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Dubai, known for its luxurious and vibrant culture, is also emerging as a prominent destination for higher education. Home to some of the best universities, the city attracts students from around the globe seeking quality education in a dynamic environment.
Dubai’s universities and colleges offer diverse academic programs catering to various fields of study. Whether you’re interested in business, engineering, medicine, or arts and humanities, you’ll find reputable institutions that meet your educational aspirations. The allure of studying in Dubai extends beyond academics. Students here experience a multicultural melting pot where East meets West, fostering a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences. The city also provides unique internships, networking, and career advancement opportunities.
But before moving to study in Dubai, you must know about the best universities in Dubai. Therefore, let’s explore that on this page!
Below are some important highlights that an international student must know before planning to study in Dubai.
|
Parameter |
Statistics |
|
No. of Universities in Dubai |
27 international branch campuses and 3 federal universities |
|
Tuition fees of universities in Dubai |
70,000 INR - 1,20,000 INR |
|
Popular courses in Dubai |
|
|
English language exams required |
IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Duolingo |
|
Entrance exams required |
GMAT / GRE / SAT |
Studying in Dubai offers quality education and cultural experience. The city hosts some of the best universities in the world. Dubai's modern infrastructure provides state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for internships in multinational companies. Moreover, the multicultural environment fosters global perspectives and networking. Beyond academics, Dubai offers a vibrant lifestyle with iconic landmarks, bustling souks, and year-round sunshine, making it an exciting place to live and study.
Dubai, known not only for its robust economy but also as a melting pot of various cultures, welcomes international students with open arms. In Dubai, there is no post-study work permit. Instead, students who are willing to work after studying can apply for an Employment visa. However, you must get an offer letter from the company for an employment visa.
While studying in Dubai, you can work part-time. Dubai permits you to work 15 hours per week during school and 40 hours per week during holidays and vacations. Some common part-time job options in Dubai for international students include cashier, bartender, waiter, tourist guide, etc. Generally, an international student can earn around 14.5 - 22.0 AED per hour in Dubai through a part-time job.
Dubai boasts world-class universities with diverse programs taught in English, attracting students from around the globe. Here is a list of universities in Dubai for international students, which are highly ranked by the QS Rankings and THE (The Times Higher Education).
|
University |
QS Ranking 2025 |
THE Rankings 2024 |
|
Canadian University Dubai |
523 |
- |
|
American University in Dubai |
621 - 630 |
- |
|
University of Dubai |
851 - 900 |
- |
|
Middlesex University, Dubai |
721-730 |
501 - 600 |
|
University of Birmingham Dubai |
80 |
101 |
|
Heriot watt University |
256 |
351 - 400 |
|
University of Wollongong |
162 |
201 - 250 |
Dubai is the most bustling city in the world, and it is also known for its job opportunities and educational institutions. Abu Dhabi is home to several universities and research centres. The city offers an ideal atmosphere for learning and has a growing student population. Sharjah offers various universities and educational institutes that provide a variety of courses and programs.
Here are some of the top courses that international students choose to study in Dubai.
|
Course |
Universities |
|
MBA |
London Business School, Dubai, Middlesex University, Dubai, University of Wollongong in Dubai |
|
Engineering |
Middlesex University, Dubai, BITS Pilani, Dubai, Heriot-Watt University, Dubai |
|
Accounts and Finance |
Ajman University, Canadian University, Dubai, Curtin University Dubai, University of Birmingham, Dubai |
|
Medicine |
De Montfort University, Manipal University Dubai, Westford University College |
Before enrolling in universities in Dubai, international students must meet their admission criteria. The admission criteria vary from university to university, but the basic eligibility criteria remain the same.
International students may be required to take particular admission exams before being admitted to universities in Dubai. These entrance exams, often known as standardised admission tests, allow the university's admission committee to evaluate applicants' applications based on common criteria. We've listed some standardised admission examinations that universities in Dubai accept.
International students must take English proficiency tests to prove their language skills. Here are some popular English proficiency tests that universities in Dubai accept.
