Many students have opted to study in UAE-based universities as the education system provides excellent security as well as stability for residential wards and campuses. In addition, healthcare privileges are also offered to students in the UAE, which makes it the perfect region for students to study and grow professionally.

Whether you’re on a budget, a solo student traveller or travelling with family, finding cheap flight deals and hotel booking can be what makes or breaks your trip. Bear in mind that cheap lodgings and hotels are dotted throughout the UAE if you know where to look. 

With improved job prospects and better cognitive abilities, opting for a good university has proved essential for most students. Read on to learn more about why studying in the UAE is an option worth considering.

UAE student and job visas

If you plan on pursuing your higher education in the UAE, an important document is your student visa. To apply for a student visa, you will need to provide certain documents such as a passport copy, bank statements, proof of living arrangements, tuition fee etc. With the launch of the new UAE visas and entry permits in September 2022, the UAE has paved the way for the most significant entry and residency reforms for visitors, students and entrepreneurs to date.

Students interested in applying for a visa for studies, training and internship programmes can apply for a UAE study/training visa. This visa can be sponsored by a public or private sector educational institute. It will require an official letter from the entity providing details of the study, training or internship programme, and duration. Exceptional students who fall under the best 100 universities worldwide and those who have high scores in UAE secondary schools and universities will be eligible for the UAE Golden Visa Scheme.

In addition, job-seekers in the UAE can also apply for a Job Visa to explore employment opportunities in the country. It will be granted to the visa applicant if they hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Fresh graduates of the best 500 universities in the world will also be granted such a visa.

A thriving student community

A few perks of studying in a reputed university in the UAE are an excellent academic reputation, student-to-faculty ratio and constructive curriculum. The diversity of cultures and nationalities present in the United Arab Emirates allows students to get acquainted with an increasingly globalized economy and gain insight into a broad range of world cultures and knowledge. Languages such as English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, Farsi, Pashto, Balochi, Persian and others are spoken in the country.

UAE is also a playground of wild landscapes and world-class attraction that provide bonding experience for its foreign students. If you're looking for a weekend escape with your classmates and Dubai hotels or the ones in Abu Dhabi are a bit out of your budget, you can consider Fujairah hotels or Al Ain, which are comparatively less expensive than Dubai and the capital city, Abu Dhabi.

High ranking universities

The UAE is not only a popular tourist spot but also a thriving study destination for students from all over. Known for its quality education, the country is home to some of the top institutions ranked by the QS World University Rankings.

The UAE’s rapid progress and development have resulted in the establishment of international universities, thereby increasing the number of international students. Internationally affiliated academies have branch campuses in the UAE that provide excellent opportunities for students to discover a new unique perspective of the world.

Some top universities to enroll in the UAE are the United Arab Emirates University, American University in Dubai, Khalifa University, American University of Sharjah, Zayed University and the University of Sharjah.

Work while you study

International students are not allowed to work while they study unless they have a work permit in the UAE. The permit will enable them to apply and work at a part-time job while they complete their studies.

Some universities, however, offer students on-campus jobs provided the student meets some of the criteria to be allowed to work at the university itself. One of the requirements for on-campus job placement is that the student should be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate degree program and have a minimum GPA of 2.2.

Generally, students are permitted to work for up to 15 hours per week while attending their course. And during academic breaks, they can work up to 40 hours per week.

Choose from a wide range of courses

The universities, academies and schools are constantly being evaluated in the UAE and Dubai to keep the education quality intact. Students are provided with excellent facilities, infrastructure, faculties and curriculum to ensure they get the value for the money paid as course fees. Here are a few popular courses opted for by international students who study in the UAE:

• Business Administration

• Tourism and Hospitality

• Accounts and Finance

• Engineering

• Design

• Architecture

• Information Technology

• Aviation

• Global social science

• Advertising, Public Relations and Media

• Psychology

• Business Information Systems

Conclusion

Despite its arid climate and subtropical deserts, the UAE attracts millions of students and expats each year to live, study and work. It is also one of the fastest growing economies that provide students with ample opportunities while allowing a bright career after their studies. The country has opened its doors to top-ranking foreign universities, colleges and multinational companies, facilitating modernization and rapid development, thereby making it a hub of culture and diversity.