Study in Dubai 2025-26: Cost, Admission Process, Eligibility, Visa, Scholarship

Is it possible to study in Dubai with scholarship? Yes, it is possible. In recent years a large proportion of international students have been inclined to study in Dubai. The country has both reputable top universities to study in Dubai after 12th like Zayed University and the University of Dubai as well as private institutions like the American University in Dubai, which offers accreditation from both the US and the UAE for all of its programmes.

Studying in Dubai 2025 can prove to be quite fruitful as international students will get exposure to one of the richest and most globalised markets in the world. As it offers academic excellence, entrepreneurial industries, diverse course options, and a growing market for job opportunities. The establishment of various businesses and the country's economic growth are curating international students to study in Dubai masters and bachelors. Read the article to study in Dubai 2025, and learn about the top universities, courses, tuition fees, and much more.

Study in Dubai Highlights

International students can go through the below-mentioned brief overview for pursuing study in Dubai for Indian students in 2025.

Study in Dubai for International Students

Why Study in Dubai?

In case international prospects think there are no alternatives to quality higher education other than USA, UK, Australia, or New Zealand, they are wrong.

Dubai is equally respected in the world among the academia for imparting quality education that has a high international academic reputation and employer reputation.

There is high earning potential in the country if students choose to work after studying in the country which is constantly striving to improve its education system to serve international students. Here are some of the benefits of studying in Dubai.

• As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, Dubai citizens enjoy a high standard of living. Naturally, Dubai offers high employment prospects after graduating in a country where salaries are tax-free.
• Dubai is not just a UAE city. It is truly an international city with 80% of the population here from outside of Dubai with a lot of opportunities for safe global exposure.
• World top-ranked universities like Canada University Dubai, University of Birmingham, University of Wollongong have set up their education institutions to study in Dubai masters and bachelor.
• Dubai has heavily invested in modern architectural wonders. World-famous skyscrapers like Burj Kalifa, and many other state-of-the-art buildings indicate the country's intention to be the world's number one for social life and high-quality living. This enhances the students who study in Dubai from India experience.

Where to Study in Dubai for International Students

Numerous public and private universities in Dubai offer a variety of programmes for studying in Dubai 2025, including Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, and Vocational courses. International universities including Indian universities in Dubai have several campuses in UAE that are very well-liked by students from other countries.

Additionally, as worldwide headquarters are customary for global partnerships, many UAE colleges also have branches abroad. There are numerous tertiary educational institutions to study in Dubai for Indian students 2025. Numerous Dubai architecture colleges and various Universities in Dubai for MBA welcome graduates from around the world.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) University, Zayed University, and Higher Colleges of Technology are just a handful of the few state-sponsored educational establishments. Dubai also provides a lot of very effective technical and vocational centres.

Study in Dubai from India

Many International students who would like to study in Dubai 2025 can check the admission process mentioned below, which helps them to apply for the universities and colleges in Dubai.

Intakes in UAE for International Students

UAE has major three intakes throughout the year, namely, Fall Intake, Spring Intake, and Summer Intake.

Intakes in UAE

Also read:

• Study in UK intakes

• USA admission cycle

Admission Process to Study in Dubai for Indian Students 2025

Students must be aware about the application process to study in Dubai after 12th or college. A step-by-step admissions procedure for studying in Dubai for international students is shown below:

• STEP 1: The first step to study in Dubai for Indian students is to conduct in-depth research on the course, institutions, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines of the chosen course. Prospects won't be prepared to move forward until they have accurate knowledge of each of these.

• STEP 2: Assemble all of the required paperwork, such as Completing the application form and gathering Certificates and transcripts.

• STEP 3: Gather documents such as: a current international passport, a current passport-sized photo, results of SAT, GRE, GMAT, or any other needed tests, English proficiency test scores like the TOEFL, C1 Advanced, or IELTS, a Resume, recommendation letter, and letters of recommendation (if required), and more as per the university selected.

• STEP 4: Pay the Application fee and collect the receipts.

• STEP 5: The final step for study in Dubai 2025 is to apply to the choice of universities. Read their website thoroughly and make sure to learn the mode of application accepted by the respective universities.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in Dubai

Here are the eligibility criteria for study in Dubai 2025:

For Undergraduate Students

Candidates applying for an undergraduate course in Dubai must fulfill the following eligibility requirements to study in Dubai after 12th.

• IELTS/TOEFL scores.

• Minimum 12 years of schooling with a score of 60% and above.

• Some universities even have criteria of a minimum score of 65% for study in Dubai after 12th.

• Students with a score above 75% may be exempted from producing IELTS scores.

• Some competitive universities need an EmSAT for UG admissions.

Note: Students must note that it is possible to study In Dubai without IELTS via different alternative ELP exams.

For Postgraduate Students

The eligibility mentioned below must be required for doctoral, and master's in Dubai for Indian students or international students.

• International students seeking to study in the Dubai branch of a foreign university have to fulfil the eligibility criteria of that university similar to what it has in its own country.

• A minimum score of 60% and above in undergraduate degree.

• TOEFL or IELTS scores.

• MBA applicants will have to produce relevant work experience of 2-4 years depending upon the program and the university applied.

Student Visa to Study in Dubai 2025

Before commencing their study in Dubai 2025, international students need to obtain student visas for the duration of their studies. Here are some key points about the Dubai student visa:

• The student visa is valid for 12 months and has to be renewed each year before expiry until the study programme is over.

