How many universities does Uae have for international students?
There are 66 active university profiles in Uae on NexStudy. Browse, filter and compare programs, fees, scholarships and admission requirements.
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Step-by-step process to get your Student Residence Visa
The typical Uae student visa processing window is 2-4 weeks. Students should still prepare documents 8-12 weeks before the intake because university CAS/CoE/I-20 steps, financial proof, biometrics, and medical checks can add extra time before the visa file is ready.
A practical timeline is to secure your offer first, confirm fee payment or enrollment documentation, prepare funds in the accepted format, complete English/medical requirements where applicable, and then submit the visa application. NexStudy treats 2-4 weeks as the visa decision window, not the full admission-to-flight timeline.
| Step | Recommended Buffer |
|---|---|
| University offer and acceptance | 4-8 weeks before visa filing |
| Financial documents and fee receipts | 2-4 weeks before visa filing |
| Visa application decision | 2-4 weeks |
| Travel booking and accommodation | After visa grant, unless refundable |
Funds must be traceable, sufficient, and consistent with tuition plus living cost requirements.
Your SOP should explain course choice, academic progression, career goals, and India ties.
Names, dates, marksheets, bank letters, and offer details must match across the file.
Students should be able to explain the university, course, budget, and post-study plan clearly.
Average salaries for international graduates in UAE
| Role | Average Salary | Growth Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | AED 180,000 | +14% |
| Civil Engineer | AED 144,000 | +8% |
| Marketing Manager | AED 168,000 | +10% |
| Finance Manager | AED 216,000 | +7% |
| Healthcare Professional | AED 192,000 | +12% |
In most cases, Indian students can work part-time in Uae if their student visa permits it. Common student jobs include campus assistant roles, hospitality, retail, tutoring, delivery support, and entry-level tech or admin roles. Students should always follow the work-hour rules printed on their visa conditions.
Part-time work should be treated as support income, not the main funding source. The stronger plan is to show full financial capacity first, then use part-time income for living flexibility, local experience, and networking.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Studying in Uae can support long-term settlement only when the student chooses an eligible course, maintains visa compliance, gains relevant work experience, and meets immigration criteria at the time of application. A degree alone should not be treated as a guaranteed PR pathway.
National Job Search Visa gives graduates time to gain local work exposure. Students targeting settlement should compare occupation demand, salary thresholds, regional rules, language scores, and work visa conversion routes before choosing a university or city.
Monthly expenses breakdown for international students
| Expense | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (Shared, Dubai) | AED 2,000-4,000/mo |
| Groceries | AED 800-1,200/mo |
| Transport (Metro) | AED 200-400/mo |
| Dining Out | AED 25-50/meal |
| City | Average Rent | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | AED 3,500/mo | Business, Finance, Tech |
| Abu Dhabi | AED 2,800/mo | Engineering, Energy, AI |
| Sharjah | AED 1,500/mo | Arts, Education, Business |
Scholarship listings are syncing for Uae
Browse the scholarship hub or open the finder below for live matches.
Open scholarship hub →📍 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
SKEMA Business School is a private French business school (grande école) with a multi-campus global network. In the United Arab Emirates it operates a Dubai campus, typically associated with Dubai International Academic City, delivering business and management programmes that follow SKEMA’s international curriculum and academic standards. SKEMA is widely recognised for holding the Triple Crown of business-school accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA). Its UAE presence serves local and international students seeking undergraduate and postgraduate business education with strong links to SKEMA’s campuses in Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Programmes emphasise global mobility, innovation, and employability, with teaching and student services aligned to SKEMA’s wider school rather than a standalone UAE university system.

Northwood University in the UAE is a private, research-oriented institution established in 1990. Known for its comprehensive academic programs and state-of-the-art facilities, it serves approximately 25,000 students with over 5,000 being international.

The North Land Institute of Training is a prestigious private institution located in the United Arab Emirates. Established in 1990, the university is renowned for its comprehensive range of academic programs and state-of-the-art facilities. With a student population of 25,000, including 5,000 international students, the university offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The North Land Institute of Training is committed to fostering innovation and research, making it a hub for academic excellence and personal growth.

📍 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) is a private university located in the United Arab Emirates. It was established in 1990 and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields such as business, engineering, IT, and healthcare. The university is known for its modern campus, state-of-the-art facilities, and emphasis on practical learning and research.

BIG Education - UAE is a leading private university in the United Arab Emirates, known for its comprehensive academic programs and strong emphasis on research and innovation. Established in 1990, the university has grown to become a prominent institution in the region, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. BIG Education - UAE is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for successful careers in their chosen fields.

