Study in UAE – Top Universities, Courses, Visa, Scholarships, Intakes and Job Prospectus
Owing to its well-established institutes, varied academic programs, and high employment opportunities, the UAE is slowly growing into one of the most popular destinations for international students.UAE has a high standard of living along with a good cultural heritage and educational infrastructure, thus, the country offers an enriching experience for international students. Whatever your interest may be,in business, engineering, or the arts, the UAE has a lot to offer with international exposure.
Study in UAE Highlights
Popular student cities | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah |
Degree Types | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Diploma |
Popular Courses | Business, Engineering, IT, Medicine, Arts |
Average tuition fees | AED 40,000 |
Total higher education institutions | 50+ |
Number of universities in QS World Rankings 2025 | 12 |
Post-study visa | Employer-sponsored visa 2-3 years |
Why Study in UAE?
- Quality education with a global outlook and innovative curriculum.
- Numerous scholarships and financial aid options available.
- Favourable climate and vibrant student communities.
- Multicultural environment with students from across the world.
- Strong job market with many international companies based in the UAE.
Education System in UAE
- Universities follow international standards and quality guidelines.
- English is the primary language of instruction in most universities.
- Divided into undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
- Emphasis on practical skills, internships, and research opportunities.
- Regulated by the Ministry of Education to ensure high standards.
Admission Requirements to Study in UAE Universities
- Completed application form and relevant fees.
- Academic transcripts from previous education.
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
- Passport copy and student visa.
Top 10 Universities to Study in UAE (QS Ranking 2025)
| S.No. | Institution | QS Ranking 2025 | Intake Months | |
| 1 | Khalifa University | #202 | January, September | |
| 2 | United Arab Emirates University | #=261 | January, September | |
| 3 | American University of Sharjah | #=332 | August, January | |
| 4 | University of Sharjah | #434 | August, January | |
| 5 | Ajman University | #=477 | August, January | |
| 6 | American University of Ras Al Khaimah | #=485 | August, January | |
| 7 | Abu Dhabi University | #=501 | January, September | |
| 8 | Canadian University Dubai | #523 | August, January | |
| 9 | Al Ain University | #=552 | August, January | |
| 10 | American University in Dubai | #621-630 | August, January |
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Top Courses to Study in UAE
| S.No. | Course | Fees | Intake Months | |
| 1 | Computer Science | AED 60,000 – 75,000 | August, January | |
| 2 | Computer Engineering | AED 80,000 – 90,000 | August, January | |
| 3 | MBA | AED 100,000 | August, January | |
| 4 | Medicine | AED 70,000 – 80,000 | August | |
| 5 | Arts | AED 35,000 – 40,000 | August, January |
Intakes Available in UAE
| Intake | Duration |
| Fall | March-August |
| Spring | October-December |
| Summer | May |
Scholarships to Study in UAE
Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Coverage Details |
Academic Excellence Scholarship | Excellent academic performance | Up to 50% tuition waiver |
Financial Hardship Scholarship | Demonstrated financial need | As per financial need |
Special Talent Scholarship | Special academic or extra-curricular accomplishments of students | Varied as per student performance |
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Student Visa Requirements for UAE
- Acceptance letter from a UAE university.
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid passport with a minimum of six months’ validity.
- Proof of financial resources or sponsor.
- Medical test and health insurance.
Documents Required for Visa Application
- Passport with at least 12 months’ validity.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- University acceptance letter.
- Proof of financial support.
- Health insurance and medical test results.
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Cost of Living in UAE
Expense Type | Cost (Per Academic Year) |
Housing | AED 24,000 – 120,000 |
Books and Supplies | AED 1,000 |
Food | AED 24,000 – 36,000 |
Transportation and Travel | AED 3,600 |
Other/Personal | AED 3,480 |
Post-Study Work Permit in UAE
- Graduates can apply for a one-year post-study visa, with an option to extend.
- Visa allows students to look for employment opportunities in their field.
- Sponsorship by a UAE company can lead to a longer work permit.
- High-demand sectors include finance, healthcare, and engineering.
Top Paying Jobs in UAE
| Top Paying Jobs | Average Starting Salaries Roles in the UAE | |
| Financial Analyst | AED 146,800 – 183,500 | |
| Software Engineer | AED 128,450 – 165,150 | |
| Civil Engineer | AED 110,100 – 146,800 | |
| Marketing Manager | AED 165,150 – 201,850 | |
| Healthcare Professional | AED 183,500 – 220,200 |
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Study in UAE FAQs
Prepare by reviewing typical interview questions, ensuring you can articulate your academic goals, study plans, and intent to return after studies. Demonstrating financial ability to cover expenses can also be beneficial.
Tuition fees vary but generally range between 36,700 and 91,750 AED per year, with additional living costs of approximately 55,938 AED annually.
With proper documentation and a confirmed university acceptance, obtaining a UAE study visa is relatively straightforward.
Ajman University and Canadian University Dubai offer comparatively lower tuition fees.
Sharjah is generally more affordable compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
A minimum of 36,700 AED in bank balance may be required to demonstrate financial capability.
Canadian University Dubai and University of Sharjah offer lower tuition rates.
The cost ranges from approximately 3,670 to 9,175 AED depending on processing fees and duration.
Sharjah and Ajman typically have lower living costs compared to other Emirates.
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