- International students studying in Dubai require monthly budgets of AED 6,000–10,000 (₹1.4–₹2.4 lakh) for comfortable living with all essentials covered.
- On-campus accommodation in Dubai ranges from AED 2,700–7,000 (₹66,285–₹1.7 lakh) monthly and includes furnished rooms, reducing initial settling expenses for new students.
- Public transport in Dubai costs approximately AED 150–300 (₹3,500–₹7,000) monthly with a NOL card, offering metro, tram, bus, and marine transport options.
Dubai, a famous city in the United Arab Emirates, is primarily recognized for its lavish hotels, variety of cultural experiences, infrastructure growth, and technological progress. Due to top-ranked universities worldwide within the city, numerous international students opt to pursue their education in Dubai due to its high-quality education and diverse selection of academic programs.
Students considering studying in Dubai can refer to this article for information on the average cost of living in Dubai.
Why Choose Dubai for Studying?
Dubai offers a perfect blend of cultural and academic assistance. However, were you aware that the expense of living and studying in Dubai is relatively budget-friendly in comparison to nations such as the UK and the USA? Also, the high salaries of graduates result in a substantial return on investment. Here are some reasons why you should choose Dubai as your study-abroad destination:
- Best universities: Dubai is home to various prestigious international universities and top local universities with branch campuses. These universities enable you to obtain a highly regarded degree while overseas while also upholding the same rigorous standards as their main campuses.
- Safe environment: Dubai is well-known for its safety and minimal crime levels. This enables you to concentrate on your academics and fully enjoy your time in the city with no concerns.
- Part-time work opportunities: International students in Dubai have the chance to engage in part-time employment, which can assist in covering living costs and offer valuable work experience to improve their CVs.
- Bright career: The economy in the United Arab Emirates is thriving, with Dubai serving as a key hub for businesses. This results in many job prospects for recent graduates, especially in fields such as business, finance, tourism, and engineering. Attending school in Dubai can provide you with an advantage in your professional life.
Average Cost of Living in Dubai for International Students
For international students living modestly in Dubai in 2025–2026, typical monthly living costs (shared/small flats, groceries, public transport, basic health insurance) range around AED 6,000–10,000 — roughly ₹1.4–₹2.4 lakh per month. Expenses can rise if you choose better housing, frequent dining out, private transport or premium healthcare.
| Expense Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | AED 3,500 – 6,000 (₹82,000 – ₹1.41 lakh) |
| Public Transportation | AED 150 – 300 (₹3,500 – ₹7,000) |
| Mobile & Internet | AED 150 – 250 (₹3,500 – ₹5,900) |
| Food and Groceries | AED 1,800 – 2,500 (₹42,000 – ₹59,000) |
| Health insurance | AED 200 – 500 (₹4,700 – ₹11,750) |
| Miscellaneous | AED 200 – 400 (₹4,700 – ₹9,400) |
| Total | AED 6,000 – 9,950 (₹1.4 lakh – ₹2.3 lakh) |
Accommodation Expenses in Dubai for International Students
In Dubai, international students have the option to select either on-campus or off-campus housing. There are various housing choices available, such as individual bedrooms, shared rooms, studio apartments, rental flats, villas, etc. Here, you will learn about the average rent in Dubai:
On-campus apartments: Booking on-campus accommodation in advance is necessary to reduce living expenses for a single person in Dubai. Opting for it is highly beneficial for new students in Dubai. Since the on-campus housing includes furnished rooms, students will have lower initial settling expenses. The monthly average cost of living in Dubai varies from AED 2,700 – 7,000
(₹66,285 – ₹1.7 lakh)
Off-campus apartments: You can select off-campus housing depending on the amenities you prefer. If you want to live in your desired area or close to shopping centres, grocery stores, and entertainment areas, the rent may be higher depending on where you choose to live. Off-campus housing options in Dubai are available at different price points, ranging from AED 2,700 – 10,000
(₹66,285 – ₹2.4 lakh) per month.
