Study in UAE – Top Universities, Scholarships, Visa, Intake
Description: Want to study in UAE? Get free counseling for top universities in UAE, courses, student visas, scholarships, costs, and more!
Study in UAE – Top Universities, Visa, Scholarships, Courses
The UAE has emerged as one of the most popular global study abroad destinations, offering excellent educational standards and infrastructure for aspirants. With competitive living and tuition costs in comparison to several other study abroad destinations, the UAE is now a preferred place for international students to pursue higher education. At the same time, there is a flourishing job market in the UAE and overall Middle East region, which is another attraction for those coming to pursue higher education here.
The UAE is home to reputed global universities and assures cutting-edge research and academic prospects along with safe and secure campus life. It is also known for its multicultural society and welcoming local community. There is ample Government support and monitoring as far as the higher education sector is concerned, which has led to massive improvements over the years. Here are some of the key aspects relating to studying in UAE for your perusal.
Latest Update: -
- The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has confirmed that students who could not previously enrol for higher education due to not clearing the EmSAT test may reapply for admission now.
- However, they have to meet the criteria of the institutions in question.
- Universities can flexibly define admission requirements and bypass the EmSAT requirements for students, allowing them to join based on available pathways, institutional capacity, and other criteria.
Students should now get at least 61 on the TOEFL test and 450 on the SAT 1 Math Reasoning Test in Grade 12. Those who have taken the EmSAT prior to 3rd November, 2024, may use the test results for equivalency requirements.
*Reach out to the experts today for studying your preferred course in the UAE.
Table of Contents
Key Highlights
| Top Courses |
Business administration, engineering, hospitality and tourism, healthcare, architecture |
|---|---|
Average tuition fees | |
Average tuition fees |
19,000 – 70,000 AED for undergraduate programs 12,500 – 75,000 AED for postgraduate programs 50,000 – 360,000 AED for doctoral programs |
How many higher education institutions | |
Post-study work visa | |
Average cost of living | |
Part-time work |
60 hours per month during the session and 160 hours per month during breaks |
Top 5 Universities (QS World University Rankings 2025) |
Khalifa University (202), United Arab Emirates University (261), American University of Sharjah (332), University of Sharjah (434), Ajman University (477) |
Why Study in UAE?
- Robust and well-established education system with top universities and branch campuses of several global institutions
- Welcoming and multicultural society with a cosmopolitan ambience and high population of expats and international students
- Quality living standards with excellent academic and research infrastructure, top-notch on-campus lifestyles, and great public amenities
- Multiple study options, courses, and career pathways
- Thriving UAE job market with great opportunities to build global careers for fresh graduates
Education System in UAE
- Public and private schools and higher educational institutions define the education system
- State schools have four levels- early childhood education (3-5 years), basic level (6-10 years), intermediate (11-13 years), and secondary level (14-18 years)
- Education is free through secondary school in public schools and compulsory for Emirati children
- Preschool education is also available at both private and state schools, with many offering K-12 education
- There are several private international schools in the UAE, following the French, UK, US, Indian, German, Canadian, and Irish systems, to name a few
- Higher education comprises public and private universities. There are several campuses of global universities like American University, Canadian University, New York University, and more. Most institutions offer undergraduate and graduate programs
Eligibility to Study in UAE
- IELTS Academic score of 5.0 at least or EmSAT English score of 1100. Other options include TOEFL IBT (minimum 61) or CBT (minimum 173), PTE (36-41), Cambridge (154-161), and IESOL/SESOL (B1/B2)
- Original equivalency letter from the UAE Ministry of Education for foreign curriculum
- Grade 12/Year 13 completion proof with requisite marks
- Undergraduate degree with minimum marks (usually 60%)
- Work experience if needed
- English language proficiency as per the institutional guidelines
Documents Required to Study in UAE
Emirates ID
- Passport Copy
- Passport-sized photograph
- Equivalency Letter
- English language proficiency score sheet
- Academic transcripts
- Application fee payment proof
- Police clearance certificate
- No objection letter
- Certificate of good conduct
- Proof of years of schooling
Top Courses to Study in UAE
| Course Name | Fees | Intake |
|---|---|---|
Business administration (MBA) |
82,000 – 84,000 AED per year |
Fall, Spring, Summer |
Engineering |
130,000 – 300,000 AED per year |
Fall, Spring, Summer |
Hospitality and Tourism |
25 – 30,000 AED per year |
Fall, Spring, Summer |
Architecture |
45,000 – 150,000 AED per year |
Fall, Spring, Summer |
Top Universities to Study in UAE
| Top Universities | QS Ranking | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
