UAE
"Study in the UAE: Experience Unique Education & Culture"
Study in UAE
How to apply yourself?
If you're a student in 12th grade in India and are interested in studying for an undergraduate degree for free and working in the UAE, you're in the right place. This guide will help you understand the steps you can take to make your dream a reality.
Step 1: Research universities and popular degrees
- Visit the website of the Ministry of Education in UAE to get a list of all the universities in UAE: https://www.moe.gov.ae/en/Pages/Home.aspx
- Visit the websites of individual universities to learn about their programs, rankings, and admission requirements. Some of the popular universities in UAE are:
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- United Arab Emirates University (UAEU): UAEU is the oldest and most prestigious university in the UAE, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including Engineering, Business, Medicine, and Humanities. To learn more about UAEU and the programs offered, visit their website (https://www.uaeu.ac.ae/en/admission/undergraduate_admissions.shtml)
- Khalifa University (KU): KU is a public research university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including Engineering, Science, and Medicine. To learn more about KU and the programs offered, visit their website ( Undergraduate Admissions – Khalifa University (ku.ac.ae))
- American University of Sharjah (AUS): AUS is a private, coeducational institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including Engineering, Business, Architecture, and Design. To learn more about AUS and the programs offered, visit their website (https://www.aus.edu/)
- Zayed University: https://www.zu.ac.ae/main/en/
- University of Sharjah: https://www.sharjah.ac.ae/en/Pages/default.aspx
Identify Popular Degrees The following are some of the popular degrees in the UAE:
- Engineering: The UAE is known for its focus on engineering, with several universities offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various engineering fields, including Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering.
- Business: The UAE is a hub for business and commerce, with several universities offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various business fields, including Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Management.
- Medicine: The UAE has a growing healthcare industry, with several universities offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various medical fields, including Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health.
To continue your search for universities and popular degrees, you can visit the universities’ websites and explore the programs they offer. You can also check the World University Rankings (https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings) to find the top universities in the UAE.
Step 2: Look for scholarships and financial aid
The fee structure for international students varies depending on the university and the program of study. The average tuition fee for undergraduate programs is between AED 50,000 to AED 100,000 per year, while the average tuition fee for graduate programs is between AED 60,000 to AED 120,000 per year.
International students can apply for scholarships and financial aid in the UAE. Many universities in the UAE offer scholarships and financial aid to international students. Scholarships can be merit-based or need-based, and can cover a range of expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. Some universities also offer work-study programs that allow students to work part-time on campus to offset their expenses. To learn about available scholarships and financial aid, visit the universities’ websites or contact the university’s financial aid office.
URL for reference:
https://www.uaeu.ac.ae/en/admission/scholarships.shtml
Indian students can apply for the UAE Government Scholarships or university scholarships. They can also explore other scholarship options offered by the Indian government or private organizations. To learn more about the scholarship options, visit the respective websites or contact the scholarship providers.
To find more scholarships and financial aid options, you can visit the universities’ websites or search online.
Step 3: Meet admission requirements
Once you have identified the universities and programs that interest you, the next step is to check the admission requirements. Each university and program may have specific requirements for international students. Some common admission requirements include:
- Completed application form
- Original high school certificate and a true copy of Grade 12 certificate / Bachelor’s/Master’s degree certificate (as applicable).
- An equivalent certificate from UAE Ministry of Education for applicants who have graduated from institutions outside of the UAE (. private schools that do not follow the UAE government curriculum
- Official transcripts from high school or previous college/university
- Standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, etc.)
- English proficiency test scores: iBT TOEFL (internet-based test) score of 79 or equivalent, or Overall academic IELTS score of 6.0, or 1400 EmSAT English score
- A copy of a valid passport
- A certified copy of a birth certificate or other certificate verifying the student s age.
- Personal picture passport size.
