Study in UAE 2025 (For international students)

Study in UAE

Study in the UAE offers a unique opportunity to experience world-class education in a multicultural environment. Applicants can pursue education at various levels, including schools, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Here are some key requirements for studying in the UAE:

• English language proficiency certificate
• Health insurance
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Clean criminal record
• Submission of prior academic credentials

Tuition fees in the UAE vary depending on the level of study and the chosen university. On average, tuition costs for bachelor’s and master’s degrees range from $7,500 to $21,000.

However, studying in the UAE does not directly lead to permanent residency. Graduates typically need to enter the workforce or invest in the UAE to apply for residency.

For personalized guidance, consider consulting with the experts at the Malekpour Immigration Institute to explore your study options in the UAE.

Studying in UAE in 1 minute!

Is the cost of studying in the UAE high?

The cost of studying in schools and universities in the UAE is generally considered relatively high.

Do degrees in fields like nursing, medicine, pharmacy, psychology, etc., require equivalency?

Yes, if you wish to continue your education or work in the UAE with these degrees, equivalency is required.

Are universities in Dubai and the UAE better than those in other countries for studying?

Since Arab countries like the UAE do not grant permanent residency or passports even after years of employment post-graduation, it is recommended to consider applying for admission to universities in better options, such as European countries.

You can also ask your questions in the comments section, and you will receive a response in a short time.

Topics Covered in This Article:

• Advantages of Studying in Dubai
• Conditions for Studying in Dubai
• Studying in Dubai’s Schools and High Schools
• Studying in Universities in Dubai
• Programs of Studying in UAE
• Steps of Studying in UAE
• Documents Required for UAE Student Visa
• Cost of Studying in Dubai
• Free Education in Dubai
• UAE Scholarship Conditions
• Studying in UAE without Ielts
• Work Rights Through Studying in Dubai
• Obtaining Residency and Citizenship After Studying in Dubai
• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in the UAE

Advantages of Studying in Dubai

There is no doubt that studying abroad in Dubai and obtaining a student visa for Dubai offer many advantages for international applicants.

One of the key benefits of studying in Dubai is the opportunity to transfer to prominent universities in Europe and the United States after completing a few semesters at universities in Dubai and the UAE. Below are other benefits of studying in Dubai:

• Affordable tuition fees
• The ability to work while studying
• Close proximity to Iran
• Quick processing of the student visa to work visa conversion

• Excellent educational facilities
• High cultural diversity
• Very low violent crime rates
• Exceptional hospitality from UAE citizens

Conditions for Studying in Dubai

The United Arab Emirates is a rapidly developing country, and correspondingly, the education system in its schools and universities aligns with this progress, offering opportunities for investors.

The official language of the country is Arabic, but to study at universities in the UAE, an IELTS score of 6 is required. The UAE is home to universities from countries like Canada, the United States, Finland, and others, which operate branches in the country.

Students can study for one or two semesters at these universities and then transfer to the main universities in the country of origin to continue their education. The key requirements for studying in Dubai are as follows:

Studying in English

Opportunity to join language courses

Scholarships available

Study at branches of top universities worldwide

Possibility of transferring to the home university

No specific age requirements for studying 

Special Conditions for Studying in Dubai with Malekpour Institute

All individuals interested in studying at top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, University College London, and Imperial College, in fields like medicine, dentistry, or law, now have the opportunity to study at some of the world’s best universities.

With the new program launched by the UK government through the Malekpour Institute, a unique opportunity has been provided for studying at universities in the UAE and Iraq. After one to two years of studying at these institutions, you can transfer to the UK for further studies.

You can even take courses and programs online for six months. This program for medicine and dentistry is limited to 20 to 30 students per year. Iranian students will also have the opportunity to receive scholarships, including full scholarships. The cost to begin these programs is only $5,000 to $10,000.

Studying in Dubai’s Schools and High Schools

Education in the UAE is mandatory from the age of 6, and it is carried out in three levels: elementary, middle, and high school.

Elementary School

At this level, students must study for 6 years and attend school until they are 12 years old. Education is free for Emirati students in public schools.

Boys and girls are separated in classes at public schools. The main subjects taught include religious studies, Arabic and English language, mathematics, and science. Art, physics, music, and physical education are also part of the elementary curriculum.

For girls, family studies are also taught. The academic year for elementary students lasts between 34 to 36 weeks.

Middle School

The middle school level lasts 3 years, starting from the age of 12 and continuing until the age of 15. This level is also mandatory. Students must complete courses such as Advanced Placement, SAT, IB Diploma, IGCSE, GCE Advanced level, or CBSE. At the end of this period, students receive a secondary diploma.

