Study in the UAE
Higher education and student visas in the United Arab Emirates
Higher education is regulated federally by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research through the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), which licenses institutions and accredits programmes.
Overview
Why study in UAE?
Higher education is regulated federally by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research through the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), which licenses institutions and accredits programmes. CAA licensing is compulsory outside free zones; Dubai free-zone institutions may instead hold KHDA authorisation, which is not CAA accreditation.
Campuses active on the CAA register include Middlesex, Heriot-Watt, Birmingham, Wollongong, Curtin, Amity, Manipal, BITS Pilani and Symbiosis. A campus licence is not programme accreditation; check the programme before paying a deposit.
For Indian applicants: under UGC rules, recognition in India of an offshore campus qualification requires the campus to be approved in the UAE and in the parent university's country, and the programme to meet accreditation requirements in both. Franchised qualifications are excluded.
Arabic is the official language; these campuses teach in English (confirm per programme). In Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman, July highs average 39.3 to 40.8 °C and January highs 23.3 to 23.8 °C.
Campuses active on the CAA register include Middlesex, Heriot-Watt, Birmingham, Wollongong, Curtin, Amity, Manipal, BITS Pilani and Symbiosis. A campus licence is not programme accreditation; check the programme before paying a deposit.
For Indian applicants: under UGC rules, recognition in India of an offshore campus qualification requires the campus to be approved in the UAE and in the parent university's country, and the programme to meet accreditation requirements in both. Franchised qualifications are excluded.
Arabic is the official language; these campuses teach in English (confirm per programme). In Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman, July highs average 39.3 to 40.8 °C and January highs 23.3 to 23.8 °C.
Quick facts
Everything you need to know at a glance.
- Language of instruction
- Arabic (official); the branch campuses we list teach in English (confirm per programme)
- Tuition fees
- AED 47,820 – 174,509 / year
- Avg monthly cost
- $1,800 / month (approx.)
- English test
- IELTS 5.0–6.5 overall, depending on programme
- Top student cities
- Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman
- Currency
- AED
Where students go
Top student cities
From the capital to quieter university towns — where our UAE students actually enrol.
Dubai13 universities · 413 programmes
Ras Al Khaimah1 university · 23 programmes
City photographs from Wikimedia Commons · Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah
Before you travel
Student visa
Get your student visa with a simple and transparent process.
International students need a student residence visa, sponsored by an accredited university or college or by a UAE-resident parent; you cannot sponsor yourself. The university acts as host and guarantor and issues a certificate stating the duration of study.
Read the full guidance
Steps: entry permit through the university, entry to the UAE, medical fitness test, Emirates ID biometrics, then the residence visa is issued. Complete these within 60 days of entry to avoid overstay fines. Health insurance is required. In Dubai, the residence permit fees total AED 240 if you apply from outside the UAE and AED 740 from inside; the medical test, Emirates ID and insurance cost extra.
- 1Apply to a universitySecure your admission offer
- 2Prepare your documentsWe check every page with you
- 3Submit the applicationLodged with the consulate or online
- 4Receive your permitTravel with your study permit in hand
Documents we prepare with you
- Valid passport
- Admission letter
- Proof of funds
- Academic certificates
- Passport photos
While you study
Work while studying
Earn, gain experience and build your future.
- Work during study needs a permit applied for by the employer: a student training and employment permit (valid 3 months) or a part-time work permit.
- There is no post-study work visa.
More on working here
- Eligible graduates can apply within 2 years of graduating for a single-entry jobseeker visit visa of 60, 90 or 120 days with no sponsor; a bachelor's degree and a financial guarantee are required.
- Work then needs an employer-sponsored permit.
- UAE university graduates with a GPA of 3.5 or higher (classification A universities) or 3.8 or higher (classification B) can apply within 2 years for a 10-year Golden Visa.
Work today, build tomorrow
Our counsellors explain the hours, permits and paperwork before you land.
Funding
Scholarships and funding
Programmes in UAE that list a scholarship on our catalogue.
- Abu Dhabi UniversityScholarships are available up to 25% based on Academic Merit. The scholarship amount may vary depending on the tuition feesThe scholarship amount may vary depending on the tuition fees.BSc in Aviation
Programmes
Top programmes in UAE
Popular programs from our catalogue — Empire Overseas Education verified ones carry a verified badge
ArchitectureVerified
Bachelor of Architecture
American University of Ras Al Khaimah
- Bachelor
- 5 years
- AED 63,290/year
- IELTS 5.0
Media & FilmVerified
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication
American University of Ras Al Khaimah
- Bachelor
- 4 years
- AED 60,260/year
- IELTS 5.0
Data & AIVerified
Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
American University of Ras Al Khaimah
- Bachelor
- 4 years
- AED 63,290/year
- IELTS 5.0
TechnologyVerified
Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology
American University of Ras Al Khaimah
- Bachelor
- 4 years
- AED 63,290/year
- IELTS 5.0
Institutions
Top universities in UAE
Institutions we can apply to on your behalf.
UAEGood to know
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions about studying in UAE.