Number of Univeresities
20+ Branch Campuses (e.g., Middlesex, BITS Pilani)
Intake
Fall (Sept/Oct), Spring (Jan/Feb)
Tuition Fees
AED 30,000 - AED 100,000/year (Program/University dependent)
Scholarship
University Merit-Based Awards/Discounts
Reasons to Choose Dubai for Education
Top Universities
Choose a university in Dubai (often located in a Free Zone like Academic City) and select your full-time degree program.
Confirm the university’s specific requirements for your nationality, including academic grades and required English test scores.
Prepare attested and translated academic certificates/transcripts, a valid passport copy, and possibly a Statement of Purpose (SOP).
Fill out the university's official application form online and submit it along with the required application fee payment.
The university admissions team reviews your file for eligibility and may arrange an interview or placement test.
Upon successful evaluation, the university will issue an official, unconditional Letter of Offer for your chosen program.
Pay the mandatory enrollment fee and/or first tuition installment to convert the offer into a confirmed place.
The university will then officially begin the student visa sponsorship process (Entry Permit application) on your behalf.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
AED 1,500 – AED 3,000
Transport
AED 300 – AED 500
Food
AED 800 – AED 1,500
Miscellaneous
AED 300 – AED 500
Work Options
Less than 35 hours per week (Requires a part-time or temporary work permit)
No fixed minimum wage; Salaries are negotiated. Rates depend on the industry and role.
Varies (Requires a work permit)
No fixed minimum wage
Secure University Admission & Initial Payment
Application: Apply and receive an Official Acceptance Letter from a UAE Ministry of Education-accredited university in Dubai.
Fees: Pay the required Tuition Fees (usually for the first semester/year) and the mandatory Visa Fees to the university.
Sponsorship: The university's student affairs office will initiate the visa sponsorship process with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Gather Documents: Submit all required documents to the university, including:
Valid Passport copy (minimum 6 months validity).
Passport-sized Photographs.
University Acceptance Letter.
Academic Transcripts/Certificates.
Proof of Financial Means (Bank Statements/Sponsor Letter).
Health Insurance purchase (often arranged through the university).
Entry Permit: The university applies for your Entry Permit (e-Visa) which allows you to legally travel to and enter the UAE.
Arrival: Once the Entry Permit is approved, use it to travel to Dubai within its validity period (usually 60 days).
Immigration: Present your passport and entry permit copy to the immigration officer upon arrival.
Mandatory Medical & Biometric Procedures
Medical Fitness Test: Undergo a mandatory Medical Fitness Test at a government-approved UAE medical centre (includes blood tests for communicable diseases like HIV, Hepatitis, and a chest X-ray for TB). A "Pass" is required.
Emirates ID: Apply for the Emirates ID (the mandatory national identity card for all UAE residents). This requires attending a scheduled appointment at an authorised center to provide your fingerprints (biometrics) and a photo.
Final Visa Stamping & Residency Status
Visa Stamping: After successfully clearing the medical fitness test and completing the Emirates ID biometrics, the university will coordinate the final approval.
Residency: Your Student Residence Visa will be stamped (pasted) into your physical passport, officially granting you residency in the UAE for the duration of your visa (typically 1 year, renewable).