closer than you think!
Learn everything you need to know about studying
in Dubai and get end to end expert guidance from us.
Dubai is closer than you think!
Learn everything you need to know about studying in Dubai and get end to end expert guidance from us.
Why Study in Dubai?
Dubai, one of the wealthiest of the seven emirates that make up the Federation of the United Arab Emirates, is the most populated of the seven emirates. In recent times, Dubai has risen to become a popular study abroad destination among Indian students. Owing to the city's increasing popularity among international students, several UK universities have set up their campuses in Dubai. Known for its skyscrapers and better quality of life, Dubai is a futuristic city that is also home to some renowned universities. Studying abroad is an important decision, and you have a lot to consider before making a final decision. Keeping this in mind, we have included all details you may need to know if you plan to study in Dubai.
| Key Facts to Study in Dubai | |
| Languages Spoken | Arabic |
| Cost of study | AED 37,500 - AED 75,000 |
| Sources of funding | Scholarships, Aids, Part-time jobs |
| Exams Required | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
| Degrees | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral |
| Intakes | September, January, July |
Dubai, often considered the Middle Eastern melting pot, boasts beaches, ports, and the world’s tallest building. There is a lot more the city offers apart from these. Dubai offers tax-free salaries to everyone, making it a popular employment hub. This has led to a considerable number of students pursuing their higher education there, making the pathway to obtaining a job easier.
Benefits of Studying in Dubai for Indian Students
yourself studying in an environment where several cultures are intermixed. The additional advantage for Indian students is that Dubai has a wide population of Indians. This will help you network easily with people and find like-minded tudents. On top of all these, Dubai has a few universities that are a presence in national and international rankings as well. Two of the eleven universities from the UAE listed in the QS World University Rankings 2023 are from Dubai.
Interested to learn more? We have a lot to offer!
You might be wondering why international students are studying in Dubai! Well, there are fewer reasons not to consider studying in Dubai! When top universities from the USA and the UK have opened their campuses in Dubai, thereby offering courses in all streams and disciplines, there is no reason not to consider studying in Dubai. All higher education institutions in Dubai, from public to private ones, are accredited by UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) and another accrediting agency outside the country.
Dubai is the land of innovations. From 3D printers to special zones for healthcare, the city offers innovation on multiple levels. Also, several MNCs have their headquarters in Dubai. Dubai offers a wide scope for research in various areas like sustainability, innovative construction, the oil sector, infectious diseases etc. We understand that you might find it helpful to get a few reasons why studying in Dubai is a wise decision. A few points are listed below.
- Affordable education: Education in Dubai is affordable, and you will find financial aid in the form of scholarships, fellowships, part-time jobs etc.
- Better job opportunities: The job market in Dubai is wide, and you will find yourself employed in top positions after completing your studies there.
- Tax-free salaries: Dubai offers tax-free salaries, thereby attracting a large foreign population. This has led to several international students opting to study in Dubai as it will open the path to a career easily.
- Dynamic culture: Dubai has a large population of foreign nationals, which has given the society a dynamic nature.
Popular Courses to Study in Dubai for Indian Students
As mentioned previously, the universities in Dubai offer popular courses in all streams and disciplines. This is especially true because prestigious universities from countries like the UK and the USA have opened campuses in Dubai, which has, in turn, led to a growth in the number of international students. These universities, like the University of Birmingham, the University of Wollongong, Middlesex University etc., have ensured that students get a lot of courses to choose from according to their tastes and preferences. We thought it would be helpful for you to get a list of courses that are popular among international students in Dubai. You can find the list below.
- Aerospace Engineering
- Architecture
- Business Management
- Civil Engineering/Construction Management
- Information Technology
- Psychology
- Public Relations & Media
- Tourism and Hospitality Management
You should keep in mind that these are a list of a few popular courses, and there are several more. It will be easier for you to contact AECC’s counsellors so that you get everything sorted out quickly and easily. You can expect an average annual tuition fee from AED 37,500 to AED 75,000 while studying in Dubai.
Top Universities to Study in Dubai for Indian Students
It would, by now, be very clear that Dubai has a set of universities that are well-reputed worldwide. Most of these are campuses of UK and US universities as well. These universities have a place in national and international rankings as well. We have tabulated a few popular universities below, along with their average tuition fees.