High School

There are two types of high school programs for students who migrate to Dubai for their education:

• Theoretical courses for obtaining a general diploma
• Technical and vocational courses for obtaining a technical diploma

Both programs last 3 years and continue from the age of 15 to 18. Below is a list of 10 international schools in the UAE:

These schools offer a wide range of educational systems, from British to American and Indian curricula, with varying fees and admission ages.

Studying in Universities in Dubai

Study in Dubai includes various educational levels, each offering a new world of experiences for prospective students.

Studying at universities in Dubai provides significant opportunities for students and can open doors to numerous career prospects and academic achievements. Below, the conditions for studying at different academic levels in Dubai universities are provided for your information.

Bachelor’s Degree in Dubai

Studying in Dubai for a bachelor’s degree typically takes 3 to 4 years. Many people who choose to immigrate to Dubai for undergraduate studies do so with the intention of obtaining residence in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

After 2 to 3 years of study, students can apply to continue their education at prestigious universities in these countries and complete their studies there.

Bachelor’s degree students in Dubai can work up to 10 hours per week, earning around 12 dollars per hour, which can help cover some of the costs of their education. Finding a student job in Dubai depends on factors such as English language proficiency, personal characteristics, and work experience.

Master’s Degree in Dubai

Studying in the UAE for a master’s degree takes approximately 2 years. The courses at this level are offered in both English and Arabic.

After completing their studies, if master’s degree students in Dubai do not wish to continue to higher education, the Dubai government grants them one year to find suitable employment and change their student visa to a work visa.

Master’s students in Dubai are allowed to work 20 hours per week during their studies, earning around 10 to 12 dollars per hour, which helps cover a significant portion of their educational expenses.

PHD degree in Dubai

Studying for a doctoral degree in the UAE takes about 3 to 4 years, and students can either continue their education at universities in Dubai or at universities that have branches from other countries.

If students pursue their doctoral studies full-time, they will complete the program in 8 semesters. However, part-time students may take 10 to 12 semesters to finish their studies. It is important to note that the maximum duration for doctoral studies in Dubai is 14 semesters.

Doctoral students must submit a dissertation at the end of their studies under the guidance and supervision of a professor. To gain admission, they must first secure the approval of a potential supervisor.

Programs of Studying in UAE

The UAE offers a wide variety of academic majors across different fields. Here are some of the most common and popular majors:

Steps of Studying in UAE

Here are the general steps to study in the UAE:

1. Research Universities & Programs – Choose an accredited program that suits your career goals.
2. Check Admission Requirements – Review GPA, language proficiency, and any specific university criteria.
3. Prepare Documents – Gather transcripts, language tests, passport, and recommendation letters.
4. Submit Application – Apply online, pay fees, and submit necessary documents.
5. Wait for Admission Decision – Wait for an offer, either conditional or unconditional.
6. Secure Funding – Explore scholarships, financial aid, or personal funding.
7. Apply for a Student Visa – Apply with the necessary documents like admission letter and financial proof.
8. Arrange Accommodation – Decide between dormitories, rentals, or shared housing.
9. Purchase Health Insurance – Ensure your health insurance meets university or UAE requirements.
10. Book Your Flight – Organize travel arrangements to the UAE before your course starts.
11. Register at University – Complete registration and attend orientation sessions.
12. Start Studying – Begin your academic journey and manage coursework effectively.
13. Work Opportunities – Check eligibility and apply for part-time jobs if allowed.

Documents Required for UAE Student Visa

One of the most important requirements for studying in Dubai and the UAE is the accurate collection of the necessary documents for obtaining a student visa. After receiving admission to a university, students must apply for a student visa for the UAE. The following documents are required for obtaining a student visa for the UAE:

  Valid passport

Visa application form

Twelve passport-sized photos

University admission letter from the UAE

Bank statement confirming financial capacity

Proof of accommodation or dormitory arrangement

Copies of university payment receipts

Most recent educational certificate

Copy of the visa fee payment

Medical certificate

Processing time:

2 to 5 weeks

Cost:

1000 to 3000 AED for issuance – 500 AED for renewal.

Cost of Studying in Dubai

Due to the presence of universities from all over the world in the UAE, tuition fees can vary depending on the type of university and the academic program. However, it is important to note that the UAE is considered to have high tuition costs.

Students who receive scholarships in the UAE can minimize these expenses. On average, the cost of studying in the UAE is between $10,000 to $15,000 annually, and this amount can vary based on the university type, academic level, and field of study. Below are the tuition fees for some of the universities in the UAE:

Living expenses in the UAE can vary significantly, and one of the most important factors influencing living costs is the individual’s lifestyle. Below is a list of the average costs for some essential items and services:

Free Education in Dubai

There is no possibility of free education in Dubai, although many universities in Dubai are public, and the fees for them are relatively low. The availability of scholarships can also help reduce the costs.

