Dubai has multiple international higher education institutions, where one in every four students is international. According to Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) international student enrollment for higher education courses in Dubai shot up by almost 12% in 2023, and there are now over 30,000 students in the country.
Dubai is regarded as one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. It serves as a gateway to the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the UAE region. With a population of over 3 million, Dubai is the most populous of the seven emirates in the UAE region. Non-Emirates account for approximately 85% of the population, with Indians being the largest in number.
Why study in Dubai?
Recently, Dubai has become an increasingly popular study-abroad destination for Indian students. Today, it is home to several universities with international accreditation that provide a wide range of programmes and courses. In response to this growing interest, various UK and Indian universities have established campuses in Dubai, providing scholarships and financial aid to their students.
Unlike other well-known study-abroad locations, Dubai offers international students affordable living and educational costs. The average cost of living is approx. AED 21,000 per year (473000 INR). Strong post-study work prospects, a booming economy, tax-free income, easy visa policies, and a growing job market are additional advantages for international students who wish to study in Dubai.
If you want to study at a UK university campus in Dubai, begin your journey by arranging a free consultation with SI-UK India today.
Popular Universities in Dubai
University of Birmingham Dubai
The University was the first global top 100 and UK Russell Group university to establish a campus in Dubai in September 2018 and now adds to the leading education hub’s roster of global and local internationally accredited academic institutions. The UAE Ministry of Education accredits the Dubai campus.
The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, and Doctor of Philosophy.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
As the first British university to set up a campus in Dubai in 2005 and has received a five-star accreditation by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) for three consecutive years, Heriot-Watt University Dubai has established itself as a pioneer in the higher education market in the UAE.
The University takes a multi-disciplinary approach to education based on knowledge sharing from different disciplines, thereby enhancing the depth of learning. Students benefit significantly from this approach as it establishes a strong foundation for their future careers. The Centre of Excellence in Smart Construction is one example that fosters creative collaboration between the research team, industry and UAE government within the construction sector.
Heriot-Watt graduates are highly employable and sought after by the best organisations worldwide, with over 90% in graduate-level jobs or further study within six months of graduation.
Middlesex University Dubai
The University’s first learning space in Dubai opened at Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) in 2005 and has over 4,000 students studying from more than 118 nationalities.
The UK's Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education has granted the Dubai campus the highest possible rankings. Middlesex University’s four global campuses – London, Dubai, Malta and Mauritius - also partner with some of the most prestigious international universities and other educational providers. Its programmes are taught in more than 100 institutions worldwide.
DMU Dubai
Leicester’s De Montfort University, one of the UK Pavilion’s founding partners at Expo 2020 Dubai, officially opened its Dubai campus with an event on December 9, 2021.
The Dubai campus is being run in partnership with DMU and Study World Higher Education Services, the academic services provider for DMU Dubai. Courses on offer include Cyber Security, Architecture, Psychology, Accounting and Finance, Engineering, Human Resource Management and Fashion Marketing – both undergraduate and postgraduate.
Regent Middle East
Regent Middle East is a centre of excellence with exceptional education and training courses for holistic professional and academic development. With a network of higher education experts who provide career-related services to vocational training and executive education, Regent offers students the best career opportunities.
Regent Education has ventured into bringing top-tier universities to Dubai, offering a comprehensive higher education model in the growing education hub of UAE, and has partnerships with top universities across the globe, making it a great fit for higher education.
HULT Dubai
Ranked 1st for Experiential Learning in The Forage 2022, Hult International Business School has a branch in Dubai, which is one of the most well-renowned business schools in this exhilarating city. Studying business at Hult can offer massive career prospects, a top academic curriculum, and great networking opportunities.
Manipal Academy Of Higher Education Dubai
Founded in 2000, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai is a prominent institution offering diverse academic courses in fields like engineering, business, and health sciences.
Located in Dubai International Academic City, MAHE Dubai offers specialised career services that assist students with placements and work-related opportunities and shares global academic partnerships with popular universities in the UK, USA and Canada.
BITS Pilani Dubai
BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus is an extension of India's esteemed Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS). It has been recognised as UAE’s premier engineering institute in Dubai's Knowledge Park since 2000. It offers a world-class education in engineering, technology, and business.
It has been awarded a 5-star rating by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in partnership with QS in 2022, recognising excellence in teaching, research, employability, and internationalisation.
Amity Dubai
Founded in 2011, Amity University Dubai, an extension of India's renowned Amity Group, is a leading educational institution in the UAE. Amity Dubai is a reputable institute and member of several globally acclaimed organisations, such as COP28 UAE Climate Network.
Nestled in Dubai, Amity Dubai offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across various disciplines. Known for its world-class infrastructure and faculty, Amity University Dubai is home to more than 2,500 students from over 70 nationalities with over 120,000 alumni worldwide.
