Every year, a large number of international students fly to Study in UAE. Despite the country being run by royalties, the society is quite modern and open to changes and very welcoming to outsiders. The tourism sector of Dubai has already taken the world by storm, and due to the quality of education and numerous opportunities the United Arab Emirates presents, it is a place to seriously consider for aspiring students. Here is all you need to know about Studying in UAE:
Along with traditional universities, Higher Technology Colleges are some of the most sought-after educational institutes in the country. There are around 17 campuses of Higher Technology Colleges across the United Arab Emirates. The courses offered here are Computer & Information Science, Education, Engineering & Technology, Applied Communications, Health Sciences and Business studies. All of these courses are offered in the English Language. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is the ministry in charge of Higher Education in UAE. The Ministry deals with the licensing and Accreditation of Higher Education Institutes.
Best Universities in UAE
Six of the universities in UAE have been ranked among the top universities in the world by the QS World ranking 2020. Moreover, seven universities in UAE feature among the top universities of the Arab Region. Three of the Universities are in the top 400. The University of the United Arab Emirates is the oldest of the universities, ranked 329th in the world and 2nd in the UAE University Rankings. The university was established in 1976 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, after the independence of the UAE in 1971. The other top universities to be mentioned here are the American University of Sharjah, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, and the University of Sharjah.
Student Life in the United Arab Emirates
Since the discovery of oil in the Gulf, the UAE and other neighbouring countries have seen rapid growth in the economy. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have entirely transferred in the last few decades, and are some of the richest places on the planet. Subsequently, these places have become truly international regarding demographics and infrastructure. Studying in UAE, you will be surrounded by other students from different countries. There are malls, beaches, clubs and skyscrapers to explore in UAE, and for international students, there is never a dull moment.
How to Apply to Study in UAE
The deadlines and intakes in UAE vary with the universities, and for the application process and document requirements, one needs to check the course and university to which he or she wants to apply to. If English is not the native language, there might be a requirement for IELTS or TOEFL scores to prove English Language Proficiency. Depending on the courses, there might be other documents or exams required, which one should be aware of before applying. The student visa will be applied to immigration by your University. The Student Visas are only valid for one year and should be renewed annually.
United Arab Emirates University Tuition Fees
The tuition fees in Dubai and UAE are quite high for higher education institutes. The tuition fees can be anywhere from 27000 AED to 128000 AED per year at the universities in Dubai. Loosely converted, the amount will fall between 7350 USD to 34000 USD. The Masters programs will cost between 55000 to 75000 AED (15000 USD to 20400 USD). However, for the quality of the education, exposure to the international students and after-study opportunities these universities offer, the return on investment for UAE is absolutely worth it.
Work and Study in UAE
International students are allowed to work part-time jobs in Dubai and UAE as a whole. The earnings from part-time jobs can help with the day-to-day living expenses in UAE. International students are needed to get a work permit from the Labour Department in UAE. International students are allowed to work for 15 hours a week or 60 hours a month in UAE. There is no need for sponsorship in UAE if an international student wants to study and work alongside it.
Work after Study in UAE
International students can stay back and work full-time in the country once their studies are over. The student visa will be needed to convert into an employment visa to be eligible to work in the UAE. The Visa should be sponsored by the employer in that case, and the application is also carried out by the employer. The nature of the job should be full-time, and a residence permit is also required if the candidate is planning to stay in the UAE for a longer duration. Before applying and committing to a job, one should research properly and then go ahead only after understanding all the terms and conditions of the job.
UAE has been one of the favourite study-abroad destinations for Bangladeshi Students. Bangladeshi Students make up a large percentage of International students in Dubai as well as other parts of the UAE. Though Studying in Dubai costs more than in Bangladeshi, there is less competition at the universities in UAE, and the post-study opportunities in the luxurious country are a few of the reasons for Indian Students to go to UAE.
UAE Scholarships for International Students
There is a large number of scholarships available in the UAE to encourage international students. The scholarships are for all levels of study in UAE, such as undergraduate, Masters and Doctoral studies. There are some scholarships offered for both Emirati and International students. Along with the education loan, scholarships are a great way to fund one’s international education. Not only that, but some scholarships in UAE also provide for health insurance, travel costs and financial aid for living expenses.
UNIVERSITY IN UAE
Here are some universities listed with URL addresses –
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CUCA City University College of Ajman |
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Curtin University Dubai |
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Hult International Business School – UAE |
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NAME – Nest Academy of Management Education https://namedubai.ae/ |
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Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi https://www.sorbonne.ae/ |
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UK College of Business and Computing https://ukcbc.ac.ae/ |
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BITS Pilani, Dubai |
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Britts Imperial College https://brittsimperial.com/
Location: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates |
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Emirates Aviation University |
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GBS Dubai |
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HTMi Hotel & Tourism Management Institute |
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Middlesex University Dubai |
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Northwood University, International Program Center – RAK Location: Seih Al Hudaibah, United Arab Emirates |
INTAKES IN UAE
If you have just started preparing to Study in UAE, there will be many questions in your mind. The first thing you should consider when applying to a university or college is the country’s intake. How many intakes are there in the UAE? What are the types of intakes in the UAE? What is the primary intake of all the UAE intakes? To answer all these questions, here is the answer:
Intakes in Dubai: There are 3 intakes in Dubai – September, January, and July out of which September/fall is their major intake. The majority of the programs are offered during the September term. Students can apply early, get conditional admission letters, and then update the College/University with their scores.