De Montfort University (DMU) in the UAE is a branch campus of the UK-based De Montfort University, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The university is known for its focus on employability, innovation, and research, providing students with opportunities to engage in industry-relevant projects and internships. DMU UAE aims to deliver a British-style education with a global perspective, catering to the diverse needs of students in the region.
📍 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) is a private, practice-oriented university of applied sciences within the Global University Systems (GUS) network. It focuses on career-ready programmes in business, sport and event management, media and communication, art and design, and tech-related fields, with an emphasis on applied learning, industry projects, and international student mobility across the GUS ecosystem. While UE’s main teaching campuses are in Germany (including Berlin, Hamburg, and Iserlohn), it is commonly referenced in the UAE through GUS’s regional presence and recruitment/partnership activity aimed at students and partners in the Emirates. Offerings associated with the brand typically highlight English-taught degrees, small-group teaching, and pathways connected to GUS’s wider international campus and partner network.
📍 Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Northwood University is a private, non-profit institution located in Midland, Michigan. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is known for its strong emphasis on Christian values and ethics. Northwood University also has an International Program Center (RAK) in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, which offers a range of programs for international students.
“Direct Degree only (undergraduate or postgraduate)” is not the name of a specific university in the United Arab Emirates. It typically denotes a study-option or CRM filter for institutions or programs where students enroll directly into an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, without a foundation, pathway, or preparatory stage. In the UAE this can apply across many licensed universities and campuses (federal and private) that admit qualified applicants straight into bachelor’s or master’s/doctoral awards. Because the label does not identify one campus or legal entity, there is no single established year, enrolment figure, acceptance rate, campus profile, or official admissions contact that can be attributed reliably. Enrichment should instead resolve a concrete institution name (for example a CAA-licensed university in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, or another emirate) and then collect that entity’s published facts.

📍 Dubai International Academic City, United Arab Emirates
Amity University Dubai is a private higher education institution in the United Arab Emirates and part of the Amity Education Group, which operates universities and schools internationally with roots in India. The Dubai campus opened in 2011 and is located in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), one of the UAE's dedicated academic zones. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across fields such as business, engineering, architecture, fashion, media, hospitality, and biotechnology. The university is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education and accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA). Its degrees are designed to meet UAE national qualification standards and many programs also hold professional or international accreditation where applicable. Amity Dubai emphasizes industry-linked learning, internships, and career services for a diverse student body drawn from many nationalities across the region and beyond. The campus provides modern academic infrastructure within an urban university setting in DIAC, including specialized labs, library resources, student support services, and extracurricular facilities. It serves as a regional hub for Amity's international education network while maintaining academic and administrative ties to the broader Amity group.
📍 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
De Montfort University Dubai (DMU Dubai) is the international branch campus of De Montfort University, a public university based in Leicester, United Kingdom. Established in Dubai International Academic City, it delivers UK-accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in fields such as business, law, computing, engineering, art and design, and health. Students who complete their programmes at DMU Dubai are awarded degrees from De Montfort University in the UK. The campus is designed as a modern, student-centered learning environment with classrooms, computer labs, library and study spaces, student support services, and social areas. It operates under the oversight of the UAE's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and attracts students from across the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and other regions seeking a British higher education experience in the UAE.
The University of Dubai is a private institution offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in English. It is known for its diverse student body and focus on research and innovation. The university has a strong emphasis on practical learning and industry engagement, providing students with opportunities to gain real-world experience.

Global Business Studies - UAE is a prestigious institution located in the United Arab Emirates, renowned for its comprehensive programs in business and management. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, catering to both local and international students. With a strong emphasis on practical learning and industry connections, Global Business Studies - UAE prepares students for successful careers in the global business landscape.
📍 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) is a private, not-for-profit higher education institution located in Dubai Design District (d3), United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2018, DIDI was established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Parsons School of Design to deliver a distinctive, integrated design education. It offers a Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree with majors in areas such as product design, multimedia design, fashion design, and interior design, emphasizing interdisciplinary, project-based learning. DIDI is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and aims to prepare graduates for careers in design, innovation, and creative industries regionally and globally.
📍 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
NAVITAS-Murdoch University Dubai is a research university located in the United Arab Emirates that offers a variety of academic programs and facilities to support its students.

