The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its sophisticated infrastructure, high-quality education, and cosmopolitan environment. Because of its strategic location and vibrant atmosphere, it has become one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world for international students. Here are ten main reasons to choose UAE as an international study destination.
UAE AT GLANCE:
- The UAE has seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain.
- Abu Dhabi is the capital; and Dubai is largest city and hub for business activities.
- Popular student destinations include Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah
- Located in the middle of the Arabian Gulf the country enjoys a sub-tropical climate, which ranges from 10 degrees in the winter to 50 degrees in the summer.
- The UAE is a popular study destination, with top-class universities and modern facilities. The official language is Arabic but the main language of higher education is in fact English.
- The UAE has low levels of violent and property crime and is generally considered a safe place to live. However, to avoid falling foul of the law you’ll need to respect the country’s Islamic culture and local customs. Contrary to popular stereotypes the rules around dress are more liberal in expat or tourist areas, where it’s acceptable to express your individual style and culture. That’s makes UAE a multicultural country.
- UAE is tourist destination. There are number of tourist attractions.
UAE Education System:
The UAE’s higher education system opted the modern world education system from France, Canada, Germany, the UK and USA. The number of institutions is ever increasing but there are currently three state-funded universities and more than 50 private, local institutions. In fact, the UAE is home to some of the best universities in the Gulf region.
This trio of public universities includes:
- Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) – the UAE’s largest university.
- UAE University (UAEU) – the country’s flagship university offering many internationally accredited programmes.
- Zayed University (ZU) – established in 1998 as a female-only institution but now open to males.
Accreditations and authorised bodies:
Federal:
Educational institutions are governed by the Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research.Ministry of Education (MOE) handles all stages of education in the UAE including schools, colleges, universities and post-graduation programmes.The Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE) – Public Schools
The Emirates Schools Establishment is an independent federal entity, It aims to enhance the efficiency of the public schools in the UAE by offering a positive, learning environment enriched with innovation, knowledge and skills.
ESE undertakes several responsibilities related to the teaching staff in all public schools across the country, the students’ wellbeing, the management of exams and results, and all operations-related matters such as: school uniform, books, transportation etc.
Local:
Abu DhabiDepartment of Education and Knowledge was (DEK) established by the H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (late), former President of the UAE aiming to develop education and educational institutions in the emirate.
The department is responsible for supervising, regulating and spearheading the development initiatives within the education sector in the Abu Dhabi emirate, including public and private schools.Dubai
Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has the authority to inspect schools in the emirate and is responsible for the growth and quality of private education in Dubai. It supports schools, parents, students, educators, investors and government partners to create a high-quality education sector focused on happiness and wellbeing.
Sharjah
In November 2018, the Government of Sharjah issued the Emiri Decree to establish Sharjah Private Education Authority. The new education authority is affiliated to Sharjah Government and enjoys a legal personality and full capacity to achieve its objectives.
Other emirates
- Schools in Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Fujairah operate under MOE through local branches or educational zones.
The most prestigious private universities include:
- Abu Dhabi University (ADU)
- Al Ain University
- Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KU)
- University of Sharjah (UOS).
- University of Arab Emirates
- Ajman University
- American University in Dubai (AUD)
- American University of Sharjah (AUS)
International institutions also have universities or campuses in the UAE, including those from Australia, Canada, the UK and USA.
There are ten UAE institutions in the QS World University Rankings 2022, these include:
- Abu Dhabi University
- Khalifa University
- United Arab Emirates University
- University of Sharjah
- Ajman University
- Al Ain University
- American University Dubai
- American University of Sharjah
- Canadian University Dubai
Degree courses in the UAE
Bachelors’ programmes at UAE institutions are available in a range of subjects. Full-time courses take three to four years to complete.
Universities set their own admission requirements, but to be accepted for course international students usually need a high school leaver’s certificate or equivalent and EmSAT specific test score for each subject.
The universities teach in English, students who don’t have English as native language, will also need to prove proficiency through an IELTS or TOEFL test. Despite the fact that many universities teach in English.
Masters’ degrees
Most Masters programmes in the UAE are structured in a similar way to those in other parts of the world, with MAs and MScs available. You must have a Bachelor’s degree to be accepted onto a course. Programmes are taught on a full-time basis and last for one or two years.
PhDs
PhDs in the UAE follow a similar structure to those in the UK. Students are required to conduct independent research and submit a Doctoral programme typically last three to four years, depending on your field of study. You must have a Master’s degree to apply for these research-based programmes.
Student exchanges
The UAE is one of the planet’s most cutting-edge locations, number of UK, US, Canadian and Australian universities have developed campuses in the country.
You may be eligible for postgraduate exchange programmes with your university, so check with your tutor or institution’s international office. The UAE institution you’re interested in attending may also be able to help.
Course fees
Universities in the UAE set their own fees so costs vary depending on your course, level of study and location.
Tuition fees for postgraduate courses are often expensive but the cost of programmes varies significantly. Fees can cost anything between AED 48,000 (£9,668) to AED 120,450 (£24,262) for one year.
All courses are assessed in semester credit hours. There are also additional costs to consider such as application fees, accommodation, study materials, food and travel.
