Study in United Arab Emirates

A country unlike none other, the United Arab Emirates promises the futuristic and opulent lifestyle it often portrays in media and pop culture. The UAE has risen to occupy among the top positions in study abroad destinations lists. Housing over 140,000 students in its more than 100 higher education institutes, study in UAE has been seen charting the upward curve over the past decade. It delivers high-class education equipped with a global approach. The country assures fantastic opportunities in a place where boundless growth is imminent. 

 

Education System in United Arab Emirates

The UAE has a global focal point when it comes to education. Starting from school to university, students who are looking to study in UAE will be exposed to international curriculums, standards, teaching facilities and student infrastructures. The country provides education starting from the primary going on to the secondary and tertiary levels. 

 

Higher education in the country comprises universities and colleges. A number of universities in the country are sister concerns of universities abroad while several Western universities have their branches operating in the UAE too. This gives students a chance to pursue education from renowned universities abroad without travelling across continents. 

 

An excellent part of studying in the UAE is that English is widely spoken across the country. And English being a global education, students from across the world can have UAE at the top of their list when it comes to choosing a foreign country they want to pursue higher education. 

 

Why Study In UAE

The United Arab Emirates is among the hottest destinations for students from all across the globe. It is not only the education system and its facilities but the way of life and standard of living in the country is enough to dazzle anybody. The well-being of students is also well looked after especially in trying times such as the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19. Below listed are some of the top reasons why students wish to study abroad in the UAE - 

 

Prestigious Universities: The United Arab Emirates is home to some of the most renowned universities in the world and a variety of universities from across the globe have their branches or sister concerns operating in the country. 

 

Fantastic Career Prospects - The United Arab Emirates promises a bright future after graduation. With international corporations and organisations having their biggest branches operating out of the country, students can take their pick and start their careers in any possible industry in the country. 

 

A New Culture, A Whole New World - Experiencing life in the UAE is experiencing something like no other. Modernism and traditionalism thrive side by side and the result is a dazzling and welcoming culture that makes one feel right at home. 

 

Available Courses To Study

For students looking to study abroad in UAE, there are a plethora of options in a variety of disciplines which come with a bright future. Teaching facilities in all areas are high-standard boasting some of the best student infrastructures in the world. Although educational institutions provide courses in hundreds of subject areas, some come out at the top due to high demand mainly because of bright career opportunities. Some of the most in-demand areas of study in UAE universities are - 

A booming financial and banking hub, there are a gazillion opportunities in this sector. Graduates can choose from areas like investment banking, international banking, derivatives, financial law, forensic accounting, information systems and a lot more at university under the discipline of accounting and finance. Universities provide modern and cutting-edge technology and simulated environments for students to know what the practice feels like in the real world. Accounting and finance project a very high growth in the coming years and for a flashy country like the UAE, the saying “money makes the world go round” rings very true.
The UAE is miles ahead of many developed countries when it comes to technology. Computer science and technology are essentially the backbones of the country. UAE’s domestic infrastructure is equipped with cutting-edge technology. Universities in the UAE offer hundreds of specialised courses under the umbrella of computer science and technology. They boast high-standard facilities for their students. Students at universities in the country can be seen opting for courses in cybersecurity, cloud intelligence and branches of computer engineering.
The country has a thriving and vibrant art and culture scene. Built on hundreds of years of Arabian history, the UAE is also as cosmopolitan in its culture as it gets. Emiratis pride themselves on being lovers of art, drama, dance and music. So it comes as no surprise that there are fantastic courses in a variety of areas in the discipline of arts. Universities in the UAE boast some of the best faculty across the globe in various fields pertaining to the arts.
Business, management and entrepreneurship are the lifeblood of the country and their remarkable business acumen helps them thrive as well as puts them on centre stage. Subjects under these areas are immensely popular choices among students studying at universities in the UAE. It is a stream that is in high demand and aids other work fields too. Some popular subject choices under management are marketing, management studies, human resource management and finance.
True architectural marvels can be found in the country and engineering has a pivotal role to play in the mammoth development across the UAE. Engineering has several branches under it like electrical and electronic engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and software engineering to name a few. There are excellent programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in engineering offered by renowned universities in the country.

Finances

Cost of Education

The cost of education in the United Arab Emirates might be costly to some but many argue that it does not cost an arm and a leg unlike in some select few countries. Tuition costs depend on a variety of factors namely, what course you are looking to pursue, which university you want to pursue the said course at, and most importantly, whether you classify as a home or international student. 

 

For students looking to study in UAE, below mentioned are 

Tuition fees for international students at a public university: 19,000 AED - 1,00,000 AED

Tuition fees for international students at a private university: 22,000 AED - 1,50,000 AED

Cost of Living

The United Arab Emirates is famous for its luxurious standard of living with several countries looking to emulate their way of life but quite missing the mark. Top cities in the UAE namely, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al-Khaimah are quite expensive to live in mainly because of their global amenities. The cost of living for a student is impacted by factors like what kind of student accommodation they are looking for, how close your accommodation is to your university, and transportation costs among others. Roughly, a student needs between 2,550 AED to 5,000 AED to live in the UAE for a month. 


 

Particulars

Expenses

Rent

AED 2800 - AED 4,300

Food

AED 700 - AED 1,000

Transport

AED 200

Leisure

AED 250 - AED 300

Cost Of Studying In United Arab Emirates

Interest rates as low as 8.9% *

Avg. on-campus living expense AED46,716

250K+

Students Assisted

800Cr+

Loan Amount Disbursed

5000+

Loans Sanctioned

Visa Process and Requirements

The country of UAE issues a student visa for any student enrolled at a university or college in the country who is a minimum of 18 years of age. 

Eligibility criteria to obtain a student visa in the UAE:

  • To study in UAE, a student must be sponsored either by a university or educational institution in the country or by a parent or relative. The admission letter of the said university is required. 
  • The candidate has to mandatorily pass a medical fitness test.
  • The approval of the relevant GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) is required. 

The above stated are the requirements for a fresher’s student visa. A certificate of continuation of study is required for older students. 

Validity: A student’s visa in the UAE is valid for one year. A student is required to renew their visa upon the further continuation of their studies in the country. 

 

Outstanding students’ visa: The country also has long term visa provisions for outstanding students. Outstanding students are those who have either graduated from secondary schools with 95 per cent or more or have scored a minimum GPA of 3.75 from universities outside or within the country. UAE awards them with a 5-years visa with benefits extending to the students’ families as well.

 

Documents Required for Student Visa Application

  • 2 passport copies
  • The required number of passport size photographs
  • University acceptance letter
  • Relevant bank statements which are accepted as substantiation of funds
  • Copy of tuition fee receipt for the current year of your study programme
  • Copy of visa fees receipt
  • Required medical test reports
  • In the case of studying master's in UAE, an attested copy of the undergraduate degree certificate is required

 

Visa Charges for Students:

Entry Visa for Study: 1,000 AED

Short entry visa (visit): 500 AED

Long entry visa (visit): 1,000 AED

Renewal of study visa: 500 AED

 

FAQs

Students studying in the UAE who are above the age of 18 can apply for a work permit and take up part-time jobs as per their requirements.
There are several scholarship programmes available for students looking to study in UAE. The finance and educational wings of the government have made provisions for a range of scholarships international students can apply for to pursue their studies in the United Arab Emirates.
Yes, there are provisions for you to study in the country without having taken an IELTS exam. You can approach your previous educational institution for an MOI which is a certificate that states that you have studied in an English-medium institution before.