Higher Education in UAE:

Traditionally an oil-rich country, in the past decade the UAE, in particular Dubai, began a transition to a knowledge-based economy. As a result, the UAE began to overhaul its Education system, including Higher Education. The current higher education system includes undergraduate studies, master’s degrees and PhDs. The government has also made research at UAE universities a higher priority, and research programs are beginning to flourish. In addition to UAE public and private schools, many international universities have branches in the UAE.

Tuition and Program Duration:

Public universities are free at all educational levels to UAE citizens. Tuition varies widely at the international universities depending upon school and type of master’s program. Typical annual tuition runs from about 10,000 US dollars to about 24,000 British pounds.

Most master’s degrees require 1-2 years to complete with full time attendance. Part-time programs can take up to 5 years; however, some accelerated part time programs can be completed in as little as one year.

Academic Year:

The typical academic year includes two semesters, although some accelerated programs use a three- semester system with somewhat compressed schedules. Fall semester runs from September through December or January and spring semester runs from January or February through June.

Post-Graduate Opportunities:

There are many opportunities for both UAE citizens and ex-pats to work in the UAE after graduation. Major industries include trade, transportation and logistics; hospitality and tourism services; banking and financial services; retail and commercial expansion; education; law; media and health. UAE citizens with master’s degrees are highly sought after by all private industries, as currently the vast majority of private industry employees are ex-pats.

Visa Requirements:

Students who hold passports from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries do not require a visa. All other students must obtain a Student visa which requires that they be sponsored by a university or educational institution recognized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education. The application can be made via an electronic form and requires a photo of the student. In addition to visa fees, a deposit of AED 1000 (about $300 US) is required that is refunded when the student departs the UAE.

Health Insurance:

International students should obtain health insurance in their home country that will cover them while they are studying in the UAE.

Tips:

In addition to being a cosmopolitan and multi-cultural country, the UAE is one of the safest places in the world to live and visit.

The official currency in the UAE is the dirham; however, almost any type of foreign currency can be exchanged in the country, as there are no currency regulations. Money changers generally provide the best exchange rates, but ATMs are also widely available throughout the country.

Due to the climate, dress in the UAE tends to be somewhat casual; however, modest dress is preferable at all locations other than the beach.

Students not fluent in Arabic may also want to take advantage of their time in the UAE to learn both written and spoken Arabic.