Aug 05, 2025
Dubai City has been on the vision board of many aspiring study abroad students for its quality and safe education, top-class lifestyle, and the scope it offers for both professional and personal growth. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to pursue this dream, consider this blog the one.
Often, confusion around the cost holds back countless students from turning this aspiration into reality. But once you have a clear picture of what things actually cost, you’ll be able to plan better - and live the life you’ve only seen others experience.
This blog is the clarity you’ve been seeking to plan your future in Dubai. It breaks down everything you need to know about the cost to study in Dubai in detail.
Table of Content:
Before we dive into the numbers, let's take a look at why education in Dubai is more affordable than you might think.
Studying in Dubai is a valuable investment with a clear cost structure. The cost to study in Dubai typically ranges from AED 30,000 to AED 80,000 per year for tuition, depending on the program and university. Living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation, generally range from AED 2,500 – AED 4,500 per month. With careful planning, students can manage these expenses and make the most of their experience in this dynamic city.
While we’ve covered the basics above, taking a closer look at the tuition fees for bachelors, masters in Dubai and other study levels will give you a better understanding of what to expect and help you plan accordingly.
Popular Fields of Study | Indicative Costs |
Business & Management | AED 40,000 – AED 60,000 per year |
Tech, Engineering & IT | AED 50,000 – AED 70,000 per year |
Humanities & Social Sciences | AED 35,000 – AED 50,000 per year |
Popular Fields of Study | Indicative Costs |
Business & Management | AED 60,000 – AED 100,000 per year |
Tech, Engineering & IT | AED 70,000 – AED 100,000 per year |
Humanities & Social Sciences | AED 40,000 – AED 80,000 per year |
PhD programs in Dubai are research-focused and generally span 3 to 5 years. The tuition fees typically range from AED 60,000 to AED 120,000 per year, varying based on the university, research area, and duration.
Living in Dubai as an international student can be manageable with the right budgeting. Here's a quick look at the average monthly expenses you should be prepared for:
Expense Category | Average Monthly Costs in AED |
Accommodation | AED 2,500 – AED 4,500 |
Transportation | AED 100 – AED 300 |
Food & Groceries | AED 500 – AED 1,200 |
Utilities & Internet | AED 300 – AED 700 |
Health Insurance | AED 200 – AED 600 |
Miscellaneous | AED 300 – AED 600 |
Now, let’s take a closer look at the key factors that substantially contribute to your monthly living costs in Dubai.
Accommodation is one of the biggest contributors to monthly living expenses in Dubai. Shared off-campus apartments are usually the most budget-friendly, costing around AED 3,000 to AED 4,500 per month. For those who prefer more privacy, private apartments can range from AED 5,000 to AED 7,000 or more, depending on the size and location. University dormitories are another popular choice, typically priced between AED 5,000 to AED 6,500 per month, offering convenience and campus proximity.
Another significant element of living costs in Dubai is transportation. Students can choose from flexible options like the metro, buses, and taxis. A monthly student travel pass can make commuting affordable, typically costing between AED 100 to AED 300, depending on the zones covered.
Food and groceries in Dubai generally range from AED 500 to AED 1,200 per month, covering your essential supermarket shopping and occasional meals at local eateries.
Utilities and internet generally cost around AED 300 – AED 700 per month, covering electricity, water, gas, and basic internet plans. Miscellaneous expenses such as leisure, shopping, and personal items often range between AED 300 - 600 monthly.
Don’t forget one-time costs like airfare (approx. AED 1,500) and student visa fees (around AED 7,000) when planning your budget.
Note: These costs are indicative and may fluctuate based on lifestyle choices, location, and personal preferences.
While all these numbers might seem daunting, there’s good news: the cost to study in Dubai can be significantly reduced through scholarships. From university-sponsored awards to government-funded grants, plenty of opportunities exist to help you manage your expenses. Below are just a few scholarships to study in Dubai to consider:
Scholarship Name | Offered By | Coverage/Benefits |
| Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Scholarship | Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation | Covers full tuition, fees, books, housing, travel, etc. |
| Outstanding Academic Excellence Scholarship | University of Wollongong in Dubai | Covers 15–25% of tuition fees per semester for high-achieving undergraduates |
| Sports & Community Engagement Scholarship | Heriot-Watt University Dubai | Up to 30% off tuition for foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate students with notable extracurricular achievements |
| Academic Excellence Scholarship | Curtin University Dubai | Up to 50% scholarship on tuition for students demonstrating outstanding academic performance |
Taking up part-time work alongside your studies is a practical way to lower your monthly expenses. As an international student in Dubai, you’re allowed to work up to 15 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during academic breaks. This not only helps with living costs but also builds your skills and resume.
Role | Average Pay (AED/hour) |
Event Staff | 30–50 |
Food & Beverage Staff | 20 – 30 (+ tips) |
Private Tutor | 50 – 100 |
Delivery Rider | 15 – 25 (+ tips) |
Freelance Content Writer | 50 – 150 |
Note: The pay rates listed above are indicative and may vary based on employer, experience, and seasonal demand.
Here are a few universities in Dubai that are quite affordable and offer quality education for international students. These institutions strike a good balance between tuition costs and academic value, making them popular choices among budget-conscious students.
Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming when it comes to managing money, but understanding Dubai’s system makes it simpler. The official currency is the Emirati dirham (AED), so start by arranging a reliable way to exchange your funds. In daily life, credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted from cafes to bookstores, and contactless payments are standard.
For public transport, the Nol card covers metro, bus, tram, and parking fees with a single tap. To stay on top of your finances, set a monthly spending limit, track expenses with a simple app, and keep a small emergency fund in dirhams. With these basics in place, you’ll feel confident planning and budgeting for your time in Dubai.
Living in the vibrant city of Dubai as an international student offers exciting opportunities! With a bit of planning, you can enjoy this global hub while keeping your finances in check. Here's how to make the most of your dirhams:
To wrap up, understanding the costs involved in studying in Dubai is the first step towards making your dream a reality. Studying in Dubai doesn’t have to feel out of reach. With the right planning and smart budgeting, you can confidently turn your study abroad dream into a reality. Let the numbers guide you, not stop you. Your journey to Dubai starts with clarity, not confusion. Get in touch with our experts today to start yours!
Managing unexpected costs can be tricky. It’s important to have a contingency fund and track your expenses closely. Using budgeting apps or seeking financial advice can also help.
Some hidden costs might include entertainment, leisure activities, and occasional travel expenses. It's a good idea to plan for these extra costs and adjust your budget accordingly.
Living costs can vary greatly depending on the area. Areas like Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai tend to be more expensive, while areas like Al Barsha or Deira may offer more affordable accommodation options. It’s essential to research neighbourhoods that fit your budget.
The amount you can save depends on your lifestyle, spending habits, and income from part-time work. On average, students who budget effectively and take advantage of discounts and part-time work opportunities can save a reasonable amount.
While it’s not mandatory, opening a local bank account is recommended for easier transactions and receiving salary payments for part-time work. Many banks in Dubai offer student-friendly accounts with low fees.