Study in UAE
World-Class Education in the Heart of the Middle East for Pakistani Students
Looking for high-quality international education with global recognition?
The UAE offers world-class education with campuses of top international universities, modern facilities, and a multicultural environment. UAE degrees are recognized worldwide and provide excellent career prospects in the region and beyond.
Why Study in UAE
The UAE combines academic excellence with a dynamic lifestyle and strategic location:
- Home to branches of top international universities (NYU, Sorbonne, etc.)
- English-medium instruction at most institutions
- No IELTS required for many universities (alternative English tests accepted)
- Safe, modern cities with excellent infrastructure
- Multicultural environment with students from 200+ countries
- Strategic location between East and West
- Work opportunities during and after studies
- Tax-free salaries for graduates
Top Universities in UAE: Rankings and Fees
The UAE has several world-class universities and international branch campuses:
| Institution | QS Ranking 2024 | Annual Fees (Approx.) | Popular Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khalifa University | 230 | AED 80,000-120,000 | Engineering, Medicine, Business |
| United Arab Emirates University | 290 | AED 50,000-100,000 | Science, Humanities, Business |
| NYU Abu Dhabi | N/A (Parent: #38) | AED 200,000+ | Liberal Arts, Engineering, Science |
| American University of Sharjah | 364 | AED 90,000-130,000 | Business, Engineering, Architecture |
| University of Sharjah | 501-510 | AED 45,000-75,000 | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy |
Note: Many universities offer scholarships and payment plans.
The Best Courses to Study in UAE
The UAE offers excellent programs in these high-demand fields:
Engineering & Technology
- Petroleum Engineering
- Computer Science & AI
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Business & Management
- International Business
- Finance & Banking
- MBA Programs
- Hospitality & Tourism
Health Sciences
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Dentistry
- Public Health
Intakes in the U.A.E
Several intakes are available to international students all year long, giving them flexibility in their selection. There are three primary intakes:
January Intake
January to April
Application Deadline: September-November
April Intake
April to June
Application Deadline: January-February
September Intake
September to December
Application Deadline: June-July
Admission Requirements in UAE for Pakistani Students
Requirements vary by university and program, but generally include:
- Completed secondary school certificate with minimum 60% marks
- For bachelor's: HSSC with good grades (requirements vary by program)
- For master's: Relevant bachelor's degree with minimum 2.5/4.0 GPA
- English proficiency (one of these):
- IELTS 5.5-6.5 (many universities accept 5.0 for foundation)
- TOEFL iBT 61-79
- Some universities accept MOI or internal English tests
- Passport copy
- Passport-sized photographs
- Some programs may require entrance exams or interviews
Cost of Studying and Living in UAE
Cost of studying in UAE
Tuition fees in UAE vary by institution and program:
| Study Program | Public Universities | Private Universities | International Branch Campuses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | AED 25,000-50,000/year | AED 45,000-100,000/year | AED 100,000-200,000/year |
| Master's degree | AED 30,000-60,000/year | AED 50,000-120,000/year | AED 120,000-250,000/year |
| PhD programs | AED 40,000-70,000/year | AED 60,000-150,000/year | AED 150,000-300,000/year |
Cost of living in UAE
Monthly living costs for students in different emirates:
| Expenses | Dubai/Abu Dhabi | Sharjah/Ajman | Other Emirates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared) | AED 2,000-3,500 | AED 1,500-2,500 | AED 1,200-2,000 |
| Food & Groceries | AED 800-1,500 | AED 700-1,200 | AED 600-1,000 |
| Transportation | AED 300-500 | AED 200-400 | AED 150-300 |
| Utilities | AED 500-800 | AED 400-600 | AED 300-500 |
| Study Materials | AED 200-400 | AED 150-300 | AED 100-250 |
| Leisure Activities | AED 500-1,000 | AED 400-800 | AED 300-600 |
| Total Monthly | AED 4,300-7,700 | AED 3,350-5,800 | AED 2,650-4,650 |
Scholarships for International Students in the UAK
Many scholarship programs in the UAK are designed to equip international students with the skills to make a difference in their country. Many of these scholarships are also offered for international students who want to undertake postgraduate study.
| Scholarship Name | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | Offered by the UAK Foreign and Commonwealth Office for master's degrees. Applicants must be citizens of qualifying countries and must agree to work in their home country for at least two years after graduation. | Full tuition + living expenses |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Available to master's and PhD students from 62 Commonwealth countries. Covers all expenses including tuition fees, housing and transportation. | Full funding |
| GREAT Scholarships | Part of the British Council's international student funding program. Each country has a unique application process. | £10,000 minimum |
| University-specific Scholarships | Most UAK universities offer their own scholarships for international students based on merit or need. | Varies (10-100% tuition) |
Student Visa Requirements for UAE
Pakistani students need to obtain a student residence visa to study in UAE:
University Admission
Secure admission from a UAE university (they will sponsor your visa)
Medical Test
Complete medical fitness test in UAE (required for visa)
Visa Application
University submits visa application to immigration authorities
Emirates ID
Apply for Emirates ID (mandatory for all residents)
Visa Stamping
Complete visa stamping on passport
Processing Time: 2-4 weeks. Students can work part-time (15 hours/week) with university permission. Parents can sponsor children studying in UAE.
Job Opportunities in UAE
International students in UAE have good work opportunities:
- During studies: 15 hours per week allowed with university permission
- After graduation: Can apply for 1-2 year job seeker visa
- In-demand fields: Engineering, Healthcare, IT, Business, Education
- Average student job pay: AED 25-50 per hour
- Graduate salaries: AED 8,000-15,000 per month (varies by field)
Popular Student Jobs
Hospitality
- Restaurant staff
- Hotel receptionist
- Event staff
Retail
- Sales associate
- Mall customer service
- Brand promoter
Professional
- University research assistant
- Internships in corporations
- Freelance work
Student Life in UAE
Studying in UAE offers a unique multicultural experience:
- Modern campuses: State-of-the-art facilities and technology
- Diverse community: Students from all over the world
- Safety: Extremely safe cities with low crime rates
- Activities: Desert safaris, beaches, global events
- Travel hub: Easy access to Asia, Africa and Europe
- Cultural mix: Blend of traditional and modern lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
IELTS requirements vary by institution:
- Most universities: Require IELTS 5.0-6.0 (some accept 4.5 for foundation)
- Alternatives: Many accept TOEFL, PTE, or university's own English test
- Waivers: Possible with MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter if previous education was in English
- No IELTS: Some universities offer conditional admission with English courses
Yes, UAE offers several post-study options:
- Job seeker visa: 1-2 years to find employment
- Employment visa: If you secure a job with minimum salary requirements
- Freelance visa: Available in some emirates for entrepreneurs
- Golden visa: For outstanding students and professionals
UAE student visa requirements:
- No fixed amount: Unlike some countries, UAE doesn't specify exact bank balance
- Financial proof: Must show ability to pay tuition and living expenses
- Sponsorship: Can be shown through parents' bank statements (typically AED 50,000+)
- University requirements: Some may ask for security deposit (refundable)
Success Stories
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