Study in Dubai Complete Guide for International & Local Students

Are you seeking to study in Dubai in the next year? Dubai is one of the fastest-rising countries in the whole globe.

The country offers the best colleges, merit-based as well as vibrant multicultural settings. Moreover, the country has over 200 cultures, stunning landscapes, and tall buildings such as the Burj Khalifa.

Every student these days all over the globe wants to enroll and study in UAE. The costs of studying in Dubai are very reasonable compared to other countries.

From business to humanities to engineering, this country offers many fields. Being a diverse country, Dubai gains the attraction of a lot of learners all over the world.

As per the knowledge and human development authority (KHDA), higher studies in Dubai have a yearly growth of 3.6%.

So, why not go and study in Dubai and obtain their matchless benefits? Thus, in this guide we talk about a detailed guide to studying in the UAE, Dubai.

Why Choose Dubai for Higher Education

Dubai now has the global innovation and one of the top education centers. Also, it attracts the students of more than 200 nations.

In the year 2033, the country will expand its roster of global campuses. From 37 to 70. 

Dubai will now double its footprint. And they offer increased programs of undergraduate studies in Dubai as well as postgraduate studies in Dubai. 

Many colleges of Dubai will now offer these programs. Further, they aim to provide low fees that can easily be afforded by learners who come from the poor nations.

The crown prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, says that we will bring top-class and higher studies to Dubai. 

The main focus of study in Dubai will be the fertile setting of research and innovation. 

Scholarships & Free Study Options in Dubai

The UAE offers fully funded scholarships for global students. These comprise tuition fees, living costs, and travel costs as well.

These are offered by the government, private firms, andtop STEM, business, and arts learners.

Below are the top scholarship offers to study in Dubai.

• Khalifa University Scholarship
• Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarships
• Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation
• Al Qasimi Foundation Scholarship
• Etisalat Scholarship
• Emirates Airlines Scholarship

1. How to Study in Dubai for Free

Well, to study in Dubai, you will need to apply for the scholarships. On the other hand, private and public colleges in Dubai, UAE, maintain their fees.

These fees depend on the programs as well as the universities. Whereas if you are a global student and want to study in Dubai, then the costs as well differ.

In general, the costs of study in Dubai for undergraduate programs comprise 37,500 to 70,000 AED. While the cost of a master’s program covers 55000 to 75000 yearly.

Well, the costs do not just end up here; you have to take responsibility for all the living costs and travel and so on. These can cover 650 to 1000 AED monthly.

So, it can be costly to live and study in Dubai. But you can apply for a scholarship. And avail all of the benefits.

Below are the people who are eligible for the fully funded scholarships in Dubai.

• Student status
• Field of the study
• Merit/success
• Fit with the scholarship aims 

2. How Can I Get Scholarship to Study in Dubai

A scholarship is awarded to those who are eligible for these criteria, such as based on academic performance, financial need, artistic talent, and sports success.

Further, it may cover partial or full fees of the tuition. In most of the cases it can offer extra perks such as uniforms or extra activities.  

Below are the different kinds of scholarship accessible in Dubai.

• Academic performance—It is for those who have good academic performance, such as a 3.5 CGPA in graduation, and want to apply for the master’s programme. So, these learners apply for the scholarships and study in Dubai.
• Talent based- These are for specific students who have talents in music and art. They can apply for the free scholarship.
• Need financial aid—This kind of scholarship is usually for those who have financial challenges. Thus, they are unable to apply and study in the UAE. If you still do not know how to study in Dubai for free, then consult an expert.

Popular Courses to Study in Dubai

Dubai offers a diverse range of courses for both undergraduate and master’s programs for local and global students. 

From business to tech to healthcare, Dubai provides a lot of the best courses in many fields.

1. Best course to study in Dubai

Well, there is no right answer to the question of which is the best course to study in Dubai. Since it all depends on the learner’s interest, as well as the aims of the career.

Here are the best courses to pursue to study in Dubai.

2. Study Business Management in Dubai

Business management remains one of the best fields and popular choices for students of all over. Further, the field offer many specialty courses like finance, marketing, supply chain, HRM and etc.

