Higher education in United Arab Emirates for international students
- Education information
- Undergraduate and Graduate Programs in English in the UAE
- Bachelor's and Master's Programs in Arabic for Foreign Students in the UAE
- MBA Programs in English in the United Arab Emirates
- Short-Term Professional Courses for Foreign Students and Adults in the UAE
- Literature and references
This content was developed with active participation of Steve Smith.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_the_United_Arab_Emirates
- https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/united-arab-emirates-university.
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#25 at Best Undergraduate International Business ProgramsUnited Arab EmiratesDubaiCurrently watching: 6from 171000.00 aed / yearApply with documents
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from 42198.00 $ / 3 yearsApply with documents
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from 15260.00 $ / yearApply with documents
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from 15000.00 $ / yearApply with documents
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ranked first in the Middle East and Africa region, and thirteenth globallyUnited Arab EmiratesDubaiCurrently watching: 2from 1200.00 aed / weekApply with documents
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ranked 84 in the worldUnited Arab EmiratesDubaiCurrently watching: 1from 25000.00 $ / yearApply with documents
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ranked 235 in The worldUnited Arab EmiratesDubaiCurrently watching: 2from 70400.00 aed / yearApply with documents
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from 10000.00 $ / semesterApply with documents
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95% of graduates are employedUnited Arab EmiratesDubaiCurrently watching: 1from 22000.00 aed / yearApply with documents
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from 1000.00 $ / yearApply with documents
Alternative destinations
Education information
Educational institutions with higher education (18+) in the UAE. We ask you to familiarize yourself with the educational institutions proven by our specialists, offering unsurpassed quality in the field of education and upbringing of character, discipline of students. This section offers comprehensive information about schools, international training programs, prices and reviews. If you have any questions, you can always consult our specialists. FREE services for enrollment in partner institutions, the number of places is limited. Assistance in the selection of institutions, advice on what documents need to be collected, what are the requirements for submission and the timing of enrollment.
Throughout the twentieth century and to this day, the educational system has been actively developing in the UAE , and since the 1940-1950s, higher educational institutions have been actively opened. At the moment, there are more than 100 universities in the country, of which 3 are state-owned. The main part of universities are private educational institutions and campuses of top universities in the USA, Great Britain, Australia, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, which are located in free economic zones. Training programs are focused on obtaining more than 80 specialties. Education in non-state universities of the United Arab Emirates is paid for everyone, the language of instruction is English (with the exception of state universities and a branch of the Sorbonne). Lectures and seminars are conducted by professors of prestigious universities, and training programs in most universities are drawn up taking into account the principles of the British educational system. After successfully defending diploma projects and passing final exams, students are issued diplomas of international standard (without specifying the place of its issuance).
Universities offer Russian, foreign students bachelor's and master's degrees in English and Arabic, MBA courses, short-term vocational training.
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs in English in the UAE
When it comes to higher education in the United Arab Emirates, the focus for schoolchildren and students in English is squarely on grooming future specialists for international companies. The standard program typically spans 3 years, and a Bachelor's course encompasses several key components:
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General Courses: Covering fundamental disciplines.
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Subjects of Specialization: Tailored to the chosen field.
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Electives: Offering flexibility in coursework.
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Internship: Providing hands-on experience.
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Consultation Project: Fostering collaborative problem-solving.
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Thesis: Culminating in original research.
University instructors are highly qualified, often comprising leading experts in their respective fields with extensive practical experience.
Master's Programs in English in the UAE
The UAE's Master's programs, conducted in English, include offerings like the International Business program and several popular rotation programs. These rotation programs involve studying individual modules of the Master's program across various countries worldwide. Key courses within these programs often encompass:
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International Marketing
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Finance
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Banking Services
Master's programs in the UAE are designed to meet the highest educational standards. They aim to equip students with a substantial academic knowledge base, practical skills in their chosen field, and the ability to respond effectively and professionally to external challenges. Course instructors include leading experts from diverse business domains, and students often benefit from workshops and masterclasses conducted by renowned experts and top managers from major companies.
What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?
It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.