| Name of University | University Best Known For | QS WUR, 2024 | Average Annual Tuition Fees (in AED) |
| Abu Dhabi University | Business, IT, Engineering | 580 | AED 56,000 - AED 85,000 |
| Zayed University | Computer Science & Engineering, Design, Education | 701-710 | AED 80,000 - AED 1,28,000 |
| Amity University | Business Analytics, Engineering, Business | – | AED 30,000 - AED 54,000 |
| BITS Pilani | Biotechnology, Design, Engineering | – | AED 37,000 - AED 55,000 |
| University of Birmingham Dubai | International Business, Finance, Mechanical Engineering | – | AED 25,000 - AED 32,000 |
| University of Wollongong Dubai | Business, Social Studies, Accounting | – | AED 9000 - AED 57,000 |
| Middlesex University Dubai | Business, Finance, Law | – | AED 19,000 - AED 1,07,000 |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education | Engineering, Business, Architecture | – | AED 33,000 - AED 46,000 |
| IMT Business School Dubai | Business | – | AED 21,000 - AED 85,000 |
| De Montfort University | Cyber Security, Law, Business | – | AED 15,000 - AED 42,000 |
Requirements for Studying in Dubai for Indian Students
Let us have a quick recap of what we discussed till now. We talked about the top courses and universities in Dubai, the average tuition and living expenses etc. Now as we move further, the next important information you need to obtain is regarding the requirements for studying in Dubai.
As an international student planning to study abroad, you may need detailed information about the criteria you must satisfy when applying for universities in Dubai. You should also understand that the application process for one university may differ from that followed by another. As such, you should also take care to visit the official website of the university to get updated information on the application process, deadlines, documents to be submitted, and everything else.
All these can take time, and you may also find the entire process tiring. Thus, to ease the entire process for you, we have provided all the necessary information below. You can also contact AECC’s counsellors for first-hand details on the application process, deadlines etc. so that you do not get stuck anywhere during your application process.
One of the first documents you need to arrange when you have to study abroad is a student visa. All international students are required to get a student visa to study at a university in Dubai. There are three types of student visas you can apply for.
- Dubai student visa sponsored by family: All full-time students can be sponsored by their parents to study in Dubai. However, to qualify for this visa type, male students must be below 18 years, while female students can be of any age.
- Dubai student visa for a short stay: This visa allows you to stay in Dubai for 60 days, which can be extended further. You can apply for this visa type if you are pursuing a short-term course.
- Dubai student visa sponsored by an educator: Under this visa type, full-time students can be sponsored by their educational institution all through their period of study.
You have to satisfy a few criteria to be eligible for obtaining a visa. The steps to be followed for application are outlined below. However, visiting the official websites for any updated information is also advisable.
- Visit the official website and fill up the application form.
- Upload your photo and double-check that it meets the criteria mentioned.
- Upload all the necessary documents.
- Pay the application fee and submit the application.
- Once your visa is accepted, a PNR will be updated, and a copy of the visa will also be made available.
When to Apply for a Dubai Student Visa?
It is advisable to apply for your Dubai student visa 1-2 months before your semester starts. This gives ample time for processing your visa application. A Dubai student visa generally takes 15-20 days to process; however, the time taken can also be higher. Additionally, if you apply for rapid screening, you may also get your visa within 10 days.
What is the Cost of Applying for a Dubai Student Visa?
The UAE Government Services Office (GSO) has set the Dubai student visa processing fee, but there can be changes in this amount. The Dubai student visa application fee will be from AED 2300 to AED 2700. You may also have to pay a visa deposit which ranges from AED 2500 to AED 3000, which is refundable. Additionally, you may have to pay around AED 1300 to AED 1400 for medical insurance costs.
What Are the Requirements to Apply for a Dubai Student Visa?
To apply for a Dubai student visa, you must meet the following criteria.
- Letter of Acceptance from a recognised university in Dubai.
- A clearance from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), a medical fitness exam and a security check.
- A valid passport.
Once you satisfy these requirements, you can be eligible for a Dubai student visa.
Documents Required to Study for Indian Students
The documents that you may need to submit when you apply for a Dubai student visa are given below.
- A valid passport
- Passport-size photographs
- Letter of Acceptance from a recognised university in Dubai
- Proof of sufficient funds in the home country
- All academic documents
- Experience certificate
It is to be remembered that all non-native speakers of the English language will be required to prove their proficiency in English. For this, you can attempt standardised English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL etc. The minimum score required for admission may vary based on the university you choose. Additionally, not all universities ask for an English proficiency test score. However, having one will help you get admission easily as your application may stand out from the crowd.
CV/Resume
Score certificate of any English Language proficiency exam.
Subject-specific test scorecard
Arranging all these documents can be a tiring and time-consuming process for you. It will be a better option to consult experts like AECC, where we have trained counsellors to assist you in applying for your preferred course the right way.
English Language Proficiency Test
As a non-native English speaker, you can prove your proficiency in the language by taking an English proficiency test. There are a few tests you can choose from, to get admission to a university in Dubai. A few such tests are given below. It should be noted that you need not necessarily take these tests. You can check the requirements of the university first.
| English Proficiency Test | Minimum Score Required |
| IELTS | 5.5 |
| TOEFL | 72 |
| PTE | 51 |
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Completed visa application form
Proof of Financial Funds
Passport-sized photographs
Valid Passport
Proof of English language proficiency
Tuberculosis (TB) test results
Consent from parents or legal guardian (for applicants under 18)
Intakes to Study in Dubai for Indian Students
Before beginning your preparation to study in Dubai from India, one of the first decisions to be made is regarding the intake. You should first decide the intake you wish to apply for. There are two intakes to study in Dubai: Fall and Spring intake. Tabulated below is the standard application commencement time of these intakes. You can take a reference from it and apply. It is also advisable to visit the official website of the university. You can also contact AECC for all recent updates.
