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Studying in the Emirates (Dubai)

With its international universities and modern educational facilities, the UAE is an attractive destination for Iranian students. The high quality of education and job opportunities after graduation are among the most important advantages of this country. However, tuition fees and living expenses are relatively high, and it is important to have a detailed financial plan before making a move.

 

Student living costs: From $1,000 per month
Annual tuition: From about $7,000 per year
Student work opportunities: 20 hours per week
Post-study residency opportunity: 4 months

Increasing demand for education in the UAE

The UAE has become increasingly popular as a study destination for international students; applications to study in the UAE in 2025 have increased significantly, especially in the MENA region.

Increasing courses in artificial intelligence in the UAE

Dubai universities have launched new courses and programs, especially in promising fields such as artificial intelligence, hotel management, data science, and the environment.

 

Why the UAE? Benefits and Challenges

Studying in Dubai ( United Arab Emirates ), with its international universities, advanced educational facilities, and multicultural environment, is a valuable opportunity for students to grow academically and professionally. However, high costs, harsh weather conditions, and some cultural and social restrictions are among the challenges that you should carefully consider before making a decision.

 

Challenges

High costs of education and living
Limited competition for scholarships
Lack of academic freedom on par with some Western countries
High dependence on the oil economy and labor market fluctuations
Heavy focus on private and commercially oriented universities

Benefits

International and globally renowned universities
Studying in English
High quality of university infrastructure and facilities
Convenient geographical location and proximity to Iran
Social security and high quality of life
Job opportunities after graduation

UAE education system

Bachelor's degree

Tuition: $10,000 to $25,000 per year
Age limit: At least 17 years old
Language: English as the basis for many courses
Minimum GPA: 14
Test: emSAT test for public universities
Student work permit: 15 hours per week
Companion visa: if housing is provided for family and spouse
Post-study work permit: Two-year PGWP program

Master's degree

Tuition: $7,000 to $15,000 per year
Age limit: None
Language: English as the basis for many courses
Minimum GPA: 16
Exam: None, except for certain fields.
Student work permit: 20 hours per week
Companion visa: if housing is provided for family and spouse
Post-study work permit: Two-year PGWP program

Doctorate

Tuition: $8,000 to $17,000 per year
Age limit:None
Language: English language certificate
Minimum GPA: 15
Test: GRE
Student work permit: 20 hours per week
Companion visa: if housing is provided for family and spouse
Post-study work permit: Two-year PGWP program

Schools

Tuition: $10,000 to $40,000 per year
Age limit: 4 to 18 years
Language: English or German
Minimum GPA: 12
Exam: May be internal school exams
Student work permit: No
Companion visa: None
Work permit after graduation: No

Application time: For the fall semester 2025 until March 31, 2025 , for the spring semester 2026 until October 31, 2025

Studying in UAE schools
Schooling in the UAE is compulsory for all children aged 6 to 18, whether native or expatriate. Schools in the UAE are divided into public, private and international schools. Only Emirati nationals can study in public schools, which are free of charge. Expatriates must enroll in international or public schools, both of which require tuition fees. The language of instruction in UAE schools is Arabic, with emphasis on English as a second language.

One of the important differences between public and private schools is gender segregation. According to the law, in public schools, both in primary and secondary schools, boys and girls are educated separately and cannot interact with each other even during free time. However, in private schools, classes are held in a mixed format at all levels of education. Documents required for registration in UAE schools :

* Emirates ID
* Birth certificate
* Documents related to student health
* Certificate of completion of previous education/last grade report card/year of registration and transfer certificate
* If there has been a break in a * student's studies, he or she must take a placement test.
Bachelor's degree in the UAE
There are a variety of undergraduate programs in the UAE, both full-time and part-time. Full-time undergraduate courses in this country usually last between three and four years . The main language of instruction at the undergraduate level in most universities in this country is English. Therefore, to apply and gain admission, you must obtain a TOEFL or IELTS certificate . Given that the UAE is an Arabic-speaking country, it is better for people to be somewhat fluent in Arabic. The documents required for undergraduate studies in Dubai include the following:


* Diploma certificates and 12-year school certificates
* Academic transcripts and application form
Resume
* English language certificate (IELTS 6 or TOEFL equivalent)
* Health certificate and insurance documents
Studying a Master's Degree in the UAE
After completing your bachelor's degree, you must start a master's degree to continue your studies in Dubai. A full-time master's degree in the UAE lasts one or two years . However, online master's degrees are also offered at universities in the country, which can last up to five years . The main language of instruction for postgraduate studies in the UAE is English. However, studying at some institutions may also require a minimum knowledge of Arabic.