Bachelor's and Master's Programs in Arabic for Foreign Students in the UAE
Higher education in the UAE extends its offerings to include undergraduate and graduate programs conducted in Arabic. Both state and independent educational institutions provide students with quality education across various specialties, such as:
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Arts and Humanities
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Applied Arts
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Classics
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Design
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Education
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History
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Literature
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Museology
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Performing Arts
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Philosophy
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Religion and Theology
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Fine Arts
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Business and Social Sciences
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Languages and Culture
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Medicine
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Technical Sciences
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Technology
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Engineering Programs
Esteemed universities feature renowned instructors who teach specialized and general subjects. Moreover, practitioners and experts from prominent enterprises often serve as guest lecturers. Bachelor's programs typically span 3-4 years, while Master's programs last 2-3 years. Upon graduation, students receive prestigious diplomas that hold considerable weight in international companies.
MBA Programs in English in the United Arab Emirates
Higher education in the UAE includes Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs catering to managers and experienced professionals aspiring to hold leadership positions. Admission to MBA courses typically requires a bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and a high level of English proficiency. These programs cover a range of essential academic disciplines, along with subjects designed to cultivate professional skills and managerial competencies. Theoretical knowledge is practically applied through various projects, including:
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Master of Business Administration in International Hospitality Management
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Certificate Program for Managers
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General Master of Business Administration
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Master of Business Administration for Executives
Courses are led by esteemed faculty members from prestigious universities, as well as seasoned professionals and top executives from leading businesses. An MBA diploma opens doors to enhanced career prospects. The courses offer flexible scheduling options:
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4-day weekend sessions once a month or every two months
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Evening classes
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Online learning
Typically, the duration of these programs ranges from 18 to 24 months, with the option to pause and resume over a period of up to 4 years.
Short-Term Professional Courses for Foreign Students and Adults in the UAE
In addition to traditional degree programs, education institutions in the UAE offer short-term professional courses. Geared towards adult students, these courses serve individuals and corporate groups. They focus on developing professional skills, competencies, and expanding professional networks. Educational institutions often collaborate with renowned international companies to create specialized courses tailored to specific organizational needs.
The duration of these programs varies, ranging from intensive one-day sessions to several weeks with evening classes. The course schedule is typically flexible to accommodate students' availability, and upon completion, participants receive certificates. Key areas covered in short-term professional courses include:
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Food and Beverage
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Financial Management
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Leadership and Management
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Human Resources
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Specialized Training
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American Hotels and Rentals
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Customer Service
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Administrative Programs
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Teamwork
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Sales and Marketing
Higher education obtained in the UAE adheres to international standards, and graduates from both public and private institutions, including branches of American, English, and European universities, enjoy the advantages akin to those of graduates from top-rated universities. Course pricing varies depending on the chosen specialization and program duration.
Why is the UAE a popular place to study?
What levels of education are available in the UAE?
How much does higher education cost in the UAE?
What are the language requirements for admission to the UAE?
Can I work in the UAE while studying?
What are the visa requirements for students in the UAE?
How long does it take to obtain a student visa?
What cultural considerations should be taken into account when studying in the UAE?
Can I get a job after completing my studies in the UAE?
What are the most popular study programs among international students in the UAE?
Higher education in the UAE - rankings, specialties, universities
Learning programs-summary information
Name | Meaning | Equivalent | Min. age | Duration, years |
Next stage | Cost |
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GCSE | General certificate of secondary education | secondary education (non-accomplished) | 14 | 1–2 | A-Levels | 15,000 USD+ |
A-Levels | Advanced level | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
BTEC | Business and Technology Education Board | secondary special education | 14 | 2–3 | University/ work | 15,000 USD+ |
Oxbridge Preparation | Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge | secondary education (accomplished) | 17 | 1 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
International Baccalaureate | International baccalaureate | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 18,000 USD+ |
Foundation/ Pathway Year | Preparatory year | admission to the 1st year of university | 17 | 1 | University | 14,000 USD+ |
NCUK | The Northern consortium | 2 year university | 17,5 | 1 | 2 year University of NCUK | 13,000 USD+ |
Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) | Specialized training | - | 14 | optional | optional | 4,000 USD+ |
Academic English | Academic English | Language school | 8 + | 6–12 months | School or University | 8,000 USD+ |
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