Higher education in Dubai for International students

Education in Dubai

Dubai is a symbol of modern wealth and cultural diversity, as well as one of the most dynamic and exciting cities on the planet. With its majestic skyscrapers, luxurious beaches, and cultural treasures, it attracts both tourists and those seeking new opportunities for life and career.

The combination of modernity, diversity, and opportunities makes Dubai an ideal choice for international students who want to pursue higher education in a dynamic and cosmopolitan environment.

The education system in Dubai is known for its high quality of teaching, innovative approaches, and diverse opportunities for students from different cultural and social backgrounds.

The city has more than 65 universities offering various programs in both on-campus and online formats. Dubai also has about 27 campuses of world-renowned universities that provide international students with numerous opportunities to obtain bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Among the best universities in Dubai are:

Why do international students choose to pursue higher education in Dubai?

• Access to world-class university campuses ranked highly in various rankings;
• Employment opportunities in one of the world's fastest-growing economies, which creates hundreds of thousands of new jobs each year;
• Opportunities for paid part-time work and internships for students;
• Numerous scholarships and grants for international students;
• Less strict admission process compared to other countries;
• Diverse educational courses;
• Relatively simple and transparent student visa process;
• Safe environment for living and studying with low crime rates;
• Immersion in an international atmosphere composed of many cultures and nationalities;
• Diverse opportunities for leisure, travel, and recreation, as well as access to world-class services and amenities.

Dubai is a city of the future that has firmly established its reputation as an innovator. It is home to many proactive and enterprising people who are changing the game in urban development, architecture, education, culture, healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Studying in Dubai not only provides world-class education but also helps build a successful future, regardless of the chosen field or interests.

Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Dubai

For international students who want to study in Dubai, gathering the necessary documents is a key step in obtaining higher education in this city.

To apply for a bachelor's degree in Dubai, the following documents are required:

1. Official language certificate (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, EmSAT, PTE Academic), issued no earlier than 2 years before the start of studies at a UAE university.
2. High school diploma. It may need to be certified by the relevant UAE authorities or the UAE embassy in the applicant's home country. Consular legalization of the document in English may also be required.
3. Official transcript of grades from high school for the last 3 years of study (if documents are submitted before receiving the diploma).
4. Completed applicant form with personal information.
5. In some cases, a certificate from the school or supplementary education center confirming the study of 6 subjects in English from various fields of knowledge may be required. If the applicant does not have relevant results in these subjects, private UAE universities offer a Foundation program for preparation.
6. Medical certificate confirming the absence of serious physical illnesses or mental disorders. This document may be required for national universities.
7. Confirmation that the applicant was not expelled from school for poor academic performance or behavior. This is also a special requirement for national universities.

The list of documents may vary depending on the university and program. Before applying, check all the requirements for each program you plan to apply to.

Before applying for a master's degree in Dubai, students also need to gather a set of documents. Typically, this includes:

1. Official language certificate (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, EmSAT, PTE Academic), issued no earlier than 2 years before the start of studies at a UAE university.
2. Higher education diploma with notarized translation.
3. Completed applicant form with personal information.
4. GMAT/GRE test score certificate (required for some programs).
5. Official transcript of grades for the last 3 years of study, also known as the student's academic record (if documents are submitted before receiving the diploma).
6. Letters of recommendation from professors.
7. Motivation letter explaining why the applicant chose this particular program and university.
8. Medical certificate confirming the absence of serious physical illnesses or mental disorders. This document may be required for national universities.
9. Confirmation that the applicant was not expelled from school for poor academic performance or behavior. This is also a special requirement for national universities.

This list of documents may vary depending on the university and chosen program.

The most promising study programs in Dubai

Universities and institutes in Dubai annually accept a large number of students from around the world, offering them a wide selection of courses in English.

The most popular bachelor's programs in Dubai in English:

The most popular master's programs in Dubai in English:

Career in Dubai

The job market in Dubai is growing at a tremendous pace. In recent years, the number of jobs in certain sectors has increased by 20%.

The second wealthiest emirate in the UAE, Dubai is known as the largest business center for Africa and the Middle East. The main sector driving economic growth is tourism. Although Dubai is also rapidly developing in services, information technology, and finance.

The specialized free economic zones Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City are home to leading IT companies and media organizations such as Microsoft, Oracle Corporation, IBM, HP, BBC, CNN, and Sky News.

The most promising sectors for job hunting in Dubai include:

• E-commerce;
• Digital marketing;
• Education;
• Engineering;
• Technology;
• Business;
• Consulting;
• Finance and accounting;
• Architecture;
• Real estate;
• Tourism and hospitality.

Internships in Dubai for Students

Nothing helps students stand out in a competitive job market better than gaining practical experience in their field. In Dubai, many world-class enterprises, such as Emirates and FlyDubai airlines, the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), leading Dubai developer Emaar Properties, and the luxury hotel chain Jumeirah, offer paid internships for students with potential employment opportunities. These programs are available year-round and typically last from 1.5 to 6 months.

Internships allow international students to gain professional experience, build valuable business connections, and learn to successfully market their skills to future employers.

The average monthly salary for interns in Dubai is 6,000 AED (1,600 USD).

Other benefits of internships in Dubai may include transportation allowance, housing support, health insurance, and visa sponsorship by the company.

However, conditions may vary between organizations, so it's important to clarify them during the interview.

Life in Dubai

In this amazing city, every resident and tourist will find leisure activities to their taste: camel riding, shopping at the world's largest mall Dubai Mall, sightseeing, or sports activities, including skydiving and scuba diving.

Culture of Dubai

Deep religious roots can be felt in almost all aspects of daily life in Dubai. Arabs are known for their sincere hospitality: they are tolerant of people from all over the world and willing to share their culture and values.

However, love for traditions here does not contradict continuous technological progress. Every corner of Dubai is imbued with a spirit of innovation and bold ideas. From impressive architectural projects to cutting-edge technological achievements, including autonomous vehicles and smart city concepts—Dubai tirelessly moves forward, exploring new horizons and realizing the boldest dreams. This city is a true magnet for those who strive for innovation and want to be part of something bigger.

Cost of Living in Dubai

Monthly expenses for one person in Dubai average $1,091 (4,010.2 AED) excluding rent.

Rental costs in Dubai:

There are several ways to reduce living expenses in Dubai.

• There are scholarships or grants for talented students. These financial incentives may cover part or all of tuition fees, significantly reducing the financial burden on students.
• Many universities and colleges in Dubai provide dormitories for students, which can substantially save on budget compared to renting an apartment or room off-campus. Additionally, dormitories often offer extra amenities such as common areas, dining halls, and security services.
• Numerous shops, restaurants, cinemas, and other establishments in Dubai offer student discounts. Taking advantage of these can also help save on various expenses like shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Safety in Dubai

Dubai has long had a reputation as one of the safest cities in the world, confirmed by the 2024 Numbeo report, an international database on cost and quality of life. According to it, Dubai is the fifth safest city in the world with an overall safety index of 83.94.

Moreover, the United Arab Emirates actively participates in international testing of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System. This minimizes the risk of natural disasters in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions