Dubai Unveiled: A Student's Guide to Study in Dubai

We recently visited Dubai as part of a learning retreat organized by The Outreach Collective (TOC). The retreat was hosted by SP Jain School of Global Management, Dubai. We were also invited by BITS Pilani, Dubai, and Symbiosis University Dubai for the campus visits.

To utilize this opportunity, a few of us IECs reached a couple of days earlier to explore Dubai as a study destination. Some of us had already visited Dubai and were familiar with the infrastructure, the culture, and the extravaganza the city provides. But none of us had any idea about the Dubai educational sector. We were happy to learn that it offers a unique blend of academic excellence, a vibrant lifestyle, and career opportunities. 

Dubai as a Study Abroad Destination for Indian Students

Dubai is home to many Top Universities with many International Universities that have opened up their campuses here. Universities in Dubai are mostly housed in specific dedicated areas that are strategically located to benefit the students. It was a delight to see quite a few renowned Indian Universities, who have set up campuses in Dubai. Universities are located in clusters in specific education zones in Dubai. Some of the main clusters include : 

• Knowledge Park: A hub that houses many companies and training centers, It has many high caliber Universities. DKP is a free zone which means it is exempt from any traditional tax rules and Universities don't need a local sponsor to set up. Some universities located in this area are : 

• Dubai International Academic City (DIAC): DIAC is one of the largest free zones and the biggest education Hub in MENA, with a plethora of International Universities from the UK, India, Australia etc. Some of the prominent Universities in this zone include : 

• Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO): Adjacent to the Dubai International Academic City, is also the Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), another free zone, where the prestigious Rochester Institute of Technology, Dubai is located. RIT Dubai is a satellite campus of the RIT, New York, USA campus. 

• Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City: Ideal for students interested in media, communications, and technology, with numerous internship and job opportunities. This area is also home to the Meta office and many other multinational companies making it a preferable site for the students. Some universities in this zone include 

Apart from the above universities, some other universities that must be considered would be New York University’s Campus in Abu Dhabi and the American University of Sharjah, both being 1 hour away from Dubai. 

Accreditations to Look for while Choosing Universities

When choosing a university in Dubai, it’s important to look for accreditations that ensure quality education. Some of the accreditations you should check as an international student would include:

Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the Ministry of Education (MOE)  - This accreditation is important to ensure that the University meets international standards and has universal recognition for credit transfer and further education abroad. This accreditation is also important for pursuing any government jobs in the UAE. 

 Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) - Besides the CAA accreditation, it is also important that the degrees are licensed by KHDA, a regulatory authority that is responsible for the growth and quality of private education in Dubai.

* Please note that some Universities in Dubai only hold the KHDA license and not the CAA accreditation. These degrees are still recognized and valid, however for government jobs, it is essential to have the CAA accreditation. 

Admissions Process, Housing, Commuting, Visa

• Admission Process: The application is filed directly to the University. Most of the universities require 10th-grade mark sheets with 12th-grade predicted scores. A few might require an 11th-grade marksheet as well. IELTS/TOEFL is required. Each university has its own set of admission requirements. Along with the transcripts, some universities ask for a short essay/personal statement and a Letter of Recommendation. For post-graduate courses, admissions are usually based on their undergraduate degree. 
  

• MOE evaluation Process: The Ministry of Education (MOE) in the UAE has a rigorous evaluation process to ensure the quality of education. Universities and programs undergo regular assessments to meet high academic standards. The process usually involves getting documents attested from the Ministry of External Affairs in India and the UAE Embassy attestation. This ensures that students receive a world-class education that is recognized globally.

• Scholarships: Universities in Dubai give good scholarships to students. Almost all the universities give merit-based scholarships based on the 12th grade marks. A few also give need-based financial aid based on the Income Tax Returns. 

• Housing: Many educational institutions have partnerships with housing providers, offering safe and affordable living spaces close to campuses. Students can choose accommodation according to their preferences and budget. 