Funding to study and scholarships in the UAE
Tuition fees might be on the pricey side but there are a select number of funding options.
The government scholarships on offer are often reserved for UAE nationals however, some institutions in the country offer postgraduate study scholarships to foreign students.
Student visas
To gain a student residence visa you will need to be sponsored by a resident of the country. If you don’t have any relatives in the UAE your university will likely do this for you.
You’ll need to provide:
- passport with at least six months validity and two blank vi
- 12 passport sized photographs
- three passport copies and an entry visa to the UAE upon arrival
- evidence of acceptance to a UAE higher education institution
- bank statements outlining evidence of funds
- tenancy agreement (or a letter from your university if staying in halls)
- copy of tuition fee receipt for the current study year of the programme
- copy of visa fees receipt for the current study year of the programme
- postgraduate students will also need proof of a recognised undergraduate degree.
Upon arrival in the country, you’ll need to undergo a medical examination, which will test for HIV, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, leprosy and syphilis.
For researchers, doctors and engineers with outstanding profile
Outstanding students may be granted a five-year visa. To be granted this visa:
- secondary school students must graduate with a grade of at least 95%
- university students must graduate with a distinctive GPA of at least 3.75.
Cosmopolitan Society:
- The UAE is a diverse mix of cultures and nationalities, providing students a unique opportunity to explore, discover, and gain insights into different world cultures. People speak several languages, such as Arabic, Urdu, Farsi, and English.
Employment Opportunities
- Due to immense developmental work in diverse sectors, the UAE economy has been rapidly growing in recent years, making it an attractive international hub for work.
- The growth in the economy has created a plethora of employment opportunities for graduates across various industries.
- Also, there are no taxes levied on salaried professionals, which makes an attractive proposition for working in the UAE.
Personal Safety & Security:
- The UAE has very low levels of violence and crime. That is why UAE is well known as one of the safest countries to live in.
- According to Global Finance, the UAE has been ranked the second safest country among 134 countries.
Outdoor Activities & New Experiences:
- The UAE constitutes seven emirates, each having its own unique identity, culture, and attractions to explore and discover.
- The UAE is also known for its tourist attraction spots and activities such as adventure sports and outdoor activities, such as parachuting, mountaineering, quad biking,
High Standard of Living:
- Decent accommodation and all other modern facilities are available easily for international students. In general, the standard of living is high in the country, and living on campus is well arranged.
Emirates individual details
Dubai – The education system in Dubai includes both public and private schools, although 90% of education is provided by private schools (some of which offer American, British, French or other curricula, such as the French Baccalaureate). Education is compulsory for all children from the age of five to 15. As well as the University of Dubai, the emirate has 26 international branch campuses of universities from 12 different countries, including the UK, Australia, USA and Canada.
Universities in Dubai
| Dubai | Abu Dhabi University – Dubai |
| Dubai | Al Dar University College |
| Dubai | Al Ghurair University |
| Dubai | American College of Dubai |
| Dubai | American University in Dubai |
| Dubai | American University in The Emirates |
| Dubai | Amity University Dubai |
| Dubai | British University in Dubai |
| Dubai | Canadian University Dubai |
| Dubai | Curtin University |
| Dubai | Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation |
| Dubai | Dubai Medical College for Girls |
| Dubai | Dubai Pharmacy College for Girls |
| Dubai | Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management |
| Dubai | Emirates Aviation University |
| Dubai | Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University |
| Dubai | Heriot-Watt University |
| Dubai | Higher Colleges of Technology – Dubai Branch |
| Dubai | Institute of Management Technology – Dubai |
| Dubai | Jumeirah University |
| Dubai | London Business School |
| Dubai | MENA College of Management |
| Dubai | Michigan State University in Dubai |
| Dubai | Middlesex University Dubai |
| Dubai | Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government |
| Dubai | Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences |
| Dubai | Moscow University for Industry and Finance (Synergy) |
| Dubai | Murdoch University, Dubai |
| Dubai | Rochester Institute of Technology – Dubai |
| Dubai | Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland |
| Dubai | Saint Joseph University |
| Dubai | Saint-Petersburg State Economic University |
| Dubai | The College of Fashion and Design |
| Dubai | The National Institute for Vocational Education (NIVE) |
| Dubai | The University of Manchester Worldwide |
| Dubai | University of Birmingham Dubai |
| Dubai | University of Bradford |
| Dubai | University of Dubai |
| Dubai | University of Exeter |
| Dubai | University Of Modern Sciences |
| [on probation, no new admissions] | |
| Dubai | University of South Wales, Dubai |
| Dubai | University of Wollongong in Dubai |
| Dubai | Zayed University |
Abu Dhabi
The Government of Abu Dhabi is continuously working to provide an education system that encompasses all ages and meets the needs of the national labour market in the future. The educational system includes public and private sectors, where the public education is fully financed by the government and is provided for free to all UAE nationals up to the university level. The Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi is the body responsible for overseeing education development initiatives in all sectors, including public and private education from the foundation stage to the secondary and higher education and technical and vocational education and adult education.