3. Study ACCA in Dubai

To study in Dubai and enroll in the ACCA program, you will need to partner with the GBS Dubai. 

Moreover, these programs offer detailed learning and prepare learners for the financial sector. The cost of studying the ACCA takes around 25,000 to 50,000 AED.

4. Study English Literature in Dubai, Study English in Dubai

To study the English literature, the learners must finish the 120 credit hours as well as the minimum of 2 CGPA. Whereas, to study English in Dubai, you must have a 60 or 70 TOEFL score. 

5. Study Arabic in Dubai for Free, Study Arabic Language in Dubai, Study Arabic in Dubai 

To study in Dubai and study Arabic for free, you will need to obtain detailed research. Among the good institutes are Headway and Mubeen Arabic Language.So, in these institutes you can easily study the Arabic language for free in Dubai.

6. Study German in Dubai

To study in Dubai and learn German, the best course is the Goethe-Institut Exams. It offers levels at the CEFR, such as A1 to A2, B1 to B2 and C1 to C2.

7. Study Psychology in Dubai, Psychology Studies in Dubai

Well, to study in Dubai and study psychology in Dubai, it can depend on the university, the programme, and also the degree level. 

Moreover, the price of study Psychology Studies in Dubai for a master’s program takes around 80,000 AED, and for a bachelor’s, it is around 50,000 AED.

8. Study Law in Dubai, Law Study in Dubai, Best University to Study Law in Dubai

 Law is one of the most notable fields in the globe right now. 

Also, to study law in Dubai, there are many universities that offer law courses. The best university to study law in Dubai is Middlesex University. Others are Birmingham University and British University in Dubai.

9. Study Nursing in Dubai, Nursing Study in Dubai

The best courses fornursing depend on the qualifications and the career aims. To study nursing in Dubai, the best program is BSN.

10. Study Civil Engineering in Dubai

To study civil engineering in Dubai, learners can enroll in the American University of Sharjah. It offers the best programs for civil engineers. 

Study and Work in Dubai—Is It Possible?

To study in Dubai and get work, you will need to get a student VISA. There are two types of student VISA.

These are as follows.

• Definition- The student visa is for those who are global students and want to study in the UAE. Also, live while studying.
• Duration—The time duration of this VISA is usually around 1 year. 

Many global students have been asking certain questions before study in Dubai, such as, “Can I study in Dubai while working?” Also, can I study in Dubai?

Yes, indeed, you can do work and study part-time in Dubai. Before that you need to apply for the student VISA. And as well, you will need the specific program process.

Working a part-time job while Study in Dubai

A lot of global students think about and ask questions such as, “Can global students do part-time study in Dubai while working?”

Well, the answer lies in the following key steps.

• Regulations—the global students can work in Dubai. For that, they need to grab the VISA from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
• Why obtain the work permit? – Because it obeys the labour law and protects both the employee and the boss. 

To study and work in Dubai, you have to fulfil these criteria. 

1. Age requirement—Applicants must be 15 years old.
2. Enrolment status – Must be obtaining admission in the recognize university of Dubai
3. Academic performance—Applicants must have a higher CGPA or percentage to work and study at the same time in Dubai.
4. University—As a means to get work and study in the UAE, learners must grab the licence, such as NOC, no objection certificate. 

Work while Study in Dubai

Once you grab your student VISA, you will easily work full time. Also, you can study in Dubai at a similar time. 

While many firms in Dubai offer part time work for global students. To work in Dubai, you must have good English.

On average the salary of entry-level jobs in Dubai is around 1300. This salary will easily cover your costs.

Here are the popular jobs for global learners in the UAE.

1. Hotel Receptionists
2. Bartenders
3. Bellhops
4. Cleaning Staff
5. Waiters
6. Call Center Workers
7. Translators
8. Pet Caretakers
9. Supermarket Cashiers

How to qualify to study in Dubai, UAE

To qualify and study in Dubai, you must fulfil these criteria.

