Study in Dubai: Top Universities, Admission Process, Courses & More

Why Study in Dubai?

Dubai is a favorable destination for international students due to various factors that directly appeal to students in large numbers. Here is a detailed explanation of why students choose to pursue higher education in Dubai. 

• Well-established Education System: Dubai is home to some globally ranked universities that are recognised to offer world-class education. It is one of the reasons that make the opportunity to study in Dubai for Indian students highly promising. 

• Multi-Cultural Society: When you choose to study in UAE, you get familiar with the local culture. Locals in Dubai speak various languages (English, Arabic, Urdu, and Farsi), allowing students to experience an environment where they can grow and learn about new perspectives.

• Home to Global Universities: With the various local universities, you can also choose to study in a few of the top global universities. This makes the prospect to study in Dubai after 12th even more exciting. Some of these universities include American University in Dubai, University of Birmingham Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, and more. 

• Exciting Job Prospects: Dubai is developing at a significant pace, and with the development in various sectors, the country is known to offer promising career opportunities to students.

What Are the Most Popular Courses to Study in Dubai?

Now that you know that there is a wide range of reasons that make Dubai a great place to study. It's time to dive into the top courses and specialisations you can study and build a global career.

Here is a detailed list for your better understanding.

Note:  You can use our course finder tool, an AI-based algorithm that simplifies searching for your preferred program with the help of multiple filters. 

Which are the Top Universities to Study in Dubai?

After discovering the popular courses to study, it is equally crucial to know about the top universities in Dubai that offer a promising learning experience.

Here is the detailed list of top institutions for your understanding.

Note: You can use our university predictor tool, an AI-based algorithm that allows you to find a suitable university as per your needs based on various filters.

What are the Admission Requirements to Study in Dubai?

The admission requirements to study in Dubai vary according to study level and specific university demands. Given below are a few basic requirements that students have to meet.

• Academic transcripts
• Standardised test scores
• English language proficiency scores of IELTS /TOEFL /PTE
• Statement of Purpose showcasing personal interests and motivations
• Resume
• Proof of funds
• Letters of Recommendation
• Copy of the valid passport

How to Apply to Universities in Dubai?

Planning to study abroad in Dubai means you have to thoroughly understand the application process to make sure you apply correctly to the desired university. Here is a step-by-step explanation of the application process to help you apply to universities in Dubai.

Step-1. Explore Universities and Programs

• The process starts with exploring the courses and top universities in Dubai that can be an ideal fit according to the study goal.
• Here, you must take into account various factors like the quality of education and career opportunities.  

Step-2. Check Admission Requirements

• Once you are done with finalising the program and university, you will study. It's time for you to know about the admission requirements, which vary according to study level.

Step- 3. Appear for Necessary Exams

• For admission to top universities in Dubai, you will be asked to appear for certain exams that showcase you are a perfect fit as an international student.
• It includes an English proficiency test to showcase your grip of the language and scores of standardised tests (if applicable).

Step-4. Prepare Necessary Documents

• The next step in the application process is to prepare the necessary documents that support your application.
• The documents required for admission in Dubai normally include academic transcripts, a valid passport, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and other documents.

Step-5. Apply Online

• Once you are done with meeting all the admission requirements, complete your chosen university's application form online through their official portal.
• Fill in all the details correctly, attach all the required documents and pay any required application fee (if applicable).
• Make sure to craft a compelling application to enhance your prospects of successful admission.

Step-6. Submit and Await a Decision

• After submitting your application, wait for around 7 to 15 days for the admission authority to decide on your application.
• If your application is successful, the decision will be communicated to you with an offer of admission.
• Being an international student, your next step generally involves applying for a student visa that acts as a legal permit to travel and study in Dubai. 

What is the Student Visa Process for Dubai?

Now that you know that a student visa is an important part of the study abroad in Dubai journey, and it is generally sponsored by accredited universities in Dubai. Let us explore the process to apply for a student visa.

