Students enrolled in UAE higher education in 2024
Destinations / UAEFind Your Study Path
Study in the UAE
Study at UAE universities or international branch campuses from institutions based in the UK, Australia, France, the US and other countries.
International Student Community
An International Higher-Education Hub
Of students at Dubai's private higher-education institutions were international students in 2024/25
Growth in international enrolment at Dubai private higher-education institutions compared with the previous academic year
International branch campuses in Dubai in 2024/25
These campuses include universities originating from countries such as the UK, Australia, France, India and the US.
Study Advantages
Why Study in the UAE?
International Branch Campuses
Explore programmes at UAE campuses of overseas universities. Compare the two institution types.
English-Taught Programmes
Many university programmes are taught entirely in English, particularly at private institutions and international branch campuses.
Industry Access
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are major centres for:
Finance · Aviation · Technology · Tourism · Logistics · Energy · International Business
Multiple Student Cities
Compare Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Al Ain based on programmes, costs and lifestyle.
Campus Mobility
Some universities offer transfers or study abroad. Check the conditions before choosing.
University Pathways
How Does Higher Education Work in the UAE?
The UAE has two major types of institutions international students should understand.
01
UAE-Based Universities
Universities established in the UAE, including public and private institutions.
02
International Branch Campuses
UAE campuses operated by universities based abroad. The qualification may be awarded by the parent university; confirm the exact awarding institution.
University Pathways
Degree Structure
Bachelor's
Typical duration: 3-4 years
Master's
Typical duration: 1-2 years
Entry: Relevant recognised Bachelor's degree
PhD
Typical duration: 3-5 years
Entry and structure: University and programme-specific
Before You Choose
Before Choosing a Branch Campus, Check These 4 Things
01
Who Awards the Degree?
Is your qualification awarded by:
The parent university abroad?
or
Another legal/academic entity?
Check the exact qualification before enrolling.
02
Is the Programme Accredited?
Check the accreditation and regulatory status of the institution and specific programme.
03
How Will the Qualification Be Recognised?
Planning to use your qualification in Morocco? Check recognition and equivalence for your intended career or further study.
04
Can You Transfer Campuses?
Some universities offer:
Campus transfers · Exchanges · Study-abroad periods
But availability depends on the university, programme, academic performance and other conditions.
Do not assume that enrolling at a Dubai branch campus automatically gives you the right to transfer to the university's home campus.
Explore our approach to transparent guidance in our Commitments & Values.
Quality & Recognition
Accreditation Matters
The relevant regulator depends on the institution and emirate. Use the CAA directories and, for Dubai institutions, KHDA resources to verify the status of your specific programme.
Official resources
Study Choices
What Can You Study in the UAE?
Business & Finance
International Business · Finance · Accounting · Management · Entrepreneurship · Marketing
Computer Science & Technology
Artificial Intelligence · Data Science · Cybersecurity · Software Engineering · Information Technology
Engineering
Civil · Mechanical · Electrical · Aerospace · Chemical · Petroleum Engineering
Aviation & Logistics
Aviation Management · Aeronautical Engineering · Logistics · Supply Chain Management · Airport Management
Hospitality & Tourism
Hospitality Management · Tourism · Events Management · Culinary Business
Architecture & Design
Architecture · Interior Design · Urban Planning · Graphic Design · Fashion
Media & Communication
Digital Media · Film · Journalism · Public Relations · Advertising · Communication
Health & Life Sciences
Medicine · Dentistry · Pharmacy · Public Health · Biomedical Sciences
Can You Use a UAE Degree in Morocco?
Recognition depends on the qualification and how you intend to use it. Private-sector employers may assess it directly; formal Moroccan equivalence may be needed for regulated professions, certain public-sector roles or further study.
For a branch campus, confirm who awards the degree before checking the applicable recognition process.
Campus Choices
Universities & International Campuses to Explore
UAE UniversityUnited Arab Emirates University
Al AinExplore strengths
United Arab Emirates University
Al AinExplore strengthsEngineering · Science · Business · Medicine · Research
UAE UniversityKhalifa University
Abu DhabiExplore strengths
Khalifa University
Abu DhabiExplore strengthsEngineering · Technology · AI · Science
UAE UniversityAmerican University of Sharjah
SharjahExplore strengths
American University of Sharjah
SharjahExplore strengthsEngineering · Business · Architecture · Liberal Arts
International CampusUniversity of Birmingham Dubai
DubaiExplore strengths
University of Birmingham Dubai
DubaiExplore strengthsBusiness · Engineering · Computer Science · Education
International CampusHeriot-Watt University Dubai
DubaiExplore strengths
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
DubaiExplore strengthsEngineering · Business · Computing · Built Environment
International CampusUniversity of Wollongong in Dubai
DubaiExplore strengths
University of Wollongong in Dubai
DubaiExplore strengthsBusiness · Engineering · Computer Science · Media
International CampusMiddlesex University Dubai
DubaiExplore strengths
Middlesex University Dubai
DubaiExplore strengthsBusiness · Law · Psychology · Computing
International UniversityNYU Abu Dhabi
Abu DhabiExplore strengths
NYU Abu Dhabi
Abu DhabiExplore strengthsArts & Humanities · Science · Engineering · Social Sciences
Selected examples rather than a ranking.
Local University or International Branch Campus?
Choose the programme that fits your career goals, fees and admission profile. For a branch campus, review the four essential checks.
Entry Criteria
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary by university and programme.
Can You Apply With a Moroccan Baccalauréat?
Yes.