Khalifa University |
202 |
2,500 – 6,666 AED per credit hour |
United Arab Emirates University |
261 |
1,900, 2500 AED per credit hour for undergraduate programs 1,600 – 3,000 AED per credit hour for postgraduate programs |
American University of Sharjah |
332 | |
University of Sharjah |
434 | |
Ajman University |
477 |
Up to 2,800 AED per credit hour for undergraduate programs Up to AED 173,667 per year for postgraduate programs |
Intake in UAE
Cost of Studying in UAE
Cost of Living in UAE
- Accommodation- 2,700 – 7,000 AED per month
- Groceries and Food- 1,500 – 2,000 AED per month
- Utilities- 100 – 200 AED per month
- Transportation- 100 – 300 AED per month
- Internet and Mobile Costs- 160 AED per month
- Health Insurance- 50 – 200 AED per month
- Miscellaneous Expenses- 100 – 290 AED per month
Scholarships to Study in UAE
| Abu Dhabi University Academic Scholarship | Description | Funding |
|---|---|---|
Available for international students with specified cumulative and semester average requirements and continuing enrolment conditions |
20% waiver on tuition fees | |
Available for international students with specified cumulative and semester average requirements and continuing enrolment conditions |
A monthly stipend is given, determined by the university. All visa, residency, and identity card issuance costs are also covered | |
Those completing their high-school education outside the UAE will be given a partial scholarship |
N/A |
Part-Time Work Options for International Students in UAE
- 60 hours per month during the session and 160 hours per month during breaks
- You can apply for part-time work across 4,500+ companies as per the new regulations. You have to obtain a work permit for this purpose
- You should provide valid copies of your student visa and passport, along with your photograph, labor contract, and provide the labor establishment card from the company
- Permits are available from the UAE Labor Department
Post-Study Work Permit in UAE
- Those who have secured a job after graduating can apply for post-study work permits
- You can apply for a Green visa to sponsor yourself for 5 years
- Standard work visas are also given for two years if you are employed in the private/public sector
- Golden visas are long-term residence visas for living and working or studying in the UAE. They are for outstanding graduates and students along with entrepreneurs, investors, and scientists, along with frontline heroes
- This gives you an entry visa for six months with multiple entries to further go ahead with the issuance of your residence permit. It is a renewable and long-term visa with validity for 5 or 10 years
Student Visa Requirements for UAE
- The visa is given for one year at a time, renewable upon proof of continuation of study issued by the educational institution where you are studying
- Students may stay in the country under the sponsorship of their parents/the institution
- You have to provide the institute’s certificate specifying the study duration
- You have to fulfil other conditions like medical fitness and Emirates ID application to get the visa
- The application fees are 100 AED, with issuance fees of 100 AED for each individual and each year. The e-channel service fees are 150 AED
Documents Required for Visa Application
- Emirates ID application
- Medical Fit certificate
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photograph with white background
- Medical insurance
- Entry permit
- Certificate issued by the university specifying the duration of study
Job Prospects in UAE
Here are some top jobs in the UAE along with their average salaries:
| Jobs | Salaries |
|---|---|
50,000 – 120,000 AED per month | |
Engineering Manager |
40,000 – 90,000 AED per month |
Surgeon |
45,000 – 100,000 AED per month |
CFO |
60,000 – 130,000 AED per month |
CEO |
75,000 – 150,000 AED per month |
Investment Banker |
150,000 AED per month |
IT Director |
100,000 AED per month |
Final Take Away
You can choose to study in the UAE for its reputed universities, excellent infrastructure and quality of life, competitive tuition and living costs, and the welcoming and multicultural community. The UAE also has a flourishing job market with great prospects for skilled graduates. It is one of the best places to pursue higher education as far as any international aspirant is concerned.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to study in the UAE?
The average tuition fees are between AED 19,000 - 360,000, depending on the program that you choose and the level.
2. Is UAE good for studying?
The UAE is one of the top global destinations to pursue higher education, especially for its welcoming international community, reputed institutions, multiple course options, and reasonable tuition costs.
3. Who is eligible to study in the UAE?
Foreign nationals are eligible to study in the country, provided they have requisite undergraduate/high school qualifications, while meeting the English proficiency standards and other criteria.
4. Which course is best in the UAE?
There are several popular courses for students in the UAE, including business management, engineering, healthcare management, hospitality and tourism, and information technology.
5. Can I study in Dubai for free?
Domestic Emirati students can study for free in Dubai, although international students have to pay the requisite tuition fees. However, there are several scholarship options to help you cover a large portion of your costs in this case.