Food expenses in Dubai
Students have the option to prepare their daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as the accommodations come with either individual or common kitchen facilities. The campus provides housing with dining options and meal plans for students at an affordable cost. The campus lunch options at Dubai universities can cost approximately AED 300 (₹7,365) monthly. Eating off-campus can be quite costly, with an average meal at a high-end restaurant ranging from AED 200 – 600 (₹4,910 – ₹14,730) for one or two people. You can also get a meal for AED 20 – 50 (₹491 – ₹1,227) at street food stalls and food courts.Â
Cost of Transportation in Dubai
Various transportation options in Dubai include the metro, tram, buses, taxis, and marine transport. Utilizing public transportation is a convenient method of getting around the city. If you often use public transport, you have the option of getting a personalized NOL card because cash payments are not accepted. The average cost of transportation is around AED 357
(₹8,759) monthly, depending on the transportation you choose.
Cost of Health Insurance in Dubai
Health insurance is a crucial cost that contributes to the average cost of living in Dubai for international students. This insurance provides students with access to medical treatment and the opportunity to seek advice from a medical professional in clinics. The price will vary depending on the insurance plan selected and the amenities provided. International students may expect to pay approximately AED 100 – 200 (₹2,455 – ₹4,910) per month for an affordable medical insurance plan.
Miscellaneous Expenses in Dubai
Moreover, miscellaneous expenses such as books, entertainment, personal health, body care, and initial house settling costs are also part of the average cost of living in Dubai. It costs around AED 500 (₹12,275) per month. They can vary according to students’ needs. All of these costs add to the total cost of living for Indian students.
How to Manage the Cost of Living in Dubai?
Even though Dubai provides top-notch educational opportunities, the high living expenses may be difficult for Indian students. However, by implementing strategic planning and careful financial management, these expenses can be reduced. Here are some tips you can follow to reduce your average cost of living in Dubai:
- Prepare meals on your own: Preparing meals at home instead of regularly eating out can result in substantial financial savings.
- Use public transport: Taking advantage of Dubai’s effective public transportation system provides a budget-friendly option in place of using taxis or renting private vehicles.
- Explore Part-time work: Obtaining a part-time job while following the rules can offer a way to earn extra money.
- Look for discount programs: Take advantage of student discount programs for entertainment and travel to enjoy affordable options.
Key Takeaways
Dubai stands as a cost-effective hub for higher education, challenging expensive alternatives in Europe and North America. Students maintain comfortable lifestyles within AED 6,000–10,000 (₹1.4–₹2.4 lakh) monthly budgets covering lodging, nutrition, travel, and medical protection.
The city delivers exceptional safety standards, allows part-time work to ease financial pressure, and opens doors to lucrative careers in banking, technology, and commerce. Practical approaches like home cooking, public transit usage, and discount exploitation meaningfully reduce your spending. Branch campuses of renowned universities preserve their rigorous quality standards, and graduates secure high-paying positions that justify your educational investment.
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FAQs
Is English widely spoken in Dubai for international students?
Yes, English is the primary language for education and business in Dubai, making communication straightforward for international students.
Are internship opportunities available for students in Dubai?
Yes, Dubai offers extensive internship opportunities across finance, hospitality, technology, and logistics sectors through university career services and placement programmes.
What is the average tuition fee for universities in Dubai?
Undergraduate programmes cost AED 37,000–120,000 (₹8.7–28.2 lakh) annually, whilst postgraduate programmes range from AED 45,000–125,000 (₹10.6–29.4 lakh) annually.
Which visa is required to study in Dubai?
Yes, international students require a student residence visa sponsored by their university, valid for 12 months and renewable annually.
What is the average monthly cost of living for international students in Dubai?
International students typically spend AED 6,000–10,000 (₹1.4–₹2.4 lakh) monthly covering accommodation, food, transport, and health insurance in Dubai.
Can international students work part-time in Dubai?
Yes, international students can work up to four hours daily with a valid work permit issued by MoHRE and approval from their university.
Is Dubai safe for international students?
Dubai maintains exceptionally low crime rates and high safety standards, ranking amongst the safest cities globally for international students.
What accommodation options are available for students in Dubai?
Students can choose on-campus housing (AED 2,700–7,000 monthly) or off-campus apartments (AED 2,700–10,000 monthly) based on preferences and budget.
How much does public transport cost for students in Dubai?
Public transport costs approximately AED 150–300 (₹3,500–₹7,000) monthly using a NOL card for metro, tram, and bus services.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
