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STUDY IN MIDDLE EAST
United Arab Emirates flag Undergraduate & postgraduate study

Study in United Arab Emirates

International campuses and a regional business hub, with programmes linked to a fast-moving economy.

Undergraduate tuition AED 47,000–AED 135,000 Selected international programmes / academic year · AED
Selected-programme planning range 2026/27 entry
Postgraduate tuition AED 75,000–AED 175,000 Selected taught master’s / complete programme · AED
Selected-programme planning range 2026/27 entry
Living budget / month AED 6,860 Reference budget · see conditions below

Why students choose UAE

Local universities and international branch campuses offer different qualification structures. Verify the awarding institution and accreditation before choosing.

Business, logistics, computing and engineering can be explored close to regional employers.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah let you compare very different campus settings without changing country.

Explore strengths in Business Technology Engineering Hospitality

Universities & courses

Undergraduate courses

  • Business administration
  • Computer science
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Architecture
  • Hospitality management
  • Finance

Postgraduate courses

  • Business analytics
  • Engineering management
  • Finance
  • Urban planning
  • Education
  • International business

Universities & institutions

QS World University Rankings 2027 · Overall

Khalifa University

QS 2027 · 147 overall

American University of Sharjah

QS 2027 · =258 overall

United Arab Emirates University

QS 2027 · 217 overall

Intakes & start dates

When can you start?

September is common, with January entry at some universities and branch campuses. Some courses offer a summer or additional start. Check the campus-specific calendar.

Start dates vary by programme.

Tuition & living costs

Undergraduate tuition · AED AED 47,000–AED 135,000 Selected international programmes / academic year
Selected-programme planning range 2026/27 entry
Postgraduate tuition · AED AED 75,000–AED 175,000 Selected taught master’s / complete programme
Selected-programme planning range 2026/27 entry
What these tuition figures coverPlanning ranges based on selected current 2026/27 fee schedules, not a statistical national average. UG fees are annual; PG fees cover the complete taught master’s programme. Costs vary by provider, credit load and duration. Clinical, executive and premium courses can cost more. Scholarships, compulsory student fees, visa costs and living expenses are separate; tax treatment varies by provider.
Typical living reference / month · AED AED 6,860 Housing and daily expenses depend on the city and your choices.

Dubai single-room reference budget: about AED 6,860 monthly, covering the stated housing, groceries, recreation, mobile and taxi allowance. This is a city/provider planning budget, with no survey year stated; it is not a UAE national average and excludes visa costs.

Part-time work & careers

Employer permit required

A residence visa does not by itself grant a general student work allowance. Employers can apply for the appropriate MOHRE student training/work permit; applicants and employers must meet its conditions. Free-zone arrangements may differ. Do not assume a universal 20-hour rule.

After your degree

Graduation does not automatically produce an open work permit. Eligible graduates may qualify for a jobseeker visit visa of 60, 90 or 120 days, but actual employment needs the correct work authorisation and residence arrangements.

Career fields to investigate

Logistics & supply chains Finance Software & analytics Hospitality Energy & infrastructure

Notable student cities

Dubai

Branch campuses and international businesses, with wide differences in housing and commuting costs.

Abu Dhabi

Research institutions and links to energy, government and engineering.

Sharjah

A university-city setting and proximity to the wider Dubai employment market.