Study in UAE – Country Comprised of 7 Emirates

The United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as UAE is a small nation in the Arabian Peninsula bordered by Saudi Arabia, the Persian Gulf and Oman. Its capital city is Abu Dhabi. Since 1950 after the discovery of oil in the region, the UAE economy has undergone massive and rapid changes. UAE has turned its focus primarily on three sectors Infrastructure Development, Tourism Business and Education. Students majorly choose to study in the UAE because of the developments in these sectors. This article explains why you should study in UAE, the cost of studying and more.

Country	United Arab Emirates or UAE
Capital City	Abu Dhabi
Official Language	Arabic
Official Currency	UAE Dirham
Population	10 million (approximately)
Religion	Islam
Popular Academic Institutions	United Arab Emirates University, American University of Sharjah, Khalifa University, University of Sharjah, Zayed University, American University in Dubai (AUD).
Popular Courses	Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine, Computer Science and Information Systems, Tourism and Architecture.
Total International Students	75k+

Why Study in the UAE?

UAE currently serve approximately 75k students with almost 15k from India. There are multiple reasons to study in the UAE, some of the major ones are listed below:

• World-Class Universities

UAE is the home of some world-class universities, that have opened their campuses in UAE like Middlesex University, New York University, American University of Sharjah etc.

• Cultural Interaction

The UAE is made up of seven emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain – all with their own unique identities, cultures and attractions which means there is plenty to explore and discover.

• No Language Barrier

There is no language barrier in education and growth because the English language is widely accepted in UAE in both the education and business sectors.

• Safe Nation

The United Arab Emirates has established itself as a safe and prestigious nation with its thriving economy, rich heritage, and open and welcoming culture. 

• Low cost of studying

The cost of education in Dubai is comparatively cheaper which is another great motivating factor for international students to study in Dubai.

• Golden Visa Scheme 

The UAE government has introduced a new visa scheme called the golden visa scheme where will be granted a 10-year resident visa for talented students and their families.

Education System in UAE

Higher Education in the UAE is overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The Ministry is in charge of Higher Education Institute licensure and accreditation. Along with traditional universities, Higher Technology Colleges are popular educational institutions in the UAE. In the UAE, there are around 17 Higher Technology College campuses.

Engineering and technology, Computer and Information Science, Health Sciences, Education, Applied Communications, and Business Studies are among the courses available in UAE universities. Many of these study programs are available in English. MBA from the UAE is one of the most in-demand programmes in the world.

Intakes in UAE

Admission intake in the UAE varies among different universities. Some universities enrol students throughout the year while other universities open for admissions in specific months.

Generally, the fall season attracts the most international students to study in the UAE. The intake for both UG and PG students is mentioned below.

Intakes	UG Courses	PG Courses
April-May	Yes	N/A
July-August	Yes	Yes
December- January	Yes	Yes

Popular Courses

The below-mentioned field of study is preferred among both domestic and international students looking to pursue bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in UAE.

• Engineering & Technology
• Life Sciences and Medicine
• Computer Science
• Information System 
• Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Architecture
• Clinical Psychology
• Finance 

Must Read: Student Life in Dubai for International Candidates

Top Universities with Global University Ranking

Listed below are some of the top and highly renowned colleges and universities with QS global university ranking 2024, that are providing top courses in UAE for domestic and international students.

Universities	QS Ranking 2024
Khalifa University	=230
United Arab Emirates University	290
American University of Sharjah	=364
Canadian University Dubai	=551
Al Ain University	611-620
Abu Dhabi University	=580
Ajman University	=551
American University in Dubai	601-610
Zayed University	701-710
University of Sharjah	=465
Hamad Bin Khalifa University	=310

Must Read: Medical Colleges in UAE

Admission Process

The admission process for study in the UAE is completed in three parts including eligibility criteria, document requirements and application submission.

Eligibility Criteria

Course Level	Minimum Requirements
UG Programs	The student must have completed at least 12 years of schooling. Applicants from the CBSE or ISC board must have scored a minimum of 50% to 60% to apply. IELTS – 5.5-6.0  & TOEFL – 70
PG Programs	60% and above percentage in Undergraduate degrees will be considered. IELTS- 6.0-6.5 & TOEFL – 7
PhD Programs	Students must hold a master’s degree from any recognised university with a GPA of 3.3/ 4.0. IELTS Score of 6.5 overall.

Application Submission

To initiate the application process to study in UAE the students must follow the below-mentioned steps for pursuing top courses in their dream foreign university.

• Applicants should visit the official website of the university in UAE where he/she wants to pursue top courses in the UAE of their choice. 
• Then, click on ‘Apply Now or ‘Register Here’
• Candidates are then asked to provide their education history with all the qualifications.
• Candidates are also required to fill in the details of their employment history and personal statement.
• Once the form has been filled up, students must submit the application form by paying the mentioned fees.

Documents Required

The document requirements vary from university to university and it also depends upon the course chosen by students. However, the basic list of documents required for pushing top courses in the UAE is

1. Student high school and all other grade transcripts.
2. Language test results scores like IELTS, TOEFL, (if asked by the university) etc.
3. Copy of your passport.
4. Submission essays (if asked by the university)
5. Updated CV or Resume 
6. Statement of purpose (SOP)
7. Letter of recommendation (LOR)
8. Copy of student visa.

UAE Student Visa

Applicants looking to study in UAE need to apply for a student visa. To get this students generally need to be sponsored by the country residents. The sponsorship is mostly done by universities itself mostly. The application process is done online. The cost of the visa application is AED 3000 (INR 65k) and additionally, a deposit of AED 1000 is also required.

Before applying for a student visa to study in UAE applicant needs to complete below below-mentioned documents.