- Personal statement of purpose (500-1,000 words) clearly indicating the applicant’s motivations for wishing to pursue graduate studies at UAE, as well as any prior achievements that will demonstrate promise for success in their degree
- At least two referee recommendations (provided via online form)
- Application fee
Most universities in the UAE require international students to demonstrate their English language proficiency by submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores. The minimum score requirements vary depending on the program and university. For example, at UAEU, the minimum TOEFL score required for undergraduate admission is 80 (iBT) or 550 (PBT), while the minimum IELTS score required is 6.0.
It is important to check the admission requirements for each university and program you are interested in to ensure that you meet the qualifications. The admission requirements for each university can be found on their websites.
URL for example:
Step 4: Apply for a visa
Once the student receives the admission offer letter from the UAE university, the next step is to apply for a student visa. The visa application process usually takes around two to four weeks. The visa fee is AED 1,100, and it is renewable every year. The university usually provides assistance in obtaining the student visa. To apply for a student visa, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Admission letter from a UAE university
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photographs
- Health certificate
- Visa application form
- Visa application fee
It is important to apply for a student visa well in advance of the start of your program to ensure that you have enough time to complete the application process.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs https://u.ae/en/#/ is the official government website for visa information.
Step 5: Plan for accommodation and cost of living
Once you have been accepted into a university and received your student visa, you will need to find accommodation in the UAE. Many universities offer on-campus housing for international students, but you may also choose to live off-campus.
Make sure to research different housing options and factor in cost and proximity to your university.
The cost of living in the UAE can be high, so it's important to budget accordingly. Additionally, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays, which can help cover living expenses.
Step 6: Other Guidelines
- Plan your travel: Once the visa is approved, students need to plan their travel to the UAE. It is recommended to book flights and accommodation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle.
- Health Check-up: International students need to undergo a mandatory medical check-up at a government-approved medical facility in the UAE. The medical check-up includes a blood test, chest X-ray, and a general physical examination. The cost of the medical check-up is approximately AED 300.
- Emirates ID: Upon arrival in the UAE, international students need to apply for an Emirates ID. The Emirates ID is a mandatory identity card that serves as proof of identity and residency in the UAE. The cost of the Emirates ID is approximately AED 370.
- Registration with the University: After completing the medical check-up and obtaining the Emirates ID, students need to register with their respective universities. The registration process involves submitting the necessary documents, paying the tuition fees, and attending orientation programs.
- Bank Account: International students need to open a bank account in the UAE. Most universities have tie-ups with local banks and provide assistance in opening bank accounts.
- Residence Permit: Within the first two months of arriving in the UAE, international students need to apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is a mandatory document that allows students to stay in the UAE for the duration of their studies. The cost of the residence permit is approximately AED 1,100.
- Health Insurance: International students are required to have health insurance coverage during their stay in the UAE. Most universities provide health insurance coverage for their students, but students can also opt for private health insurance plans.
In conclusion, studying for an undergraduate degree and working in the UAE is an achievable goal for international students. With proper research, planning, and preparation, you can find scholarships and financial aid to make your dream a reality. Use this guide as a starting point and continue your search to find the best university and program that suits your interests and goals.
Good Luck.
Frequently Asked Questions
The UAE is a multicultural country with a mix of traditional and modern values. The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. The UAE has a strong Islamic influence, and visitors are expected to respect local customs, such as dressing conservatively and avoiding public displays of affection.
The cost of studying in the UAE varies depending on the institution and program. Generally, tuition fees for international students are higher than for local students. However, many universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students.
The UAE is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world. The crime rate is low, and the government has taken measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors. However, as with any country, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
The UAE is a hub for business and industry, and there are many job opportunities in various sectors. International students may need to obtain a work visa or find a job with a multinational company.
Degrees earned in the UAE are recognized internationally and are generally of a high standard. Many universities in the UAE have partnerships with institutions in other countries, and students may have the opportunity to earn degrees from both institutions. However, it is important to research the specific institution and program to ensure that it meets your academic and professional goals.