Did you know that the UAE is home to over 160,000 Indian students? This makes it one of the top destinations for Indians studying abroad.
There’s a reason for the UAE’s growing popularity as an educational hub, catching up to popular destinations like the UK, USA, and Germany. You can pursue a global degree without going halfway around the world.
The world-class universities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in the UAE, offer Indian students more than just proximity to home. You have access to globally recognized programs in business, engineering, IT, and hospitality. These fields are booming in the region’s dynamic economy.
Additionally, the UAE’s large Indian expat community will give you a cultural familiarity.
So, how can you plan your education abroad in the UAE?
We’ll talk about more than just popular UAE courses and their educational expenses. We’ll also look into high-growth industries, employer demand, and excellent job prospects.
Let’s guide you into a clear pathway to a successful career in the UAE.
But before we get started, here’s a chance for you to quickly look up the perfect university that matches your academic profile and career goals. GradRight’s university search platform helps you discover the best UAE degree courses. It’s free to use. So go ahead and give it a try based on your preferences and qualifications.
Why study in the UAE?
So, how exactly is the UAE emerging as a leader in higher education? What are the things making the UAE more than just a travel and business destination? Here’s why thousands of Indian students are choosing the UAE:
World-Class Education and Recognized Degrees
The UAE hosts branch campuses of prestigious global universities. You’ll find eminent institutes like the University of Wollongong, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, and BITS Pilani Dubai. The degrees are recognized worldwide, with many universities having international accreditations. The country’s Ministry of Higher Education and other accrediting bodies maintain high standards, guaranteeing quality and uniformity across institutions. State-of-the-art campuses with modern facilities are common.
Affordable and Accessible
Tuition fees and living expenses in the UAE are generally lower than in countries like the US, UK, or Australia. This makes it a cost-effective option for Indian students. The visa process is streamlined, often handled by the universities themselves, thus reducing administrative hassles. Many universities accept certificates from English-medium schools. Some do not require additional English proficiency tests. This saves both time and money.
Proximity to Home and Familiar Culture
The UAE has a large Indian community and close geographical proximity to India. The distance from India to the UAE is just about 2,605 km. This makes it far closer than other popular study destinations like Australia (7,809 km) and the USA (13,595 km). So how does this translate to hours? Indian students can reach the UAE in roughly 4 hours by flight. Trips to Australia or the USA can take over 12 and 15 hours, respectively. That’s why Indian students experience less homesickness in the UAE and find it easier to travel back home. It has a multicultural environment. It thrives on a vibrant mix of languages, cuisines, and traditions. Indian students find it easy to adapt and thrive in it.
Strong Career Prospects
The UAE’s booming economy provides abundant job and internship opportunities across various sectors. Graduates benefit from tax-free salaries while working in the UAE. The thriving expat community and universities offer robust career support and industry connections. The universities’ strong alumni networks provide valuable connections and guidance for students as they transition into their professional lives. The UAE’s Golden Visa scheme allows outstanding students and their families to live and work in the country for up to 10 years. This gives an edge while planning long-term career growth.
Safe, Modern, and Innovative
This country is consistently ranked among the safest countries globally. The UAE is currently ranked as the second safest country in the world by Numbeo’s 2025 Safety Index. This place ensures a safe environment for students.
The country’s dynamic blend of tradition and modernity provides an enriching student experience. Like mentioned earlier, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities. There is cutting-edge research in fields like renewable energy and smart construction. Students get ample opportunities to participate in innovation and entrepreneurship centers. There are reasons enough to enroll in the popular UAE courses when it comes to pursuing a global degree.
If you need to know more details about the best degree programs in the UAE, reach out to a GradRight expert. You will get all your doubts resolved and get the best guidance on pursuing an international education degree. Write to grad@gradright.com or call 09240209000. It’s a free service that anyone can avail.
Top universities in the UAE for international students
The UAE has some truly outstanding institutions when it comes to quality education. Here are the best universities in the UAE offering degrees and that consistently rank high:
| University Name | Location | QS World Ranking 2025 | Notable Programs & Features | Highlights |
| Khalifa University | Abu Dhabi | 202 | Engineering, Science, Medicine; renowned for research and innovation | Top-ranked in UAE; cutting-edge research; strong industry partnerships |
| United Arab Emirates University | Al Ain | 261 | Humanities, Engineering, Sciences, IT; UAE’s oldest university | Rich heritage, vibrant campus life, modern research excellence |
| American University of Sharjah | Sharjah | 332 | Architecture, Business, Engineering, Arts; US-accredited programs | Liberal arts focus, international accreditation, and diverse student community |
| University of Sharjah | Sharjah | 434 | Law, IT, business, sciences; strong research centers | Comprehensive programs; innovation-driven; strong research culture |
| Ajman University | Ajman | 477 | Diverse programs; entrepreneurial focus | Entrepreneurial spirit; innovation support; multicultural campus |
| Zayed University | Dubai/Abu Dhabi | 601-630 | Business, Media Studies, IT, Social Sciences; modern campuses | Modern facilities; women’s leadership focus; multicultural environment |
| American University in Dubai | Dubai | 601-650 | US and UAE-accredited degrees; diverse student body | US-style education, strong alumni network, prime Dubai location |
Note:
- Rankings are based on the QS World University Rankings 2025.