The documents required to study a master's degree in the UAE are:

* Bachelor's degree approved by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education
* Transcripts of previous academic degrees
* Scan of passport or ID card
* Resume
* GRE test (if required)
* GMAT exam (if required)
* Language test score (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent)
Studying a PhD in the UAE
The structure of education and study at the doctoral level in the UAE is similar to that in the United States, and students are required to conduct independent research and present its results in the form of a thesis. The duration of study at this level takes three to four years , depending on the field of study . The documents required to study a doctoral degree in the UAE include the following:

* Master's degree approved by the * UAE Ministry of Higher Education
GRE test
* MCAT exam (if required)
* Language scores ( IELTS score of 7 or equivalent TOEFL test )
* A research proposal, which is a summary of the applicant's doctoral project.

Cost of studying in the UAE

One of the main concerns of those who plan to continue their studies in Dubai is the cost of education. The cost of studying in the UAE may vary depending on the university you attend, your level of study, and your field of study. In the table below, you can see the cost of studying at different levels at a number of universities in the UAE.

Scholarships in the UAE

Students who intend to study in the UAE can also take advantage of the country’s various scholarships. UAE scholarships are generally university-based and are awarded to those who are accepted to study at the same university. UAE scholarships are usually awarded to master’s and doctoral students and cover all or part of the cost of education and living expenses. The best fields to receive UAE scholarships are humanities and social sciences , basic sciences , management and economics , medicine and health sciences . Some of the country’s important scholarships include:

  • The UAE University scholarship covers up to 7,500 dirhams ($2,041.91) per month.
  • The Khalifa University scholarship covers up to 12,000 dirhams ($3,267.05) per month.
  • Khalifa University Undergraduate Scholarship, the amount covered depends on the student’s scores on the language test.

Top Universities in the UAE

Dubai universities have advanced scientific and welfare facilities. The academic programs of these universities are in accordance with the latest world standards. However, among the top 500 universities in the world in the QS World Ranking , only 5 Emirati universities are listed. Another 5 UAE universities have ranked between 500 and 1000.

Steps for academic immigration to the UAE

1
Free initial consultation
Via call, online chat on the site or social networks
2
Method selection
Dedicated consultation and detailed review of methods by an immigration expert.
3
Contract conclusion
Increase your immigration chances by considering multiple countries in one file.
4
Start the process
Assigning a case follow-up force alongside the research and development team to accompany you.
5
Reviewing options and choosing
Providing you with all possible opportunities and guidance for making the final decision.
6
Collecting and completing documents
Guidance for collecting documents, translating, participating in interviews, and more.
7
Full flight and deployment
Visa pickup services, ticket purchase, assistance with complete accommodation, and legal matters in the destination country

Requirements and documents required to study in the UAE

One of the most important things in academic admission is the completeness of the required documents. The documents required to continue studying in the UAE may vary depending on the university and the desired level of study. In general, the documents required to continue studying in the UAE are:

  • Diploma certificates and 12-year school certificates
  • English language certificate (IELTS 6 or TOEFL equivalent)
  • Health certificate and insurance documents

For postgraduate studies:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree approved by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education
  • Transcripts of previous academic degrees
  • Scan of passport or ID card
  • Resume
  • GRE test (if required)
  • GMAT exam (if required)
  • Language test score (IELTS 6.5 and 7 or TOEFL equivalent)
Grade point average requirement
The GPA requirement varies depending on the university and field, but typically a GPA of 14 to 15 out of 20 is required for undergraduate degrees and 16 or higher for graduate degrees.

Entrance exam
Most universities do not have entrance exams, except in fields such as medicine, engineering, or design, where a skills test or academic interview may be held.
Language certificate
The main language of instruction in most university programs, especially at the undergraduate and graduate levels, is English , and presenting a valid language certificate (such as IELTS or TOEFL ) is considered a major admission requirement.

Student visa
If the person is a student, he/she must be under the guardianship of his/her parents and his/her visa is attached to the parents’ visa. Students who wish to study in the UAE must apply for a student visa. Students must be at least 18 years old to apply for a UAE study visa . Before applying for a study visa, you must first receive an acceptance letter from your desired university. Documents and requirements that are necessary when applying for a UAE study visa:

* Obtaining a medical health certificate
* Approval from the Directorate *General of Residence and Foreign Affairs
* A valid passport with at least six months remaining and two blank pages for visas.
* Four sets of copies of passport
* 12 passport photos
* Bank statements showing sufficient funds in the account
* Copy of tuition receipt for the current academic year
* Copy of receipt for visa fees for the current academic year

Student dormitories and residences in the UAE

Living in student residences is more comfortable and cheaper than living in private homes. However, it should be noted that the number of such residences in the UAE is small and you may have to rent a private home. The cost of renting or paying for student dormitories varies depending on the city of residence. Dubai, followed by Abu Dhabi, are the most expensive cities in the UAE . The cities of Sharjah, Fujairah and Al Ain are considered cheaper options.

