Study in the
United Arab Emirates
Branch campuses of UK and US universities, plus strong domestic institutions in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.
Typical starts
September, January
Application
Programme-specific
Work guidance
Check live national rules
Popular subjects
Business & Finance, Hospitality & Tourism, Aviation
Direct answer
Is United Arab Emirates a good study destination for you?
Branch campuses of UK and US universities, plus strong domestic institutions in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.
Applicant fit
What to verify before applying
A useful shortlist connects your academic profile to a verified programme and a realistic application plan.
Good applicant fit
- Heriot-Watt, Middlesex, Birmingham, NYU Abu Dhabi — degree from the home university, awarded in the UAE.
- Six-month job seeker visa, with longer Golden Visa options for top graduates.
- Graduate starting salaries in Dubai are competitive and untaxed.
Programme verification
- Confirm the awarding institution and exact programme
- Check entry, language, campus, delivery, and recognition
- Read deposits, refunds, placement, and progression terms before paying
Application route
Build the route around the exact programme
- 1
Choose the exact programme and verify its entry requirements
- 2
Prepare the academic, language, and programme-specific documents
- 3
Review the offer, conditions, provider terms, and next steps before accepting
- 4
Use the live authority guidance for any visa or residence stage
Budget planning
Plan categories, then check live costs
Tuition, visa charges, living costs, financial-evidence rules, wages, scholarships, and salary thresholds change regularly. Use the live sources below and contact Earthlink for a current, profile-specific check.
Tuition and campus charges
Use the institution's live course page and confirm whether the award, campus, deposit, and compulsory charges match the offer.
Living and travel
Compare housing, transport, food, insurance, and travel across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.
Visa and sponsorship
Confirm current charges and sponsorship arrangements with the institution and relevant UAE authority.
Scholarship checks
- University merit awards
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid scholarships
Education and subject choice
Mostly four-year Bachelors and one to two-year Masters. Many programmes taught on a UK or US calendar.
- Business & Finance
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Aviation
- Engineering
- Computer Science
Document categories
- Transcripts attested by MOFA
- IELTS / TOEFL
- Passport and visa photo
- Medical fitness test on arrival
- Sponsorship documents
Work and post-study
Part-time work permitted with employer sponsorship. Post-graduation Green or Golden Visa unlocks open work rights.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about studying in United Arab Emirates
Is a UAE branch-campus degree valid back home?
Yes — the awarding body is the home university (UK, US, Australia), so the degree certificate is identical to the one issued on the main campus. It's recognised by UGC, WES, and NARIC evaluations.
Can international students work part-time in the UAE?
Yes, with employer sponsorship and a student work permit issued through MOHRE. Free-zone universities (Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City) handle the paperwork through the university.
What is the Green Visa and how do I qualify after graduation?
Eligibility depends on the current UAE route, qualification, employment, and other criteria. Check the live authority guidance before treating it as a post-study plan.
Can I get a Golden Visa as a student?
Top-ranked graduates (GPA 3.5+ from Grade A universities, or 3.8+ from Grade B) can apply for a 10-year Golden Visa immediately after graduation. We help students target the eligible institutions from day one.
How much does it cost to study in Dubai?
Compare the current course fee and compulsory charges with a location-specific housing, transport, food, insurance, and travel plan. Ask Earthlink for a current comparison based on your shortlist.
Do UAE universities accept Indian and Pakistani boards directly?
Yes — CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, and Pakistani HSSC/FSc are accepted with attestation from the country of origin, the UAE embassy, and MOFA Dubai. We handle the attestation chain.
Ready to shortlist United Arab Emirates?
Get a profile-led programme shortlist and a current source check before you commit.