1. Take a preparation course – These kind of courses enable students who are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Further, these courses boost the confidence among learners before they enroll. Take pre-MBA, pre-nursing, and pre-law courses in the foundation program that will allow you to study in your area of field.
2. Refine your English via an English language course. To study in Dubai, it is suggested that you need to improve your English. It is vital for you to grasp the course and the lectures. So, you can enroll in online English courses to improve your English.
3. English Language Tests—As a means to study in Dubai, you must show that you have the diploma for English Language tests. These are generally the diplomas accepted by the UAE university. 1. PTE Academic 2. TOEFL 3. IELTS 4. C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

Cost of living in the Dubai

The cost of living in Dubai depends on many factors. Further, there are many fees you need to pay while study in Dubai, such as.

• Share a room—To share a room in Dubai, UAE, costs around 2500 to 4000 AED.
• Utilities and internet – These costs around 500 to 800 AED monthly
• Food and beverages—To eat food and drink beverages, you need to pay 800 to 1200 monthly.
• Transportation costs—The cost of travel takes around 200 to 300 per month. 

Online Study options in Dubai

Dubai offers a diverse range of online courses to study while working.Also, these courses aim to increase knowledge as well as skills.

Further, all of these courses are flexible and reasonable. Among the most popular online courses to study in Dubai are the following.

Why online study University in Dubai

Below the blitz of Dubai, the country offers a diverse range of online courses for every global student.

These courses are very reasonable, and even if you are full time learner, you can easily afford them.

Moreover, choosing these courses will offer a diverse range of perks. Also, it is the strategic move.

These reasons are as follows.

1. Matchless flexibility

Let’s suppose you are at the balcony of the Burj Khalifa and drinking the hot tea while learning online courses. 

Well, that’s flexibility, and you can study in Dubai at your own pace. No matter where you live right now, these online study courses in Dubai offer flexibility.

2. Cheap costs

The harsh truth is that study in UAE or Dubai is not cheap. You must be aware of that. But, once you enroll these online courses, they are cheap in contrast to offline. There are many costs you can save on, like travel, university fees and living costs. Since you can study anywhere, anyplace, and you do not need to go to Dubai to study online courses.

3. Upskilling for the future

To tell the truth, the Dubai job market is very tough. It can be very hard for you to grab the job without having any skills. So, once you’re on an online course in Dubai, you can easily hone your skills. 

There are many online courses the Dubai colleges offer, from AI to digital marketing. These fields are demanding these days.

4. Learning at your fingertips

The Dubai tech savvy infrastructure makes sure every learner takes online courses without having any issues. 

The Dubai infrastructure offers high-speed internet, mobile-friendly and good laptops to study in Dubai and take online courses. 

It does not matter if you are in the Burj Khalifa, in the desert of Dubai, or on the beach; well, you can easily study in UAE once you have the high tech savvy.

Top universities that offer online courses in the Dubai, UAE

Below are the universities that offer many courses in Dubai.

• Canadian University Dubai
• Hult International Business School
• Ajman University
• Amity University
• Ascencia Business School
• Heriot-Watt University Dubai
• Middlesex University Dubai
• American College of Dubai
• De Montfort University
• Khalifa University

Best Study Places in Dubai (Libraries, Cafes & Quiet Spots)

Dubai is the dynamic metropolis city it is famous for, with its futuristic skyline and also the best education hub for students all over the globe. 

So, if you are a full-time learner, a professional, or a freelancer, Dubai offers creativity as well as choices to study in Dubai.

Here are the top places to study in Dubai in 2025 you can explore.

1. Dubai public libraries

Public libraries are the best places to study in Dubai; they offer lots of digital resources, books, and also quiet places to study.

So, you can go and study in the public library calmly. Among the 2 key features of Dubai public libraries are the AI sofa art and design library, which have their unique designs.

Also, these are the good places to study in Dubai. 

2. The Muhammad Bin Rashid Library

The library of the Muhammad Bin Rashid Library is the newest addition and is also regarded as the newest architecture.

Further, this library has its own features, like free WIFI, reading rooms, and state-of-the-art facilities as well.

These features make this place one of the good places to study in Dubai.  

3. Dubai Design District

It is the creative hub for experts, and the D3 offers plenty of open spaces, and learners can easily work. 

Also, it has the dynamic setting, and if you need a break, there are a lot of cafes nearby. So, you can easily go there and take a break.

It is as well one of the effective study places in Dubai. 