• In the UAE, students are first granted a ‘Student Entry Permit’ and then a ‘Student Residence Visa.’

• To get a student visa in Dubai in 2025, students need to first accept the Offer of Admission extended by their respective universities, fulfil all academic conditions, wherever applicable, and submit all the relevant financial documentation.

• Students upon their arrival in the UAE on an entry visa are put through medical and biometric testing, and if everything comes out fine, are issued the ‘Student Residence Visa.’

• The entire process usually takes around 15-20 working days.

• If a student fails the medical and biometric testing, they are repatriated back to their original countries.

• Also, universities in Dubai mandate that students who are on a University Resident Student Visa be covered by medical insurance for the duration of their study.

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Documents Required to Study in Dubai

There are some significant documents that one must ensure to attach to their application forms while applying to study in Dubai masters or bachelors. Therefore, we have enlisted some of the most important documents that are an integral part of the study in Dubai 2025 journey for international students.

• Passport.

• A letter of acceptance or admission from high school.

• Photos the size of a passport.

• Proof of a bachelor's degree in case of applying for a master's or postgraduate

• Bank records serve as financial evidence to demonstrate that both tuition and living costs are covered for study in Dubai.

• Candidates have to provide a copy of tuition costs and visa fees, for their first year of study in Dubai.

• Tenancy agreement or documentation of a student housing facility.

• Certification of health.

Study in Dubai Cost 2025

The rise of Dubai as an academic destination is good news for Indian students because the cost of study in Dubai in 2025 is lower compared to destinations like the US and Australia. The approximate study in Dubai fees are mentioned below:

• Approximately, the study in Dubai cost for an undergraduate programme: 37,500 to 70,000 AED per annum.

• The approximate cost of a postgraduate programme in Dubai: 55,000 to 75,000 AED per annum.

Cost of Living in Dubai for International Students

Dubai is the most expensive place to live for international students after Abu Dhabi. Cost of living in Dubai refers to the expenses required for food, accommodation in Dubai, transportation, social activities, etc. It is a variable factor depending on how a student chooses to live.

The average cost of living for a single student requires AED 3,965.3 (88,848 INR) per year. Housing takes up 30% of living expenses, followed by transportation and food. A thorough budget planning for study in Dubai cost is required before arriving in Dubai to save costs and not fall into an unexpected crisis.

Many students enquire to study in Dubai for free. However, completely study in Dubai for free is challenging for international students.

Meanwhile, there are multiple UAE Scholarships for Indian Students, university-funded, and external scholarships available for international students that can help them reduce their overall cost of living in Dubai. Students can also engage in different part-time work options to manage their study in Dubai cost 2025.

Top Universities in Dubai for International Students 2025

Top Dubai Universities for International Students offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs of high economic value. Dubai has branch campuses of many international universities from UK and Australia. Below is the list of top Dubai Universities for international students.

Top 10 Universities in Dubai 2025

• University of Wollongong, Dubai Campus

• University of Birmingham, Dubai Campus

• Hult International Business School, Dubai Campus

• Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai (RIT Dubai)

• Heriot Watt University, Dubai Campus

• Canadian University, Dubai

• Murdoch University, Dubai Campus

• Modul University, Dubai Campus

• Manipal University, Dubai Campus

• University of Stirling, Dubai Campus

Popular Courses to Study in Dubai for Indian Students

Students can check top courses in Dubai mentioned below, which help them know the courses which are in demand and the courses which have plenty of job opportunities in the market.

• Business Administration

• Engineering

• Tourism & Hospitality

• Accounts & Finance

• Architecture

• Aviation

• Design

• Psychology

• Global social science

• Advertising, Public Relations & Media

• Business Information Systems

• Information Technology

Study in Dubai with Scholarships

There are various scholarship opportunities for international students planning to study in Dubai. Hence, we have mentioned some of the most popular scholarships to study in Dubai.

• Khalifa University Scholarship
• United Arab Emirates University Scholarships
• Canadian Dubai Scholarship
• Abu Dhabi University Scholarships
• Mohamed bin Zayed University Scholarship

Know more about:

Work opportunities After Study in Dubai

International students in the UAE can explore a number of on-campus and off-campus work opportunities in the United Arab Emirates. Students generally can seek off-campus work during the summer, while they can take up on-campus work at various university campuses and colleges as part of work during study in Dubai 2025 programme.

Dubai being a commercial hub, with all the big corporations having their branches here, students should face little difficulty in finding jobs. Also, upon completion of studies, work opportunities in Dubai are unlimited.

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Top Reasons to Study in Dubai

• One of the economies with the quickest growth is Dubai. In fact, it has the fifth-fastest global economic growth rate.

• Dubai provides access to a variety of work options. IT is home to numerous employers, including the BBC, Sky News, HP, Oracle, and Microsoft.

• An opportunity to integrate into a variety of cultures. Only 20% of Dubai's people are Emirati, making up the majority of the city's 80% foreign residents.

• Dubai has a secure and reliable political system. Dubai maintains cordial relations with neighbouring towns and countries.

• The excellent standard of living in Dubai is complemented by cutting-edge businesses and technology facilities.

• One of the most well-known entertainment hotspots in the globe is Dubai. All year long, a variety of events are held here. Additionally, a wide variety of water parks, beaches, retail centres, activities in the desert, cultural events, etc. are available.

• A well-developed, dependable transportation system with access to cabs, buses, and subways—amenities that are essential for a student's daily life.