Intakes in UAE
There are 3 UAE intakes offered at the universities. The three intakes available in the UAE are:
| • Fall intake
• Spring intake • Summer intake |
Choosing the intake that suits you better can get a bit confusing. Consider factors like the availability of your required program, your academic records, English language proficiency scores, entrance exam scores, the institution’s acceptance rates, job opportunities, and your readiness to join the program while making a decision. If you are not ready until your preferred intake, skipping the haste and applying for the next intake in the UAE is better.
Fall Intake in UAE
Fall Intake is also known as September intake.
Like most countries, fall intake is the primary intake in UAE. All the Universities/colleges offer a broad variety of courses during this intake. Moreover, more financial support is provided for the Fall Intake in UAE. Many Universities and colleges only offer fall intake for international students.
If you are planning for admission in the fall semester, start your university shortlisting and research in April. Appear for IELTS or TOEFL or other required international exams around June. After that, you should start documentation such as a Statement of Purpose, Letter of Recommendation, Application Essays, and most importantly, the visa process.
Spring Intake in UAE
Spring intake in UAE is also known as January Intake.
Spring Intake is more of a second intake for the UAE. Students who have missed the fall intake can apply for this intake. However, the spring intake has fewer courses on offer than the fall intake from the Universities.
If you are planning to apply for the Spring Intake in UAE, you should be done with your university shortlisting and all the necessary research by August. Appear for the English Language and other competitive eligibility exams by September or October. After that, focus on your application process and student visa requirements.
Steps to Study in UAE for September Intake
You must first develop a plan of action if you plan to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees in the UAE. An application timeline is provided here to help you plan what to do and when to do it.
Step 1: Start Now
Begin early and shortlist 4 -5 universities of your choice. Check application requirements and deadlines on university websites.
Know your possibilities for bank loans and scholarships by September to help fund your education.
Do some initial research on different accommodation options.
Step 2: Appear for the Exams: January to February
- According to your course’s and university’s requirements, start preparing for any compulsory standardized tests. For example GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS.
- Enrol in the GMAT or GRE by June or July, or three months before the test date.
- Register for TOEFL/IELTS no less than a month before the test date.
- Appear for the required international entrance tests around September and plan for buffer time in case need to retake the test.
Step 3: Start Applying to Colleges: February to March
- Make a short list of the universities and colleges and be ready to apply. Recognize what makes you stand out as an applicant, and sketch your strengths and self-appraisal.
- Request 1-2 letters of recommendation from your lecturers and immediate supervisors. Get connected with them at least a month before the due date for your application.
- Begin planning your essays and SOP. Give yourself a month to organize these documents properly.
- Apply before the due date!
Step 4: Offer Letters and Interviews: March to April
- Don’t delay replying to college emails. Also, there will be quite a few!
- Appear for personal/video interviews. These are planned for around January to March.
- Once you get an offer letter from your UAE university, make your decision as quickly as possible.
- Notify the universities of your decision before the designated deadline.
- To confirm your seat in the university, you must submit a non-refundable deposit.
Step 5: Apply for a student loan and visa: May to June
- If you require scholarships, start researching about it and apply if eligible.
- Apply for a Study/education loan once you obtain your acceptance letter.
- Assemble the paperwork for your UAE student visa. Check visa prerequisites.
- Apply for a student visa to UAE in time. Remember the time taken for visa processing!
Step 6: Move to UAE: July to August
- Book airline tickets.
- Organize an International Debit/Credit card.
- Gather all the required paperwork and make copies of it to bring with you.
- Check out the Pre-departure checklist!
Steps to Study in UAE for January Intake
If you are willing to Study in UAE and have missed the September intake, you do not have to wait for a whole year. You can apply to Universities in UAE for the January intake. Here are six steps to study in UAE for January intake.
Step 1: Start Now! April to May
- Start preparing by April. Shortlist the Universities in UAE that are January intake Universities, and have courses you want to apply for. You can find admission requirements, the application process, and deadlines on the University websites.
- You should also look forward to scholarships and education loans you want to apply to or are eligible for. Another important factor to be considered is your accommodation in the UAE. Research it and book according to your preference.
Step 2: Appear for the Exams: June to November
- Check the requirements for the entrance or English language tests on the University’s website. Depending on the course, it could be the GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS.
- The registration period for the tests varies as well. You will need to book GMAT and GRE much sooner than you will need to register for IELTS and TOEFL.
- Allow for a buffer time if you need to retake the case due to an unfavourable outcome.