Here is a list of important documents required to apply to universities in Dubai and for a student visa:
|
Criteria |
Undergraduate |
Postgraduate |
|
10th and 12th standard academic transcript |
10th and 12th standard academic transcript along with bachelor’s degree certificate |
|
|
A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 bands or equivalent in any other proficiency test |
A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 bands or equivalent in any other proficiency test |
|
|
1 from an academic institution |
2 (1 from an academic institution and 1 from employer) |
|
|
Required |
Required |
|
|
Certificates |
Relevant certificates of extra-curricular activities are accepted |
Relevant certificates of extra-curricular activities are accepted |
Apart from the above-mentioned documents, here are some more documents you might require while applying for a student visa in Dubai.
Completed application form
Updated Resume
Portfolio (if required)
Passport-size photographs (if asked)
Copy of the passport
In Dubai universities, intakes follow a structure similar to other international educational systems. Most universities in Dubai offer three main intakes throughout the year:
Fall Intake in Dubai - Typically starting in September or October, this is the primary intake for many programs. It aligns with the beginning of the academic year in many countries. Almost all universities offer courses during this intake, allowing Indian students to choose from a wide array of courses.
Spring Intake in Dubai - Spring Intake in Dubai is the second most popular intake in Dubai. Starting around January or February, this intake allows students to begin their studies at the midpoint of the academic year. Not all universities offer this intake to international students, but it is a great chance for students who have missed the September intake.
Summer Intake in Dubai - This intake starts around May or June and is less common but still offered by some universities. It provides an opportunity for students to begin their studies. Since there are very few applications during this intake, the chances of getting an admission letter increase.
The tuition fees of universities in Dubai are justified as they offer quality education with practical experiences. Below is the estimated cost of studying in Dubai at different levels.
|
Courses |
Fees |
|
Undergraduate |
37,500 and 70,000 AED |
|
Postgraduate |
55,000 and 75,000 AED |
Living in Dubai can be more expensive than in various other cities. However, the life that a student can enjoy is unbeatable. Here is the estimated cost of living in Dubai for international students.
|
Category |
Average Cost |
|
Accommodation |
4000 AED per month |
|
Food/Groceries |
1000-1200 AED per month |
|
Transportation |
200-300 AED per month |
|
Phone Subscriptions |
300 AED per month |
|
Entertainment |
400-500 AED per month |
The cost of Dubai student visa varies depending on the duration of your term and the university you are attending. The embassy will determine the UAE visa price for Indian students. Generally, for a 90-day visit visa, you require between 16,890 and 20,000 INR; for a multi-entry long-term visa, you might require between 40,320 to 60,000 INR; for multi-entry short-term visa, you may require somewhere between 17,110 to 24,000 INR per year.
Dubai’s economy has shown tremendous growth in the past few years. The country offers various job opportunities in different sectors. Here is a list of some of the best job opportunities in Dubai and their average salaries.
|
Category |
Average salaries |
|
Nurse |
7,497 AED per month |
|
Business Development Assistant |
3,335 AED per month |
|
Translator |
19,536 AED per month |
|
Software Developer |
10,748 AED per month |
|
Cybersecurity Analyst |
8,424 AED per month |
|
Engineer |
8,386 AED per month |
|
Hotel Manager |
6,500 AED per month |
Studying in Dubai can be an exciting opportunity, and there are several scholarships available for international students to pursue their education there. Here are some key scholarships and financial aid options you can consider while planning to study in top universities in Dubai.
|
Scholarship name |
Value |
Details |
Type - Based |
|
Academic Excellence Scholarship |
Upto 50% tuition fee waiver |
Scholarships awarded for the spring intake are valid for one semester only. |
Merit-Based |
|
Partial Merit-Based Scholarship |
50% of tuition fees. |
Scoring 90% and above or equivalent. |
Merit-Based |
|
International Students Scholarship |
Varies according to scholarship |
The scholarship fund covers educational expenses partially |
Merit-Based |
|
American University in Dubai Scholarships |
Varies according to scholarship |
The American University in Dubai offers various for international students |
Merit-Based |
|
The Middlesex University of Dubai Scholarships |
Varies according to scholarship |
The Middlesex University of Dubai offers |
Merit-Based |
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