To use the dormitory, students must pay a deposit and a monthly rent. Dormitory fees usually range from 1,500 to 3,000 dirhams ($408.38 to $816.76) per month . Dormitories in the UAE are usually apartment complexes with single or shared rooms. They are also equipped with study rooms, lounges, and gyms.

 

Cities suitable for studying in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has become one of the most attractive study destinations in the region, with its modern, safe and multicultural cities. Major cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are home to prestigious international universities and advanced educational institutions, providing international students with the opportunity to study in a dynamic and global environment. Each of these cities has its own unique characteristics in terms of living costs, quality of education and student lifestyle.

  • Dubai: Dubai is a great destination for international students. It is ranked 51st in the world for student cities in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) rankings. Dubai’s strengths include its diverse international student mix, post-graduate employment opportunities, educational infrastructure and modern living.
  • Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is also a popular city for international study; in the QS rankings, Abu Dhabi ranks around “71”. The city is a serious option for international students due to its prestigious universities, high security, and good amenities.
  • Sharjah: Sharjah has recently emerged as one of the top student cities in the UAE, performing well in Student Mix indicators. While it may not be as well-known as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, it may be a more affordable option for students looking to experience studying in the UAE at a relatively low cost.

Student work in the UAE

One of the most common concerns of students who immigrate to the UAE to study is the conditions for working alongside their studies. Until a few years ago, foreign students did not have the right to work while studying in various cities in the UAE, but today the situation has changed. International students in cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc. can have part-time jobs or be interns. The UAE student visa does not allow students to work full-time. Also, students need to obtain a permit from the UAE Labor Department to have a part-time job. As long as the student does not have financial support from the university, he will not be granted a part-time work permit.

For a student to work after completing their studies, it is essential to have a UAE work visa. Otherwise, and with only a study visa, one cannot start working. Working after studying in the UAE is one of the important goals of students, and in order to achieve this, individuals must take the necessary steps to obtain a work visa, such as presenting a valid job offer .

UAE residency requirements through study

If you are planning to convert your residency to permanent residency in the UAE, you should know that obtaining permanent residency and citizenship in this country is a very difficult and lengthy process. Of course, in 2023, the UAE made changes to the conditions for obtaining residency in this country, according to which the government of this country issues ten-year visas to students and professors under certain conditions (the ten-year UAE visa). However, in general, obtaining permanent residency and citizenship in the UAE is only possible under certain conditions such as investment, marriage or the birth of a child, and the United Arab Emirates, unlike many other countries, does not offer permanent residency or citizenship through obtaining a student visa, which we have discussed in detail on the page on ways to obtain UAE residency .

Comparing the UAE with other countries

Studying in the UAE has its own unique characteristics compared to other countries, especially in the Middle East and even globally. The UAE has managed to bring its education system closer to global standards by attracting branches of prestigious international universities such as New York University Abu Dhabi, Heriot-Watt University Dubai and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. While many countries in the region still rely on traditional education systems, the UAE has established itself as an international educational hub with its modern infrastructure, English-language courses and multicultural environment.

However, compared to countries such as the Netherlands, Germany or Canada, the cost of studying and living in the UAE is generally higher and there are fewer scholarship options available to international students. On the other hand, the UAE has a clear advantage over some Asian countries in terms of geographical location, security, economic stability and regional job opportunities. Overall, the UAE can be considered a combination of Western educational quality, advanced facilities and a strategic location in the Middle East; however, to fully benefit from these advantages, careful financial planning and cultural adaptation are required.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to study medicine and dentistry in the United Arab Emirates?
How much does it cost to study medicine and dentistry in the United Arab Emirates?
Can I work while studying in Dubai?
Yes. Expats can work part-time while studying, which is one of the benefits of studying in Dubai . International students can work 15 hours a week and up to 60 hours a month during their studies. They can also work up to 40 hours a week and 160 hours a month during their school holidays.

How much does it cost to live in Dubai while studying?
To live in the UAE, you should budget around $1,085 per month.
Is it possible to transfer academic credits from foreign universities to Dubai universities?
Yes, many universities in Dubai have a credit transfer system that allows students to transfer credits earned at reputable foreign universities and continue their studies more quickly.