United Arab Emirates
With the UAE being the major hub for tourism and education, it is no surprise that most international students want to study in UAE. Despite the country being run by the royalties, people are quite modern and open to changes. They are very welcoming to foreigners. Due to the quality of education and numerous opportunities the United Arab Emirates presents, it is a place to seriously consider for aspiring international students. Here is everything you need to know about Studying in UAE.
Why Study in the UAE?
Selecting a specific country to study can depend on various factors. Giving only one reason why students now choose to study in UAE can be difficult, here are some of the main reasons to look forward to if you wish to apply to Universities in the UAE.
- One of the world’s rising economies with the charm of the diverse mosaic of seven emirates, UAE ensures its students with a culturally diverse and rich educational environment.
- Most of the universities are accredited by both UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and by an accrediting agency in another country.
- There is a broad range of courses available for international students at universities in the UAE.
- Though the official language of UAE is Arabic, higher education is offered in English medium and is accepted throughout the world.
- Many licensed universities secure a student visa for their students and help them through the visa procedure.
- UAE is home to many international campuses. It ensures that the education standards are at par with other popular abroad destinations like the UK and USA. The education system in the UAE is similar to that in the UK and is recognized throughout the globe.
- UAE is increasing investment in research and innovation year on year. The Abu Dhabi government has created an AED4bn ($1.09bn) fund to boost R&D in the UAE.
- Studying in UAE, you will be surrounded by other students from different countries. There are beaches, malls, clubs, and skyscrapers to explore in UAE, and for international students, there is never a dull moment.
Education in UAE
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research iS in charge of Higher Education in UAE. The Ministry manages the licensing and Accreditation of the Higher Education Institutes. Along with the traditional universities, the Higher Technology Colleges are some of the much-in-demand educational institutes in the UAE. There are roughly 17 campuses of Higher Technology Colleges across the UAE.
The courses offered at the universities in UAE are Engineering and Technology, Computer and Information Science, Health Sciences, Education, Applied Communications, and Business studies. Many of these study programs are offered in the English Language. MBA from UAE is one of the most demanded courses worldwide.
Best Universities in UAE
Ten of the universities in UAE have been ranked among the top universities in the world by the QS World ranking 2022. Three of the Universities are in the top 400. The top ten universities in UAE are:
- Khalifa University
- United Arab Emirates University
- American University of Sharjah
- American University in Dubai
- Canadian University Dubai
- Zayed University
- Abu Dhabi University
- Ajman University
- Al-Ain University
How to Apply to Study in UAE
The deadlines and intakes in UAE differ with the university you choose. For the application process and document requirements, international students need to check the course and university he or she wants to apply to. Fulfilling the basic eligibility criteria and submitting the documents required will increase your chances of acceptance at the university in the UAE. Here is a list of documents you will need if you plan on studying in the UAE:
- Completed application form
- Application fees
- Transcripts of previous education( For bachelor- High school diploma and For master's- bachelor’s degree/diploma)
- Passport-size photo
- Passport
- Motivation letter
If English is not the native language, there might be a requirement for an English test like IELTS or TOEFL. Depending on the study program, there might be other documents or exam scores required, which you should be aware of before applying.
Intakes in UAE
Like most study abroad destinations, there are two main intakes in UAE- fall and spring. Fall Session Commences in September or October and deadlines are at the end of February or March. Spring Intake commences in September or October and deadlines are at the end of August or October. Fall intake is considered more feasible for international students.
Student Visa for UAE
Generally, the student visa will be applied by your University for immigration. The Student Visas for UAE are generally valid only for one year and should be renewed annually. To obtain a student visa for the United Arab Emirates, here are the documents you need:
- Properly filled online application form
- Application fees- 3000 AED and a deposit of 1000 AED
- 2 passport-size photos no older than three months
- Original passport and photocopy
- Student declaration form
- Bank statement or salary certificate of the sponsor.
- NOC for minors
- $1500 demand draft photocopy
- Bonafide certificate from the respective institution
- Approval from CGI Dubai
Cost of Studying in UAE
The tuition fees in UAE are quite high at the higher education institutes. The tuition fees can be around 27000 AED to 128000 AED per annum at the universities in UAE. The Master's programs will cost between 55000 to 75000 AED. You will also need to manage additional costs like accommodation, food, study materials, travel, etc. However, for the quality of the education, exposure to international students, and after-study opportunities these universities offer, the return on investment for UAE is worth it.
Work and Study in UAE
International students are allowed to work for 15 hours a week or 60 hours a month in the UAE. International students are needed to get a work permit from the Labor Department in UAE. The earnings from the part-time jobs can help you manage your day-to-day living expenses while studying in the UAE.
Work after Study in UAE
International students can stay back and work full-time in the UAE once their studies are over. The student visa should be converted into an employment visa to be eligible to work after studies 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 for a job, you should research properly, understand all the terms and conditions for the job and then go ahead.
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, Master, and Doctoral studies. There are some scholarships offered for both domestic and international students. Along with the education loan, scholarships and grants are a great way to finance one’s international education.
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