Thinking about studying in Dubai? You’re not alone! Every year, thousands of Indians choose Dubai as their go to, study abroad destination, and for good reasons! It’s close to home, culturally familiar, and incredibly safe. Plus, Dubai offers some of the best international education institutions without the crazy high fees of places like the US or UK.
One of the benefits? It’s only 4 hours away from India via flight! No 20-hour airport layovers in other countries when you are travelling to and from home and institute. Dubai also boasts of an enormous Indian community, so you don’t have to give up your favorite foods, festivals, or even Bollywood movie nights!
But beyond comfort, Dubai is a glorious business hub with world class universities and massive career opportunities. If you’re serious about studying abroad, Dubai is definitely worth considering.
Dubai’s Education System
Dubai’s education system is super diverse. You’ll find local universities, international campuses, and private institutions, many of which follow British, American or International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula. This means that the degree you procure from Dubai will be recognized worldwide.
For Indian Students, the transition is simple because most of the universities have Indian-friendly programs with course patterns that are attractive to Indian students, with popular fields including business, engineering and IT. Some universities even have offshore campuses or collaborations with Indian Institutions.
But what Dubai offers that no other place does is their focus on practical learning - you will not simply be memorizing textbooks; you will also be getting hands-on training that preps you for the job from day one.
Top Universities in Dubai for Indian Students
Some of the most sought after universities in Dubai for Indian students are:
- Zayed University
- University of Wollongong
- American University in Dubai
- University of Birmingham
- Curtin University
- Murdoch University
- Heriot Watt University
- Canadian University
- Symbiosis International University
- Middlesex University
Popular Courses & Fields of Study in Dubai
- Business & Management: Perfect for future CEOs, entrepreneurs, and marketing professionals.
- Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Computer Science): Dubai’s constantly building, so engineers are always in demand!
- Hospitality & Tourism: With Dubai being a top tourist destination, this field is booming.
- Medicine & Healthcare: The UAE is expanding its healthcare sector, so opportunities are huge.
- Finance & Accounting: If numbers are your thing, Dubai’s financial scene is one of the best.
Admission Process & Requirements for Indian Students
Getting into a Dubai University is pretty straightforward. Here’s what all you’ll need:
- Completed 12th Grade: Your percentage matters, so check the university’s specific requirements.
- English Proficiency Tests: IELTS or TOEFL is what most universities require, but others require other tests.
- Application Deadlines: Applications normally start in January and September, so don’t delay.
Failed in 12th Board Exam? Here’s What You Can Do Next.
Cost of Studying in Dubai
Money, money, money! It is not as expensive to study in Dubai as it would be in the US and UK, but more so than studying in India. A rough estimate would be:
- Tuition Fees(Undergraduate Programs): Between 30,000 to 1 Lakh 10 Thousand Dirham per year (₹6.9 Lakhs-₹25.5 Lakhs)
- Tuition Fees(Postgraduate Programs): Between 50,000 to 1 Lakh 20 Thousand Dirham per year (₹11.6 Lakhs-₹27.8 Lakhs)
- Living Expenses(Average): Between 44,000 to 55,000 Dirham per year (₹10.2 Lakhs-₹12.7 Lakhs).
- Is it worth it: If you are looking for world-class education, career opportunities and exposure to the world, then yes!
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Concerned about money? Don’t worry, there are plenty of scholarships that will help you!
- Merit-Based Scholarships: If you are performing well, fee waivers are offered by most universities.
- University Grants: Some colleges provide scholarship schemes.
- Government & Private Scholarships: UAE organizations occasionally provide special grants to Indian students.
Student Visa Process for Indian Students
It is simple to obtain your student visa if you do the following:
- Get admitted to university and get your admission letter.
- Collect your documents - Passport, fund documents, and health insurance are required.
- The processing time is 2-4 weeks, and usually the university sponsors it.
Life as an Indian Student in Dubai
You’ll feel at home in Dubai, that’s what makes life easier:
- Indian Food & Festivals: Missing homemade food? There are plenty of Indian restaurants and grocery shops, and Diwali and Holi are celebrated all around!
- Student-Friendly Areas: International City, Al Nahda and Dubai Silicon Oasis are the best locations to live.
- Safety & Lifestyle: Dubai is a highly safe city, and it enjoys a very good quality of life.
Part-Time Jobs & Career Opportunities
Need to work AND study? Here’s what you need to know:
- Part-Time Jobs: You can work in retail, hospitality or even paid internships, and earn between 15 to 30 Dirham(About ₹350-₹700) per hour.
- Work Permits: You’ll need a work permit issued by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the university.
- Job Market: If you graduate in fields like business, technology, healthcare or finance, you’ll have a good career in Dubai.
Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Well, here’s the tough part. Not all is sunshine and skyscrapers. Here are some challenges you might face, and advice on how to handle them:
- Keeping Expenses Down: Budget sensibly! As you can see, the rupee to Dirham conversion, while cheaper than Dollars or Euros, is still quite a punch. Dine in, take advantage of student rates and discounts, and share rooms to save up as much cash as you can.
- Cultural Differences: Even though we have been talking about how homely Dubai can feel with other Indians all around, there are still cultural differences and you ought to be respectful of those! While it is a modern cosmopolitan city, it still has traditional and conservative roots and as a result has strict rules and regulations regarding behavior, alcohol consumption, dress codes, speeding fines, and a whole lot of stuff, so keep that all in mind.
- Visa Renewals: Dubai students visas are usually valid for a period of one year. Monitor your paperwork and deadlines to prevent any undue stress or other problems.
FAQs
Q.Can you work on a Student Visa?
Yes, you can do part-time work in free zones with your university’s permission.
Can I get a degree in Dubai that is valid internationally?
Absolutely! Degrees from the top universities in Dubai follow American, British or IB Curriculums, making them recognized worldwide.
Is studying in Dubai better than studying in India?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Studying in Dubai offers international exposure, globally recognized degrees and career growth while education in India is more affordable. The top universities in Dubai focus more on practical learning, unlike many Indian universities which emphasize theory.
How can I study in Dubai after 12th?
You can study in Dubai after 12th by passing an English proficiency test (depending on your university), filling your application on time, and securing a student visa and accommodation.
Are there Indian universities in Dubai?
Yes! There are many Indian universities with campuses in Dubai, like Amity, BITS Pilani and Manipal Academy of High Education.
How expensive is studying in Dubai?
Studying in Dubai is cheaper than the US, UK or Canada but costlier than India.
