The UAE is one of the fastest growing countries in the field of education. The government strives to attract as many talented international students as possible, so universities are equipped with modern technology, and students are provided with everything they need for a comfortable stay and study.
Education in the UAE is available at all levels, from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees, and all you need to get in is to finish 11th grade. Programs are mainly taught in English, with the exception of public universities, where instruction is in Arabic. English is also widely used in everyday life — more than 80% of the population of the Emirates are foreigners from all over the world.
Many prestigious universities around the world have opened campuses in the UAE. Students studying here receive the same degree as those studying at the main campus. This makes a global education more affordable. In addition, students can begin their studies at a branch in the Emirates and complete them at the main campus in the UK, US, or Australia.
Advantages:
The UAE, especially Dubai, is known for its high costs of living. Studio apartments start at $900/month. Prices for transportation, food, and everyday expenses are comparable to the standard of living in wealthy European countries.
From May to September, temperatures in the UAE can exceed +45°C. During this time, most people avoid being outside during the day, and all activity moves indoors to air-conditioned spaces. This climate may require some adjustment, especially for students from northern countries.
Unlike countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, the UAE offers relatively low tuition fees. Bachelor’s degree programmes start at $8,000 per year, while master’s degree programmes start at $10,000 per year. Both public and private universities are available to international students. However, it is important to note that public universities teach in Arabic and place significant emphasis on Islamic culture. Partial and full scholarships are available at all levels, including undergraduate and postgraduate education.
Below, we will look at some of the best universities in the UAE:
1. Murdoch University Dubai
A branch of a prestigious Australian university. Students have the right to spend a semester or a year studying at the main campus in Australia. Tuition fees: from $10,500/year
Scholarships: partial discounts, including academic discounts of up to 40%
2.Hult International Business School
One of the most international business universities in the world, with campuses in London, Boston, Dubai and San Francisco. In the UAE, the university offers intensive MBA, Executive Education and undergraduate programmes.
Tuition fees: from $39,000/year
Scholarships: academic, leadership and merit-based; discounts of up to 30%
3.United Arab Emirates University
Ranked among the top 5% of the world’s best universities. A public research university founded in Al Ain. Its graduates hold leading positions in industry, commerce and government throughout the region.
Tuition fees: from $8,200/year
Scholarships: full and partial scholarships for international students, especially at the master’s and PhD levels
4.American University in Dubai (AUD)
A branch of a prestigious American university. Education is provided through programmes accredited by the US Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition fees: from $23,200/year
Scholarships: athletic, academic, and based on creative achievements.
StudyU provides assistance at all stages of the application process: from finding student accommodation, creating a personal brand and preparing a portfolio to transferring funds abroad. Sign up for a free 15-minute consultation with our expert to discuss applying to the UAE now.
In 2025, the minimum cost of renting a studio in the Netherlands starts at $900/month. When choosing to rent instead of student dormitories, it is also important to consider the cost of utilities. A one-bedroom apartment with a living room (1BHK) costs from $1,600 per month, and a two-bedroom apartment (2BHK) costs from $2,500 per month. On average, a basket of groceries for one person can cost around $130 per week.
Requirements for admission to the UAE may vary from university to university. It is also important to remember that there may be additional conditions when applying for a scholarship.
The basic set of documents for a bachelor’s degree includes:
High school diploma with an average grade of 4.0 out of 5.0
English language proficiency test (IELTS 5.5 or above, TOEFL 46 or above)
CV
Motivation letter
Letters of recommendation
For some specialities — entrance examinations
Important: many universities in the UAE conduct their own language proficiency tests, which saves students from having to look for IELTS or TOEFL test centers.
To enroll in a master’s program, you will need:
Bachelor’s degree
English language proficiency test (IELTS 6.0 or higher, TOEFL 60 or higher)
CV
Motivation letter
Letters of recommendation
For certain programmes — GRE or GMAT results
The final deadline for applying for the autumn semester at most universities in the UAE is March–April. For the winter semester, it is October–November. Some universities also offer additional enrolment, which ends in July (for the autumn semester) and December (for the winter semester).
The exact deadlines depend on the specific university, the level of the programme and the availability of scholarships — it is recommended to start preparing at least 6–8 months before the start of the programme.
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