• Home to international universities and global branch campuses


• English-taught programs across most disciplines


• Degrees awarded are internationally recognised


• Strong industry connections and career-focused education


• Safe, modern, and highly multicultural city


• Strategic location connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa


• World-class infrastructure, lifestyle, and student facilities


• Internship and graduate career opportunities in global companies

Visa & Health Insurance

International students require a UAE Student Residence Visa, usually sponsored by the university.

• Valid for 1 year and renewable annually.


• Visa processing is typically handled with university support; Indonesian applicants must ensure their passport has at least 6 months of validity and is not a handwritten version.


• New for 2026, students must also apply for a mandatory Emirates ID as part of the residence visa process, which serves as a primary legal identification in the UAE.


• Health insurance is mandatory for all international students in Dubai.


• Students may use university-approved or private insurance providers.


• A new government-backed basic health insurance package has been introduced at approximately AED 320 per year for those aged 1–64, featuring a 20% co-payment for inpatient care.


• Estimated cost for comprehensive private plans: AED 800 -AED 2,000 per year, depending on coverage.

Accommodation

Dubai offers a wide range of student accommodation options to suit different budgets and lifestyles, though overall market rents are projected to rise by up to 6% in 2026.

• On-Campus or University-Affiliated Housing
  
  
  
  
  • Fully furnished rooms or shared apartments.
  
  
  • Often includes utilities, internet, and security; premium providers like The Myriad and Yugo now offer specialized study lounges and shuttle services.
  
  
  • Estimated cost: AED 2,500 -AED 5,000 per month.
  
  
  
  


• Off-Campus Shared Apartments
  
  
  
  • Popular among international students, especially in areas like International City and Al Warsan, which remain the city's most affordable pockets.
  
  
  • Estimated cost: AED 1,800 -AED 3,500 per month, depending on area and sharing.
  
  
  
  


• Private Studios or Apartments
  
  
  
  • Suitable for students seeking more independence in emerging hubs like Dubai Silicon Oasis or DLRC.
  
  
  • Estimated cost: AED 3,500 -AED 7,000+ per month, excluding utilities.
  
  
  
  

Part-Time Work

International students in Dubai may be allowed to work part-time, subject to regulations set by UAE authorities and education free zones.

• Students aged 18 and above may apply for a formal part-time work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), while those aged 15–18 require a juvenile permit and guardian consent.


• Work is usually limited to specific sectors such as retail, hospitality, or campus-related roles, and students must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their university.


• Maximum working hours for juvenile students are strictly regulated to 6 hours per day, with no work permitted between 7 pm and 7 am.


• Average pay ranges from AED 15 -AED 30 per hour, depending on role and employer.

International Branch Campuses

Many universities operate under Dubai’s education free zones, such as Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and Dubai Knowledge Park, offering the same curriculum, assessment, and degree as their home campuses.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, Dubai is welcoming three prestigious new institutions: IIM Ahmedabad (India), American University of Beirut (Lebanon), and Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences (Saudi Arabia).

These campuses are regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), ensuring quality while allowing students to transfer credits to home campuses in countries like the UK, Australia, or India.

Local Universities

Accredited UAE institutions offering programs in business, engineering, IT, education, healthcare, and Islamic studies. These institutions are governed by a separate federal law updated in 2026, which tightens licensing rules and strengthens quality assurance to meet global academic and professional requirements.

Many local universities now offer specialized courses in future-ready fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and cybersecurity, often featuring lower tuition schedules comparable to domestic rates in some partner countries.

Vocational and Professional Institutions

Career-oriented diplomas and degrees in hospitality, aviation, design, and technology. Under the new "Education 33" strategy, these institutions are increasingly practice-oriented, offering "sandwich-degree" programs that allow students to split their studies between Dubai and another country.

Most institutions offer September (Fall) and January (Spring) intakes, with some also providing April or Summer intakes to accommodate the growing influx of international applicants. Indonesian students transferring to these programs may be eligible for "advanced standing," allowing them to skip introductory courses if their prior qualifications meet specific prerequisites.