Why Study in Dubai?

Dubai is becoming a preferred overseas study destination among students wishing to study abroad. The reasons which make Dubai a top choice include:

• Home to more than 60 international universities and colleges
• 12 QS Ranking Universities
• Easy admission and immigration policies
• Offers excellent career prospects
• Unique blend of quality and affordability
• Numerous scholarships and financial aids
• Lucrative career prospects for international graduates
• Can work part-time for up to 40 hours while studying
• Globalized curriculum offering internationally recognized degree

Dubai Student Visa

International students willing to study in Dubai must apply for a Dubai Student to migrate and study there. An international student can only migrate to Dubai, UAE, on a student visa after being admitted to a university or college in Dubai. The visa is usually issued for a year and can be renewed to suit the course duration they have enrolled for.

The major benefits of applying for a Dubai Student Visa are as follows:

• Access to quality education
• Possibility of loans and scholarships
• Safe and stable environment to relocate to
• Part-time work opportunities
• Modern infrastructure and amenities
• Strategic location for personal networking
• Global exposure and cultural enrichment
• Potential for employment and long-term residence

Along with all the benefits listed above, the Dubai student visa opens doors for international students to stay back and explore the job market after completing their studies. The country offers post-study work permits to eligible international students, allowing them to stay and work in Dubai, UAE, for up to 2 years.

Top Universities in Dubai

The table below lists the top universities in Dubai along with the QS World Ranking 2025:

Universities	Top QS-Ranked Universities (2025)
University of Birmingham Dubai	80
Abu Dhabi University	501
Khalifa University	202
United Arab Emirates University	261
Heriot-Watt University Dubai	256
University of Sharjah	434
Zayed University	701
American University of Sharjah (AUS)	332
Ajman University	477
RIT Dubai	-

University Intakes in Dubai

Generally, universities in Dubai have three intakes: once during fall, spring, and summer. However, the intakes also vary based on courses and your chosen University. The table below provides more details about the intakes in Dubai universities.

Intakes	Study Program	Admission deadlines
Fall	Undergraduate and Postgraduate	September- October
Spring	Undergraduate and Postgraduate	January - February
Summer	Undergraduate and Postgraduate	June - July

Top courses in Dubai

Dubai offers some of the best UG and PG courses that are aligned with the demands of the global labor market. The top courses to be pursued in Dubai include Business Administration, Engineering, Information Technology, Hospitality and Tourism, and Architecture and Design.

Top 10 Undergraduate Courses in Dubai

The table below lists the top ten UG Courses in Dubai:

Field or Discipline	Popular Degrees Offered in Dubai	Best Colleges or Universities in Dubai offering these courses
Engineering	BTech in Computer, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and Petroleum Engineering	Heriot-Watt University
Management	BBA in Finance, Human Resources or Marketing	American University in Dubai
Healthcare	Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Pharmacy, Healthcare Administration and Dentistry	Gulf Medical University
Architecture	Bachelor of Architecture	Amity University, American University in Dubai
Design Studies	Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, Creative Designing	Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation
Media	Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, Journalism, Digital Media and Communication	University of Wollongong in Dubai
Hospitality and Tourism	BBA in Hospitality, International Hospitality, or Business Management	Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM)
Cybersecurity	Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or Digital Forensics	University of Dubai
Business Administration	Bachelor of Business Administration or Bachelor of Commerce	University of Wollongong in Dubai
Accountancy	Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Bachelor of Commerce, or Bachelor of Business Administration	University of Sharjah

Top 10 Post-Graduate Courses in Dubai

The table below lists the details of the top ten PG courses in Dubai:

Type of Course	Popular Degrees Offered in Dubai	Best  Universities in Dubai offering these courses
Administration Studies	MA in Human Resource Management or MSc in Maritime Logistics and Business	Heriot-Watt University of Dubai
Business Studies	MSc in Data Science or  Business Psychology	Middlesex University Dubai
Construction	MSc in Construction Project Management or Civil Engineering	Heriot-Watt University of Dubai
Design Studies	MA in Visual Experience and Design or Design Management	Heriot-Watt University of Dubai
Engineering	MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Information Systems Engineering, or MTech in Artificial Intelligence	Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Dubai
Healthcare	MSc in Applied Psychology or Public Health	Curtin University
Humanities and Arts	MA in Translation Studies	University Saint-Joseph
Management Studies	MS in Project Management or Logistics and Supply Chain Management	Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Dubai
Marketing and Communication	MSc in Strategic Marketing or International Marketing	Middlesex University Dubai
Tourism and Hospitality	Master's in International Tourism Management	Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM)

Dubai Student Visa Eligibility Criteria

You would be eligible to apply for a Dubai Student Visa if you:

• Are above 18 years of age
• Have been officially accepted by a college or a University in the UAE
• Have completed 12 years of schooling
• Are proficient in the English language
• Have enough funds to support yourself in the country
• Are medically fit to migrate and study in Dubai, UAE
• Have enough health insurance to cover your stay in Dubai
• Have received an approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)

The eligibility criteria for a Dubai Student Visa differ on the basis of the degree you choose to apply for. As an undergraduate student, you would be eligible to apply for a Dubai Student Visa if you:

• Have cleared English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL with a minimum score of 5.5 bands overall
• Have a minimum score of 60% or above in intermediate
• Have received a Letter of Acceptance from a college or University in the UAE
• Meet all other requirements as specified by the University. You have to choose
• Have an EmSAT result (applicable only if admitted to a competitive university in the UAE)

What is EmSAT?

EmSAT stands for the Emirates Standardised Test, which is conducted to assess the skills and knowledge of students across various educational stages. The EmSAT aims to measure the skills of international students to understand if they match the national standards of the UAE. This test is often used by competitive universities in the UAE to determine the eligibility of international students. EmSAT includes tests on several subjects, such as English, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Arabic.

