Study in UAE
Study in UAE
The UAE is a rising global education hub with more than 500 internationally accredited programs at leading universities. Join a vibrant academic community of 80,000+ international students enjoying world-class education, state-of-the-art facilities, and varied career prospects!
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a prime study destination for international students, with world-class education, modern infrastructure, and cosmopolitan surroundings. With its ever-expanding educational institutions, globally accredited universities, and industry relationships, the UAE offers students quality learning experiences and career opportunities.
During the 2023-2024 academic session, Dubai’s higher education landscape saw a 12% hike in student admissions, reaching almost 80,000+ students. Interestingly, foreign students now represent one-third of this number. Of these, around 15,000 are Indian students, which indicates the UAE’s increased popularity as an elite educational destination.
This growth is in line with the UAE’s strategic aspiration to emerge as a global center for education, providing students with unmatched opportunities within a vibrant and multicultural environment.
Besides, students also enjoy tax-free living, opportunities for internships, and immersion in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Whether pursuing a degree at a top-tier university or advanced vocational training, studying in the UAE can open doors to various career opportunities all over the globe.
Highlights of studying in UAE
The UAE is positioning itself as a world education center, drawing in students from all over the world with its globally ranked universities, low tuition fees, and thriving job market. Here are the key highlights that students can consider studying in UAE:
| Factors | UAE |
|---|---|
Average tuition fees (per year) | Bachelor’s: AED 40,000 – AED 75,000 Master’s: AED 55,000 – AED 95,000 Ph.D.: AED 60,000+ (varies by university & field) |
Duration of course | Bachelor’s: 3–4 years Master’s: 1–2 years Ph.D.: 3–5 years |
Eligibility criteria | Academic credentials: High school completion, Bachelor’s, or Master’s in relevant fields |
Documents required | Valid passport, academic transcripts, English proficiency test scores, health insurance, financial proof, admission letter |
Test score requirements | |
Popular courses | Business Administration Engineering & Technology Medicine & Healthcare Data Science & AI Finance & Accounting Hospitality & Tourism |
Student visa fees | Short-term visa (up to 90 days): AED 750 – AED 1,200 Long-term visa (1 year renewable): AED 2,500 – AED 3,500 Golden Visa (for top students): AED 4,000+ |
Highlights of studying in UAE
The UAE is a fast-emerging education center reputed for its top-notch universities, excellent career opportunities, and superior standard of living. With a vibrant academic culture, cosmopolitan student population, and up-to-date infrastructure, it provides a great environment for overseas students to obtain higher education. Its strategic position, tax-free salaries, and lucrative industries make it an even more attractive destination for studying.
These are the key reasons why study in the UAE.
Globally thriving education
The UAE is a popular study destination for international students, with more than 80,000 students from around the world. Higher education institutions in the UAE are renowned for their top-notch instruction and state-of-the-art facilities.
Excellent education system
In the UAE, the Ministry of Higher Education supervises and regulates higher education. This ensures that these colleges offer the best possible education and teaching techniques to those studying in the UAE.
Top institutions
High-caliber institutions can be found throughout the UAE, with several of them frequently placing in world rankings. The QS World University Rankings for 2024 have ranked eleven universities in the UAE in the top 1,500 worldwide.
Top-notch facilities
The UAE’s outstanding infrastructure and services support educational organizations in positioning the country as a global education hub. Thirty-five international or internationally accredited universities alone enroll more than 38,000 students.
Diverse culture
As an international student in the UAE, you will get an opportunity to immerse yourself in Emirati culture, which includes cuisine, traditions, clothing, and much more. The UAE is a multicultural nation since only about 20% of the UAE’s total population is made up of Emiratis.
Countless opportunities
The UAE is a well-liked destination for international students since it has a reputation for being accepting and having a low crime rate. When you study in the UAE, the government will also make sure to offer the best possible social, medical, and educational opportunities for you.
