Aug 29, 2025
Look up Dubai on the internet, and you may see hundreds of glamorous shots of the Burj Khalifa, the aerial shots of the pristine beaches around the Palm Jumeirah, and the warm smiles of people saying ‘Habibi, come to Dubai!’ While the City of Gold has certainly made a name as a hub for international tourism and business, it is also piquing the interest of aspiring international students, seeing a 25% increase in enrolments as per recent data.
As Universities from Dubai and international University Campuses in Dubai raise the standards of education, research, and practical skills, the populous Emirate has become an Asian hub for international students. The presence of renowned companies across industries in Dubai makes your transition from a student to an employed graduate seamless, in the UAE or anywhere else in the world. In this article, we will explore all the aspects of studying in Dubai in the upcoming intakes.
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Dubai’s popularity as a student destination stems from the dynamic and industry-informed academic standards of national and international Universities in the city. Most programs in these Universities are taught in English, keeping in mind the large international population of Dubai. With technologically advanced and interactive classrooms, Dubai’s Universities focus on developing practical skills through project-based learning and exposure to the latest industry trends.
Additionally, many branch campuses of Universities from the UK, Australia, USA, etc. offer qualifications recognized by both the home country and the UAE government’s standards. Some popular examples include the University of Birmingham Dubai, Murdoch University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, and Curtin University Dubai.
Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, but international students often get affordable accommodation options on and near campus. The cost to study in Dubai is also quite affordable, especially compared to study destinations in the West. A general range for the cost of education and living in Dubai is mentioned below.
It is essential to plan a realistic budget as an international student in Dubai.
Most modern universities pay close attention to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for their diverse student population. This is also the case in Dubai, with Universities offering full-fledged health and wellness services, career counseling centers, and resources for the physical and emotional support of students. These services are often offered for free or at low costs, alongside other on-campus facilities available to the students.
The focus of Universities in Dubai is not just to help you gain the academic and professional skills to succeed in your projected careers, but also to help you grow socially and personally alongside studies. From orientation programs to cultural activities and language classes, these student support services help you enjoy student life in Dubai to the fullest while also meeting their academic goals.
As part of the labor laws in the UAE, international students are permitted to work part-time for up to 15 hours per week in Dubai. First, however, you need to obtain a ‘Student Work Permit, issued by the UAE government with the help of your University. Many Universities have campuses in Dubai Knowledge Park or Dubai International Academic City, which are designated free zones.
Most students can find on-campus jobs in administrative roles, content creation, or campus ambassador programs. Freelancing is also a popular option, although it requires a separate license. Additionally, most Universities in Dubai offer paid or unpaid internships and industry placements. This allows you to gain industry exposure and networking connections before graduation.
To study in Dubai is to put yourself on the fast track to a vibrant and successful career. With a rapidly evolving economy, the City of Gold glitters with career opportunities in sectors like Business and Finance, Technology, Healthcare, Supply Chain Management & Logistics, and Tourism & Hospitality. As most of Dubai’s Universities offer internships with the coursework, they maintain strong ties with industry partners and offer placements to students based on their fields.
Dubai’s focus on modern workforce norms and balanced work-life responsibilities, coupled with the tax-free salaries for many designations, draws thousands of working professionals each year. This high rate of employability and attractive standards of living put the city among the top 10 worldwide for living and working. The promising career trajectories and straightforward work visa procedures also make the city a great option for building a career.
Dubai prides itself on a cosmopolitan identity, boasting residents of over 200 nationalities. Although the UAE recognizes Islam as its official religion, the multicultural atmosphere of Dubai lends itself to fantastic Chinese New Year, Diwali, and Christmas celebrations each year. This forms the basis of Emirati culture, which is based on ideals of hospitality and progress rooted in traditional values.
Respecting the local customs and picking up a few basic Arabic phrases used in daily conversation will go a long way in helping you assimilate into the local culture. Being a trade and hospitality hub, the food scene in Dubai is like no other. The city reportedly has 13,000 restaurants and cafes, second only to Paris. So, it’s safe to say, there is plenty of food to go around.
Overall, Dubai is a fantastic student city in all aspects, from academics and living costs to the culture and entertainment at your fingertips. Having understood a little about the rich culture of the UAE, it is time for some general customs to keep in mind while studying in Dubai.
Dubai, like the rest of the UAE, follows a modest and respectful etiquette in public places. As for clothing, modest clothing that covers the shoulders and the knees is expected in public places, and female students may have to wear scarves in mosques or government offices.
It is also important to know that eating or drinking is prohibited in public places during the daytime in the month of Ramadan, even for non-Muslim. Apart from this, public display of affection or rude speech may get you in trouble, so tread carefully. Although the strict rules may take some getting used to for some students, Dubai is still one of the safest cities in the world, with an impressive safety index of 83.9.
While packing clothes for your journey to Dubai, make sure they match the dressing standards and the arid weather of the city. Follow the tips given in the next section to adjust to life in Dubai.
Moving to a new country with a different time zone, new customs, and unfamiliar places is challenging for anyone. Whether you’re a Bachelor’s student stepping outside the home country for the first time or pursuing a Masters in Dubai, you will need an adjustment period to settle into a routine and get used to student life. The tips given below will help you with that process.
To bring it all together, living and studying in Dubai is an eye-opener on every level – from technologically advanced classrooms to the wealth of entertainment and employment opportunities at every corner. If you’re considering studying in Dubai in the future, why not reach out to us at KC Overseas for all the information you need for the upcoming intakes?
Our seasoned experts will discuss how Dubai’s diverse lifestyle and real-world exposure can set you apart in the modern workplace and guide you through applications for the Universities that best fit your interests and academic profile. Your student experience is yours to customize, so make the best of it with our help!
Ans. While it is helpful to pick up a few phrases for daily use, most of Dubai’s population generally uses English in academic and professional contexts. Since the courses are also taught in English, there is no requirement to learn Arabic beforehand. However, you can join classes in your University or a nearby language center if you are keen on learning a new language.
Ans. Yes, any degree in Dubai is held to the standards of the National Qualifications Authority (NQA) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which are based on benchmarks of international recognition.
Ans. Each university may have different age requirements, but there is no general age cutoff for higher education in Dubai. Many Universities welcome mature students for certain courses, so it is better to check the eligibility criteria for your chosen university and course for further clarification.
Ans. Yes, many International University Campuses in Dubai allow students to transfer to the parent campus. This may depend on your program and academic performance, so it’s best to check with your department!
Ans. The processing time for a Dubai Student Visa is usually 10-15 days, although it may take up to a month for the whole process.