UAE

Country overview

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah) on the Arabian Peninsula. The UAE has one of the most diverse economies in the Gulf region, with thriving financial, trade, logistics, aviation, tourism, real estate, and technology sectors. The UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities, and the Indian diaspora is the largest single community in the UAE.
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Official language: Arabic (businessmen and locals also speak English)
Language of instruction: English
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
Main intakes: September (main), January/February; some universities offer a summer intake
Student visa: Student residence visa, sponsored by an educational institution or a legal UAE resident parent

Why choose UAE

• International branches: The UAE is home to many international university campuses, including UK, US, Australian, French, and Indian universities.
• Tax-free salary: The UAE does not impose any personal income tax, making it a great place to start your career.
• Golden visa for high achievers: As per the UAE government guidelines, the long-term Golden visa is offered to high achievers in academics and research.
• Proximity to India: With frequent direct flights from India and a large Indian community in the UAE, you won't have any difficulties settling in the UAE.
• Safe and cosmopolitan: The UAE offers a safe environment and a truly international experience.

Education system

The UAE has a variety of higher education options, including public universities (e.g., United Arab Emirates University, Zayed University), private institutions (e.g., the American University of Sharjah, Khalifa University), and international university campuses. Public and private universities have to be licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and their degrees are issued under the Ministry's Commission for Academic Accreditation. International campuses of foreign universities, such as University of Birmingham in Dubai or University of London in Sharjah, are usually approved by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai's Education Free Zone. Bachelor's degrees in the UAE normally take 3-4 years (depending on the university, with many UK universities offering 3-year programs in Dubai), and master's degrees take 1-2 years. Before applying to any university, it is essential to check whether it is licensed in the UAE and whether its degrees are recognized in India. Each university lists the program-specific tuition fees on its website, and they are usually confirmed in the offer letter. For example, the University of Birmingham Dubai campus states that its tuition fees do not change during the course of study, provided you enrolled in it in the first year. Many universities offer a range of scholarships for excellent students.

Cost of studying

Bachelor's degree tuition typically ranges from around USD 9,500 to USD 26,000 per year (roughly AED 35,000-95,000), depending on the university and programme, with business and engineering degrees at internationally affiliated campuses generally toward the higher end of that range.

Living expenses

The cost of living in the UAE depends on where exactly you are going to live. Housing is the biggest expense, and prices vary significantly from one emirate to another with Dubai and Abu Dhabi being the most expensive, and Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah offering more affordable options. Most universities offer student accommodation; however, the availability depends on the university. Our counsellors will help you estimate the living costs in your preferred city based on your selected university.

Culture and lifestyle

The UAE is a melting pot of cultures and lifestyles. Here, you can enjoy both modern and traditional experiences. You can go for a desert safari, explore souks and enjoy the view of traditional dhow boats, and at the same time experience the modern entertainment and shop at malls offering branded goods from all over the world. The UAE is full of Indian restaurants and shops and has a rich cultural heritage with numerous Indian festivals, including Diwali, celebrated with enthusiasm and enjoyment. The UAE is also a land of mosques and beautiful mosques, with Abu Dhabi Mosque being the most popular.
The UAE is a very safe country with a low crime rate, and all nationalities are welcome. However, as in any Muslim country, it is essential to follow certain local rules and regulations, such as dressing modestly in public places and respecting Ramadan fasting.

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements For Undergraduate A UAE university entrance exam or equivalent (e.g., IIT-JEE for select universities) Class 12 mark sheet/results (meeting the minimum requirements specified by the university) For Postgraduate A graduate degree (a bachelor's degree from a recognized university) Some programs require work experience/GMAT/GRE English Language Proficiency Test IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE (minimum score requirements vary from university to university) Visa Requirements An offer from a local university (applicants are advised to apply to several universities to increase their chances of meeting the visa eligibility criteria) A valid passport scan/copies of passport Attested academic transcripts as per visa eligibility criteria specified by the university Medical fitness certificate and Emirates ID application upon arrival Some universities offer Golden visa – a long-term residency visa of 5 or 10 years – to high achievers. This depends on the university's entry requirements (usually high GPA is required).

FAQs