1. Complete Your Online Registration: Is the first step, requiring you to be a registered student before applying for a student visa. 

2. Gather Required Documents: Once you have registered online, prepare all the mandatory documents. It includes:

• A passport with a validity period of at least six months.
• Recent passport photo in a white background.
• University admission letter or study certificate confirming the course duration
• Emirates ID (if available)
• UAE health insurance card or certificate
• Student Undertaking Letter

3. Complete Visa Application Using University Email: Since your visa is university-sponsored, you have to make sure to activate your university email and complete the visa application process.

4. Visa Payment: After completing the application, submit it by paying the visa processing fee to the university.

5. Await Decision: Your university will apply on your behalf to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). It generally takes 10-15 days for your visa to be approved and issued. 

Cost of Studying in Dubai

Studying in Dubai is no doubt a promising aspect; however, you must take into account the overall cost of studying in Dubai for Indian students for better planning.

Here is a closer look at the key component that contributes to the cost of studying.

Tuition Fees

• The major expense for studying abroad is the tuition fee that students have to incur, depending on the university, course level and specialisation.
• The average tuition fee to study at colleges in Dubai ranges between AED 35,000 (INR 8.45L) to AED 70,000 (INR 16.91L) per year.

Living Expenses

• Living as an international student in Dubai can be manageable with the correct approach and right budgeting.
• The living expense includes all the costs necessary for daily living, including accommodation, transportation, food & groceries and utilities.
• The estimated monthly living expenses for students in Dubai can range from AED 5000(INR 1.20 L) to AED 7000 (INR 1.69L) per month.

Other Expenses

• Apart from Dubai university fees and living expenses, students also have to take into account some additional expenses incurred during their time in the country.
• Expenses like visa application, health insurance, proficiency test fees and other miscellaneous expenses are generally considered under this category.
• The estimated expenses can range from AED 2500 (INR 60K) to AED 3500 (INR 84K). 

What Are the Top Scholarships to Study in Dubai?

For many students, studying in Dubai is an expensive prospect, given the various expenses. However, to help students achieve their dreams, there are scholarships available, allowing them to reduce their financial burden to a certain extent.

Here are the top options that allow students to study in Dubai with scholarship and other financial assistance.

Note: You can use our scholarship finder tool, an AI-based algorithm that simplifies searching for your preferred scholarship with the help of multiple filters. 

Final Thoughts

Summing up, planning to study in Dubai can be looked at as a major step you could take during your academic life. Studying here is not only about earning a certification, but also about experiencing a whole new setting that allows students to grow and thrive. With top universities, innovative programs, and a lively student community, Dubai offers quality education blended with global opportunities. Still waiting? Connect with our study abroad consultants today, plan your Dubai journey with us and get a cashback of up to INR 5 Lakhs.

FAQs

1. Which course is in high demand in Dubai?

In Dubai, courses in technology, business, finance and healthcare are in high demand, given the city's focus on digital transformation, business growth and a robust tourism sector. 

2. How much money is needed to study in Dubai?

Studying in Dubai generally varies based on specific school type, grade level and curriculum, with tuition ranging from AED 12,723 (INR 3.07L) to over AED 117,552 (INR 28.41L).

3. Is Dubai good for higher education?

Yes, Dubai is indeed a good destination for higher education, boasting globally-ranked universities, a range of programs and a diverse environment.

4. What are the most affordable universities in Dubai?

Some of the most affordable universities to study in Dubai are:

• Manipal Higher Education Academy fees range between AED 37,000–50,000 (INR 8.94 L to INR12.08L)

• Al Ghurair University fees range between AED 35,000 (INR 8.4L) and 45,000 (INR 10.87L)

• Amity University Dubai fees range between AED 40,000 (INR 9.6L) and 60,000 (INR 14.5L).

5. What are the living expenses for students in Dubai?

For students in Dubai, the estimated living expenses are around AED 7500 (INR 1.81L), covering all the major expenses (rent, food, groceries and others).