4. Parks and outdoor places

Dubai has many parks, outdoor places, and also cafés to study in. Among them are Zabeel Park and Safa Park.

These parks offer serene settings to study in these places. Also, these parks offer free WiFi for everyone.

5. Universities’ public areas

Plenty of universities are in Dubai; among them is the American University of Dubai (AUD). 

This university offers students, especially those who are global students, access to their public areas; these are libraries and study lounges.

These cafes to study in Dubai are aimed at being helpful to learning with every one of the amenities you need. 

6. Quiet places to study in Dubai

The quiet places to study in Dubai are Central Park and Sheikh Zayed Road. The upper area of these places is empty, and it has good WIFI.

Further, it opens to the public for 24 hours. There are many public libraries that are free for students. But a library in Dubai to study requires a membership.

You will borrow books, access digital resources, and also take part in the special program.

Best Schools to study in Dubai

Dubai has the top-quality schools for global students. These schools offer quality education at reasonable prices.

These are as follows.

• English Path—It is the popular and notable school for those who want to excel in teaching as well as boost their communication. Further, the school offers modern facilities, extra activities, and a multicultural setting that is ideal for huge learning. 
• ES Dubai—This school is famous for its personalized style. Also, the school offers small classes and native teachers. This school focuses on fast and effective learning for everyone. learner. As a result, this school is an ideal choice for learners who seek a rich experience. 

What are the criteria for choosing the right university in Dubai?

Well, there are many key factors you need to consider while choosing the right university to study in Dubai.

These are as follows.

1. Location of the university

Firstly, before taking admission to the Dubai university, you need to ask yourself these questions.

1. Will the country suit my need for the future university? Do you plan to remain in the country and want to work there? 3. Is the college near to your home country, and are there active links connecting to industry in this area?

It does not matter which university you will choose to study in Dubai. But the location is a key factor since you will want to study at least 3 to 4 years in that college.

2. Campus facilities

Well, your campus will be your next home for 3 to 4 years at least. So, you must choose the university to study in Dubai. Further, your university must be ranked in the top 10 of UAE QS. 

Also, it has the best facilities you will require. So, you must visit every university till you are satisfied. Then consider these questions. 

Is it a big campus? Does the campus have the parking place? Does the campus offer places to study and relax where learners take relaxation time? Are there any extra activities or sports activities that occur on the campus?

3. Ranking 

Now you can examine the ranking of your future university, whether it is the ranking of the certain university or the home campus.

You can also check the university ranking via multiple websites. These are QS, or Times Higher Education, rankings.

4. Costs of the degree

Now you need to make sure you choose the right degree to study in Dubai that is reliable. Also, you will need to ask for bursaries and scholarships.

While costs of the degree can depend on a lot of factors. Since the universities with more accreditations have more operational fees.

Thus, it can increase the fees of study in the universities. So, you are going to invest your 3 to 4 years in the university. Thus, you have every right to ask for scholarships and bursaries. 

5. Types of degrees offered

Plenty of universities offer specialty courses. These specialty courses will align with your future career, and these courses typically study general degrees such as BBA and MBA.

So, you will need to choose which kind of degree you want to study in Dubai. 

6. Is my future university accredited?

Among the key things you need to check to study in Dubai is that your university must secure your future.

Also, examine whether your university is recognized all over the globe. So that once you look for the jobs after graduation, you will get them.

Moreover, now examine if the university is locally, regionally, and federally accepted. Lastly, examine if the university is certified by global universities and globally famous.

Final Thoughts: Why Dubai is a Great Destination for Students

As a result, in this article I completed the comprehensive guide about study in Dubai. Further, there are many key reasons to study in the UAE and also grab many benefits.

From stunning landscapes to diverse culture to tall buildings such as the Burj Khalifa, you will enjoy these matchless perks of obtaining higher studies in Dubai.

Make sure you have done your research about your favorite university before you go to Dubai.

In addition, there are also many online courses that Dubai offers; you can also save up on many costs like travel, living, or many extra activities. 

You can study at your own pace whereveryou want if you choose to take online courses and to study in Dubai.Lastly, there are universities that offer bursaries and scholarships; ensure you avail yourself of all of these.