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

Student residence visas will only last for one year, and will therefore need renewal if the course is longer than this period.

Cost of Studying in the UAE

The cost of studying in the UAE depends upon the university and course category. The cost of study for UG, PG and PhD programs is mentioned below.

Undergraduate Programs	Fee (Annual)
BBA	INR 4.5-10 lacs
BSc	INR 10-25 lacs
BHM	INR 9-10 lacs
B.Tech	INR 9-12 lacs

Postgraduate Programs	Tuition Fee (Annual)
MSc	INR 7-14 lacs
MBA	INR 7-22 lacs
MIM	INR 12-36 lacs
MEM	INR 7-15 lacs
MA	INR 7-10 lacs
MBBS	INR 30-35lacs

Cost of Living

The cost of living in the United Arab Emirates is quite high, so the student community need to plan their budget wisely. International students can apply for a work permit in the UAE and can attain a job to help fund their study abroad journey.

Particulars	Average Cost/Month (AED) (approx.)
Rent	1,700
Utilities	200
Internet	70
Mobile Phone	50
Groceries	350
Dining out	250
Public Transportation	60
Health Insurance	90
Entertainment	150

Must Read: Cost of Living in Dubai for Students

Work After Study in UAE

After finishing their studies, international students can return to the UAE and work full-time. To be able to work in the UAE after finishing your studies, you must convert your student visa into an employment visa.

In that instance, the employer should sponsor the Visa, and the application should also be handled by the employer. The work should be full-time, and a residence visa is required if the individual intends to stay in the UAE for an extended period of time. Before applying for a job, you should conduct thorough research, grasp all of the job’s terms and circumstances, and then proceed.

Scholarships in UAE

The below-shared scholarships are awarded by the academic and non-academic institutions for international students enrolled in UG, PG and PhD programs in the UAE.

• The Marie Wright Scholarship for Non-Traditional Locations
• The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowships
• The American University in Dubai Scholarship
• William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Scholarships
• The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships
• The David L. Boren Scholarships
• Team Middlesex Sporting Excellence International Awards in the United Arab Emirates
• Khalifa University International Partial-Scholarships
• Financial Hardship Scholarships for International Students at Canadian University Dubai
• Mohamed Bin Zayed University International Awards in Artificial Intelligence
• Chancellor’s Scholarship at Emirates Aviation University
• Emirates Aviation University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship in the United Arab Emirates

Must Read: Top Courses in UAE

Other Major Factors

Before you make a decision on whether or not you want to study in the UAE, here are some other factors that you should keep in mind:

Safety

The United Arab Emirates is a very safe country in terms of safety regulations. Cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai have a high level of safety, and crime is extremely rare. On a side note, the penalties for breaching the law in the UAE are harsh, and students should become acquainted with local laws and customs ahead of time. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the UAE is the world’s second safest country.

Weather

The UAE has a desert environment with mild winters and extremely hot and bright summers. Rain is uncommon in the UAE, and when it does fall, it usually falls in the form of showers or downpours. The UAE has two distinct seasons: winter and summer. In the winter, temperatures range from 16.4 to 24 degrees Celsius. Summer, on the other hand, is distinguished by exceptionally high temperatures that sometimes reach 50 degrees Celsius, particularly in the south. During the summer, the average temperature ranges from 32 to 37 degrees Celsius.

Language

The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic. However, additional languages such as Hindi, Persian, Pashto, and Balochi are also spoken. English is extensively spoken here as well. Everything is in English, from traffic signs to restaurant menus. If pupils do not know much Arabic, they should learn some common Arabic words. Shukran, which translates to “Thank you,” will carry kids a long way. This is a simple courtesy phrase that may be used at stores, restaurants, and pretty much anywhere students go.

Accommodation

When it comes to housing, students have two options: university housing or private housing. University housing is a little less expensive choice than private housing. Dormitories are typically shared by students. Most institutions offer fully furnished dorms with amenities like Wi-Fi, television, dining halls, and even an indoor gym.

Private housing choices are also available for students who wish to live somewhere other than the university-managed housing. Private houses in the UAE are often pricey. They are mainly one-bedroom studio flats, although they can also be two or three-bedroom shared flats.

Must Read: 70+ Top Courses in UAE to Pursue in 2023

Part-Time Job Opportunities

The United Arab Emirates provides off-campus part-time job opportunities to International Students only after receiving permission from the Department of Labour and students require permission from the University or College for part-time work. Students must have visa issues with the Dubai Creative Cluster Authority (DCCA).

• Student age should be above 18yrs  with good academics and personal records.
• During sessions, students can work for AED 15 to AED 30 per hour for 15 hours (INR 326- 652) per week or 60 hours per month.
• During summer breaks, they can work for AED 15 to AED 30 (INR 326-652)  per hour 40 hours per week or 160 hours per month.

Most Popular Jobs in UAE

In this section, we are going to discuss the most popular jobs in UAE:

Risk Managers	Cyber Security Experts
Security Analysts	Financial Analysts
Auditors	Accountants
Software Engineers	AI Specialists
Social Media Managers	Content Managers
Mechanical Engineers	Aerospace Engineers
HR Managers	Legal Assistant

Average Salaries

Job	Average Salary
Legal Department	$141,000
Legal & Paralegal	$124,000
Financial Services	$108,000
Executive Management & Change	$98,000
Airline	$85,000
Energy, Chemicals & Environmental	$80,000

FAQs

We hope this blog helped you pick a course you wish to pursue. Wish to apply for top courses in UAE? If you want to pursue higher studies from a prestigious university in UAE or any other destination of your choice, get in touch with our Leverage Edu experts for assistance at every step of your application! Sign up for a free session with us now!