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Destination guide
United Arab Emirates
Western branch campuses, zero income tax, and a Green Visa post-study.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi host branch campuses of NYU, Heriot-Watt, Birmingham and Sorbonne. English is the medium of instruction, and graduates can apply for a 5-year Green Visa to work without sponsorship.
Tuition
AED 50,000 – 110,000 / year
Living cost
AED 35,000 – 60,000 / year (Dubai higher)
Intakes
September primary · January secondary
Top universities
- • NYU Abu Dhabi
- • Khalifa University
- • American University of Sharjah
- • Heriot-Watt Dubai
- • MBZUAI
Popular programmes
- • MSc AI
- • MBA
- • MSc Engineering
- • MA International Studies
Student Residency Visa
Application fee
AED 3,000 – 5,000 (applied by university)
Processing time
2–4 weeks
Work rights
Permitted with university NOC
Post-study
Green Visa — 5 years, self-sponsored
Application timeline
- 1Apply direct to the university's international office
- 2Attest your transcripts via MOFA + UAE Embassy
- 3Accept offer and pay tuition deposit
- 4University files Student Residency Visa via ICP
- 5Complete Emirates ID biometrics on arrival
- 6Open a bank account with your Emirates ID
Insider tips
- Sharjah is ~40% cheaper than Dubai and a short commute away.
- MBZUAI offers fully-funded AI masters — apply 6+ months ahead.
- Use the 'Golden Visa for Outstanding Students' if you have 95%+ grades.
- Many programmes have an industry-placement semester baked in.
Tests accepted
IELTSTOEFLGMAT (business)