العربيةStudy abroad at Dubai
Overview
Country
United Arab EmiratesPopulation
3,655,000
Universities
32
Summer / Winter Temperature
Summer: 33°C–43°C / Winter: 18°C–27°C
Why study at Dubai
Dubai is a dazzling global capital of international business, technology innovation, futuristic architecture, and luxury lifestyle, boasting the largest concentration of prestigious international branch campuses in the world across Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP). Renowned universities include University of Birmingham Dubai (world top 100 Russell Group branch), Heriot-Watt University Dubai, University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), American University in Dubai (AUD), Canadian University Dubai (CUD), and Middlesex University Dubai. Degrees are taught 100% in English with dual accreditation (UAE CAA / KHDA and international home-campus degree equivalence). Students benefit from world-class networking, zero income tax, vibrant student lifestyle, part-time work rights, and 10-year UAE Golden Visa eligibility for outstanding students.
Fees
Tuition fees in Dubai vary by university and degree discipline. Undergraduate bachelor's degree programs in Business, Marketing, Media, and IT typically range from AED 45,000 to AED 85,000 per year (approx. US$12,250–$23,150). Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Science programs range between AED 55,000 and AED 105,000 per year. Accredited English-taught MBBS medical programs at Mohammed Bin Rashid University (MBRU) range between AED 110,000 and AED 160,000 per year. Postgraduate Master's and MBA degrees range from AED 50,000 to AED 120,000 for the full program. Living expenses average AED 3,000 to AED 5,500 per month.
Cost of Living
| Category | Cost (UAE dirham) |
|---|---|
| University student residence in Academic City (DSOA / KSK Homes) | AED2,350 |
| Rent, 1-bed private studio/apartment in Dubai Marina / Downtown | AED5,250 |
| Rent, 1-bed apartment in Silicon Oasis / International City | AED2,750 |
| Utilities (DEWA electricity, AC/Chiller, water) | AED465 |
| Internet (fiber optic high-speed unlimited - Du/Etisalat) | AED325 |
| Mobile phone plan (high 5G data & calls) | AED140 |
| Monthly public transport & Dubai Metro pass (Student Nol Card 50% off) | AED165 |
| Monthly grocery basket (Carrefour / LuLu / Viva) | AED1,125 |
| Coffee / Beverage in café | AED23 |
| Cinema ticket (VOX / Reel Cinemas) | AED49 |
Admission requirements
High School Certificate & MoE Equivalency
Certified secondary school certificate with Ministry attestation, and official Equivalency Certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) / KHDA eligibility.
English Proficiency (IELTS / TOEFL / PTE)
IELTS Academic (minimum 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5 for bachelor's; 6.5 for master's), TOEFL iBT (80+), or PTE Academic (58+).
Student Visa
International students receive a 1-year renewable Student Residence Visa sponsored directly by their university in Dubai through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai). Essential requirements include: official Letter of Acceptance, passing the medical fitness test (blood test & chest X-ray at Dubai Health Authority centers), student health insurance, and biometrics for the Emirates ID Card. High achievers with a GPA of 3.75+ are eligible to apply for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa.
How to Study
Explore programs across Dubai Academic City & Knowledge Park (University of Birmingham Dubai, Heriot-Watt, Wollongong, AUD, CUD).
Submit your online application with transcripts, CV, and IELTS scores.
Apply for MoE certificate equivalency.
Receive your official Offer Letter and pay the tuition deposit & visa fees.
The university issues your electronic entry visa.
Fly to Dubai International Airport (DXB), complete medical fitness test and biometrics, and receive your Emirates ID card and student residence visa.