Studying in the United Arab Emirates

What a year costs

Fees vary widely between federal universities, private universities and branch campuses, and the government publishes no national figure. As a benchmark for a leading private university, the American University of Sharjah charges AED 110,876 a year in undergraduate tuition for 2026-2027, a flat fee for all majors (AED 55,438 a semester for 12-16 credits). On top of that:

• Lab and technology fees: AED 1,552-1,700 per course, depending on type
• Health insurance: AED 600 plus VAT a semester for the university's main plan
• Application fee: AED 400 plus VAT

Branch campuses publish fees per programme rather than as a single schedule. Get the fee for your exact programme and year of entry in writing, including how much it rises each year.

Living costs. No government body publishes a student living cost figure. University housing gives a floor: AUS charged AED 7,000 a semester for a shared room and AED 15,000 for a private room in 2025-2026, plus a utilities fee and a refundable AED 1,000 deposit. Private rentals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi cost far more, and landlords commonly ask for rent in a small number of large cheques. Budget for food, transport and a phone on top of rent, and check your university's own estimate.

VAT at 5% applies to many services, including some university fees.

The visa

International students hold a student residence permit. Two routes are possible:

1. University sponsorship. Your accredited university acts as your host and guarantor, applies for your entry permit and then your residence permit. 2. Parent sponsorship, if a parent is resident in the UAE. The UAE Government portal sets age limits: sons up to 25, and daughters until marriage.

You need a certificate from your university stating the length of your studies, a medical examination, health insurance, an Emirates ID application, a passport copy and a photo.

The fees. GDRFA Dubai lists government fees of AED 720 for a student residence permit: an AED 200 permit fee, AED 10 each in knowledge and innovation fees, and an AED 500 in-country fee. GDRFA adds AED 100 a year for permits longer than two years. The medical test, Emirates ID and insurance are charged separately, and most universities add their own visa processing charge: ask yours for the total. Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates process residence through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), and their fees can differ.

Processing: GDRFA Dubai quotes 48 hours through its digital channels once the application is complete.

The money. The UAE publishes no national proof-of-funds figure for students, and GDRFA Dubai's service page lists no financial guarantee. Because your university is your sponsor, it sets the financial conditions, commonly payment of a semester's fees or a deposit before it applies for your visa. Ask for its requirements in writing.

Working while you study

A student residence permit does not by itself let you work. Any job needs a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), obtained by the employer.

• The student training and employment permit lets a company employ a student who is already in the UAE, from age 15, under conditions set by the ministry. It is valid for three months.
• The part-time work permit covers part-time contracts generally. It is valid for two years.

No national weekly hour limit for students is published on the pages we checked. Many universities run their own on-campus work schemes with their own limits. Ask your university before you accept any work, and never work without a permit: it puts your residence at risk.

After you graduate

Your student residence permit is tied to your enrolment. When your studies end, your university cancels its sponsorship, and you need a new basis to stay.

Jobseeker visit visa. You can apply for a single-entry visit visa of 60, 90 or 120 days to look for work, without a sponsor, if you graduated within the last 2 years from one of the world's top 500 universities, or if you qualify at skill level 1, 2 or 3 under MOHRE's classification. You need a bachelor's degree. In Dubai, GDRFA charges AED 200, 300 or 400 plus 5% VAT, and a refundable AED 1,000 security deposit.

Golden Visa for outstanding graduates. A 10-year residence permit for graduates:

• Of UAE universities: a bachelor's, master's or PhD from a university accredited by the Ministry of Education, with a GPA of at least 3.5 at an A-classified university or 3.8 at a B-classified one, graduated no more than 2 years ago
• Of international universities: a bachelor's from a top 100 university on the Ministry of Education's list, GPA of at least 3.5, graduated within 2 years

Check your university's classification before you enrol if the Golden Visa is part of your plan.

Otherwise, the usual route is an employment visa sponsored by an employer who has hired you.

Language

University teaching is overwhelmingly in English. AUS asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80, with scores valid for two years. Other universities and branch campuses set their own minimums. Arabic is the official language, and helps in government and some public sector jobs, but you do not need it to study or work in most of the private sector.

When to apply

Universities commonly start in August or September, and many also admit in spring. Each sets its own intakes and deadlines: at AUS, check the university's deadlines page. Branch campuses often run additional intakes.

The visa is quick once your university applies, but it will only apply once you have accepted your offer and paid what it requires. Ask your university how long it takes from your deposit to an entry permit, and arrange housing in parallel.

What to watch out for

Check accreditation, especially in free zones. Universities licensed federally are accredited through the Ministry of Education's Commission for Academic Accreditation. Branch campuses in Dubai's free zones are regulated by Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority. Recognition matters for government jobs, further study and the Golden Visa, which requires a Ministry-accredited university for UAE graduates. Check the Commission's list of accredited programmes for your exact programme.

Your status depends on your sponsor. If you withdraw, fail to re-enrol or are dismissed, your university will cancel your residence. Ask how long you have to leave or change status after cancellation, and plan for it.

Fees rise, and VAT is added. Multi-year fee increases and VAT on some charges add up. Get the full cost of the degree, not only year one.

Housing contracts. Private leases often require payment in a few large cheques, a deposit and agency fees. University housing is simpler and usually cheaper: apply early.

Do not work without a permit. Informal and freelance work is not covered by a student residence permit. Ask your university before taking any job.

Where these numbers come from

Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Every figure above carries the date we checked it. Check the official source before you rely on it. The UAE publishes no proof-of-funds figure, no student living cost figure and no national student work-hour limit: ask your university.