Why study in Dubai?

Why study in Dubai?
By ultra@wp 17 Apr, 2025

Besides its dramatic skyscrapers, cultural beauty, and wondrous infrastructure, Dubai is famous for providing world-renowned education. The universities in Dubai draw students from all over the world. It is a truly cosmopolitan city that welcomes students from all corners of the planet.

If you are searching for an education that includes not just world-class standards but also exciting opportunities, Dubai could be the right choice. Are you sure it could be an appealing educational destination for you? Let us find out.

Overview of Higher Education in Dubai 

Dubai is now a significant hub for higher education with a wide range of academic programs, institutions of international standing, and multicultural surroundings. The emirate’s specialized focus on education, serving the larger vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy, complements the development. 

Now more than ever, Dubai is growing as an international metropolis, with institutions offering different programs, as witnessed by the phenomenal growth of the higher education sector in Dubai. 

Thanks to the government’s focus on the need for education, Dubai is well viewed in terms of high-quality academic institutions, thus appealing more and more to students all over the world.

Setting a high standard for education 

The constant effort that the UAE puts into improving the higher educational institutions remains a fact, and its universities rank amongst the best in the world. Dubai, with thousands of students coming from both within and outside the country, earned high marks in terms of desirability and student viewpoint indicators in the QS Best Student Cities index.

One of the most prestigious universities in Dubai is Canadian University Dubai, which ranks among the top four in the UAE, according to QS World University Rankings 2022, and 25th in QS Arab Region University Rankings. 

More than 40 degree programs and accreditations are offered by the Canadian University Dubai. This school strives to offer its students an international academic experience while honoring and respecting the various cultures and values of the UAE. 

More than 120 nationalities are studied in this school, sixth in the world for the ratio of international students and seventh globally for the ratio of international faculty members in the most recent QS World University Rankings.

Advantages of studying in Dubai 

1. A Premier International Education

More than 60 university campuses around the world offer qualified programs in all the disciplines necessary, like business, engineering, arts, and technology, in Dubai. Education and training are highly scrutinized by the KHDA, which further controls the educational system.

 

2. A Melting Pot

Dubai occupies itself with such a flavor that mingles to make the flavors of all the cultures that come from over 200 different nationalities into one singularity. What are they learning? They gain a lot of the broader world perspectives that would, in turn, develop empathy and understanding in a very closely-knit, interconnected world.

 

3. Chances of Employment

Located in Dubai, a world business center, all kinds of internship and job opportunities are offered in finance, technology, tourism, and entrepreneurship. Those who graduate have tax-free salaries and a link to a burgeoning marketplace where most of the connections are with the outside world. 

 

4. Research and Creativity

Some centers are well funded in research and innovations with university-industry partnerships; they put the students in an atmosphere to learn using their hands 

 

5. Cost-Effective Education

Dubai is perhaps low-cost as compared to other global hubs for education in terms of tuition fees and living costs; even scholarships are offered for gifted students.

 

6. Safe and Student-Friendly Environment

Dubai is famous for its safety, contemporary infrastructure, and student-friendly housing in Dubai areas such as Knowledge Village and Academic City. 

One can avail oneself of the benefits of increased study and post-graduation letters and recently introduced reforms in visas. It eases settlement processes for students during a temporary or even permanent visit to that country. 

 

7. Location-Savvy

Dubai lies between Europe, Asia, and Africa; hence, it could be the gateway to travel and business expansion all over the world.

 

Being an international student in Dubai 

For international students, Dubai offers various perks, and we have listed some below:

1. Academic Experience

Students can choose from several programs like business, engineering, data science, etc. The city has indeed ensured that all the programs are future-looking because they’re more innovative. Dubai boasts the best universities in the world with top-notch facilities. Many international university campuses here provide programs connected with global industries. 

 

2. Career Opportunities

  • Internships and Part-Time Jobs: Students are encouraged to work part-time and intern because they add practical experience and help deal with the costs of living.
  • Career Opportunities: The economy of Dubai is developing, and with that, there are lots of career opportunities in business, technology, engineering, etc.

 

3. Cultural and Social Life

  • Cultural Diversity: Over 200 nationalities living in Dubai yield an international student in a multicultural environment, which aligns with the students’ ushering in world development.
  • Student Support Services: These universities offer student support services, inclusive of academic advising, career counseling, and assistance with cultural integration events to help students.

 

4. Lifestyle and Leisure

  • Affluence and Easy Living: Dubai centralizes luxurious living at comparatively lower costs than other key international cities. It has an excellent infrastructure, including public transport.
  • Leisure Activities: From traditional souks to modern tourist attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai has created a very active and vibrant lifestyle with many activities for recreation.

 

5. Practical Considerations

  • Student Visa and Work Permit: All international students need to apply for a student visa to study in Dubai. A work permit from the UAE Labour Department is required to work part-time, which is usually obtained through universities. 
  • Scholarships and Financial Aid: There are many scholarships available for international students from both the government and the university to continue their studies here.

 

Top 4 universities in Dubai for international students 

1. Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University Dubai, situated in Dubai Knowledge Park (earlier in Dubai International Academic City), is noted for offering programs from undergraduate to postgraduate levels in a breadth of disciplines, such as business, engineering, and psychology. It is internationally recognized for the provision of quality education, accredited by the UK Royal Charter.

