Every year, thousands of students from across the world apply to study in the UK. The UK has four of the top ten universities in the world, as per the latest QS World University Rankings, and the Post Study Work Visa that allows international students to stay in the country for almost 2 years after graduation.
If you also wish to join the UAE student community in the UK, book a free consultation with SI-UK today to start the journey towards your dream university.
UAE Student Guide to Studying in the UK
Scholarships for UAE Students
The UK government and many universities offer scholarships to international students to help them achieve their educational goals.
UAE students with exceptional grades can apply for the Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, British Council Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, and Fulbright Scholarships to cover their tuition costs and other living expenses. Most of these financial options are given to students who pursue graduate studies in the UK.
UK Visa for UAE Students
UAE students who wish to study in the UK for more than six months must apply for a Student Visa. The application process can be quite extensive and involves the following major steps:
- Choose the university and course according to your academic and overall career goals.
- Fill up the application form from the university and receive an unconditional offer letter.
- You will also receive the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), an electronic document with a unique reference number required at the time of visa application.
- Collect all the supporting documents, including the passport, English language test scores report, proof of funds, academic transcripts and certificates, and passport-sized colour photographs.
- Apply for the visa through the official website of the British Government and pay the application fee.
- Once the application is processed, you may need to give your biometric information and also may have to go through an interview at the visa office.
- Now, all you need to do is wait for the decision. Usually, the final decision comes within three weeks.
- After your visa application has been approved, you receive a visa vignette in your passport that allows you to travel to the UK. You must also collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from a designated collection point when you arrive.
- Is it difficult to obtain a student visa as a UAE student?
Obtaining a student visa as a UAE student can be a straightforward process, but it depends on several factors. The UK government has set out the requirements for international students, including those from the UAE, who want to study in the UK. The application process for a student visa can be done online, and there are a few steps that you will need to follow, such as providing proof of acceptance to a UK university, proof of financial support, and a valid passport.
Popular UK Universities for UAE Students
There are many universities in the UK that are popular among UAE students, including the University of Manchester, a leading research institution that is known for its diverse student body and world-class facilities, the University of Edinburgh, one of the oldest universities in the UK known for its research excellence in areas such as medicine and engineering, and the University of Warwick, a research-led institution that is known for its strong academic programmes in business, engineering, and computer science.
Which UK universities have the most UAE students?
Many UK universities have students from UAE pursuing higher education. The latest available data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) highlights the top UK universities with the highest number of UAE students, which are:
- University of Manchester - 1,400
- University College London - 1,315
- University of Edinburgh - 1,145
- Imperial College London - 1,135
- University of Warwick - 1,045
What cities in the UK have the biggest communities of Emiratis?
According to a report by the UAE Embassy in London, the cities in the UK with the largest Emirati communities are London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
London has the highest number of Emiratis, with many of them residing in the boroughs of Knightsbridge, Chelsea, and Mayfair. Manchester is also a popular destination, with Emiratis often attracted to the city's universities, including the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. Birmingham is another city with a significant Emirati population, and students from the UAE often attend the University of Birmingham. Other cities with smaller but still significant Emirati populations include Edinburgh, Leeds, and Glasgow.
Cultural and religious celebrations for UAE students in the UK
UAE students studying in the UK celebrate their cultural and religious traditions while living abroad. Some of the important cultural and religious celebrations for UAE students include:
- Eid al-Fitr: This festival marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide, including UAE students in the UK. Many universities and student organisations in the UK host Eid events, including prayer services, social gatherings, and food festivals.
- National Day: UAE National Day is celebrated on December 2nd each year, commemorating the UAE's formation in 1971. UAE students in the UK often celebrate by attending cultural events, hosting traditional food and dance parties, and decorating their homes and cars with UAE flags and symbols.
- Ramadan: UAE students in the UK often observe Ramadan, the month of fasting, prayer, and reflection in the Islamic faith. During this time, students may participate in community iftars (breaking of the fast), attend special prayer services, and engage in charitable activities.
- Diwali: Many UAE students in the UK celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. This celebration includes lighting lamps and candles, exchanging gifts, and enjoying traditional food and dance.
UAE student societies at UK universities
Many UK universities have UAE student societies, which provide a sense of community and support for Emirati students studying in the UK. These societies organise various events and activities that celebrate Emirati culture and traditions and provide opportunities for socialising and networking.
- Emirates Society at University College London (UCL): This society is one of the UK's oldest and largest UAE student societies, with a diverse range of events and activities throughout the academic year.
- UAE Society at Imperial College London: This society aims to promote Emirati culture and traditions and create a supportive community for UAE students studying at Imperial College.
- Emirati Society at the University of Manchester: This society organises cultural, social, and academic events for Emirati students and those interested in Emirati culture.
UK university entry requirements for UAE students
Most UK universities accept the UAE High School Certificate as a qualification for undergraduate admission. Students are generally required to have completed their secondary education and obtained a minimum number of passes in relevant subjects.
A-levels are a common qualification in the UK, but they are not typically offered in the UAE education system. However, UAE students can still gain admission to UK universities by meeting alternative entry requirements. These alternative qualifications might include the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, the American High School Diploma, or the UAE National High School Diploma.
All universities in the UK require UAE students to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. Students can do this by providing scores from English language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Pearson PTE. The minimum scores required vary depending on the university and the programme but generally range between 6.0 and 7.0 for IELTS, 79-100 for TOEFL, and 58-65 for PTE.
Career opportunities in the UK for UAE graduates
UAE students who graduate from UK universities become can apply for a post-study work visa. This enables them to stay back in the country for two years, during which they can look for relevant jobs and start their career. Industries that provide job opportunities to graduates include finance, engineering, education, healthcare, and technology.
Foundation courses for UAE students
Foundation courses are preparatory courses that have been designed to help students who may not meet the entry requirements for their desired undergraduate degree.
Many UK universities offer foundation courses for international students in various disciplines, including those from the UAE. Two types of foundation courses are available to international students: the Integrated Foundation Course and the International Foundation Programme.
Study in the UK
If you want to join the many UAE students already studying in the UK, don't wait around and book a free consultation with SI-UK today.
My consultant was very helpful and motivating. She helped me every step of the way, even when the deadline was so close. I feel I could not have done it without her. I'd highly recommend this service to any and all of my many friends interested. 
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