- All these universities offer extensive support services and scholarships. A lot of opportunities for internships and industry engagement. These make them highly attractive to international students, especially from India, to pursue popular UAE courses.
Which of these institutions is right for you? You can get an all-around comparison based on your academic profile, budget, and career goals. Right at GradRight’s university search platform. This will help you identify universities where you have the highest chances of admission and scholarships.
Next, let’s look at the trending degrees in the UAE so that you can make an informed choice in planning your career.
Most popular Business & Management degree courses
If you’re drawn to the world of management, finance, and entrepreneurship, the UAE is the place to be. Business is one of the most popular majors in the UAE among international students. The UAE’s economy thrives on trade, finance, and global commerce. As a result, these courses are not just academic. They’re practical and career-focused.
- BSc (Hons) Business Management
- BA Honours Business Management:
- BA Honours Business Management (Project Management)
- BA/MA (Hons) in International Business Management
- BA Honours Business Management (Marketing)
- BA Honours Business Management (Economics)
- BA Honours Business Management (Data Analytics)
- BA Honours Business Management (Finance)
- BA Honours Business Management (Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
- BA Honours Business Management (Tourism & Events)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
These courses are offered by top universities such as Middlesex University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, University of Bolton Academic Centre, and others. This makes them among the most highly sought-after popular UAE courses.
How do you write a standout application for these universities? GradRight’s GradSOP can help you craft a compelling Statement of Purpose for your targeted business schools in the UAE.
Engineering & Technology programs in high demand
Engineering remains one of the most in-demand courses in the UAE. This is largely due to the country’s rapid infrastructure development and digital transformation.
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Computer Engineering & Computer Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
These popular courses are offered by leading UAE universities such as Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University, American University of Sharjah, University of Sharjah, and Heriot-Watt University Dubai. All of these are recognized for their strong industry ties, research excellence, and modern facilities.
Healthcare & Medical Sciences degrees
Post-pandemic, the UAE has significantly expanded its healthcare infrastructure, leading to a boom in medical education. The UAE’s healthcare ecosystem is experiencing rapid growth, projected to reach $50 billion by 2029. This makes the degrees in healthcare and medicine highly career-oriented courses in the UAE:
- MBBS (Medicine)
- BDS (Dentistry)
- BPharm/PharmD (Pharmacy)
- BSc Nursing
- BSc Biomedical Sciences
- BSc Physiotherapy
- BSc Psychology
- BBA Healthcare Operations
- MSc Healthcare Management/Leadership
These popular UAE courses feature modern facilities, clinical placements, and collaborations with leading hospitals. The top universities to choose from for these degrees are Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University, University of Sharjah, Gulf Medical University (Ajman), and Ajman University.
Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management courses
With tourism being a major economic driver, hospitality programs rank among the top degree courses in the UAE. These UAE university programs typically include mandatory internships at leading hotels, resorts, and event companies. This ensures valuable industry experience before graduation.
- BBA in Hospitality Management
- BA Honours International Tourism Management
- BBA in Hotel and Tourism Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Studies
- Master in International Hospitality Management/MBA in Hospitality Management
- Higher International Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management
The best universities for these programs are The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM), Middlesex University Dubai, Britts Imperial University College, United Arab Emirates University, and Euclea Business School.
At this point you might wonder about the options in financing your education. Pursuing international degrees involves big financial investments, of which educational loans play a significant part. This step is made easy by GradRight’s loan-search platform. You can compare education loan offers over here. The best feature on this platform is that the banks will compete to offer you the best interest rates. Rest assured, you’ll bag the best deal for yourself.
Finance, Accounting, and Banking programs
The UAE has a dynamic financial sector. This makes finance and accounting among the trending study programs in the UAE.
- BSc/BBA in Accounting and Finance
- BBA in Banking and Finance
- MSc/MA in Finance
- MBA in Finance/Global Banking & Finance
- Professional Certifications and Short Courses
The top universities offering these degree options in the UAE are United Arab Emirates University, American University of Sharjah, University of Sharjah, Zayed University, and Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
Media, Design, and Creative Arts degrees
The UAE university programs in media, design, and creative arts are growing in popularity. The UAE has a rising number of production houses and design agencies. These courses open doors to exciting careers in media, branding, and content creation.
- Graphic Design
- Multimedia Design/Film and New Media Design
- Animation and Digital Animation
- Interior Design
- Design Management
- Visual Arts
- Media and Communication/Journalism
The best universities to pursue these popular UAE courses in the creative profession are American University of Sharjah, Zayed University, Middlesex University, American University, and University of Wollongong.
Law and International Relations programs
The UAE has a strategic position as a global business and diplomatic center. This makes UAE’s law and international relations one of the most sought-after courses in the UAE.
Law Programs:
- LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
- LLB Law with Criminology
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- Master of Law in Public Law and Private Law
- LLM Legal Practice (SQE Pathway). Currently only offered at the Middlesex University Dubai. Designed for those aiming to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales.
