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Study in UAE Guides & Resources

UAE Guide

Study in UAE: Costs, Visa Process, Top Universities, Application & Interview, Job Opportunities

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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 top ranking 2021 list, 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.

This small country in the Arabian Peninsula is bordered by Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the Persian Gulf and is composed of seven emirates- Abu Dhabi (the capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah, and Umm al-Quwain. UAE currently serves over 77,400 international students with over 13,300 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:

Student visa duration 1-year with renewal
Long-Term student visa 5 years
Oldest & most renowned university United Arab Emirates University
Academic year September-June
Currency & conversion rate 1AED=20.40 INR (Apr 2021)
Safety index Ranks #2 safest country in the world
Visa processing time Minimum 20 days

Study in UAE: Top Universities for International Students

Some of the top-ranking universities to study in UAE as per QS 2021 rankings are:

University QS Ranks (2021)
Khalifa University of Science and Technology 211
United Arab Emirates University 284
American University of Sharjah 348
American University in Dubai 601-650
University of Sharjah 601-650
Abu Dhabi University 701-750
Ajman University 701-750
Zayed University 701-750
Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence -

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

International campuses to look forward to while planning to apply to study in UAE:

University Campus Location
BITS Pilani Dubai
Amity University Dubai
Westford University College Dubai
Middlesex University Dubai
Manipal University Dubai
Gulf Medical University Ajman
University of Wollongong Dubai
University of Birmingham Dubai
IMT Dubai
SP Jain School Of Global Management Dubai
Hult International Business School Dubai

Why Study in the 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 Abroad Destination: One of the world’s rising economies with a charm of the diverse mosaic of seven emirates, UAE ensures its students with a culturally diverse and rich educational environment.
  • Accreditations: From large to the small public as well as 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 the US.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Study in UAE during COVID-19

The Ministry of Education announced another edition of COVID-19 procedures for educational institutions for the academic year of 2021-22:

  • Students traveling to the UAE will have to produce a negative result of an RT-PCR test at the airport. These tests must not be older than 96 hours before the departure of the flight.
  • ALHOSN UAE app should be downloaded by students on their mobile phones before they travel to Abu Dhabi.
  • All UAE universities will familiarise students with their health and safety protocols to reduce the spread of the virus on campus.
  • Limited class sizes in order while ensuring proper physical distancing.
  • In a few locations, IELTS testing in the UAE has been resumed.
  • online/hybrid classes are still being conducted by many universities in view of the pandemic.

Where to Study in UAE?

  • Public Universities: Studying in UAE’s public universities is free for citizens. Some of the public universities popular among international students are UAE University, Zayed University, and Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT).
  • Private Universities: Some of the 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 Student

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

Month Action
July (a year ahead) Start researching your options
August Register for standardized tests required
September Prepare application package
October Apply for Spring Semester
October-December Wait for Acceptance & Apply for Student Visa
Late December Get Accommodations & leave for UAE
January Spring semester commences

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

Month Action
November (a year ahead) Start researching your options
October Register for standardized tests required
January Prepare application package
February to March Apply for Spring Semester
March-August Wait for Acceptance & Apply for Student Visa
Late September Get Accommodations & leave for UAE
October Fall semester commences

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 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
  • Passport-size photo
  • Passport
  • Motivation letter

Explore: Tests required to study in UAE

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 student visa for UAE, here is what you need:

  • 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 two 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 AED 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

Institution Type Level of Study Fees (AED/year)
Zayed University UG
PG
73,460
80,806
United Arab Emirate University UG
PG
60,000
65,000
American University of Sharjah UG
PG
96,140
142,500
Amity, Dubai UG
PG
45,000
55,000
University of Sharjah UG
PG
39,000
145,872

Cost of Living in UAE

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

Rooms Annual Summer
Single Special 8,488.00 1,965.00
Single Normal 7,326.00 1,412.00
Double Special 4,060.00 942.00
Double Normal 3,255.00 754.00
Triple 2,444.00 565.00
Deluxe Single 14,742.00 7,371.00
Deluxe Double 4,366.00 2,183.00