SP JAIN Global
In 2004, SP Jain School of Global Management established its first international campus in Dubai to focus on global learning. Located in one of the largest educational hubs in the world, Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), SP Jain Dubai, offers a global learning experience with campuses in key business hubs and networking opportunities.
Ranked 1st in the U.A.E. in a Brand Perception Audit conducted by Nielsen, the school is one of the most reputable institutes for management studies and aspires to bring together different perspectives from all over the globe.
Symbiosis International University
Symbiosis International University (SIU) established its Dubai campus as part of its global expansion strategy. Recognised as one of India’s leading private universities, SIU is known for its focus on academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and global collaborations. The Dubai campus offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in fields such as law, business, technology and social sciences. SIU provides a diverse, multicultural learning environment, preparing students for the challenges of the international job market.
Murdoch University Dubai
Murdoch University, a prominent Australian university, opened its Dubai campus in 2007. Located in Dubai Knowledge Park, it offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, particularly in business, media, IT, and psychology. Murdoch Dubai is accredited by the UAE’s Ministry of Education and provides students with a world-class education, benefiting from the university's strong international reputation. The campus offers access to career support and industry partnerships, allowing students to gain practical experience through internships and projects.
University of Wollongong in Dubai
Established in 1993, the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) was the first international Australian university in the UAE and one of the region’s most established academic institutions. UOWD offers a wide range of courses in business, engineering, IT, media, and more. With accreditation from the UAE Ministry of Education and TEQSA in Australia, UOWD is recognised for its high academic standards and close ties with industry. Students benefit from its diverse community, hands-on learning, and strong employment prospects upon graduation.
Abu Dhabi University
Founded in 2003, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is one of the largest private universities in the UAE, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across multiple disciplines such as engineering, business, law, and health sciences. ADU’s campuses in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education. Known for its commitment to academic excellence and research, the university provides modern facilities, a multicultural environment, and career-focused learning to prepare students for success in the global workforce.
University of Europe for Applied Sciences
The University of Europe for Applied Sciences, located across Germany, also has a state-of-the-art campus in the heart of Dubai, in the Dubai World Trade Centre. Programmes are available in technology and business and UE Dubai, broke ground as the first German university in the UAE.
Istituto Marangoni Dubai
Istituto Marangoni Dubai is a hub for fashion and design education, blending Italian expertise with UAE traditions and global influences. Located in the vibrant Dubai International Financial Centre, it offers an innovative learning environment to nurture local talent and prepare students for careers in the fashion, art, and design industries. Through partnerships with industry professionals and a focus on cultural diversity, the school empowers students to navigate contemporary challenges while promoting global business opportunities.
Top Courses To Study In Dubai
Popular courses for Indian students in Dubai include:
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Eligibility Criteria and Average Fees for Undergraduate Study
The eligibility criteria for undergraduate degrees in Dubai can vary depending on the university, but generally, the following apply:
- Minimum 12 years of schooling with a 50 per cent or higher grade point average.
- While some universities may necessitate an English proficiency score for admission, it's important to note that not all institutions have this requirement.
- For Indian universities, no IELTS is required
- For UK universities, IELTS scores can be based on English marks in 10th & 12th
- Students with scores of more than 50% (India) and 60% (UK) in ISC/CBSE or Cambridge English may be exempt from English proficiency tests.
The average undergraduate fee is 37,500-70,000 AED annually (approximately Rs 8,35,005- Rs 15,58,675).
Eligibility Criteria and Average Fees for Postgraduate Study
Dubai has witnessed a growth in the number of branch campuses of international universities focusing on postgraduate programmes. The following are the requirements for admission into a postgraduate degree in Dubai:
- An aggregate of 50% or above in undergraduate degree
- While some universities may necessitate an English proficiency score for admission, it's important to note that not all institutions have this requirement.
The average postgraduate fee is 37,500- 75,000 AED annually (approximately Rs 8,35,005- Rs 15,58,675).
Working as a Student in Dubai
International students in Dubai have various on-campus employment opportunities available to them. All Dubai universities also provide 100% placement assistance for students. Learn more about working as a student in Dubai.
Visa Requirements to Study in Dubai
More information about the different visa types if you want to study in Dubai can be found here.
Scholarships in Dubai
Universities in Dubai provide a range of scholarship assistance to international students studying in the region. Speak to an SI-UK counsellor to learn more about the various funding opportunities available to you.
Study in Dubai
Are you ready to make the next big leap and study in Dubai? Arrange a free consultation today to begin your journey.
FAQs
The visa deposit fee varies depending on the institution. Application processing time can take 14-20 working days from the date of application.
Dependents are not currently allowed into the UAE on a student study visa.
International students can work part-time (4 hours maximum per week) or full-time (8 hours per week) in Dubai.
After graduation, students can search for a job and apply for a work permit. The residence permit for employment issued for an employee is one of the major types of Dubai work visas.
In general, Dubai has two intakes every year. This occurs in January/February or September/October.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