Bath Spa University - UAE is a private university branch located in the United Arab Emirates, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It is a branch campus of Bath Spa University, a UK-based institution, and provides a UK degree in a Middle Eastern setting. The university focuses on education, health, and business disciplines, providing a diverse academic experience for its student body.
📍 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
S P Jain School of Global Management is a business school located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is a part of the Jain Group, a global education and real estate conglomerate. The school focuses on providing high-quality MBA and other postgraduate programs, emphasizing global perspectives and practical skills. It is accredited by various bodies, ensuring its programs meet international standards. The institution aims to develop leaders with a global mindset, equipped with the tools to navigate the complexities of the international business landscape. The school's programs are designed to be flexible and accessible, catering to a diverse student body from around the world.
📍 Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Bath Spa University - RAK is a branch campus of Bath Spa University, UK, located in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, particularly in business, education, and creative industries. The campus aims to provide a British-style education with a focus on innovation, creativity, and employability, catering to both local and international students.
📍 DUBAI, United Arab Emirates
Global Banking School (GBS) is a private higher education provider within the GEDU (Global Education) group, known for career-focused undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in business, banking, accounting, finance, and related professional fields. GBS is primarily associated with UK campuses and partnerships, delivering industry-oriented teaching rather than operating as a traditional research university. GEDU’s wider network includes international education brands and pathways; references to “Global Business Studies” often appear in affiliation or branding contexts alongside GBS/GEDU rather than as a separate UAE public university. In the United Arab Emirates, GBS/GEDU-related activity is typically framed through international higher-education pathways, partnerships, or group branding rather than a long-established standalone UAE public university campus with independently published research-university metrics. Publicly consistent institutional identity centres on private, professionally oriented higher education under the GBS/GEDU umbrella, with UK delivery as the core footprint and international reach via the wider GEDU group. Prospective students should verify current UAE delivery location, licensing, and awarding body details directly with GBS/GEDU admissions, as campus presence and programme arrangements can change and may differ from UK campus offerings.

📍 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Khalifa University is a prominent higher education institution located in the United Arab Emirates, known for its focus on science, engineering, and medicine. Established with the goal of advancing research and innovation, the university offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. It is recognized for its state-of-the-art facilities, strong industry partnerships, and commitment to producing highly skilled graduates who contribute to the UAE's knowledge-based economy. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary research and collaboration, positioning itself as a leader in technological and scientific advancements in the region.

Birmingham City University (BCU) is a UK-based public university that has expanded its reach into the United Arab Emirates through a partnership programme. The UAE arm operates primarily from the Dubai International Academic City campus, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses that are accredited by BCU’s main campus in Birmingham. The partnership allows students in the UAE to study BCU curricula and obtain degrees that are recognised both locally and internationally.
Hult International Business School is a private, globally focused business school founded in 1964. Its Dubai campus, located in Dubai Internet City, serves as a hub for undergraduate and graduate business education in the Middle East, drawing a diverse student body from across the region and beyond. The school emphasizes practical, international business learning and offers programs designed to develop global leadership skills. As part of Hult's global network, the Dubai campus enables students to rotate among Hult's locations in Boston, San Francisco, London, Shanghai, and New York. Programs typically include Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of International Business, MBA, and Executive Education offerings. The curriculum is known for its hands-on approach, consulting projects, and focus on entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and management in an international context.

📍 Dubai International Academic City, United Arab Emirates
Manipal Academy of Higher Education - UAE, established in 2005, is a private research university located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Known for its comprehensive education and state-of-the-art facilities, it serves over 25,000 students annually, with a significant number of international students making up the global student body.

