- Top courses in UAE universities include Data Science, Financial Technology, Electrical Engineering, and International Business Law for Masters students.
- Jobs in Dubai for university graduates offer tax-free salaries ranging from AED 70,000 to AED 470,000 annually.
- Green Visa for graduates in UAE demands AED 15,000 monthly salary, bachelor’s degree, and skilled occupation classification under MOHRE guidelines.
Recently, Dubai has seen a rising number of Indian students choosing it as a study destination. Numerous best universities in the UAE hold international accreditation and offer diverse programs and classes. Various universities from the UK and India have set up Dubai campuses to cater to students’ increasing interest, offering scholarships and financial assistance.
Why Study in Dubai?
In Dubai, there are currently over 65 accredited higher education institutions, including 5 public universities and approximately 60 private institutions including international branch campuses. Like in many other countries, institutions in Dubai have autonomous internal management, which results in differences among universities in terms of the subjects taught (some focusing on specific subjects) and the types of degree programs available (some offering only undergraduate or postgraduate options). Universities in Dubai can be classified as either local (established and operating in Dubai) or branch campuses (founded in another country, with a campus in Dubai).
In contrast to other famous study-abroad destinations, Dubai provides international students with cost-effective living and educational expenses. Students can also benefit from post-study work opportunities, a thriving economy, tax-free income, lenient visa regulations, and an expanding job market.
Top Universities in Dubai for Masters
Due to the rising appeal of the city to international students, various UK universities have established their branches in Dubai. It should be clear by now that Dubai has a set of universities with a global reputation. The list of universities in Dubai also holds positions in national and international rankings. Here is the list of the best universities in the UAE:
| Universities | Tuition Fees (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Middlesex University in Dubai | AED 60,000 – AED 90,000 (INR 14 Lakhs-21 Lakhs) |
| The University of Wollongong Dubai | AED 89,670- AED 141,750 (INR 21 Lakhs- 33 Lakhs) |
| American University in Dubai (AUD) | AED 1,65,096 (INR 38 Lakhs) |
| Hult International Business School Dubai | AED 1,71,594.79 (INR 38.5 Lakhs) |
| Khalifa University | AED 1,80,000 (INR 41 Lakhs) |
| United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) | AED 72000 (INR 17 Lakhs) |
| University of Birmingham Dubai | AED 62,476.69 (INR 14 Lakhs) |
| Zayed University | AED 75,780 (INR 18 Lakhs) |
| University of Dubai (UD) | AED 61,816.25 (INR 19 Lakhs) |
| Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) | AED 98,000 (INR 23 Lakhs) |
Intakes in Dubai Universities
Deciding which intake to choose is one of the initial choices when preparing to study at the best universities in the UAE from India. The initial step is to determine which intake you want to apply for. Dubai offers two opportunities for students to enrol: the Fall intake and the Spring intake. Selecting the intake that best fits your needs may be confusing. Consider aspects such as the availability of the desired program, your academic history, English language skills, entrance exam results, the university acceptance rate, employment prospects, and your eagerness to start the program while making a choice.
Fall Intake
September intake is another term for Fall Intake. Like many other nations, the autumn intake is the central intake period for international students in universities in the UAE. All universities provide a wide range of classes during this enrollment period. Additionally, financial assistance is offered to students enrolling in the fall semester in the UAE.
Application Timeline:
- Start Research: April (ideally) – Begin exploring universities and programs well in advance.
- Take Exams: June (target) – Ensure you complete required exams like IELTS or TOEFL by this time.
- Prepare Documents: Gather your Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, and application essays, and initiate your visa application process.
Spring Intake
The January intake for international students at universities in the UAE is also called the Spring intake. Spring Intake serves as an additional intake period for the UAE. Students who could not apply during the fall semester can apply for this intake. However, the number of courses available in the spring intake in the best universities in the UAE is lower compared to the fall intake at universities.
Application Timeline:
- Research & Shortlisting: Complete university research and finalize your choices by August.
- Exams: Take English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL) and other required exams by September/October.
- Application Focus: After exams, concentrate on submitting your application and fulfilling student visa requirements.
