Want to study in Dubai? Explore the top universities, best courses, and scholarships, and access comprehensive information about the Dubai student visa.
Key reasons to study in Dubai:
Dubai is becoming a preferred destination for studying abroad. There are over 65 universities and colleges in Dubai and 17 QS-ranked universities. Eleven universities are ranked in the QS World University Rankings, and eight universities have QS Arab Region University Rankings. Dubai has a booming economy with multiple job opportunities, boosting the careers of students who graduate from Dubai.
International students can choose from a broad array of study programs. You can pursue studies in IT, Science, Computers, Business, Aviation, Economics, Architecture, Agriculture, interior design, and other study programs at Dubai universities.
Dubai offers a comprehensive education system with modern infrastructure. Students study on a multicultural campus.
There are primarily two types of Dubai study visa. They are:
*Want assistance to Study Abroad? Y-Axis is here to assist you in all the ways.
The top universities of Dubai are given below.
| University | Rankings |
| Khalifa University | 202 |
| United Arab Emirates University | 261 |
| American University of Sharjah | 332 |
| University of Sharjah | 434 |
| Ajman University | 477 |
| American University of Ras Al Khaimah | 485 |
| Abu Dhabi University | 501 |
| Canadian University Dubai | 523 |
| Al Ain University | 552 |
| American University in Dubai | 621-630 |
*For Admission Assistance in Dubai Universities, Contact Y-Axis!
The annual tuition fee in Dubai ranges from 37,500 to 85,000 AED in private universities. In contrast, the public universities have a fee ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 AED. The tuition fee varies based on your chosen university and study program.
Living expenses in Dubai range from AED 3500 to AED 8000. These include rent, food, internet, and miscellaneous expenses. The cost varies from person to person, based on the chosen location and lifestyle.
| Study Program | Annual Average fees (in AED) |
| Undergraduate | 37,500 to 85,000 |
| Postgraduate | 55,000 to 85,000 |
Dubai universities have primarily three intakes: fall, spring, and summer. The intake varies based on the University and study program.
| Intakes | Study Program | Admission deadlines |
| Fall | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | September- October |
| Spring | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | January - February |
| Summer | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | June - July |
The general eligibility criteria for the Dubai student visa are given below. You must:
Detailed information on the eligibility for different study levels is given below.
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
Applicants for the postgraduate studies must:
The documents required for the Dubai student visa are given below. You must have:
Dubai is popular as an overseas study destination. International students can avail of quality education at inexpensive tuition fees at top universities. The benefits of studying in Dubai are given below.
The detailed procedure for applying for a student visa in Dubai is below.
Step 1: Check if you fulfill the eligibility for a Dubai student visa.
Step 2: Organize the documents required for the visa application.
Step 3: Submit the duly filled Dubai student visa application form.
Step 4: Wait for the approval of your student visa to Dubai.
Step 5: Fly to Dubai for your studies.
Every university or institute in Dubai has admission requirements. Ensure that you comply with all the requirements of your chosen Dubai-based University and submit the application before the deadline. You can get help from a trusted study abroad consultant to make an informed decision about the suitable study program and University.
Universities like Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University, American University of Sharjah, and others are the preferred institutes in which to study in Dubai. The consultants at Y-Axis help you select the best University.
Work opportunities after graduation
International students in Dubai cannot pursue part-time jobs while studying. They can apply for internship opportunities after graduating. Graduates can apply for internships after having the permission and recommendation of their Dubai-based University or institute.
Dubai has introduced the Postgraduate Work Permit for international students. It facilitates recent graduates' extension of stay in Dubai and employment search. The permit is valid for two years after graduation. The Visa helps retain international students with skills and knowledge.
After securing a job, you can apply for a Residence permit for employment to legally work in Dubai. The permit is issued to individuals who intend to work in the private sector in Dubai. It is valid for 3 years.
You must apply for a Dubai work permit to work full-time in Dubai.
Popular courses in Dubai
Some of the popular study programs in Dubai are given below.
| Fields | Study Programs |
| Business and Management | MBA |
| BBA | |
| Accounting and Finance | |
| Human Resource Management | |
| Engineering and Technology | Engineering |
| IT and Computer Science | |
| Digital Technology | |
| Hospitality and Tourism | Tourism |
| Hospitality Management | |
| Other popular courses | Architecture and Urban Planning |
| Media and Communication | |
| Healthcare management | |
| Education | |
| Art and design |
The processing fee for a Dubai student visa ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000. It includes application fees, medical insurance, and a visa security deposit.
