UAE

Overview

The UAE has built an international education hub in a short time. Dubai and Abu Dhabi host branch campuses of universities from the UK, Australia, the US and elsewhere, alongside national universities and specialist institutions. Degrees from branch campuses are typically the same qualification awarded at the home institution [verify per institution].

Why study there

For many families the UAE offers the recognised degree of a Western university with shorter travel, a familiar regional culture, and a growing economy with opportunities in business, technology, design, hospitality and healthcare. English is the language of instruction at most international institutions.

Education options

• Bachelor’s and master’s degrees at international branch campuses
• Degrees at national and private universities
• Foundation programmes
• International schooling across British, American, IB and other curricula

Universities & institutions

Quality and recognition vary, and accreditation matters. Visafy checks accreditation status and the relationship between a branch campus and its home institution before recommending any programme [verify].

School opportunities

The UAE has one of the largest international school sectors in the world, which makes it a natural base for families relocating and for students planning a route into university either locally or abroad.

Study tours

The UAE works well for short tours focused on innovation, business, architecture and sustainability, often combined with visits to university campuses.

Application process

Applications go directly to each institution and generally follow the home campus’s requirements. Intakes are usually September and January [verify].

Visa guidance

Student residence visas are typically sponsored by the institution [verify current process and costs]. Policy changes are tracked in the insights below.