Dubai School of Government, Emirates Institute for Banking and Finance, Emirates Aviation College for Aerospace and Academic Studies, and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company Career Development Centre.

What to Study in UAE?

Offering a range of courses to choose international students planning to study in UAE can look out for popular courses like engineering courses, artificial intelligence courses, oil and petroleum, construction, business & economics, etc.

There are plenty of streams and courses to explore based on the choice of university and interests of a student.

How to Study in UAE: Step by Step Guide for International Students

A five-step guide is discussed below along with before and after measures for applying to study in UAE:

• Step 1: Research: Research about the course you are interested in, look for all the available options to study in UAE. While exploring options compare factors like rankings, fees, scholarships, ROI, reputation, etc.
• Step 2: Choose Program/University: Choose and send in your application paperwork for the choice of university and course.
• Step 3: Draw up a Study Plan: By this time you need to be assured that you have your documents ready to move to UAE, have completed the necessary formalities with the UAE consulate, and ready to start studying on-campus with the choice of your university.
• Step 4: Prepare Your Stay: Accommodations are one of the major concerns for those traveling abroad for education. Look for the on-campus accommodation options offered by your university and apply for the same. Pay the deposits to secure your accommodation with your university. In case, you choose to stay off-campus, get done with the paperwork and licenses involved. You can take the help of your university to look for off-campus accommodations.
• Step 5: Live in UAE: UAE has strict norms and regulations, hence, making it important for students who choose to study in UAE to understand the regulations and abide by them. The government is highly focused on strict punishments for crime and ensuring safety. It is important that students choosing to move to UAE respect and follow these regulations.

When to Study in UAE? Application Cycle & Process

Like most study abroad destinations, there are two major sessions in UAE- fall and spring.

• Fall Session
  • Commences: September or October
  • Considered more feasible for Indian students
  • Deadlines: End of February or March
• Spring Intake
  • Commences: January
  • Applicants need to plan ahead
  • Deadlines: End of August or October

Please note: Deadlines vary as per the university and course, applicants must ensure that they visit the university website before making applications. Additionally, starting ahead will ensure that no additional time is wasted and students do not have to fall behind in a ruckus.

Study in UAE: Admission Timeline

Plan of Action for those who wish to apply for the spring semester

Plan of Action for those who wish to apply for the Fall semester

Study in UAE: Admission Requirements

Fulfilling the basic eligibility criteria and presenting the documents required at the time of admission is the minimum requirement for studying abroad. Here is a list of documents and exams to study in UAE you will need if you plan on studying in UAE:

• Completed application form
• Application fees
• Transcripts of previous education depending on the level of education you choose
  • For bachelors- High school diploma
  • For master's- bachelor’s degree/diploma
• Motivation letter
• Passport-size photo
• Passport

There can be additional requirements based on the program you are applying for and the university’s standard. Always ensure to check up-to-date requirements from the university webpage.

Visa to Study in UAE

To get a UAE student visa, you need the following eligibility criteria:

• Properly filled online application form
• Application fees: 3000 AED and deposit of 1000 AED
• 2 passport size photos no older than three months
• Original passport and photocopy
• Student declaration form
• Bank statement for 2 months or salary certificate of the student sponsor in UAE
• NOC for minors
• $1500 demand draft photocopy
• Bonafide certificate from the respective institution
• Approval from CGI Dubai

Cost of Studying in UAE

Pursuing education abroad is often an expensive affair. For students choosing to study in UAE, it is significant to be aware of the costs involved in pursuing higher education. Often the tuition fees for courses vary from 48,000 to 120,000 AED. However, this can vary depending on the institution, course level, and subject of interest. All the courses are assessed in semester credit hours and you will also encounter additional costs like accommodation, study materials, food, travel, transportation, etc.

Fees of Top Universities to Study in UAE

Cost of Living in UAE

The cost of living in the UAE includes expenses like accommodation, utilities, internet, transportation, and lifestyle choices.

Some other expenses you will encounter when planning on studying in UAE are:

• Utilities: 202 AED/month
• Internet: 360 AED/month
• Local Transportation: 220 AED/month
• Pint of Beer: 40 AED
• Cinema Tickets: 40 AED
• Fast-food Combinations: 28 AED

Study in UAE with Scholarships

There are plenty of funding opportunities for international students planning to study in the UAE. You can choose from the pool of opportunities like scholarships, loans, and others. Some popular scholarships are:

• Merit-based Scholarships: Scholarships available to meritorious students with excellent IELTS score, or higher academic grades.
• Need-based Scholarships: Scholarships awarded to students who are in need of financial assistance.

Some popular scholarships in UAE universities are given below:

Jobs after Studying in UAE

With an unemployment rate as low as 2.75% in 2022, reducing from 3.25% in the year 2021, UAE offers some great opportunities for international students to graduate. Here is the return on investment for top universities in UAE:

Some popular jobs in UAE are discussed with the average annual salaries below:

Pursuing studies in UAE allows students to explore a multicultural education hubspot with plenty of options and opportunities. A unique abroad experience with lucrative opportunities in the major sell-out for UAE as an upcoming international education destination.