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Study in the United Arab Emirates

Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.

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About studying in the United Arab Emirates

Higher education in the United Arab Emirates, on the Arabian Peninsula, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.

The economy has strengths in business services, tourism and aviation, which is reflected in many study options. Teaching is often in Arabic. English is also widely used. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.

Why study in the United Arab Emirates?

What makes the United Arab Emirates worth considering depends on what you want from your studies. Its location on the Arabian Peninsula, the local language and the subjects on offer all shape the experience, alongside your budget and career goals.

  • Industry context: Business services, tourism and aviation matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
  • Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Business & Management, Hospitality, Tourism & Events and Aviation & Aerospace, with options differing between universities.
  • Cities and campus life: Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
  • Culture and language: living in the United Arab Emirates means everyday contact with Arabic and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.

The United Arab Emirates, and Dubai in particular, hosts international branch campuses of universities from several countries.

Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.

Top subjects to study in the United Arab Emirates

Choosing a subject is the first big decision. For the United Arab Emirates, the areas below are a sensible place to begin; they reflect local strengths such as business services, tourism and aviation, not a league table.

Because business services, tourism and aviation matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for the United Arab Emirates on this site, with its specializations.

It helps to look at specializations within each area as well: two programmes with the same broad subject can lead in quite different directions.

Subjects to study in the United Arab Emirates

Explore subject areas available for students planning to study in the United Arab Emirates.

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Universities in the United Arab Emirates

Explore universities in the United Arab Emirates and discover study options for international students.

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Scholarships to Study in the United Arab Emirates

Finding funding for the United Arab Emirates takes time, so start looking as soon as you have a shortlist of courses.

  • government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by the United Arab Emirates
  • universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
  • foundations, charities and international organisations
  • research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students

Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.

Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.

Intakes to study in the United Arab Emirates

Many programmes in the United Arab Emirates start around August or September, which is the main entry point for most new students. Some institutions also admit students around January, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.

Because deadlines differ between universities, keep a simple timeline for each application: when it opens, when it closes, when decisions are expected and how long the visa process may take. Leave room for delays in obtaining documents.

Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.

A simple planning checklist:

  • shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
  • prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
  • apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
  • allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation

Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.

Cost of studying in the United Arab Emirates

There is no single price for studying in the United Arab Emirates. Fees are set by institutions and differ by course, level and type of institution.

When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:

  • application and registration fees
  • course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
  • health insurance and any visa or permit costs
  • accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme

Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.

It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.

Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.

Student visa requirements to study in the United Arab Emirates

Rules on studying in the United Arab Emirates as a foreign national depend on your citizenship and course, so the first step is to find out which category applies to you.

Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:

  • an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
  • a valid passport and passport photos
  • evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
  • health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
  • proof of language ability or previous qualifications

Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. Official information: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) (official government website).

Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.

Cost of living in the United Arab Emirates

Living costs in the United Arab Emirates depend a great deal on where you live and how you live. Costs in Abu Dhabi can differ noticeably from those in Dubai or Sharjah and smaller towns.

The main costs to plan for are:

  • Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
  • Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
  • Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
  • Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
  • Insurance and health: any required health cover
  • Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life

Universities often publish current estimates of living costs; use them as a starting point and add a buffer for unexpected expenses.

Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.

FAQs about studying in the United Arab Emirates

Is the United Arab Emirates a good place to study?

It depends on your goals. The United Arab Emirates offers programmes across many subjects, a location on the Arabian Peninsula and study in Arabic (with some English-taught options). Students interested in business services, tourism and aviation may find the local context especially relevant.

What subjects can I study in the United Arab Emirates?

Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Business & Management, Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Aviation & Aerospace and Energy, Oil & Gas. The subjects page for the United Arab Emirates lists every subject available here with its specializations.

When should I apply to universities in the United Arab Emirates?

Many programmes start around August or September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.

How much does it cost to study in the United Arab Emirates?

Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.

Do international students need a visa to study in the United Arab Emirates?

Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources, such as Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

Are scholarships available for international students in the United Arab Emirates?

Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.

Where do international students live in the United Arab Emirates?

Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.

Can I study in English in the United Arab Emirates?

Many courses are taught in Arabic. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.

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