Detailed information about the costs of a Dubai student visa is given below.
| Type | Fee (in AED) |
| Visa Processing Fee | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Visa Renewal Fee | 1,500 – 2,000 |
| Medical Fitness Test | 250 – 500 |
| Emirates ID Fee | 370 – 600 |
| Visa Security Deposit | 5,000 |
| Medical Insurance | 2,310 |
| Visa Status Change | 700 |
The processing time for a Dubai study visa ranges from 3 to 6 weeks. Dubai welcomes students from all over the world to pursue various study programs, such as graduate, postgraduate, and master's degrees.
Eligible students are offered enrollment in the universities of Dubai. If you apply for a study visa to Dubai with accurate information and the required documents, the visa application will be processed promptly.
Dubai offers multiple scholarships for international students. The scholarships cover academic fees, living expenses, and other costs. If you are eligible, you can apply for scholarship options with partial to full funding.
The popular scholarships for international students in Dubai are given below.
| Scholarship | Coverage | Eligibility |
| The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Scholarships | Full tuition fee, monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel costs | Varies by program |
| Khalifa University Scholarships | Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel costs | Applicants must have a good academic performance in the chosen field, research potential, and intention to contribute to the advancement of science and technology |
| MBZUAI Scholarships | Full tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel costs | Applicants must have good grades, research potential, and a desire to improve AI for the benefit of humanity |
| Dubai Scholarship | Full tuition fee, monthly stipend, and health insurance | Applicants must have strong academic performance, leadership skills, and commitment to the development of Dubai |
| Zayed University Scholarships | Fully Funded | Applicants must have strong academic performance and financial need |
Y-Axis offers assistance to individuals who want to study in Dubai. The assistance process includes:
Studying abroad helps to increase the possibilities to work and earn more. You can explore new cultures and make international connections. You can enjoy the world-class infrastructure facilities and advanced learning. Innovative methods of teaching help in career advancement. Significantly, when you obtain education from nations like Dubai, you can increase your chances of learning foreign languages and develop international exposure.
The detailed procedure to apply for a Dubai student visa is given below.
Step 1: Secure admission to an educational institute in Dubai.
Step 2: Check your eligibility for the Dubai student visa.
Step 3: Gather the required documents for the Dubai student visa application.
Step 4: Submit the duly filled student visa application form for Dubai.
Step 5: Receive your Dubai student visa.
The UAE student visa cost for international students ranges from AED 2,800 to AED 9,917. It includes fees for application processing, visa issuance, Emirates ID, medical tests, and health insurance. The exact cost depends on whether the individual is applying in or outside the UAE and whether they are selecting normal or express visa processing.
Detailed information about the costs of a Dubai student visa is given below.
| Type of Fee | Cost |
| Application Fee | AED 3,000 - AED 5,000 |
| Medical Test | AED 300 - AED 500 |
| Health Insurance | AED 500 - AED 1,500 (per year) |
| Visa Issuance Fee | Approximately AED 1,200 |
| Emirates ID Fee | AED 370 - AED 600 |
| Visa Renewal | AED 1,500 - AED 2,000 |
Yes, you can work in Dubai while pursuing your education. International students in Dubai can work while studying, but they are limited to part-time jobs under certain regulations. Students can work a maximum of 15 hours per week during the academic term and up to 40 hours per week during breaks and vacations.
You must obtain a work permit from the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to work in Dubai legally.
Key points to consider when working in Dubai as an international student:
To obtain a Dubai residence visa for living and working, you must apply for a post-study Dubai work permit. This permit helps you transition from student life in Dubai to professional life.
To apply for the Dubai residence visa, you must:
The in-demand skills in the UAE include:
If you are a good student with a high GPA, you may be qualified for a UAE Student Visa with a five-year validity period. The following are the eligibility requirements:
For secondary school graduates, a minimum grade of 95 percent in a public or private secondary school is required.
For university graduates: A GPA of at least 3.75 from a university in or outside the UAE is required.
The bearer of this sort of UAE visa is also permitted to bring dependents with them.
You can travel outside DUBAI. But, No student is allowed the stay away from DUBAI for more than 6 months and the visa will be treated invalid and cancelled.
All passengers travelling to Dubai from any point of origin (GCC countries included) must hold a negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate for a test taken no more than 72 hours before departure.
Passengers arriving in Dubai from India will be required to take another COVID‑19 PCR test on arrival at Dubai International airport.
A Student Visa is required if you are a guy over the age of 18 who wishes to pursue higher education in a UAE college or university. That’s because, as a guy, once you reach the age of 18, you can no longer be on your parents’ visa.
The UAE government, on the other hand, adopted a new guideline for dependent sons of UAE visa holders in 2018. According to the new rule, you are eligible for a 1-year UAE Residence Visa after completing secondary education or reaching the age of 18, whichever comes first. The visa can be renewed for another year.
Daughters can, however be sponsored by their fathers as long as they are unmarried.