UAE Scholarship Conditions

Studying in the UAE can be accompanied by scholarships. Many students wish to continue their education while minimizing or eliminating costs. The UAE offers various types of scholarships, and some countries that have universities in the UAE provide scholarships for their students. In addition to scholarships, student loans are also available in the UAE.

In this table, we will review the scholarships offered at Khalifa University in the UAE. Each university offers its own scholarships, such as the Nuclear Energy Science Scholarship or the National Security University Scholarship.

Additionally, countries with branches of their universities in the UAE may also offer unique scholarships for their students, such as the Indian University Scholarship in the UAE. However, it is important to note that the process of obtaining a scholarship in the UAE is not necessarily an easy one.

Khalifa University Full Scholarship

A limited number of full scholarships are available for students with outstanding performance at the university. Additionally, 20 students with an undergraduate GPA above 3.8 will be considered.

For new students:

• 100% tuition coverage for non-Emirati students.

For continuing students:

• 100% tuition coverage for non-Emirati students with a GPA above 3.
• 50% tuition coverage for non-Emirati students with a GPA between 2.99 and 2.5.

Khalifa University Partial Scholarship

For new students:

• 50% tuition coverage for non-Emirati students.

For continuing students:

• 50% tuition coverage for non-Emirati students with a GPA above 3.
• 30% tuition coverage for non-Emirati students with a GPA between 2.99 and 2.5.

Scholarships in other educational institutions in Dubai

The Emirate of Dubai offers a variety of scholarships to encourage prospective students to migrate to Dubai for education, as well as to reduce the cost of studying in the city. These scholarships are provided by reputable educational institutions.

Some of the key institutions offering scholarships include:

• University of Canada in Dubai and University of Birmingham Dubai, which offer a 50% reduction in tuition fees.
• Middlesex University Dubai and Murdoch University, which provide a 100% tuition fee waiver.
• Heriot-Watt University, American University in Dubai, Curtin University Dubai, and Dubai University, which offer a range of financial aids and scholarships.

Studying in UAE without Ielts

Generally, studying in the UAE without IELTS is not an option unless you take an English language course. Most universities require proof of English proficiency, but if you don’t meet the requirement, you can:

• Enroll in an English Language Course: Many universities offer preparatory English courses to help you meet their language requirements.
• Conditional Admission: Some universities may offer conditional admission, allowing you to take the language course before beginning your degree program.

Without meeting the language proficiency requirements through IELTS or other tests, taking an English course would be the pathway to study in the UAE.

Top Universities in the UAE

Studying in the UAE may be of interest to many Iranian students. To help make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of 10 top universities in the UAE, their global rankings, and whether they are recognized by the Ministry of Science and Ministry of Health in Iran.

The UAE has 121 universities and colleges, some of which have campuses from countries such as the United States, Canada, Finland, South Korea, and more.

 

Obtaining Residency and Citizenship After Studying in Dubai

Many European countries and Canada offer students the opportunity to stay in the country for a year or six months after graduation. However, this opportunity is not readily available for students, particularly Iranian students, in the UAE.

After completing their studies in the UAE, students are usually required to either secure employment within a short period or change their student visa status through other means, such as investment, in order to obtain residence in the UAE.

Another point to consider is the issue of racial prejudice, particularly towards Iranians in the UAE, which may make it difficult for Iranians to obtain permanent residency and citizenship. Most individuals who choose to study in the UAE do so with the intention of gaining admission to universities that represent prestigious institutions from the UK, the US, Canada, and other countries.

After completing one or two years of studies at these universities, students can then apply to transfer to the main campuses in the home countries.

Epilogue

Since studying in Dubai is a goal for many of our compatriots, we decided to write about important issues related to studying in the UAE, immigration for study to Dubai, tuition fees in Dubai, and living costs in the UAE. Tuition fees, living expenses, and scholarships are among the topics discussed in this article. However, given the tuition costs in the UAE, it’s worth mentioning that the same amount of money can be used to study in European countries and obtain residence there. Obtaining residence in European countries offers the advantage of gaining access to the Schengen Area, and by obtaining residence in countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, Hungary, Austria, or Spain, one can also obtain a Blue Card. It is recommended to gather more information about study and work opportunities after graduation in these countries through the Malekpour website. We hope we have been able to answer your questions about studying in the UAE. If you need further information, you can contact our experienced international law consultants for a free consultation. You can also share your questions and feedback in the comments section at the end of the article, and you will receive your answer as soon as possible.