Dubai (UAE)
Dubai has emerged as a major regional education hub, enrolling 42,026 students across 41 higher education institutions in 2024/25, reflecting strong year-on-year growth driven by international and domestic demand. The emirate hosts one of the world’s largest concentrations of international branch campuses, offering globally recognised degrees under UAE regulatory oversight. Students benefit from a tax-free employment environment, competitive salaries, expanding post-study work options, and proximity to Middle East, African, and Asian job markets. Academic quality and licensing are regulated by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) with local oversight by KHDA in Dubai.
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Key insights
42,026
International Students
81.4%
Employment Rate
12 month
Post Study Work Rights
15-20 hours
Part Time Work
AED 15 to AED 30 per hour
Hourly Wage For Student Level Jobs
N/A
Institutions Are Regulated Under National Education Quality Frameworks (TEQSA & ASQA)
Cost of Studying in Dubai (UAE)
Bachelor's Degree
40,000 - 85,000
Bachelor's (International Branch Campuses)
55,000 - 90,000
Bachelor's (Most Affordable)
35,000 - 55,000
Master's Degree
55,000 - 100,000
Master's (International Branch Campuses)
65,000 - 120,000
MBA Programs
80,000 - 150,000 (total program)
Medicine/Healthcare
80,000 - 120,000
Engineering Programs
50,000 - 85,000
Business Administration
45,000 - 80,000
Arts/Design
40,000 - 65,000
Cost of Living in Dubai (UAE)
Admission Requirements for Studying in Dubai (UAE)
- Academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Certified English translations of academic documents where required
- Secondary school certificate (typically 70–80% minimum, institution-dependent) or recognised undergraduate degree for postgraduate programs
- Official acceptance letter from a UAE higher education institution licensed by MoHESR
- Valid passport with minimum 18 months validity from intended entry date
- Recent passport-sized photographs meeting UAE specifications
- English language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or equivalent)
- Statement of Purpose for postgraduate programs outlining academic goals and career plans
- Letters of Recommendation (usually 2–3) for postgraduate and research programs
- Curriculum Vitae detailing education, work experience, and achievements
- Proof of financial capacity covering tuition fees and first-year living expenses
- Medical fitness certificate from an approved medical centre
- Attested academic certificates (UAE Embassy attestation or apostille)
- Police clearance or good conduct certificate from home country
- Health insurance coverage (often arranged through the university)
- Proof of accommodation or university housing confirmation
- GMAT score for MBA programs where required (typically 550–650)
- Relevant work experience documentation for MBA and select Master’s programs
- Portfolio for creative disciplines such as Design, Architecture, and Fine Arts
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Book A FREE ConsultationLanguage Requirements
| English Language Test | Required Score |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor's: 6.0-6.5 overall Master's: 6.5-7.0 overall Professional Programs: 7.0+ overall |
|
Bachelor's: 79-90 overall Master's: 90-100 overall Professional Programs: 100+ overall |
|
Bachelor's: 50-58 overall Master's: 58-65 overall Professional Programs: 65+ overall |
|
Bachelor's: Grade C or B Master's/PhD: Grade B or A |
|
Bachelor's: 50-58 Master's: 58-70 |
|
Bachelor's: 1400+ (UAE national standardized test) |
Visa Requirements
Dubai (UAE) Study Visa requirements:
Document Checklist:
- Valid passport with minimum 18 months validity from entry date
- Acceptance letter from UAE higher education institution licensed by MoHESR
- Passport-sized photographs meeting UAE specifications (white background, specific dimensions)
- Academic transcripts and certificates attested by UAE Embassy or through apostille process
- English language proficiency test results meeting institutional requirements
- Medical fitness certificate from approved medical examination center
- Proof of financial resources: Bank statements, sponsor letters demonstrating ability to cover tuition and living expenses
- Health insurance coverage (typically arranged by university)
- Tenancy agreement or student housing confirmation
- Good conduct certificate from home country
- Visa application fee: AED 3,000-4,000 for processing
- Medical examination fee for approved clinics in UAE
- Emirates ID application documents
- University sponsorship letter
- Proof of payment for tuition fees (first installment or full year depending on institution)
Intakes in Dubai (UAE)
|
Intake |
Application Timeline |
|
September - Main Intake 60% of admissions |
March - June current year |
|
January - Secondary Intake 30% of admissions |
September - November previous year |
|
May - Limited Intake 10% of admissions |
January - March current year (select programs) |
Post-Study Work Opportunities in Dubai (UAE)
|
Field |
Average Salary (AED/Month) |
Employment Rate |
|
Software Engineering |
10,000 - 15,000 |
88% |
|
IT & Computer Science |
8,000 - 14,000 |
85% |
|
Engineering (All) |
8,000 - 15,000 |
86% |
|
Business & Finance |
7,000 - 12,000 |
82% |
|
Healthcare Professions |
8,000 - 15,000 |
90% |
|
Data Science & AI |
10,000 - 16,000 |
87% |
Scholarships in Dubai (UAE)
|
Scholarship Name |
Administered By |
Eligibility |
Benefits |
|
Lutfia Rabbani MSR Scholarship |
Rabbani Foundation |
Students meeting foundation criteria for academic excellence and financial need |
Varies: partial to full funding (check foundation website for current programs) |
|
Scholarship Office (SCO) - Ministry of Presidential Affairs |
Ministry of Presidential Affairs |
UAE nationals and select international students in priority fields |
Full or partial tuition coverage depending on program |
|
TRA Scholarship Program |
Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority |
Students in ICT, telecommunications, digital technology fields |
Tuition support for technology-related programs |
|
EDAAD Program |
Ministry of Community Development |
Emirati students and select categories meeting criteria |
Financial support for education expenses |
|
University of Birmingham Dubai Scholarships |
University of Birmingham Dubai |
Merit-based for outstanding students, need-based for students with financial constraints |
25-50% tuition fee reduction, flexible payment plans |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Merit Scholarships |
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
High-achieving students based on secondary school or previous degree results |
Up to 50% tuition coverage, early-bird discounts available |
|
Khalifa University Scholarships |
Khalifa University |
Outstanding students in STEM fields with excellent academic records |
Full or partial tuition coverage depending on academic achievement |
|
University-Specific Excellence Awards |
Various UAE Universities |
First-year and continuing students maintaining high GPA (typically 3.5+) |
10-50% tuition fee reduction renewable based on GPA maintenance |
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A special thanks to my counselor, Mr. Riyad Jahangir Dip, for his exceptional guidance and assistance. From university selection to visa processing, his expertise made everything smooth and stress-free also his friendly behaviour help me in every sector.
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About PFEC Global
Beginning in 2006, PFEC Global’s expertise in student migration consultancy evolved from a single Melbourne office to a multinational presence, spanning Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India. We proudly represent international educational institutions, turning students' dreams into reality.