International Relations Programs:
- MA in International Relations
- BA in Media and Mass Communication – International Relations
- Master of Security Studies and Information Analysis
- The universities offering these degrees in the UAE are Middlesex University, University of Birmingham (Dubai), Ajman University, De Montfort University (Dubai), and the American University.
- Cost of education and scholarship opportunities
- We saw how the popular UAE courses will give you a platform in a global career as international graduates. Now it comes to financial investments. Here’s a table breaking down the entire expenditure of studying in the UAE:
| Expense Category | Annual Cost (AED) | Annual Cost (INR) | Notes |
| Undergraduate Tuition | 37,000–70,000 | ₹8–16 lakhs | Varies by university and program. |
| Postgraduate Tuition | 48,600–90,000 | ₹11 – 21 lakhs | Includes MSc, MA, etc. |
| MBA/MD Tuition | 80,000–120,000 | ₹18–27 lakhs | Professional & medical degrees |
| Living Expenses | 25,000–40,000 | ₹5.5–9 lakhs | Accommodation, food, transport, etc. |
| Health Insurance | 500–5,000 | ₹11,000–1.1 lakh | Mandatory; cost varies by coverage. |
| Visa & Admin Fees | 3,000–7,000 | ₹66,000–1.5 lakh | Student visa, medical test, admin charges |
| Books & Supplies | 1,500–3,000 | ₹33,000–66,000 | Depends on course and university. |
| Personal Expenses | 2,000–5,000 | ₹44,000–1.1 lakh | Leisure, clothing, phone, etc. |
| Flight Tickets | 30,000–60,000 | ₹66,000–1.3 lakh | Round trip India-UAE (annual estimate) |
Note:
- Costs are approximate. It may vary by city, university, and lifestyle.
- 1 AED ≈ INR 22 for estimation purposes.
- Scholarships can significantly reduce tuition and living costs.
Scholarship opportunities:
- Many universities offer merit-based, need-based, and fully funded scholarships.
- Top options for scholarships are UAEU, Khalifa University, and government scholarships.
- Scholarships can cover tuition, accommodation, and sometimes living costs.
Need help calculating potential loan EMIs? Use GradRight’s EMI Calculator to plan your finances effectively.
Career prospects after graduating in the UAE
International graduates in the UAE can find strong career prospects. The UAE has a booming economy, and if you plan your career over here, you’ll be glad to know the following:
- The UAE job market remains strong, with around 418,500 job openings annually. The unemployment rate is just over 3%.
- Key growth sectors include technology (AI, cybersecurity, data analytics), renewable energy, finance, banking, healthcare, tourism, hospitality, construction, and education.
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi are major hubs. Especially for tech, finance, and healthcare roles.
- Employers value specialist skills, practical experience, and adaptability. Particularly in digital and tech-driven fields.
The UAE’s work permit, tax, and visa advantages make it an attractive destination for international students. It ensures that careers are built for the long-term settlement plan for those who want to settle abroad. Here’s a table with all the details you need on work permits and visas in the UAE:
| Benefit | Details |
| Student Work Permit | Work part-time during studies. |
| Standard Work Visa | Employer-sponsored legal residency, access to services. |
| Green Visa | 5-year residency, no employer sponsorship, sponsor family |
| Golden Visa | Up to 10-year residency for top talent, investors, and entrepreneurs |
| No Personal Income Tax | Keep 100% of your salary. |
| Streamlined Visa Process | Faster, digital application and approval |
| Employee Benefits | Healthcare, paid leave, airfare, and more |
| Family Sponsorship | Possible under Green and Golden Visas |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most popular degree courses in the UAE?
The most popular UAE degree courses include:
- Business & Management (e.g., BBA, MBA).
- Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace).
- Information Technology & Computer Science.
- Hospitality & Tourism Management.
- Medicine & Health Sciences.
- Architecture & Design.
2. Which universities in the UAE offer top-ranked programs?
The best universities in the UAE offering the top degrees are
- Khalifa University (Engineering, IT, Science)
- United Arab Emirates University (Business, Engineering, Medicine)
- American University of Sharjah (Business, Engineering, Architecture)
- Abu Dhabi University (Business, Engineering, Health Sciences)
- University of Sharjah (Law, Engineering, Medicine)
3. What is the cost of studying in the UAE for international students?
Tuition fees typically range from AED 34,000 to AED 100,000 per year, depending on the program and university. For example, an MBA/PGDM at UAEU is INR 20–21 lakhs/year. Living expenses are about AED 25,000 to 40,000 per year.
4. Are there scholarships available for international students?
Yes. Many universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships. You can also get fully funded scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and stipends at some institutions like the MBZUAI.
5. What are the career opportunities after graduating in the UAE?
As a graduate of the UAE degree courses, you’ll find strong job prospects in technology, finance, hospitality, engineering, and healthcare. The UAE is a major regional business hub. This is why it’s filled with opportunities from multinational companies and local industries. All in all, it is an excellent career launchpad for international students.