Universities in Abu Dhabi:
| Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi University |
| Abu Dhabi | Al Ain University |
| Abu Dhabi | Institute Of Management Technology Dubai |
| Abu Dhabi | Emirates Diplomatic Academy |
| Abu Dhabi | Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies |
| Abu Dhabi | Emirates Institute for Citizenship and Residence |
| Abu Dhabi | European International College |
| Abu Dhabi | Fatima College of Health Science |
| Abu Dhabi | Higher Colleges of Technology |
| Abu Dhabi | Khalifa University of Science and Technology |
| Abu Dhabi | New York Institute of Technology |
| Abu Dhabi | New York University, Abu Dhabi |
| Abu Dhabi | Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi |
| Abu Dhabi | United Arab Emirates University |
| Abu Dhabi | University Mohammed V-Agdal Abu Dhabi |
| Abu Dhabi | University of Strathclyde Business School – UAE |
Sharjah
There are many best schools in Sharjah. The same with Dubai, both primary and secondary education is free and compulsory in public schools for boys and girls. The main
medium of instruction is Arabic, and there is equal emphasis given on the English language. Usually, in the pre-secondary standard, there is no segregation of boys and girls. There are many universities in Sharjah with excellent educational system.
Universities in Sharjah:
| Sharjah | Al Qasimiya University |
| Sharjah | American University of Sharjah |
| Sharjah | Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS) – Sharjah branch |
| Sharjah | Capital College – Sharjah |
| Sharjah | Career Campus Sharjah |
| Sharjah | Higher Colleges of Technology – Sharjah branch |
| Sharjah | Khalifa University – Sharjah branch |
| Sharjah | Skyline University College, Sharjah |
| Sharjah | King’s Business School [6] |
| Sharjah | Lincoln University of Business and Management |
| Sharjah | Institute Of Management Technology Dubai |
| Sharjah | University of Sharjah |
| Sharjah | Zayed University |
Ajman
Ajman provides an international, premium quality, holistic education the same with other emirates. They ensure that each students individuality and talents are recognized and developed to the full. Schools in Ajman provide children with an opportunity to learn so much more about the local culture, as well as an educational journey of the diverse cultures and languages in UAE.
Universities in Ajman:
| Ajman | Ajman University |
| Ajman | City University College of Ajman |
| Ajman | Gulf Medical University |
| Ajman | University College of Mother and Family Science |
Umm Al Quwain:
Umm Al Quwain provides facilities for numerous recreational activities from sailing to skydiving. Traditional activities such as dhow building and sports such as falconry and camel racing are also popular in the emirate. When it comes to education, there are many top-ranking schools in Umm Al Quwain. While Umm Al Quwain is one of the smaller emirates in the UAE, it’s also home to a sizable expat community. Consequently, families are always looking out for the best schools in Umm Al Quwain for their children.
Umm al Quwain university is the one of the renowned universities in emirate.
Ras Al Khaimah
Education is among Ras Al Khaimah’s top priorities and in its efforts to build a promising future and achieve comprehensive, sustainable growth, Ras Al Khaimah provides an excellent educational environment that takes education to a world-class level. Education is free for national citizens in public schools. It is compulsory for students between 6 and 12. non-UAE nationals are allowed to enrol in public schools for simple fees. Public schools and universities are gender segregated but there are a number of private educational institutions that implement a coeducational system.
Fujairah – A Majority of population of Fujairah hails from the Indian subcontinent. Fujairah aims to establish a culture of success and excellence among local and international educational and career institutions, consistent with the goals of the Ministry of education UAE.
Universities in Ras Al Khaimah
| Ras Al Khaimah | Abasyn University – Ras Al Khaimah Campus |
| Ras Al Khaimah | American University of Ras Al Khaimah |
| Ras Al Khaimah | University of Stirling, Ras Al Khaimah |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Bolton University of Ras Al Khaimah |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Cornerstone College of International Studies, Ras Al Khaimah |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Higher Colleges of Technology – Ras Al Khaimah Men’s College |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Higher Colleges of Technology – Ras Al Khaimah Women’s College |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Ras Al Khaimah Medical & Health Sciences University |
Fujairah:
Fujairah city is the main business and commercial centre for the emirate, with tall office buildings (e.g., Fujairah Tower) lining Hamad Bin Abdulla Road, the main route into the city. It has direct access to the Indian Ocean for the United Arab Emirates.
The Fujairah Free Zone is located to the north of the city.
The Port of Fujairah is located on the city’s eastern coast. The restored Fujairah Fort and the nearby Fujairah Museum are located in Fujairah City. Fujairah Heritage Village, near Madhab Spring Park, preserves some of the emirate’s past. The main mosque is the large white Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the second largest in the UAE and a landmark that is visible from many locations in the centre of the city.
Education and universities in Fujairah
The University of Fujairah is located in Fujairah City. The city of Fujairah is also home to several other universities.
Some Schools in the city are Diyar Private Academy, Our Own English High School, Indian School Fujairah, and St Mary’s Catholic High School.
| Fujairah | University Of Fujairah |
| Fujairah | Higher Colleges of Technology – Fujairah branch |