The UAE has emerged as a premier destination for international students due to its state-of-the-art educational institutions, multicultural environment, and strategic location connecting East and West. With a focus on innovation and excellence, the UAE offers globally recognized degrees in diverse fields such as business, engineering, medicine, and the arts. Renowned for its safety and modern infrastructure, the country provides students with a conducive environment for both academic and personal growth. Universities in the UAE collaborate with top global institutions, ensuring access to quality education and world-class faculty.
Annual Intakes in the UAE
Top Universities in UAE
- United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) – Al Ain
- Khalifa University – Abu Dhabi
- American University of Sharjah (AUS) – Sharjah
- University of Sharjah – Sharjah
- Zayed University – Abu Dhabi and Dubai
- NYU Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi (branch of New York University)
- American University in Dubai (AUD) – Dubai
- Middlesex University Dubai – Dubai (branch of Middlesex University, UK)
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai – Dubai (branch of Heriot-Watt University, UK)
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai – Dubai
Average Course Fees in UAE
| Program Level | Annual Tuition Fees (AED) | Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) | 20,000 – 60,000 AED | 5,500 – 16,300 USD |
| Postgraduate (Master’s) | 30,000 – 80,000 AED | 8,200 – 21,800 USD |
| PhD | 40,000 – 100,000 AED | 10,900 – 27,200 USD |
Note: Medical and engineering programs have higher fees.
Scholarships for International Students in UAE
The UAE government and universities offer various scholarships to attract international students.
Top Scholarships:
-
Khalifa University Scholarship – Full funding for undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students, covering tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
-
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Scholarship – Full and partial scholarships for high-achieving international students.
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Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) Scholarship – Fully funded scholarships for AI-related master’s and PhD programs.
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Abu Dhabi University Scholarship – Merit-based scholarships covering up to 100% tuition fees.
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Dubai Government Scholarships – Financial aid for students from developing countries.
Some scholarships prioritize students from OIC (Islamic) countries and high-achieving applicants.
What are the Types of UAE Student Visas?
Here’s a table the detailed information about the types of UAE Student Visas:
| Type of Visa | Purpose | Eligibility | Duration | Other Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University-Sponsored Visa | For students enrolled in full-time programs at UAE universities. | Admission letter from a recognized UAE institution. | 1 year, renewable annually for the program’s duration. | University manages most of the application process, including liaising with immigration authorities. |
| Parent/Guardian-Sponsored Visa | For students whose parent or legal guardian resides in the UAE with a valid residency visa. | Parent/guardian must meet minimum salary requirements and provide suitable housing. | Valid as long as the parent/guardian’s residency visa remains valid. | Ideal for students in primary, secondary, or university education. |
| Self-Sponsored Visa | For students pursuing part-time studies, short courses, or specific training programs. | Must meet the educational institution’s admission requirements and show financial independence or sponsorship. | Typically valid for the duration of the course (a few months to a year). | Suitable for professional certifications or skill-based training programs. |
| Golden Visa (Student Category) | For outstanding students or high achievers in academics, innovation, or arts. | Academic excellence (e.g., high school graduates with 95%+ or university students with GPA 3.8+). | 5 or 10 years, depending on category and criteria. | Offers long-term benefits, including family sponsorship and easier transitions to employment. |
Eligibility Criteria for a UAE Study Visa
- Must have an offer letter or admission confirmation from a recognized UAE educational institution.
- Must meet the academic requirements of the chosen program.
- Demonstrate financial capability to support studies and living expenses.
- Pass a medical fitness test in the UAE.
- Have a clean criminal record.
Documentation for a UAE Study Visa Application
To facilitate the visa application process, applicants are required to provide the following documentation:
- Valid passport (minimum six months validity).
- Passport-sized photographs with white background.
- University admission letter.
- Tuition fee payment receipt (partial or full, as per university requirement).
- Proof of financial stability (bank statements or sponsorship letter).
- Emirates ID application form (for UAE residents).
- Medical fitness certificate from a UAE-approved medical center.
- Health insurance (mandatory for all students).
Application Process for a UAE Study Visa
- Secure Admission to a Recognized UAE Institution
- Apply to your preferred UAE university or institution.
- Receive an offer letter or admission confirmation.
- Decide on Visa Sponsorship
- Determine whether your visa will be sponsored by the university, a parent/guardian, or self-sponsorship.
- Gather Required Documents
- Ensure all required documents (passport, photographs, medical test results, etc.) are ready.
- Include additional documents specific to your visa type, such as admission letters or parent sponsorship proof.
- Complete the Medical Fitness Test
- Schedule and complete a health screening at an approved UAE medical center.
- Obtain a medical fitness certificate (mandatory for most visa types).
- Submit Visa Application
- If the university sponsors your visa, submit all documents to their visa office.
- Alternatively, apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or authorized typing centers.
- Pay Visa Fees
- Pay the applicable visa processing fee and any additional charges (e.g., Emirates ID, health insurance).
- Await Visa Approval
- The visa processing typically takes 7–15 working days.
- Track the application status via the GDRFA or relevant portal.
- Receive and Stamp Visa
- Once approved, the visa will be stamped in your passport.
- Obtain your Emirates ID after the residency visa is issued.
- Enroll at Your Institution
- Present your visa and Emirates ID at your university to complete the enrollment process.
Related FAQs
What are the pathways to apply for a Student Visa for UAE?
When seeking a student permit in Dubai, there are two distinct avenues available for application:
- Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA):
- Primarily an online application process.
- Streamlined and digitalized for efficient submissions.
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA):
- Allows for both online and offline application submissions.
- Offers flexibility in the application process to accommodate various preferences.
- Provides applicants with the option to choose between digital or physical submission methods.
Can a student do a part-time job in Dubai?
What is the requirement for part-time jobs in Dubai with a Student Visa?
Cost of UAE Study Visas
| Service | Approximate Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Visa Processing Fee | 1,000–3,000 |
| Medical Fitness Test | 300–500 |
| Emirates ID | 100–200 per year |
| Health Insurance | 600–2,000 per year |
Visa Processing Time (Approximate)
| Step | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Admission Confirmation | 1–4 weeks |
| Visa Application | 7–15 working days |
| Medical Fitness Test | 1–3 working days |
| Emirates ID Issuance | 7–10 working days |
Cost of Living in UAE (Per Month)
| Expense | Estimated Cost (AED) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Shared) | 1,500 – 4,000 AED | 410 – 1,090 USD |
| Food & Groceries | 800 – 1,500 AED | 220 – 410 USD |
| Transportation | 250 – 600 AED | 70 – 160 USD |
| Internet & Utilities | 300 – 600 AED | 80 – 160 USD |
| Personal Expenses | 400 – 1,000 AED | 110 – 270 USD |
| Total | 3,250 – 7,700 AED | 880 – 2,100 USD |
Note: Students on fully funded scholarships get free accommodation and a monthly stipend, significantly reducing living costs.
Visa Interview
Most UAE student visa applications do not require an interview. However, if the applicant’s documents require further verification, the immigration authorities may request an in-person meeting. Students are advised to be prepared to discuss their study plans, financial stability, and future goals during such interviews.
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Other Important FAQs
What is the visa validity?
If a student remains outside the UAE for a period exceeding six months, their student residence visa loses its validity, and reentry into the UAE becomes prohibited until the visa is officially canceled. Typically, the sponsor takes the initiative to report the visa holder to immigration authorities as part of standard protocol.
Can students sponsor their family members?
No, student visa holders cannot sponsor dependents.
Is health insurance mandatory for students in the UAE?
Yes, all students must have health insurance coverage as part of their residency requirements.
Can international students work while studying in the UAE?
Yes, part-time work is permitted for students enrolled in free zones or universities that allow it, subject to obtaining a work permit.
Can I convert my student visa to an employment visa after graduation?
Yes, graduates can switch to an employment visa if they secure a job in the UAE.
Where is the best place to study in Dubai?
What happens when your student visa expires?
Which courses are in demand in Dubai?
What is a Long-term visa for outstanding students?
What are the requirements for studying MBA Courses in Dubai?
Enrolling in MBA courses in Dubai comes with specific prerequisites:
- A prospective MBA student is typically expected to have acquired a minimum of 2-3 years of work experience, a criterion set by many reputable business schools in Dubai.
- Possession of a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification is deemed acceptable, provided the candidate holds a minimum academic standing of 65 percent.
- As part of the selection process, students are usually invited for an interview, serving as a crucial step in the final decision-making phase.
- To complete the application, candidates are required to submit various documents, including Letters of Recommendation (LOR), transcripts reflecting academic performance in previous classes, well-crafted essays, and predicted grades. These components collectively contribute to the comprehensive evaluation of applicants for MBA programs in Dubai.
What are the requirements for studying for a Master's in Dubai?
Admission criteria for Master’s courses in Dubai include the following:
- Most universities in Dubai do not mandate the submission of GRE or GMAT scores, alleviating standardized test requirements for prospective students.
- Attaining a minimum academic score of 55 percent is typically a prerequisite for securing admission to renowned universities in the region.
- Demonstrating proficiency in the English language is imperative, with a minimum band score of 6.5 being the benchmark to fulfill language requirements.
- As part of the application process, candidates are required to provide essential documents such as Letters of Recommendation (LOR), transcripts reflecting academic performance in previous classes, well-crafted essays, and predicted grades. These components collectively play a crucial role in the comprehensive assessment of applicants for Master’s programs in Dubai.
What are the requirements for studying Under-graduation in Dubai?
To pursue undergraduate studies, certain criteria need to be met:
- The score prerequisites exhibit some variability but generally fall within the range of 60-75 percent, depending on the specific university and program.
- Proficiency in English is gauged through the IELTS or TOEFL examination, with a minimum score requirement typically set at 6.0.
- Application processes for most undergraduate programs are independently conducted on the official website of the respective universities, emphasizing the need for applicants to navigate university-specific procedures.
- As part of the application dossier, candidates are expected to furnish essential documents, including Letters of Recommendation (LOR), transcripts detailing academic performance in prior classes, well-crafted essays, and predicted grades. This comprehensive set of documents plays a pivotal role in the thorough evaluation of applicants for undergraduate programs in Dubai.
Disclaimer
This publication is provided for general information only and is not intended to cover all aspects of the topics discussed. The information contained in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice of this website or its affiliates. Previous results do not guarantee a similar result. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, express or implied that the contents of the publication are accurate, complete or current. Schoolingvisa.com is a service that facilitates a student’s process of acquiring a study visa by being a partner of other visa and immigration service companies. We offer consultancy services on student visas and any other visa, immigration options, but we do not directly provide any visas. We are not part of any government or immigration department. We do not provide any type of professional immigration, regardless of the destination.
Note: The information provided in this article is general, subject to frequent change and does not constitute any legal advice. For any specific study visa and legal advice you can rely on, please contact the consultants/advisors, lawyers and members of our expert team.