Step 3: Start Applying to Colleges: August to September
- This is the time when the admission application begins. Reduce your options and begin preparing your documents. Universities in the UAE typically require an application essay or statement of purpose. Determine what distinguishes you as a candidate and write a well-crafted statement of purpose. The goal is to explain to the university why you are qualified for the program and how the university can help you in moving forward.
- Contact your professors and immediate supervisors for letters of recommendation. Both the documents and the essays should have a month to prepare.
- Once everything appears to be in order, submit the final application before the deadline.
Step 4: Acceptance Letters and Interviews: October to November
- When you receive a response from the college or university to which you applied, respond as soon as possible. The college may request a video or personal interview if necessary.
- When you receive your acceptance letter, make a decision and notify the college. This procedure will also have a deadline. As a result, make sure you keep track of the time.
- To confirm your admission, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit.
Step 5: Apply for Visa / Monetary Proof: November to December
- Now would be the time to apply for a Study Permit for the UAE. You must meet some of the requirements to obtain Student visas for the UAE.
- Apply for a student loan to show monetary proof to visa officials. All the documentation should be done during this time, both for the visa and student loan.
- Your application for a UAE visa will take some time to process. You should plan with this in mind.
Step 6: Tickets and Departure: December to January
- You’re only a few steps away from arriving in the UAE! Make a flight reservation for the same.
- Before you leave, make sure you have arranged for an international debit or credit card.
- Gather all necessary documents and photocopies before flying. Make a pre-departure checklist and stick to it to avoid last-minute stress.
Summer Intake in UAE
Certain universities in the UAE are open for admissions for the Summer Semester, however, only some of the departments of these universities offer courses during the summer term. The Summer Intake begins in July and typically lasts two to three months.
STUDENT VISA FOR UAE
The UAE is a great place for international students. It is the most popular destination for students from all over the world, and it offers many opportunities to make your life in UAE easier, more peaceful, and more fulfilling. The country is home to one of the most remarkable educational institutions – the University of Sharjah, which thousands of students attend, each year. For them, it’s not just about education but also about living a joyful life in Dubai and experiencing the best of UAE culture.
Those planning to study in the United Arab Emirates must apply for a student visa. However, they must first be accepted into a university in the UAE, as the school is in charge of the visa application process. The requirements may differ depending on the student’s nationality, or the student may be required to submit additional documents for review. You will find all of the information you need about student visas for the UAE right here.
STUDENT VISA FOR THE UAE
If you are accepted into a UAE university, your institution arranges to get your UAE Student Visa. To get your UAE Student Visa, your school must be accredited. The UAE Student Visa is a residence visa, so your school can only get it for you once you are in the country. This means you will first need to obtain an entry permit for study.
1. Applying for the Entry Permit
Depending on your country, you must obtain an entry permit before entering the UAE. Your entry permit is also sponsored by your school. They can apply through one of the following channels:
- The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
- The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
- GDRFA Dubai mobile apps for Apple and Android
Your institution is responsible for obtaining a Student Visa, also known as a Student Residence Visa, once you arrive in the UAE.
2. Applying for the Student Visa
On your behalf, your higher education institution applies for a UAE Student Visa. It is applied at the GDRFA office in the relevant emirate where you will reside. If your application is approved, the GDRFA will attach a Residence Visa to your passport and issue you an Emirates ID, which will be valid for the same period as your student visa.
Documents required for Student Visa for the UAE
When applying for a Student Visa in the UAE, you must meet several requirements. Some of the documents supporting your application must be submitted. This includes:
- Your valid passport
- Passport-sized pictures.
- The letter of acceptance
- Proof of financial ability to cover the costs of your studies in the UAE.
- A medical certificate
- Proof of accommodation.
- All academic documents
- National ID
- Police Clearance Certificate
The requirements for visa applications vary depending on the emirate and university you attend. These are only the general requirements. Your school will eventually provide you with a complete list of all the required documents.
Validity of UAE Student Visa
The majority of student visas are valid for one year and can be renewed once a year for the duration of your studies. To renew your visa, you must notify the government that you are still a student. This can be confirmed by your university/college. However, in 2018, the UAE government launched a new type of Long-Term Residence Visa reserved exclusively for outstanding international students. This visa is only valid for five years.
Eligibility for a 5-year UAE Student Visa
If an international student has a high GPA, then they are eligible to receive a UAE Student Visa having a validity of 5 years. The eligibility criteria are:
- Secondary education graduates must have a minimum grade point of 95%.
- Graduates from a university must have a GPA of at least 3.75.
Work With a Student Visa in the UAE
Working in the UAE while studying on a Student Visa is only possible if you also have a UAE Work Permit. You cannot, however, work full-time. You can only work for four hours straight. Previously, international students were not permitted to work in the UAE except in internship programs approved by their schools.
Now that you have all the information you need, it should be easy for you to apply for the visa. But before you do, ensure you have proof of your bank statements and clean credit history. Also, check which documents you need to provide. You can also contact a professional who can help you with the application. If you have any more queries or questions, please write to us. We are always happy to help.