Top Courses in Universities of Dubai
Choosing the right Master’s program in the best universities in the UAE can be difficult because of the various choices offered in various fields. Yet, Indian students lean towards choosing popular STEM courses like engineering, data science, business administration, architecture, design, and computer science. Below is a list of the courses to study in Dubai:
| Universities | Top Courses |
|---|---|
| University of Dubai (UD) | Statistics and data science, Principles of manufacturing, data, economics, and policy design. |
| Dubai Law School | Financial crimes and money laundering, International business law |
| Middlesex University Dubai | MSc in Data Science, MSc in Financial Technology, MSc in banking and finance |
| Zayed University | Master of Education (MEd), Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs, Master of Arts in Communication |
| Khalifa University | MTech in Electrical Engineering, M.Eng. Health, Safety and Environment Engineering, M.Sc. Materials Science and Engineering, M.Sc. Civil and Infrastructural Engineering |
| University of Wollongong in Dubai | MSc in Finance, Master of Nursing, Masters in Dubai |
Application Process in Dubai Universities
Dubai is a developing nation, so students may need help accessing important information compared to countries like the UK and Canada. Below is a detailed process for international students who want to study in the best universities in the UAE, outlining each step in the admissions process:
- Identify your goals: What field do you want to study? What kind of career do you want? Research programs in top universities in Dubai for masters that align with your interests and plans.
- Explore universities: Dubai has several branch campuses of international universities. Research each university’s reputation, faculty expertise, and student support services. Shortlist universities that meet your needs and preferences.
- Check eligibility: Ensure you meet the academic requirements (transcripts, standardized tests) and any program-specific prerequisites.
- Consider deadlines: Universities in Dubai may have different application deadlines. Note these down to ensure timely submissions.
- Application form: Download and complete the application form carefully. Pay attention to details and follow instructions.
- Academic transcripts: Request official transcripts from your previous institutions to be sent directly to the universities.
- Passport and photograph: Ensure your passport is valid for your studies and submit a recent passport-sized photograph.
- Standardized tests: Take required tests like SAT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, or C1 Advanced, depending on the program and university.
- Additional documents (optional): Prepare a strong resume, recommendation letters from teachers or employers (if required), and a statement of purpose outlining your academic goals and reasons for choosing the program (if applicable).
- Application fees: Pay the application fees as instructed by each university and keep the receipts for your records.
- University websites: Visit the websites of your shortlisted universities. Each university might have a different application portal or process. Please familiarize yourself with their specific requirements and instructions.
- Submit applications: Submit your completed application forms, transcripts, test scores, and other required documents by the deadlines.
Additional Tips
- Contact the universities: If you have any questions regarding the application process, don’t hesitate to contact your chosen universities.
- Prepare for interviews: Some universities may require interviews as part of the application process. Research common interview questions and practice your responses beforehand.
- Explore scholarships: Research scholarships offered by the universities or external organizations that can help finance your studies in Dubai.
Document Checklist for Dubai Universities
Here’s the information on the required documents for a student visa in a more organized format:
Essential Documents:
- Passport: A valid passport with sufficient validity to cover your studies.
- University Acceptance Letter: An official acceptance letter from your chosen university in Dubai.
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs meet the specifications outlined by the visa application process.
Academic Documents:
- High School Diploma/Transcripts: A letter of acceptance or graduation certificate from your high school (for undergraduate programs).
- Bachelor’s Degree (if applicable): Proof of a bachelor’s degree (transcripts and diploma) if applying for postgraduate programs.
Financial Documents:
- Bank Statements: Bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses for your entire study duration.
- Tuition and Visa Fee Receipts: Copies of receipts for your first year’s tuition fees and visa fees.
Accommodation Documents:
- Tenancy Agreement: A copy of your tenancy agreement for your accommodation in Dubai.
- Student Housing Confirmation (if applicable): A confirmation letter from your university stating that you’ll be residing in student housing.
Additional Documents:
- Medical Certificate: A health certificate issued by a licensed medical professional, as required by the visa application process.
Remember:
- Always check the official website of the Dubai visa application process or your chosen university for the latest and most accurate document requirements.
- Ensure all documents are translated into English or Arabic if necessary.