• Internship Opportunities: Dubai's dynamic economy provides ample internship opportunities across various sectors such as finance, technology, hospitality, and media. Many universities have strong ties with leading companies, facilitating internships that offer valuable industry experience and enhance employability

• Commuting: Universities provide shuttle service to the students from the university to the housing area in case there is no On-Campus Accommodation. For other commuting, Dubai has a great bus, metro, and tram network. Dubai Metro, with its Red and Green lines, is one of the most advanced and modern rail systems. Getting a Blue Nol Card gets you discounted fares on all modes of public transportation in Dubai. 

• Visas and Renewals: The visa process in Dubai is straightforward. Once you have a confirmed offer from the University, they will apply for the visa on behalf of the student. In Dubai, a student visa is granted for 1 year and has to be renewed for the consequent years. University officers help with the renewal of the visas. In the case of an exceptional student, he can get a Gold Visa valid for up to 5/10 years.

Details and requirements for a Golden Visa can be found here:

https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visas/golden-visa

Job Opportunities

Dubai is a major hub for many sectors like  Finance, IT, Manufacturing, Real estate, Tourism, and many more. Home to many banks, MNCs, IT companies, and educational institutions, there are plenty of job opportunities for students. Some sectors doing very well in Dubai include full-stack development, supply chain management, chemical engineering, fintech, renewable energy, smart cities development, vertical farming, and many more. Many Universities also permit students to work while studying and offer classes in the evenings. 

Students also have ample part-time work opportunities and internship options. In Dubai, students can work 15 hours per week during academics and 40 hours per week during vacations. The average remuneration can be anywhere between 15 AED - 30 AED per hour

Here’s a comprehensive guide to understand if Dubai is the right fit destination for your education.

• Excellent Education: Many world-renowned universities have opened up their campuses in Dubai giving the opportunity of world-class education.

• Weather: Dubai's weather is quite different from most parts of India. It has a hot desert climate, characterized by long, scorching summers and mild, pleasant winters.

• Safety: Dubai is a crime-free city, ensuring the complete safety of international students. It has stringent security measures, low crime rates, and a well-structured legal framework making it a haven for international students. 

• Proximity to home: Hundreds of flights fly daily from India to Dubai making it one of the closest international study destinations. Students and parents might feel at ease. 

• Job Opportunities: The city is home to numerous multinational corporations and startups, offering a wealth of employment opportunities. But, the key to getting a great job is building connections through networking. The best way to do this is to build relations through part-time jobs/internships while you study.

• Multicultural Learning: People from more than 125 countries live here. More than 80% of the population is expats making it culturally diverse. 

• Affordable: Cost of Attendance includes the cost of study (Tuition Fee, books, etc) and the cost of living (Housing, transportation, socializing, etc). The tuition fee is less in comparison to other popular study destinations like the USA, and the UK. But at the same time, the cost of living is comparatively high if compared to India. It usually gets compensated by the scholarships and need-based financial aid making it an affordable study destination. 

• Visa Hassle: As the university takes care of all the visa formalities, the student does not have to worry about visa delays/rejections.

• Smaller Campuses: Most of the campuses are much smaller than in other countries. Many of them are just a building where the classes are run.

• Student Population: Generally the student population (except a few) is around 1500-2000 students. The class size is usually 35-50 students.

• Job Search Visa after Graduation: Dubai does not offer a post-study job search visa, one needs to make sure they have a job in their final year of study

• Lesser Study Options: The variety of courses offered is less as compared to other countries

So, if you're seeking a study destination offering world-class education, diverse cultural experiences, and robust career opportunities, Dubai might be the right study destination for you. With its renowned universities, vibrant lifestyle, and strategic location, Dubai provides a unique blend of academic excellence and personal growth. Evaluate your academic goals and career aspirations, and consider Dubai as a stepping stone to a successful and fulfilling future.