Study in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

About Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi city is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and home to most federal ministries and foreign embassies. It is also the centre of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven emirates, whose population reached 4,135,985 in the Abu Dhabi Census 2024. The city itself sits on an island linked to the mainland by four bridges.

For students, Abu Dhabi is an international city: the emirate is home to more than 200 nationalities, and although Arabic is the official language, road signs and shop signs are in Arabic and English. The language of instruction depends on the institution, so check it for each programme.

Studying in Abu Dhabi

Higher education in the UAE is led by the federal Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), which licenses institutions and accredits their programmes through the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA). In the emirate, the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) also regulates higher education institutions, and one of its stated aims is to attract international and Emirati students to study in Abu Dhabi. Before applying, check that an institution and programme appear on the CAA's register of licensed institutions and accredited programmes; the register marks each institution as active, inactive or on probation.

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is one of the institutions in our directory. It describes itself as the largest private university in the UAE, with five colleges (Arts, Education and Social Sciences; Business; Engineering; Health Sciences; and Law), more than 50 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai. Other institutions that the CAA lists as active in Abu Dhabi include Abu Dhabi Polytechnic and Fatima College of Health Sciences.

Public institutions such as UAE University, Zayed University and the Higher Colleges of Technology are mainly intended for UAE nationals and the children of Emirati mothers; according to the UAE government portal, other students should check each university's own admission terms. For international students, private universities and international branch campuses are therefore the usual route.

Visas and recognition

International students usually stay in the UAE on a student residence visa sponsored by their accredited university or college, or by a parent who lives in the UAE. Universities help students with the process, and the application requires a certificate from the university stating the length of the studies. ADU, for example, has its own pages on visas and health insurance and on student housing. The UAE also issues a Golden visa to outstanding students.

For degrees obtained abroad, the MoHESR's University Qualifications Recognition service verifies qualifications from accredited institutions outside the UAE, for work, further study or visas.

Cost of living and getting around

The currency is the UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar at 1 USD = AED 3.6725. Public buses are run by Abu Dhabi Mobility (the Integrated Transport Centre). On the standard city service, a trip costs AED 2 as a boarding fee plus 5 fils per kilometre, with a maximum fare of AED 5 per journey and up to two transfers. Fares are paid with a Hafilat smart card, which costs AED 10 and can be loaded with 7-day or 30-day public transport passes. Intercity buses from Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station run to Dubai (routes E100, E101 and E102) for AED 25.

No official source gives typical student rents, which vary widely between university housing and private flats; ask your university about its residence options before you arrive.

Daily life and climate

Zayed International Airport serves the city. The UAE has a desert climate: winters are warm and sunny, while summers are hot and humid. The working week runs from Monday to Friday.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Abu Dhabi?

Our directory lists Abu Dhabi University, which has five colleges and more than 50 programmes. The CAA register also lists institutions such as Abu Dhabi Polytechnic and Fatima College of Health Sciences as active in Abu Dhabi.

Do I need a student visa to study in Abu Dhabi?

Most international students need a student residence visa, sponsored by their accredited university or by a parent resident in the UAE. The university helps with the process and issues a certificate stating the length of your studies.

How do I know if a university in Abu Dhabi is accredited?

Check the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) register, which lists licensed institutions and accredited programmes and shows whether an institution is active, inactive or on probation.

How much does public transport cost in Abu Dhabi?

A bus trip within the city costs AED 2 plus 5 fils per kilometre, up to AED 5 per journey, paid with a Hafilat card that costs AED 10.