Study in United Arab Emirates
Study in the United Arab Emirates across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and other major education hubs.
Average tuition
USD 6-USD 189.5k per year
Living cost
Varies by city, accommodation style, and student lifestyle
Popular intakes
Major Intakes January, May & September, July Intake, Sep Intake & Oct Intake
Work rights
Student work rules depend on visa category, local policy, and employer requirements
Plan your United Arab Emirates application with clear sections, not guesswork.
Study in the United Arab Emirates across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and other major education hubs. This guide brings together university options, common courses, living costs, scholarships, intakes, eligibility, visa steps, work options, and documents so students and parents can compare the destination before starting an application.
57+
universities to compare
8+
sample program pathways
10
student cities and campuses
Why Study in United Arab Emirates?
- United Arab Emirates gives international students access to 57 university options across 11 student locations.
- Students can compare programs by tuition, duration, intake timing, scholarship availability, and English language expectations.
- The iAdmission catalog helps families review universities, fees, documents, and application steps before submitting a profile.
- Program availability can be checked with a counsellor so students avoid applying to unsuitable or closed intakes.
Universities
Universities in United Arab Emirates
University of Birmingham
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
13 programs • $114,602/year
University of Wollongong
Knowledge Park, United Arab Emirates
16 programs • $39,231/year
Curtin University
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
9 programs • $56,700/year
Heriot Watt University, Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
22 programs • $71,500/year
Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
22 programs • $44,100/year
Murdoch University
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
12 programs • $37,500/year
Courses
Courses to Study in United Arab Emirates
achelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
American University in Dubai • bachelor
$101,010/year • 48 Months
Applied Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering
Emirates Aviation University • bachelor
$90,000/year • 48 Months
Applied Bachelor in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Emirates Aviation University • bachelor
$98,000/year • 54 Months
Applied Bachelor in Avionics Engineering
Emirates Aviation University • bachelor
$90,000/year • 48 Months
Applied Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering
Emirates Aviation University • bachelor
$90,000/year • 48 Months
ATHE Level 5 - Extended Diploma in Management
University of Greater Manchester Ras Al Khaimah • bachelor
$45,000/year • 12 Months
ATHE Level 5 – Diploma in Computing
University of Greater Manchester Ras Al Khaimah • bachelor
$45,000/year • 12 Months
ATHE Level 7 - Diploma in Strategic Management
University of Greater Manchester Ras Al Khaimah • bachelor
$25,500/year • 16 Months
Tuition Fees in United Arab Emirates
- Indicative tuition range: USD 6-USD 189.5k per year.
- Final tuition is confirmed by the university offer letter, invoice, scholarship decision, and intake.
- Clinical, laboratory, aviation, design, and specialist programs can cost more than general business or humanities routes.
Cost of Living in United Arab Emirates
- Living cost depends on the city, housing type, transport, insurance, food, and personal spending.
- Common student locations include Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ajman, Campus.
- Students should also budget for deposits, visa or residence fees, document translation, insurance, and travel.
Scholarships in United Arab Emirates
- Merit-based awards
- Early application discounts
- University-specific scholarships
- Subject, faculty, or partner-funded reductions where available
Intakes in United Arab Emirates
- Major Intakes January, May & September, July Intake, Sep Intake & Oct Intake are listed among available intake options.
- Competitive programs should be started several months before the intended intake.
- Visa, residence, scholarship, and document legalization timelines should be included in the plan.
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic transcripts and completion certificates
- Valid passport
- Program-specific subject prerequisites
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter where required
- CV, portfolio, references, or interview for selected programs
Exams Required
- Available language options in the catalog include English.
- IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, prior English-medium education, or internal university assessment may be accepted depending on the university.
- Healthcare, education, and regulated programs may require higher language scores or additional checks.
United Arab Emirates student visa guide
- Receive a conditional or unconditional offer from the university
- Accept the offer and pay any required deposit
- Prepare financial proof, academic documents, passport, insurance, and supporting forms
- Submit visa, residence, or entry documentation through the required official process
- Track the decision and prepare arrival, accommodation, and enrolment steps
Jobs in United Arab Emirates
- Part-time work options depend on visa conditions and local labour rules.
- Internships, placements, or work-integrated learning may be available in selected programs.
- Students should not rely on part-time income as the only way to pay tuition or living costs.
Required Documents
- Passport
- Academic transcripts
- Diploma, degree certificate, or school completion certificate
- English language proof where required
- CV or resume
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- Recommendation letters, portfolio, or interview documents where required
- Financial documents for visa or residence processing
Top Cities in United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi
2 universities/campuses
Abu Dhabi, Al Ain
1 universities/campuses
Ajman
2 universities/campuses
Campus
3 universities/campuses
Campus
2 universities/campuses
Dubai
39 universities/campuses
Dubai
1 universities/campuses
Knowledge Park
4 universities/campuses
Production City
1 universities/campuses
Ras Al Khaimah
11 universities/campuses
Top Admits in United Arab Emirates
Business pathway admit
Bachelor profile reviewed with SOP, transcripts, and English proof
University of Birmingham
Technology pathway admit
Shortlisted by fees, city preference, intake, and career goals
University of Wollongong
Healthcare pathway admit
Document checklist prepared early for university and visa review
Curtin University
Why Choose iAdmission
- Shortlist countries, universities, and programs based on budget, academic profile, and intake timing.
- Get a practical document checklist before submitting applications.
- Use counsellor support for eligibility, scholarship, visa, and parent questions.
- Apply through one guided workflow instead of managing every university separately.
FAQs About Studying in United Arab Emirates
How many universities are available in United Arab Emirates?+
The iAdmission catalog currently lists 57 university options for United Arab Emirates. Availability can change by intake and program.
Can I apply to programs in United Arab Emirates through iAdmission?+
Yes. You can shortlist programs, check eligibility, prepare documents, and submit an application request through iAdmission. Final decisions are made by universities and official authorities.
Are scholarships available in United Arab Emirates?+
Scholarship availability depends on the university, intake, program, academic profile, and deadlines. iAdmission can help identify suitable options before submission.