Middlesex University Dubai is the UAE branch campus of Middlesex University London, a UK higher education institution. Established in 2005 and located in Dubai Knowledge Park, it delivers UK-accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across disciplines such as business, law, psychology, engineering, computing, media, and art and design. The campus serves a culturally diverse student body and follows the British academic calendar and quality assurance standards. As a branch campus, students graduate with the same Middlesex University London degree awarded to students in the UK.
Estimate your admission tier for Uae. This is guidance, not an admission guarantee.
Explore top student-friendly cities and their living costs
Compare costs, career fit, and student lifestyle before shortlisting a campus city.
| Average rent | AED 3,500/mo | AED 2,800/mo |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Business, Finance, Tech | Engineering, Energy, AI |
| Part-time job availability | Medium to high in student areas | Medium to high in student areas |
| Indian community | Check campus societies and neighborhoods | Check campus societies and neighborhoods |
| PR/job opportunity index | High for tech roles | Course-dependent |
Some universities in Uae may waive IELTS when the student has strong English-medium education proof, alternate tests such as PTE/TOEFL/Duolingo, or university-specific English assessments. Waivers are university-specific, so students should not assume every programme accepts a no-IELTS route.
The safest strategy is to shortlist universities by course first, then verify English waiver rules, visa acceptability, and scholarship impact. A low English score can sometimes be offset by a pathway or pre-sessional English programme, but it may increase visa or admission complexity.
MBBS in Uae should be evaluated carefully against recognition, licensing pathway, clinical exposure, total cost, language of instruction, and the student’s plan to practise in India or abroad. Students must verify current NMC and local medical council requirements before applying.
For medical applicants, NexStudy recommends a separate licensing checklist before deposits are paid: degree recognition, internship rules, exam pathway, hospital rotations, language requirements, and total living cost over the full programme duration.
MS in Computer Science in Uae is usually strongest for students with a solid quantitative background, coding portfolio, internship experience, and interest in software, AI, data, cybersecurity, or cloud roles. ROI depends heavily on university tier, city, tuition, and job-search execution.
Students should compare curriculum depth, co-op/internship access, alumni hiring, local tech clusters, and post-study work rules. A lower-cost university with strong employability can outperform a high-fee option with weak career support.
An MBA in Uae is best suited for students with clear career goals, leadership evidence, strong communication skills, and preferably work experience. Freshers should compare specialised business master’s degrees before choosing a general MBA.
The best MBA outcomes usually come from schools with strong employer networks, internships, career coaching, alumni access, and location advantage. Applicants should calculate ROI using tuition, living cost, opportunity cost, and realistic post-MBA salary ranges.
Engineering in Uae can be a strong pathway when the student chooses a discipline linked to local industry demand, such as computer, mechanical, civil, electrical, renewable energy, robotics, or biomedical engineering. Accreditation and internship access matter as much as rankings.
Students should compare lab facilities, capstone projects, industry placement, co-op options, and post-study work eligibility. For regulated engineering roles, verify local professional registration requirements before finalising the course.
Compare student residences, shared apartments, commute time, and lease rules before paying deposits.
Look for campus Indian societies, grocery access, festivals, temples/community groups, and peer networks.
Start LinkedIn, internships, faculty networking, and portfolio work in the first semester, not after graduation.
Calculate your return on investment for studying in Uae
Check off items you've completed to see your visa readiness score
Difficulty: Moderate
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Difficulty: High
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Difficulty: Moderate
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Amount: Partial tuition
Deadline: Varies
Level: UG/PG
Amount: Need/merit based
Deadline: Before intake
Level: PG
Yes, Indian students can pursue undergraduate programmes in Uae after completing their 12th standard. Most universities require a minimum of 60% marks in 12th, English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+), and valid financial documentation.
Popular undergraduate programmes include Engineering, Business, Computer Science, and Nursing. Some universities offer foundation year programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. Application deadlines vary by intake — check specific university pages on NexStudy for detailed eligibility.
Indian students typically need AEDAED 2,000–AED4,000 per year for tuition and living expenses, depending on the university, course, and city.
| Expense Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (Shared, Dubai) | AED 2,000-4,000/mo |
| Groceries | AED 800-1,200/mo |
| Transport (Metro) | AED 200-400/mo |
| Dining Out | AED 25-50/meal |
Uae offers strong ROI for Indian students, especially in STEM and business fields. The National Job Search Visa (1 year) provides valuable work experience after graduation. Use the ROI Calculator above to calculate your personal return on investment.
| Hidden Cost | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Application and test fees | Multiple university applications, IELTS/PTE/TOEFL, score reporting, and courier costs add up. |
| Visa, medical, biometrics, insurance | These costs often come before the student receives the visa decision. |
| Housing deposit and setup | First month rent, bond/deposit, utensils, bedding, SIM, transport card, and winter clothing can be significant. |
| Course materials and placement costs | Software, lab kits, books, certification exams, and travel for interviews are often missed. |
| Expectation | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| Part-time job will cover everything | Part-time work can support expenses, but visa compliance and academic performance come first. |
| Any university will give the same outcome | Course quality, city, internships, alumni network, and career services change outcomes. |
| Visa is automatic after admission | Admission helps, but financial proof, intent, documentation, and compliance still decide the case. |
| PR is guaranteed after study | Settlement depends on changing immigration rules, occupation demand, salary, work experience, and language scores. |
There are 66 active university profiles in Uae on NexStudy. Browse, filter and compare programs, fees, scholarships and admission requirements.
Most universities in Uae require IELTS 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate programs and 6.5–7.0 for master's programs. Top-tier universities may require 7.0+ overall.
Yes — universities in Uae offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, plus government-funded awards. NexStudy's scholarship finder matches you to relevant scholarships based on your profile.
Monthly living costs in Uae vary by city. Rent (Shared, Dubai): AED 2,000-4,000/mo. Groceries: AED 800-1,200/mo. Transport (Metro): AED 200-400/mo. Dining Out: AED 25-50/meal.
Uae offers the National Job Search Visa with a duration of 1 year. Graduated from a UAE university.
You need the Student Residence Visa. Application fee is AED 2,000-5,000 with processing time of 2-4 weeks. Key documents include: Valid passport, University admission letter, Passport-size photos, and more.
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