Overview
The UAE has federal universities, private universities and branch campuses of universities from the UK, the US, Australia, India and elsewhere. Many international students, including students from Arab countries, choose it for its English-taught programmes and its location. Before you apply, check one thing above all: is the institution licensed, and is your programme accredited?
Check the accreditation first
- The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) licenses higher education institutions at federal level.
- Its Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) accredits programmes one by one. A licensed university can offer a programme that is not yet accredited, so check your exact programme, not only the university. The CAA website lists licensed institutions and accredited programmes.
- Universities in some free zones, such as Dubai's academic free zones, may instead be authorised by the local regulator (KHDA in Dubai), which checks that the programme matches the one taught at the home campus.
Why this matters: a degree from a federally accredited programme is recognised across the UAE, including for government jobs and further study. A degree authorised only locally may need extra steps to be recognised, depending on how you will use it. If you plan to work in a regulated profession such as medicine, engineering or law, also check the professional body's requirements.
Types of institutions
| Type | Examples of what to expect |
|---|---|
| Federal universities | Mainly for UAE nationals; some places for others in certain programmes |
| Private universities | Open to all nationalities; programmes and fees set by each university |
| International branch campuses | Degrees awarded by the home university; check federal accreditation or local authorisation |
Admissions
Each university sets its own requirements, but most ask for:
- Your secondary school certificate and transcripts. School certificates from abroad may need an equivalency or attestation; ask the university which one it needs and from which authority.
- Proof of English (such as IELTS or TOEFL) for programmes taught in English, or of Arabic for Arabic-taught programmes.
- A valid passport and photos.
- For postgraduate study, your degree certificate and transcripts, often with recognition or equivalency of degrees from abroad.
Apply early: popular programmes fill, and attestation of documents can take weeks.
The student residence visa
International students live in the UAE on a student residence visa, sponsored in one of two ways:
- By the university, if it is accredited and sponsors students. Its visa office applies for you once you accept your place.
- By a parent who lives in the UAE. A resident can sponsor a son until he turns 25 and a daughter, whatever her age, until she marries. Sons over 25 need university sponsorship or proof of enrolment.
The visa is usually issued for one year and renewed while you remain enrolled. As with any residence, you complete a medical fitness test and get an Emirates ID. Fees are set by the authority and the university; ask the university's visa office for the current amounts.
Working while you study
Students may work part-time only with the right permit. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issues permits that let establishments train or employ students, and your university will usually need to give its approval. Hours and the type of work are limited. Never start work before the permit is issued.
Costs
Tuition differs widely between universities and programmes, and housing is a major part of the budget. Ask each university for its current tuition, housing and visa costs for international students, in writing.
Recommended next step
Shortlist programmes, then check each one on the CAA website or with the local regulator. Ask the admissions office which documents need equivalency or attestation, and whether the university will sponsor your student visa.