Jobs in Dubai
Apart from the popular industries in Dubai, various job posts are in high demand as they need a skillset and provide a reasonable salary range. These jobs in Dubai for Indians are listed below, along with their salaries:
| Job Post | Annual Salary (AED/INR) |
|---|---|
| Event Manager | AED 150,000 - 240,000 (₹36L - 57.6L) |
| Civil Engineer | AED 90,000 - 240,000 (₹21.6L - 57.6L) |
| Hotel Manager | AED 220,000 - 470,000 (₹52.8L - 112.8L) |
| Architect | AED 150,000 - 310,000 (₹36L - 74.4L) |
| UI/UX Designer | AED 70,000 - 275,000 (₹16.8L - 66L) |
| Software Engineer | AED 120,000 - 300,000 (₹28.8L - 72L) |
| Supply Chain Analyst | AED 115,000 - 340,000 (₹27.6L - 81.6L) |
Student Visa in Dubai
International students in Dubai require a student visa to pursue their studies. This visa is valid for one year and must be renewed annually until programme completion. The process involves an initial “Student Entry Permit” followed by a “Student Residence Visa” upon arrival in the UAE. Universities typically require acceptance of the admission offer, fulfilment of academic requirements, and financial documentation before visa processing begins.
Students undergo medical and biometric testing after entering Dubai with an entry visa. If successful, they receive the residence visa within 15-20 working days. Failing these tests results in repatriation. Additionally, universities mandate health insurance coverage for students throughout their studies.
| Visa type | Duration | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa | 10 years | For Outstanding Students: High school graduates with 95%+ GPA, OR university graduates from UAE universities (GPA 3.5+ for A-classified, 3.8+ for B-classified), OR graduates from top 100 global universities (GPA 3.5+). Graduation within past 2 years required. |
| Green Visa | 5 years | For Skilled Employees: Valid employment contract, classified in occupational levels 1-3 (MOHRE), bachelor's degree minimum, monthly salary AED 15,000+. For Self-Employed:MOHRE freelance permit, bachelor's degree or specialised diploma, annual income AED 360,000+ (past 2 years) or proof of financial solvency. |
| Standard Work Visa | 2-3 years | Valid job offer with employer sponsorship in private/government sector. Employer acts as sponsor. |
| Job Seeker Visa | 60-120 days | For recent graduates actively seeking employment in UAE. No employment contract required during application. |
Key Takeaways
Dubai hosts over 65 accredited higher education institutions, including 5 public universities and approximately 60 private institutions with international branch campuses from the UK, USA, and Australia. Masters programmes at top Dubai universities range from AED 50,000 to AED 120,000 annually, significantly lower than equivalent programmes in the US or UK. The city offers two major intake periods—Fall (September) and Spring (January)—with Fall intake providing wider course selection and scholarship opportunities.
Dubai’s student visa is valid for one year with annual renewal required until programme completion, processing within 15-20 working days after medical and biometric testing. Students benefit from tax-free income opportunities, with graduates earning between AED 70,000 to AED 470,000 annually across industries like engineering, technology, and hospitality management. The Golden Visa pathway for outstanding university graduates requires a minimum GPA of 3.5-3.8 and graduation within the past two years, offering 10-year residency.
Start your Dubai education journey with confidence. AdmitX supports every step from university selection to visa approval. Our end-to-end study-abroad services include:
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FAQs
How much does studying in Dubai cost?
A Bachelor’s degree costs around 37,500 and 70,000 AED annually, and a master’s degree costs around 55,000 and 75,000 AED annually.
Can I do part-time work in Dubai while studying?
Yes, you can work part-time in Dubai if you meet all the requirements. A student can work upto 15 hours per week during their course work.
Is Dubai expensive for international students?
Yes, Dubai is an expensive city for international students, but with the help of scholarships and part-time jobs, you can manage your finances well.
What is the average Masters tuition fee at Dubai universities?
Masters programmes at Dubai universities typically cost between AED 50,000 to AED 120,000 annually, depending on the university and field of study.
Which intake period is better for studying in Dubai universities?
Fall intake (September) is generally better as it offers wider course selection, more scholarship opportunities, and is the primary admission period for most universities.
What are the job prospects for international graduates in Dubai?
Graduates in Dubai earn between AED 70,000-470,000 annually across sectors like engineering, technology, hospitality, and business, with tax-free income benefits.
Do Dubai universities require IELTS or TOEFL for admission?
Yes, most Dubai universities require IELTS (6.0-6.5) or TOEFL (80-90) scores unless your previous education medium was English with proper documentation.
Can I work part-time whilst studying in Dubai?
Yes, students can work part-time with university approval and proper work permits, though hours are typically limited during academic terms.
What is the cost of living for students in Dubai?
Monthly living costs in Dubai range from AED 3,000-5,000 (₹72,000-₹1.2L) including accommodation, food, transport, and utilities depending on lifestyle choices.
Is health insurance mandatory for students in Dubai?
Yes, all universities mandate comprehensive health insurance coverage throughout the study period, often included in tuition fees or arranged through university partners.
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.