Note: International students are not required to appear for the Arabic test for the EmSAT.

As a postgraduate student, you would be eligible to apply for the Dubai Student Visa if you:

• Have completed 3 years of graduation course from any recognised university
• Have scored a minimum of 60% in your graduation course
• Have cleared English language proficiency tests
• Have received a Letter of Acceptance from an University in the UAE
• Have 2-4 years of relevant work experience (only for MBA students)

Dubai Student Visa Requirements

The following are the documents required to apply for Dubai Student Visa:

• University Acceptance Letter
• Educational transcripts
• Language Proficiency test results
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Medical clearance reports
• Letter of approval from GDRFA
• Proof of accommodation in Dubai
• University and visa application fee receipts
• Police clearance reports
• Valid passport and other travel details
• Health insurance details

How to apply for a Dubai Student Visa?

The steps to apply for a Dubai Student Visa are listed below:

Step 1: Check if you meet the eligibility requirements

Step 2: Gather all the documents as per the checklist

Step 3: Fill out the visa application form

Step 4: Wait for the visa to be approved

Step 5: Fly to Dubai

Dubai Student Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Dubai Student Visa is around 3 to 6 weeks. However, the processing time may be extended if the documents provided are inaccurate or not updated. Therefore, students are advised to apply well in advance and provide proper documentation to avoid processing delays and visa rejections.

Dubai Student Visa Costs

The average cost of a Dubai Student Visa ranges between AED 5,500 to AED 6,500. The table below provides an overview of the costs involved in a Dubai Student Visa application:

Type of Fee	Amount to be paid
Student Visa Application Fee	AED 600
Biometrics Fee	AED 200
Medical Insurance Fee	AED 400-AED 800
Visa Issuance Fee	AED 1,200

Cost of Education in Dubai

The cost of education in Dubai varies on the basis of a number of factors, including the course you have enrolled for, the college or University you have chosen, the type of accommodation you chose, and your lifestyle. Generally, the annual average cost of living in Dubai can range between AED 37,500 to AED 70,000 for undergraduate students and AED 55,000 to AED 75,000 for postgraduate programs.

The table below provides an overview of the monthly cost of living in Dubai international students:

Type of expense	Average cost per month (in AED)
Accommodation	AED 3,000-AED 6,000
Food and groceries	AED 1,000-AED 2,000
Transportation	AED 300-AED 800
Utilities	AED 300-AED 1000
Entertainment	AED 500- AED 2000
Health Insurance	AED 200-AED 500
Miscellaneous	AED 500- AED 1000

Scholarships for International Students in Dubai

Some of the top scholarships for international students in Dubai are listed in the table below:

Name of Scholarship	Amount (Per Year)
Khalifa University Combined Master/Doctoral Research Teaching Scholarship	AED  8,000 to  AED 12,000
Khalifa University Master Research Teaching Scholarship	AED  3,000 to AED  4,000
Mohamed Bin Zayed University Scholarship for AI	AED  8,000 to AED 10,000
Forté INSEAD Fellowship	AED  43,197 to AED 86,395
INSEAD Deepak & Sunita Gupta Endowed Scholarships	AED  107,993
INSEAD Indian Alumni Scholarship	AED  107,993
Masdar Institute IRENA Scholarships Programme	covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs
American University in Dubai (AUD) Scholarships	AED 7,500 to AED 25,000
Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds MD Fellowships	Offers a monthly stipend, along with potential spouse and child-care allowances
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship	Equal to the tuition fee

Can international students work while studying in Dubai?

Yes, international students can work part-time while studying only if they have a student work permit issued by the UAR Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Students can work up to 15 hours per week while their course is in session and 40 hours per week during semester breaks and holidays.

Some part-time time jobs suitable for international students include offering tuition, call centre work, translation jobs, restaurant or café jobs or retail positions. Students can earn up to AED 5000 by taking up part-time jobs in Dubai.

Post-study work opportunities in Dubai

International student graduates often choose to stay back in Dubai after completing their studies. The major reason why they stay back is the proliferating job market of Dubai. The country offers a blend of professional opportunities, financial benefits and a high standard of living.

The table below provides details of the in-demand jobs in Dubai for international students:

Occupation	Average annual salary
IT and Software	AED 192,000
Engineering	AED 360,000
Accounting and Finance	AED 330,000
Human Resource Management	AED 176,000
Hospitality	AED 286,200
Sales and Marketing	AED 131,520
Healthcare	AED 257,100
STEM	AED 222,000
Teaching	AED 192,000
Nursing	AED 387,998

Visa options to work in Dubai

International students willing to work in Dubai after completing their studies can apply for the following types of visas mentioned in the table below:

Type of Visa	Who can apply
Standard Work Visa	Foreign workers having a job offer in the UAE
Green Visa	Foreign workers willing to work in
Golden Visa	Foreign investors, entrepreneurs, high net-worth individuals
Freelancer Visa	Foreign freelancers
Investor Visa	Foreign investors
Mission Visa	Foreign workers coming to Dubai to work on diplomatic missions

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is the leading overseas immigration consultancy with more than 25 years of experience in immigration consultation. Our team of visa experts is here to provide you with step-by-step assistance with German immigration and help you make an informed decision. Our impeccable services include:

• Y-Axis Coaching Services to help you ace language proficiency tests
• Free Career counseling to help you choose the best career path
• Y-Axis Job Search Services to find relevant jobs in Dubai
• Campus Ready Program to help you with an ideal course for yourself
• Y-Path to guide you towards a suitable career as per your choice
• Y-Axis Resume Writing Services to help you keep your resume up-to-date
• Personalized assistance with UAE Immigration