| Semester Intake | Month |
| Fall | September |
| Spring | January |
Cost of Studying in Dubai for Indian Students
The cost of studying in Dubai is one of the first things you need to consider when you plan your total expenses to study in Dubai. Against popular belief, Dubai is not a very expensive city to study in. You will also find scholarships and other financial aid to fund your studies in Dubai as well. When you take the cost of studying in Dubai, the tuition fees encompass a huge portion of your total cost of studies. At the same time, it is not too expensive, and you will find ways to tackle your financial problems. The average cost of study programs in Dubai is given in the table below. It is subject to change depending on the place and course.
|
Program |
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in AED) |
|
UG |
AED 37,500 - AED 70,000 |
|
PG |
AED 55,000 - AED 75,000 |
|
PhD |
AED 1,29,000 - AED 3,60,000 |
|
MBA |
AED 1,60,000 - AED 4,00,000 |
|
MBBS |
AED 1,17,000 - AED 1,23,000 |
Your cost of studying in Dubai is dependent on a few factors like
- The course you choose
- The university you choose
The tuition fee varies according to the university and course you choose, and you can also determine the average tuition expense earlier before you start your application. You may also need to take a health insurance policy to study in Dubai. The cost can vary for the same.
Scholarships in Dubai for Indian Students
As an international student, you will be eligible for different scholarships in Dubai, fellowships and other financial aid during your studies in Dubai. The eligibility criteria and award value can vary depending on the host institution, which can be the government, universities and other private institutions. We have tabulated a few popular scholarships below for your easy reference.
|
Name of Scholarship |
Eligibility |
|
Outstanding Academic Excellence Scholarships |
All students of the University of Wollongong in Dubai are eligible |
|
Abu Dhabi University Academic Scholarship |
Those with a CGPA of 3.60 for at least 2 semesters are eligible |
|
Engineering International Scholar Award |
Students of Science and Engineering are eligible |
|
Horowitz Foundation Grants |
PhD students in Social Policy are eligible |
|
UAEU PhD Students Research Scholarship |
All PhD students are eligible |
Cost of Living in Dubai for Indian Students
After giving critical thought to studying in Dubai, the next big area on which you need to get complete information is the cost of living in Dubai. Dubai is one of the wealthiest cities in the world, and naturally, the cost of living is one of the first considerations you may need to have. Although it is not very expensive to live in Dubai, you need to clearly understand the expenses that are likely to come your way. We have tabulated the normal expenses you may incur while studying in Dubai. However, it should be noted that there can be changes in this amount depending on your area of residence, spending habits etc.
|
Type of Expense |
Average Amount (in AED) |
|
Accommodation |
AED 1100 - AED 2250 |
|
Food |
AED 908 |
|
Travel |
AED 2 - AED 10 |
|
Utilities |
AED 500 - AED 800 |
Planning your living expenses in the Dubai? Contact AECC today for personalised guidance on estimating and managing your living costs while studying in the Dubai. Our experienced counsellors can provide insights on accommodation options, budgeting tips and cost-saving strategies.
Post-Study Work Opportunities to Study in Dubai for Indian Students
Dubai is a popular destination among international students, especially because it offers tax-free salaries. This makes Dubai a well-liked destination for job seekers. This has eventually led to a rise in international students opting to study there as the pathway to building a career is easier when you complete your studies there. Dubai has a very stable economy, and people generally enjoy a higher standard of living as well. The average annual salary you can get in Dubai ranges from AED 1,48,000 to AED 4,06,000.
With a very low unemployment rate of 2.75% as of 2022, Dubai is one of the first cities you can study and work in. It will be helpful for you to get a gist of the popular jobs that are equally well-paid in Dubai. You can navigate your course accordingly and land a well-paid profession. IT Managers, Accounting Managers, Aerospace Engineers etc., are some of the well-paid professionals in Dubai.
|
Jobs |
Average Annual Salaries (in AED) |
|
Graphic Designer |
AED 1,48,000 |
|
Biomedical Engineer |
AED 1,94,000 |
|
Accounting Manager |
AED 3,54,000 |
|
Aerospace Engineer |
AED 3,14,000 |
|
IT Manager |
AED 4,06,000 |
|
Business Analyst |
AED 2,95,000 |
|
Project Manager |
AED 3,16,000 |
|
Financial Analyst |
AED 3,07,000 |
|
HR Manager |
AED 3,72,000 |
|
Civil Engineer |
AED 2,12,000 |
We hope this blog served as a compilation of all details for you as an international student wishing to study in Dubai. If you need any further clarifications on anything related to studying abroad in general or studying in Dubai in particular, you can contact AECC. Our counsellors will be happy to help you guide the right way.