Top courses to study in UAE
Students from around the world can choose from a wide variety of courses while studying in the UAE. Some popular courses to study in the UAE include:
| Course | Top universities | Average tuition fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|
Business Management | University of Dubai American University of Dubai | AED 55,000 – AED 70,000 |
Engineering | Khalifa University United Arab Emirates University | AED 45,000 – AED 65,000 |
Computer Science | American University of Sharjah University of Sharjah | AED 60,000 – AED 75,000 |
Medicine | Gulf Medical University Khalifa University | AED 100,000 – AED 140,000 |
Architecture | American University of Dubai American University of Sharjah | AED 70,000 – AED 85,000 |
Media and Journalism | Middlesex University Dubai American University in Dubai | AED 50,000 – AED 60,000 |
Tourism and Hospitality | Zayed University American University of Ras Al Khaimah | AED 40,000 – AED 55 |
Please note: The average fees listed in the above table are approximate and may vary based on the program, university, and specific circumstances
Top universities to study in UAE
An international student’s endeavor to study in the UAE can be diverse, with large public universities and smaller private ones both available to international students. Accreditation by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) and other accrediting agencies is granted to these institutions. This guarantees that the education and methods of instruction in these universities are of the highest caliber.
In fact, 11 universities in the UAE have made it to the 2024 QS World University Rankings list, three of which belong to the top 1,500. The top higher education institutions are:
Khalifa University
QS World University Rankings 2024: 230
United Arab Emirates University
QS World University Rankings 2024: 290
American University of Sharjah
QS World University Rankings 2024: 364
University of Sharjah
QS World University Rankings 2024: 465
Ajman University
QS World University Rankings 2024: 551
Canadian University Dubai
QS World University Rankings 2024: 551
Abu Dhabi University
QS World University Rankings 2024: 580
American University in Dubai
QS World University Rankings 2024:
601-610
Al Ain University
611-620
Zayed University
701-710
Cost of studying in UAE
The cost of studying in the UAE can vary depending on several factors, length of their academic program and the university will determine a student’s tuition and living expenses in the UAE
Tuition fees
A UAE university or college can set its own tuition fees. The choice of university and the academic program length will determine a student’s tuition and living expenses in the UAE.
| Study level | Approximate annual cost |
|---|---|
Bachelor’s degree | AED 35,000 – AED 70,000 approximately (per year) |
Master’s degree | AED 50,000 – AED 90,000 approximately (per year) |
Please note: The average fees listed in the above table are approximate and may vary based on the program, university, and specific circumstances
Intakes in UAE
There are three major intake in the UAE, namely fall, spring, and summer. Furthermore, some universities in the UAE also offer a rolling intake. Skim through the following table for key details.
| Intake | Description |
|---|---|
Fall intake | Begins in September/October |
Spring intake | Begins in January/February |
Summer intake | Begins in May/June |
Rolling intake | Accepting applications throughout the year |
Please note: The specific intake dates and application periods may vary slightly between different universities and programs in the UAE
In the UAE, universities typically offer multiple intakes to accommodate the diverse needs of students. The fall intake usually starts in September or October, while the spring intake begins in January or February. Some universities may also have a summer intake beginning in May or June.
Additionally, some institutions offer rolling Intakes, where they accept applications throughout the year, allowing students to apply at their convenience. Be sure to check with individual universities for specific intake dates and application deadlines.
Job prospects in UAE
The UAE has excellent job opportunities for students who are academically strong and have the requisite professional skills. The following table entails popular career opportunities in the UAE and the average annual salaries for these job profiles.
| Job sector | Average salary per year (AED) |
|---|---|
Information Technology | AED 150,000 – AED 300,000 |
Healthcare | AED 120,000 – AED 400,000 |
Finance and Banking | AED 180,000 – AED 400,000 |
Engineering | AED 180,000 – AED 300,000 |
Hospitality and Tourism | AED 90,000 – AED 200,000 |
Construction and Real Estate | AED 150,000 – AED 250,000 |
Education | AED 100,000 – AED 250,000 |
Sales and Marketing | AED 120,000 – AED 250,000 |
Oil and Gas | AED 200,000 – AED 400,000 |
Media and Communications | AED 120,000 – AED 250,000 |
Please note: The salaries mentioned here serve as a point of reference. The actual amount will depend on the individual’s skill set and credentials.
Considering studying abroad? Look no further than the UAE, an emerging and inviting study destination for international students worldwide.
Embark on your journey to success with MSM Unify overseas education consultant, your guide to studying in the UAE. Explore the endless possibilities that await you!