Study inRegional alternatives for students comparing location, programme, cost and partnerships.
10
Universities on our shortlist
427
Programmes to compare
On request
Medicine pathway
Overview
Why study in the UAE?
International branch campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi let students in the Gulf earn UK, Australian and other international degrees close to home.
- UK and Australian branch campuses (Heriot-Watt, Middlesex, Birmingham, Wollongong)
- Study close to family if you live in the Gulf
- Tax-free job market after graduation
- Golden Visa route for high-achieving graduates
Capital
Abu Dhabi
Official language
Arabic
Currency
United Arab Emirates dirham
Population
10.1 million
As of 2026
Region
Asia & the Gulf
University cities
Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Emirate of Sharjah, Ajman
+1 more
Student essentials
Intakes, visa and work rights in the UAE
Intakes
September (main) and January; some offer May.
Student visa
Student visa sponsored by your university, or study on a parent's residence visa.
Part-time work
Part-time work and internships with a university-sponsored work permit.
After graduation
Graduates can move to an employment visa; outstanding graduates may qualify for a Golden Visa.
Living costs
About AED 3,000–6,000 a month; less if living with family.
Rules reviewed October 2026. Visa and work rules change often; we confirm the current position for your nationality when you apply.
Costs & duration
What to budget for
Indicative annual tuition across the programmes we list in the UAE. Fees vary by university, course and intake.
Bachelor's
216 programmes- Tuition per year
- USD 10,113–30,191
- Typical length
- 4 years
Typical entry requirements
Class 12 or an equivalent high-school qualification (CBSE, ISC, State Boards, A-levels, IB, WAEC or a national diploma) is accepted, with subject grades set by each course. Ministry of Education equivalency applies to foreign school certificates.
Master's
211 programmes- Tuition per year
- USD 12,700–30,200
- Typical length
- 1.5–2 years
Typical entry requirements
A recognised bachelor's, equivalency certificate and IELTS 6.0–6.5.
Planning figures only. Fees change by course, intake and nationality; we confirm the exact amount in writing before you apply.
Universities
10 universities in United Arab Emirates
How to apply
Your route to United Arab Emirates, step by step
- 01
Find where you fit
Tell us your grades, budget and ambitions. We shortlist countries, universities and courses that genuinely match, not the ones that pay the most commission.
- 02
Applications, handled
Documents, statements of purpose and deadlines across every university on your list, tracked in one place by our experienced counselling team.
- 03
Visa without the guesswork
Financial documents, SOPs and mock interviews prepared by specialists who do this every day.
- 04
Land with a plan
Flights, accommodation, airport pickup and orientation, so your first week is about your new city, not paperwork.
FAQs
Studying in the UAE: common questions
Across the programmes on AmbleWave's the UAE shortlist, indicative annual tuition is USD 10,113–30,191 for bachelor's and USD 12,700–30,200 for master's programmes. Fees vary by university, course and intake, and we confirm the exact amount in writing before you apply.
Thinking about the UAE?
Get a free, honest assessment of your chances and a shortlist built around your profile.