United Arab Emirates - A Complete Guide For International Students

Studying in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers the possibility to engage in a cultural experience unlike any other, in a nation that is both economically and intellectually flourishing, challenging your worldview and igniting your sense of adventure.

In addition to all the exciting activities made possible by the country's natural environment, such as deep-sea diving in the Persian Gulf or dune-bashing in the desert, you'll have the chance to explore a variety of cutting-edge attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building!) and the artificial Palm islands in Dubai. You'll also have the chance to visit religious buildings, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE is a unique destination for students from all over the world due to its deeply ingrained Islamic history and culture as well as its burning desire for innovation and modernization. Don't trust us? Check it out yourself! Find the program that best suits you by reading our  UAE Guide now!

About United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a small nation on the Arabian Peninsula, is made up of seven emirates: the capital Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm al-Quwain. It is surrounded by Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the Persian Gulf.

All of them contribute significantly to the cultural and natural wealth of this nation, but the majority of its higher education institutions are found in its two largest emirates, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which have been at the forefront of efforts to raise higher education to the level of excellence it now enjoys.

In addition to all the exciting activities made possible by the country's natural environment, such as deep-sea diving in the Persian Gulf or dune-bashing in the desert, you'll have the chance to explore a variety of cutting-edge attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building!) and the artificial Palm islands in Dubai. You'll also have the chance to visit religious buildings, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

Studying in UAE

The UAE prides itself on having some of the top institutions in the Gulf area, and its higher education system draws inspiration from western higher education systems.

There are now three state-funded universities and more than 50 private institutions in the United Arab Emirates, despite the country's growing educational landscape. Additionally, private universities and colleges are accessible to everyone, whereas government schools face intense competition for overseas students.

Additionally, there are more and more private international institutions and international collaborations, which are highly desired by students seeking an international education and accreditation.

As the majority of universities offer English-language programs, learning Arabic is not essential to get a degree in the UAE. Even though tuition costs are typically seen as exorbitant, overseas students have access to a wide variety of scholarships and can work part-time jobs while on a student visa.

If it even somewhat intrigues you, come along on the experience of a lifetime to the UAE!

What life is like for students in the United Arab Emirates?

You'll be surrounded by a diverse spectrum of ethnicities, cultures, languages, and faiths if you find yourself in the United Arab Emirates, especially in a metropolis like Dubai. In addition, there are many locations outside of the classroom where you may spend your weekends, including beaches, malls, nightclubs, and enormous buildings.

The UAE has rigorous academic entrance requirements for universities. All of the courses that applicants must have received excellent grades in. Students from all around the world who are highly serious and clever will be your peers if you attend that school.

How to apply for a university in the United Arab Emirates?

On their websites, each institution in the United Arab Emirates offers a unique application and enrollment process for prospective students to enroll in their degree programs. Therefore, once you've decided on an institution, you may fill out their application and send your papers there.

The following are some prerequisites that are necessary for all applications:

• a digital copy of your diploma (high school or undergraduate)
• a copy of your past education, or a transcript
• a copy of your birth certificate or passport scanned
• a resume
• Test results
• evidence of funds or scholarships
• Recommendation letters (between 2-3)
• Samples of writing or a portfolio

In certain colleges and areas, applicants have to be Muslims to enroll, whereas, in others, entrance is restricted to citizens. However, more, larger institutions are beginning to spring up all across the region, providing chances for overseas students to study and take courses. Lucky for you, we have universities where you can apply without worrying about it.

Cost of studying and living in the UAE

The UAE's official currency is the Dirham (AED).

The cost of your education will vary depending on where you choose to study because universities in the UAE are allowed to determine their own tuition rates. The level and kind of degree you select will also affect the tuition costs. A master's degree typically costs roughly AED 48,000, although certain specialized graduate degrees can cost up to AED 120,000. Instead of months or years, semester credit hours are used to calculate course fees. Consult your university for further information if you think you could be qualified for a scholarship to help with your tuition costs.

Students who want to study in the UAE should take their living expenses into account. You should budget about AED 3,700 per month for a private rental flat, plus about AED 440 for utilities. The cost of living will be greater in larger cities than in smaller ones if you decide to reside there. Living outside of the cities may need you to consider owning a car because public transportation is not the most effective option.

For their time in the UAE, all visiting students from other countries must have valid health insurance. After you've entered the country and undergone a medical examination, organizations frequently provide health insurance coverage. The full medical examination includes testing for syphilis, HIV, TB, hepatitis, and other conditions.

Scholarships to Study in Dubai

• Khalifa University Scholarship
• United Arab Emirates University Scholarships
• Canadian Dubai Scholarship
• Abu Dhabi University Scholarships
• Mohamed bin Zayed University Scholarship

Student visa requirements

In Dubai, obtaining a student visa is a much simpler procedure. To begin with, foreign students who wish to study in Dubai as well as expatriate students who are already residing there under the sponsorship of parents or other family members are granted student visas in Dubai. The prerequisites for applying for a visa to study in Dubai are as follows: 

• The university to which you have been admitted must issue you an official acceptance letter.
• You must successfully complete a medical fitness examination and present documentation of this.
• The institution you attend or a parent or other relative who lives in the UAE may serve as your visa sponsor if you need to apply for a visa to study in Dubai.
• Additionally, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs permission must be obtained (GDFRA).

Although the application is submitted online, you must be mindful that sponsorship does not ensure your eligibility for a visa. Both the deposit and application fees may not exceed AED 3,000.

Documents required

When filing for your visa, you must provide a number of documents:

• Application form - completely filled.
• Copies of a passport must be valid for at least six months and have two blank visa pages.
• Passport sized photographs
• Letter of acceptance by the university
• Proof of sufficient cash is provided in the form of bank statements from the United Arab Emirates.
• If you are staying in university housing, you must submit a tenancy agreement or letter from the admitted institution.
• A letter of recommendation from the college or other organization
• A copy of the tuition fee receipt for the current academic year.
• A copy of the current academic year's visa fee receipt.
• Postgraduate students with certified undergraduate degrees
• Security check: To ensure they are not viewed as a danger to UAE security, some foreign students must undergo a security check.
• Medical examination records

Validity period:

Student visas are issued by the UAE for a year. Every year, students must renew their visas. However, a student visa can be granted for up to five years to meritorious applicants.

If your study lasts more than one year, you will need to renew your student residence visa. You'll have to pay additional visa costs if you want to renew your student visa.

Processing time:

Once all the necessary paperwork has been completed, the processing time for visas is typically between 2 and 5 weeks.

Express visas take one to three weeks to complete.

Express visa cancellation often takes 1 to 2 weeks, whereas visa cancellation normally takes 1 to 3 weeks.

Work rights for international students in UAE

Finding part-time work is a worry for every international student. In the United Arab Emirates, foreign students are permitted to do part-time employment while attending classes. However, in order to work part-time, you must receive permission from your college or university. Working in the campus libraries, departments, and administrative offices is another way for students to get experience outside of the classroom. During classes, students could put in up to 15 hours per week or 60 hours per month. During the summer break, they might work an additional 40 hours per week or 160 hours per month.

When should you apply?

UAE typically accepts two students every year. In either September or October or January or February, something happens. A few universities do, however, admit candidates in December.

Finally, we can assert that you now understand the pinnacle that the UAE may help your career reach. We don't wish to restrict your professional growth. We want you to be considerably taller than the Burj Khalifa. Since having good careers is important to us, we expressed as much.

Register on our portal to start climbing to the top!