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

  • Utilities: 202 AED/month
  • Internet: 360/month
  • Local transportation: 220/month
  • Pint of beer: 40
  • Cinema tickets: 40
  • Fast-food combinations: 28

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 of the 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 of the popular scholarships with UAE universities are given below:

Scholarship University Value (AED/year)
UG Scholarship for International Students University of Sharjah 100% tuition waiver
Partial Tuition Scholarship for International Students University of Sharjah 50% tuition waiver
Chancellor’s Fellowship for Graduate Students UAEU 50% tuition waiver
Graduate Merit Scholarships Zayed University 25,000
UG Merit Scholarship American University of Sharjah 20-50% tuition waiver

Jobs after Studying in UAE

With an unemployment rate as low as 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:

University Annual Salary (AED/year)
America University in Dubai 108,000 to 276,000
American University of Sharjah 121,000 to 168,000
Jordan University of Science & Technology 179,000
University of Wollongong Dubai 119,000 to 301,000
University of Jordan 124,00 to 173,000

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

Job Role Salary (AED/year)
Accounting Manager 354,000
Financial Analyst 307,000
Graphic Designer 148,000
Aerospace Engineer 314,000
Architect 280,000
Business Analyst 295,000
Project Manager 316,000
Civil Engineer 212,000
Electrical Engineer 242,000
HRM 372,000
IT Manager 406,000
Biomedical Engineer 194,000

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.

Top Universities

Top College Collections For UAE

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Why to Study in UAE?

Though the country’s official language is Arabic, higher education in UAE is offered in English medium and is accepted throughout the world. Studying in UAE’s public universities is free for citizens. Some of the public universities popular among international students are UAE University, Zayed University, and Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT).

80%
Visa Approval Rate
65+
Total Institutions
fall
Best Intake
$10500 to $20500
Average Study Cost
$800 to $1000
Living Cost
$300 to $1400
Travel Cost
exam
80(iBT)
Min. TOEFL Score
exam
6.5
Min. IELTS Score
exam
60
Min. PTE Score

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Top Places To Study In UAE

Why Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of UAE. Over the last decade, Abu Dhabi has been consistent among the fastest growing economies in the world. The emirate’s GDP grew by 238%, foreign trade by 257% and investment by 433%, between 2000 and 2010.Abu Dhabi is a leading region of education in gulf region. Local universities in Abu Dhabi like the United Arab Emirates University, and Zayed University contribute to the excellent academic position of the Abu Dhabi.Abu Dhabi, like other cities in UAE, offer tax free salaries. Top employers in Abu Dhabi are, Oracle, Emirates, Google, Etihad Airways, Union National Bank, National Bank of Abu Dhabi.
Khalifa UniversityKhalifa UniversityAbu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi|9% Acceptance Rate

Discover Useful Documents and Template For UAE Admission

Statement of
Purpose (SOP)

Letter of
Recommendation (LOR)

Student
Essay

Curriculum
Vitae (CV)

Interview
Applications

Simplify the Process: Find the Perfect Templates for Your Dream University

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Study in UAE FAQs

Ques. What is the cheapest university in the UAE?

Some of the cheapest universities to study undergraduate and graduate programs in UAE are:

University Bachelor's Tuition Fees Master's Tuition Fees
University of Sharjah 31,049 AED 45,675 AED
Aldar University College 36,000 AED N.A
American University in the Emirates 36,750 AED 36,750 AED
Ajman University 38,766 AED 37,500 AED
Abu Dhabi University 43,200 AED 42,600 AED

Ques. Is UAE a good country to study in?

UAE may not be a popular study-abroad destination but is one of the unique places to study. It is not just a country with a rich lifestyle but also houses some globally renowned universities and colleges. Many colleges and universities in UAE are jointly accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in USA and MOHESR (Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research).

Ques. How much does it cost to study in UAE?

On average, studying an undergraduate degree in UAE may cost between the range of 37,500 to 70,000 AED (8.44 lakhs to 15.76 lakhs INR) per year while a graduate degree in UAE will cost somewhere around 55,000 to 75,000 AED (12.38 lakhs to 16.89 lakhs INR).

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