Study in Dubai with Smart Start International
Dubai is one of the most prosperous, dynamic, and multicultural cities in the United Arab Emirates. With a population of 2.78 million residents representing over 200 ethnicities, Dubai is a global hub for education, business, and innovation. Strategically positioned at the centre of international trade, the city offers ultramodern architecture, tax-free earnings, cutting-edge technology, and luxury living, all underpinned by a rich Arabic heritage.
Why Study in Dubai?
Studying in Dubai is an investment in the future. A degree from a world-class university in Dubai can significantly enhance career prospects.
- Globally Recognized Universities – Dubai hosts top-tier institutions that provide a high standard of education.
- Tax-Free Earnings – The opportunity to work while studying and benefit from a tax-free economy attracts international students.
- Diverse Student Community – Students from India, Jordan, Pakistan, Oman, and Syria are among those pursuing higher education in Dubai.
- Strong Indian Student Presence – In 2017, 13,370 Indian students were studying in Dubai, with 22% of students at Rochester Institute of Technology being Indian.
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Top Universities in Dubai
If you are considering studying in Dubai, here are some of the best universities:
- Abu Dhabi University
- Amity Education Group
- Curtin University
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education
- Murdoch University
- University of Birmingham
Top Courses in Dubai
1. MBA (Master of Business Administration)
MBA is the most popular course among Indian students in Dubai. Many top business schools have branches in Dubai, offering industry-oriented programs.
Best Business Schools in Dubai:
- London Business School
- Manchester Business School
- Cass Business School
- University of Wollongong
- American University
- HULT International Business School
2. Engineering
Dubai’s high-tech infrastructure and technology-driven industries make it a great place for engineering students. Mechanical Engineering is the most sought-after engineering discipline among international students.
Top Universities for Engineering:
- American University in Dubai
- University of Dubai
3. Accounting & Finance
With Dubai’s booming financial sector, finance graduates are in high demand.
4. Medicine
Dubai’s healthcare sector is expanding rapidly, attracting an increasing number of international students to pursue medical degrees.
Job Opportunities for Students
Dubai offers numerous employment opportunities for students.
Work While Studying
- Indian students can work 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours per week on holidays with university approval.
- The average part-time wage is 15–30 AED per hour.
- Internships require university consent but offer valuable real-world experience.
On-Campus Employment
Many universities offer on-campus jobs, such as positions in:
- Libraries
- Administrative offices
- University outlets
Work Permits for Students
Students with university sponsorship must obtain a work permit issued by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) to work legally in the UAE.
Scholarships for Indian Students in Dubai
Dubai offers various scholarships to ease the financial burden on international students. Some notable scholarships include:
- Outstanding Academic Excellence Scholarships
- BITS Pilani, Dubai Undergraduate Scholarships
- Masdar Institute Fully Funded Master Scholarships
- International Student Tuition Scholarships
- SP Jain Global MBA Program
- The Indian High School Dubai Scholarships
- HH Sheikh Hamdan Scholarships
- SKP (Pathak) Scholarships
- Multicultural Student Scholarship (MSS)
- Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarships for Top Secondary School Graduates
Cost of Studying in Dubai
Tuition fees vary based on university, program, and level of study.
| Program Level | Tuition Fees per Year (AED) |
| Undergraduate Programs | 37,500 – 70,000 AED |
| Postgraduate Programs | 55,000 – 75,000 AED |
Some universities charge fees based on credit hours, with additional charges for exceeding the standard credit limit.
Living Expenses in Dubai
- Average living cost: AED 1,200 per month
- On-campus accommodation: AED 14,500 – 27,500 per year
- Private housing: AED 70,000 – 190,000 per year
Education System in Dubai
Dubai’s education system follows a 14-year, four-tier structure:
- Primary Education
- Secondary Education
- Higher Education
Higher Education Institutions
- United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) – UAE’s leading teaching and research institution.
- Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) – Offers 75+ courses in collaboration with multinational companies.
- Zayed University – Originally for women, now open to male students as well.
International Universities in Dubai
Dubai is home to 507 international schools and 35 international universities offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
Some global universities with Dubai campuses include:
- Michigan State University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- American University in Emirates
- New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi
Dubai’s Education Free Zones
Dubai has dedicated education hubs that attract international universities:
- Dubai Knowledge Village – A hub for global universities, research centers, and training institutes.
- Dubai International Academic City – The largest education free zone in Dubai.
Visa Application Process
To study in Dubai, Indian students must obtain a student visa.
Student Visa Requirements:
- Acceptance letter from a UAE university
- Continuation of study certificate (for returning students)
- Medical test clearance
- Visa sponsorship (by university, parent, or relative)
- Approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
Visa Validity:
- Initial visa: 1 year (renewable annually)
- Cost: Up to AED 3,000 + AED 1,000 deposit
Post-Study Work Permit
After graduation, international students can apply for a UAE work permit through MoHRE.
Work Permit Process:
- Apply for a 2-month entry permit.
- During this period, the employer will arrange:
- Medical tests
- UAE Resident Identity Card (Emirates ID)
- Labor Card
- Work residency permit (valid sponsorship for employment)
Dubai offers exciting career opportunities for graduates, making it an attractive destination for higher education and professional growth.