Study and find schools in United Arab Emirates

Studying in United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a constitutional federation of seven emirates on the Arabian Gulf, with Abu Dhabi as its capital. Arabic is the official language, but signs are in Arabic and English, and English is the usual language of teaching at the private and international universities that attract foreign students. According to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, as quoted on the government portal, the total population, nationals and expatriate residents together, was 9,282,410 in 2020.

For international students the UAE offers American-style and other international universities. The American University of Sharjah, for example, says its student body comprises approximately 100 nationalities, and the American University in Dubai reports students from more than 100 countries.

The education system in the UAE

Higher education is led by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), which licenses public and private institutions and oversees the accreditation of academic programmes. The Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), established in 1999, licenses institutions and accredits their programmes, and publishes lists of licensed institutions and accredited programmes; checking these lists is the simplest way to confirm that a degree is recognised in the country. In Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) also oversees private institutions, and in Abu Dhabi the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) licenses private institutions.

There are three federal public institutions: the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), founded in 1976; Zayed University, established in 1998; and the Higher Colleges of Technology, founded in 1988, with approximately 23,000 students on 16 campuses. Public institutions are primarily for UAE nationals and children of Emirati mothers; non-nationals must check each university's own conditions. The private universities in our directory, such as the American University of Sharjah and the American University in Dubai, follow the American model, with bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. The American University of Sharjah, for instance, offers 33 undergraduate majors, 24 master's programmes and eight PhD programmes.

The academic year usually follows the American semester pattern: at the American University in Dubai, the fall semester runs from September to December and the spring semester from January to April, with two optional summer sessions.

Admission and recognition

Admission is decided by each university. At the American University of Sharjah, the guideline is an average equivalent to 85% or more in the final year of secondary school, alongside English test scores (TOEFL or IELTS) and, for some majors, a minimum grade B in mathematics and science subjects.

An important step for students with a foreign school-leaving certificate is the Certificate of Equivalency. The UAE Ministry of Education requires all enrolled students to obtain one for their secondary certificate, and applicants who finished school abroad must present it. Applicants should attest their certificates and transcripts before leaving their home country and apply for the equivalency online at least two months before classes start.

For qualifications obtained abroad, MoHESR runs a University Qualifications Recognition service; its recognition report is used for employment, further study, visas and government services in the UAE.

Student visa and residence

According to the UAE government portal, a student can stay in the UAE either under the sponsorship of a parent who is a UAE resident or under the sponsorship of the accredited university or college, and universities facilitate the visa process. The application requires a certificate from the university stating the duration of the studies. In practice:

• at the American University of Sharjah, admitted students who are not UAE or GCC citizens apply for a university-sponsored entry permit at least two months before arrival; the permit is single-entry and valid for 60 days, and issuing it may take one to eight weeks
• a passport valid for at least six months is required
• at the American University in Dubai, the residence visa under university sponsorship includes medical insurance, and visiting undergraduates must register for at least 12 credits

Entering the UAE on a tourist visa does not guarantee a change to student status, so apply through the university before travelling. Family members of foreign university students may also stay in the UAE if they can afford suitable housing.

Costs

Private universities charge high tuition fees, set in UAE dirhams (AED; 1 USD = AED 3.6725). Examples from the universities' own fee tables:

• American University of Sharjah: AED 110,876 per academic year for all undergraduate majors in 2026-2027, plus lab, activity and insurance fees
• American University in Dubai: AED 106,050 per year in undergraduate tuition (12-16 credits per semester), plus a services and technology fee of AED 2,000; shared student housing costs AED 17,000 a year
• American University in Dubai student residence visa: AED 8,200 including visa fee, passport deposit and mandatory health insurance

No official fee range for non-nationals at the public universities was found on the government pages; contact UAEU's International Students Office, which advises on visa rules, financial issues and health insurance.

Where to study

• Abu Dhabi (2 schools in our directory): the capital, with Abu Dhabi University and the Emirates College of Technology.
• Dubai: the American University in Dubai, established in 1995, which teaches programmes such as architecture, business administration, engineering, game design, international studies and psychology.
• Sharjah: the American University of Sharjah, founded in 1997 by the Ruler of Sharjah, with separate residential halls for men and women on campus.
• Al Ain: the United Arab Emirates University, founded in 1976, whose International Students Office advises foreign students.

Culture and practical life

The UAE has a desert climate: warm and sunny in winter, hot and humid in summer, and generally cooler in the eastern mountains. Islam is the official religion. Health insurance is mandatory for students at universities such as AUD and is usually arranged together with the student visa. The country is four hours ahead of GMT.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreign students study at public universities in the UAE?

Public institutions are primarily for UAE nationals and children of Emirati mothers; non-nationals must check each university's conditions. Private universities such as AUS and AUD admit international students and sponsor their visas.

How much does a bachelor's degree cost in the UAE?

At private universities, tuition is high: for example AED 110,876 per year at the American University of Sharjah (2026-2027) and AED 106,050 per year at the American University in Dubai, plus fees.

Who arranges the student visa?

Usually the university, which sponsors the student's residence visa; students can also stay under the sponsorship of a parent resident in the UAE. Apply before travelling, as a tourist visa does not guarantee a change of status.

What is the Certificate of Equivalency?

A certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education confirming that a secondary-school qualification is equivalent; all enrolled students need one, and applicants with a foreign certificate should apply at least two months before classes start.

Are classes taught in English?

At the international and American-style universities, yes. Arabic is the official language of the country, but signs and much of daily life are in Arabic and English.