A Moroccan Baccalauréat can be used to apply for undergraduate study in the UAE, subject to each university’s entry requirements.
Check any document attestation or equivalency requirements.
Unsure about your eligibility? Have your academic profile checked by an advisor. Read student reviews of Atlas Scholars.
Academic Requirements
Universities assess your Bac stream, grades and prerequisite subjects. Engineering and science programmes may require specific mathematics and science preparation.
For language evidence, see Language Requirements.
Master's Admission
Master's applicants generally need a relevant recognised Bachelor's degree.
Programmes may additionally assess:
Previous grades · Subject background · Professional experience · Language proficiency
Requirements vary by institution.
Application Essentials
Language Requirements
Many programmes are taught in English; Arabic-taught and bilingual options also exist. Confirm your programme’s teaching language.
For English-taught programmes, accepted evidence may include IELTS, TOEFL or another university-approved qualification. Required scores and exemptions vary by programme.
Application Essentials
Application Documents
Applications commonly require:
Some programmes may additionally require:
Portfolio · Interview · Entrance assessment
Find more application advice in our Blog.
Document Preparation
Document Attestation & Equivalency
Check document requirements before applying. Depending on your qualification and university, the following procedures may be required.
Attestation verifies document authenticity; equivalency assesses the qualification’s academic standing.
Academic document authentication
Document attestation
Recognition/equivalency of your secondary-school qualification
Confirm which procedures apply, the required authorities and the timing with your university.
Admission & Residence
From Admission to Your Student Visa
For many international students, the university sponsors and facilitates student residence after admission. Sponsorship by a parent who is a UAE resident is another possible route.
Typical University-Sponsored Route
- 01
University Admission
- 02
Accept Offer
- 03
Complete Required University/Visa Documents
- 04
University Sponsorship / Visa Process
- 05
Residence & Enrolment Requirements
The exact process depends on the university and relevant immigration authority. Questions about your next step? Contact an advisor.
Funding Options
Scholarships & Financial Support
Scholarships in the UAE are frequently offered directly by universities.
Eligibility
Awards may consider academic achievement, sport, creative talent or leadership. Some universities assess applicants automatically; others require a separate application.
Coverage
Awards can range from partial tuition reductions to full tuition funding, depending on the university. Check UAE-campus offers specifically: they may differ from those at the home campus.
Renewal
Funding in Year 1 does not guarantee support until graduation. Check the minimum GPA, academic standing and other renewal conditions.
Important: Budget Beyond Tuition
A tuition award may leave accommodation, visa costs, health insurance, transport and living expenses to fund separately. Do not budget on the assumption that a scholarship is guaranteed.
Your Start Date
When Can You Start?
SEPMAIN INTAKESeptember
September
Widest programme availability
Usually begins August/September
JANSECONDARY INTAKEJanuary
January
Available at many universities
Smaller programme selection
No Single National Deadline
Deadlines vary by university, programme and intake. Allow time for document attestation, visa processing, accommodation and enrolment.
Planning your next step? Explore Atlas Scholars events.
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life in the UAE
Find your place in the UAE.
Campus life / UAE
Accommodation
Common options include:
University residences
Private student accommodation
Shared/private apartments
Availability and costs vary considerably.
Cost of Living
Your budget depends heavily on your location and lifestyle.
Dubai & Abu Dhabi → generally higher-cost options
Accommodation is typically one of the largest expenses.
Transport
Dubai
Metro · Tram · Bus
Other Emirates
Transport systems differ, making distance between your accommodation and campus an important factor when choosing where to live.
Climate
The UAE has a hot desert climate, with particularly high summer temperatures.
The cooler months generally provide more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
Work During Your Studies
Can International Students Work in the UAE?
Potentially, subject to the appropriate authorisation.
PermitWork authorisation is required.
Part-Time Work
Student residence alone does not authorise employment. Check the applicable permit with the employer and relevant authority before starting work.
MOHRE’s student training and employment permit can cover students from age 15, subject to its conditions. Check the official requirements.
Internships
Ask your university about placements relevant to your programme. Confirm any employer, university and permit requirements before starting.
After Your Degree
Can You Work in the UAE After Graduation?
Graduating from a UAE university does not automatically provide unrestricted permission to remain and work.
To take employment, graduates generally need the appropriate:
Residence status
Work authorisation
Other residence pathways may be available to eligible graduates and skilled individuals depending on their qualifications, employment and applicable eligibility criteria.
Your Next Steps
Your Route to Studying in the UAE
Get to know the team and approach behind your plan: About Atlas Scholars.
Profile
We help clarify your study goals, academic profile and budget.
Compare
We help you compare programmes and build a suitable university shortlist.
Verify
We help you review your shortlisted options and identify questions to confirm with each institution.
Apply
We guide you through application preparation and the documents requested by your chosen universities.
Visa
We help you understand your university’s student residence process after admission.
Prepare
We help you plan your next steps for accommodation and your move to the UAE.
Quick Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is studying at a UK university's Dubai campus the same as studying in the UK?
The programme may lead to a qualification awarded by the same parent university, but your study location, campus experience and available modules may differ. Ask for the exact qualification and curriculum for the Dubai programme.
Do I have to study in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
No. Sharjah and Al Ain also have established higher-education institutions and can offer different programmes, costs and student experiences.
Other destinations
Want to Learn About Our Other Destinations?
Your Study Plan
Find the Right UAE Study Route
Atlas Scholars can help you compare UAE study options and prepare a route suited to your academic profile, goals and budget.
Start Your Initial AssessmentSpeak to an Advisor