The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is fast becoming a top study destination for international students, known for its cultural diversity, high-quality education, and vibrant economy. But understanding the cost of studying in the UAE is crucial for prospective students. From tuition fees to living expenses and scholarships, there are several factors to consider when planning your budget for studying in the UAE.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the cost of studying in the UAE and how MSM Unify, as an overseas education consultant, can help you navigate the journey. MSM Unify has successfully assisted 1,86,000+ students in making their study abroad dreams come true, offering access to over 50,000 programs across 1500+ campuses in 21 destinations, including the UAE.Â
Tuition fees in the UAE vary based on the institution, program, and level of study. The UAE is home to prestigious universities like Khalifa University, UAE University, and the American University of Sharjah, which offer competitive programs but with varying costs. Here’s a general overview:
University | Undergraduate annual fees (AED) | Undergraduate annual fees (AED) |
Khalifa University | AED 50,000 – AED 60,000 approximately | AED 55,000 – AED 65,000 approximately |
American University of Sharjah | AED 37,500 – AED 70,000 approximately | AED 50,000 – AED 60,000 approximately |
UAE University | AED 40,000 – AED 60,000 approximately | AED 50,000 – AED 65,000 approximately |
Please note: The tuition fees listed in the table above are subject to change. Visit official university websites for the latest updates.
MSM Unify helps students find the most cost-effective courses aligned with their academic and financial goals, ensuring a smooth and informed decision-making process.
The cost of living is another key aspect for international students. The UAE is known for its luxurious lifestyle, but students can manage within a reasonable budget. Living costs primarily depend on the location, accommodation type, and lifestyle.
Accommodation (shared) | Average monthly cost (AED) |
Accommodation (shared) | AED 1,500 – AED 3,000 approximately |
Food | AED 1,000 – AED 1,500 approximately |
Transportation | AED 300 – AED 500 approximately |
Utilities | AED 400 – AED 600 approximately |
Internet and phone | AED 200 – AED 300 approximately |
Miscellaneous | AED 500 – AED 1,000 approximately |
Please note: On average, students spend around AED 3,000 to 5,000 per month on living expenses. However, actual living expenses may vary depending on your lifestyle, requirements, and other critical factors.
Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi tend to be more expensive than smaller cities like Sharjah or Ajman. MSM Unify can guide you to choose the most budget-friendly city or institution based on your preferences.
In addition to tuition and living expenses, students should consider other essential costs:
MSM Unify helps you factor in these costs when planning your study abroad experience, ensuring that you have a comprehensive understanding of your financial obligations.
Here’s a deeper dive into the costs at some of the UAE’s leading universities:
Please note: The tuition fees and living costs mentioned above are for your reference only.
With MSM Unify, students can explore and compare multiple universities and programs to find the best fit for their academic and financial needs.
Different courses have different fee structures. Below is an approximate course-wise cost breakdown:
Course type | Average annual fees (AED) |
Engineering | AED 45,000 – AED 65,000 approximately |
Business Administration | AED 40,000 – AED 60,000 approximately |
Medicine | AED 55,000 – AED 75,000 approximately |
Computer Science | AED 42,000 – AED 60,000 approximately |
Arts and Humanities | AED 35,000 – AED 50,000 approximately |
Please note: The tuition fee range mentioned in the table above is for your reference only. The actual tuition fees will depend on the university, degree program, and other crucial factors.
MSM Unify helps you explore various courses and their fee structures, ensuring that you choose one that aligns with your career aspirations and budget.
Before arriving in the UAE, international students must cover certain pre-arrival costs, including:
By collaborating with MSM Unify, you can streamline these processes and ensure you’re financially prepared before you arrive in the UAE.
Once you land in the UAE, there are several post-arrival costs that international students should be aware of:
These post-arrival expenses can vary depending on your specific needs and the city you live in. MSM Unify helps you prepare and manage your budget effectively.
Here’s an overview of the cost of living in two of the UAE’s most popular student cities:
Dubai tends to be more expensive than Abu Dhabi, but both cities offer a wide range of student services, entertainment options, and career opportunities. MSM Unify provides expert guidance in choosing the best city based on your personal preferences and budget.
There are several UAE scholarship opportunities for international students looking to study in the UAE. Some of the common types include:
MSM Unify can assist you in exploring available scholarship options, helping you minimize the overall cost of your education in the UAE.
Studying in the UAE can be a rewarding experience, but understanding the costs involved is crucial for proper planning. From tuition fees to living expenses, scholarships, and pre-arrival costs, this guide offers a complete breakdown to help you make informed decisions.
With the expert guidance of MSM Unify, you can easily navigate these financial aspects and select the best institution, destination, or program tailored to your aspirations.
UAE Cost to Study: A Comprehensive Guide for International Students
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The average tuition fee in the UAE ranges between AED 37,500 and AED 70,000 per year, depending on the institution and program.
On average, students spend between AED 3,000 and AED 5,000 per month on living expenses in the UAE.
Living in Dubai costs around AED 4,000 to 6,000 per month, including accommodation, food, and transportation.
Yes, many universities offer merit-based, need-based, and specific scholarships for international students.
Pre-arrival costs include visa fees (AED 3,000 – AED 4,000), flight tickets (AED 1,500 – AED 3,000), and medical tests (AED 1,000 – 1,500).
Additional costs include health insurance (AED 1,000 – 2,000 annually), textbooks (AED 1,500 – AED 2,500 annually), and student services fees.
In Abu Dhabi, students typically spend between AED 3,500 and AED 5,000 monthly on living expenses.
Yes, health insurance is mandatory, and it typically costs AED 1,000 to 2,000 annually.
MSM Unify assists you in selecting the right institution, program, and scholarships based on your goals and budget.
Post-arrival costs include residence permit registration, local transportation, and SIM card setup, typically totaling AED 1,000 to AED 1,500.
MSM Unify is a student marketplace that connects students with educational institutions and recruitment partners worldwide. We unify and allow everyone in the industry to work collaboratively to reach the world’s curious learners and provide them with a host of options when it comes to their education.
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