Heriot-Watt Dubai is especially commended for its industry linkages and career assistance, thereby providing its students with the best opportunities for internships and job placement. This, coupled with its world reputation, makes it a prime choice for those looking for a full academic qualification with career prospects.

 

2. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai 

The Rochester Institute of Technology, popularly known as RIT Dubai, is the largest global campus in Dubai Silicon Oasis of the renowned Rochester Institute of Technology in New York City. 

Development during the years 2008, RIT Dubai stands in stark contrast to US-style education, from business to technology down to design, in imparting very highly regarded Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. The firm enjoys accreditation from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and recognizes American degrees as well.

It’s particularly famous for the innovative cooperation program that renders students job-ready due to practical work experience. Also, the university maintains high placement rates for students and offers many extracurricular activities like sports and cultural programs, providing an immersive life on campus.

 

3. University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) is situated in Dubai Knowledge Village and offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, engineering, and humanities. 

All degrees awarded by UOWD are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and internationally recognized as meeting standards set by TEQSA, the Australian Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, which guarantees their prestige. 

It also provides additional student support services, including scholarships and language support, to aid students in achieving academic and professional success.

 

4. American University in Dubai (AUD)

With master’s and undergraduate programs in business, engineering, arts, and sciences, the American University in Dubai (AUD), located in Dubai Media City, has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Ministry of Education in the UAE. 

The degrees awarded are generally recognized around the world. This university is known for its diverse student body, which promotes cultural exchange; it opens many avenues through strong links with the industry and presents good career prospects.

 

What to study in Dubai? 

Dubai houses multiple courses to create occupational opportunities and enhance its profile in the economy and the culture. Here are a few popular and top courses in Dubai:

1. Business and Management

  • Courses: MBA, BBA, international business, finance, marketing, and human resources.
  • Institutions: University of Dubai, American University in Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
  • Career Prospects: High demand in Dubai’s thriving business environment with several roles such as marketing manager, financial analyst, and business development manager that pay competitively.

2. Engineering

  • Courses: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Aerospace Engineering.
  • Institutions: American University in Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, University of Dubai.
  • Career Prospects: Focus on employability being simple because of running active projects for infrastructure development that have a constant flow of job opportunities for graduate engineers.

3. Information Technology and Computer Science

  • Courses: BSc Computer Science, MSc Cybersecurity, Data Science, AI.
  • Institutions: University of Wollongong Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, American University in Dubai.
  • Career Prospects: High demand in Dubai’s emerging tech industry in terms of exciting new openings for AI, cybersecurity, and software development.

4. Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management

  • Courses: Hotel Management, Tourism, Hospitality, Events Management.
  • Institutions: Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.
  • Career Prospects: With Dubai being a sought-after tourist destination, there will surely be a steady demand for employment in the hotel and tourism industry.

5. Architecture and Design

  • Courses: Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Planning.
  • Institutions: Universities offering architecture programs.
  • Career Prospects: For the creation of some innovative architectural projects and their urban development.

6. Data Science and Analytics

  • Courses: Data Science, Big Data Analytics, AI.
  • Institutions: Khalifa University, University of Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
  • Career Prospects: The growing need for data professionals in various sectors. 

7. Media and Communication

  • Courses: Media Studies, Journalism, Communication.
  • Institutions: Zayed University.
  • Career Prospects: Attainment of further prospects in Dubai’s vibrant media and entertainment industry.

How to apply to Dubai universities?

The university application procedure in Dubai involves multiple procedures that may differ slightly from one university to another. Here are general guidelines: 

  1. Identify and Shortlist Universities: Locate universities offering programs that are of interest to you and that correspond to your academic history. Other considerations include accreditation, reputation, and location. 
  2. Check Eligibility Criteria: Each university will have its own peculiar sets of requirements for admissions, based on the academic qualifications, together with any language requirements, usually requiring proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL and possibly entrance exams. 
  3. Prepare Documents: The usual documents needed include: 
  • Application form filled out
  • Transcripts and other academic records
  • English test score
  • Copy of a passport
  • Personal statement or statement of purpose
  • Letters of recommendation
  1. Submit Application: For the majority of universities, the application is conducted online. Make sure all documents are submitted and application fees are paid. 
  2. Attend Interview (If Required): Some universities may wish to interview a few candidates as part of their admission process. 
  3. Receive Offer Letter: Those who are accepted to a particular program will be sent an offer letter outlining the terms of admission. 

7. Apply for a Student Visa: After possessing an offer letter, you may now apply for a student visa to be able to study in Dubai.

FAQs

1. When do admissions start in Dubai universities? 

Ans: The majority of admissions correlate with fall and spring intakes in all universities. Some of them also feature rolling admissions or multiple intakes during the year.

2. How much would a university in Dubai cost?

Ans: Tuition fees vary greatly in Dubai, with most of them lying in the range of AED 30,000 to AED 120,000 per academic year, depending on the institution and program. Cheaper universities may also offer programs, while some might have a relatively high cost due to their international reputation and accreditation.