Master’s Degree in Dubai for Indian Students

Indian students seeking an affordable master’s degree abroad have recently turned to Dubai. The most populous city in the United Arab Emirates has cropped up as one of the top destinations for its world-class infrastructure and multicultural environment. 

According to UNESCO, Indian students make up nearly 20% of all international students in the UAE.

Indian students prefer Dubai for a master’s degree for a number of reasons:

• Lower tuition and living costs compared to Western countries 
• Proximity to India and graduate employment opportunities 
• For #1 quality of living in the Middle East and Africa
• Safe environment and global networking scope

The emirate has also offers multiple local and international higher education institutions. 

Dubai currently hosts over 60 international university campuses, the highest number in any city. Students also benefit from a generous visa policy and part-time work options during study.  

If you’re an Indian student exploring master’s programs in Dubai, finding the right university is key. That’s where GradRight’s university search platform helps—you get a personalized shortlist based on your goals, budget, and preferred field of study.

Read along to find some of the top universities and master’s programs in Dubai for Indian students.

Why pursue a master’s degree in Dubai?

With lower tuition fees and living costs in contrast to popular destinations like the UK, USA, or Canada, Dubai offers an affordable pathway to earning a prestigious degree abroad. There are over 80,000 international students in the UAE, as of 2024.
Traditional countries for higher education, including the USA, UK, and Canada, are seeing a decline in enrolments due to political and visa-related uncertainty. And, there is no surprise why Dubai has rapidly gained popularity as an elite educational destination for postgraduate studies among Indian students.

World-Class Education

Dubai hosts several international university branches and globally accredited institutions in addition to local UAE-based universities. The city is home to branch campuses of prestigious universities from the USA, the UK, Australia, and India. These campuses maintain high academic standards comparable to their main campuses. This ensures that your degree is respected worldwide.

Affordable Living and Education

Compared to other major study destinations, Dubai offers relatively affordable tuition fees. A master’s degree in most international universities hovers between AED 55,000 and 75,000 (INR 12.3-20.3 lakh) annually. Similarly, the moderate living expenses of around AED 5,000 per month (INR 1.1 lakh) make it a financially attractive option for international students.

Note: Studying in Dubai is more affordable than the West—but you may still need financial support. GradRight’s loan-search platform helps Indian students like you find the best education loan with the lowest interest rate. Instead of chasing banks, let 15+ lenders compete to fund your degree. No collateral? No problem—GradRight helps you explore flexible, student-first options.

Strong Career Prospects

Dubai’s tax-free income, and growing job market create lucrative post-study work opportunities. The city’s thriving economy offers abundant opportunities in sectors such as finance, technology, hospitality, healthcare, and engineering. Many universities also make it easy to access internships and post-study employment. SAE University Dubai reported a 70% full-time employment rate among its graduates after six months.

Supportive Student Policies

Lastly, Dubai offers student-friendly visas to international students compared to other study destinations. There are no requirements to show large funds in your bank account for a student visa application. Post-study work visas and career support services are also widely available.

Cultural Diversity and Strategic Location

Dubai is known for its cosmopolitan environment, modern infrastructure, and high safety standards. 88.5% of the UAE’s population were expatriates in 2022. It is a top destination for international students, ranked as the world’s 8th safest city. Dubai’s central location ensures excellent connectivity to Europe, Asia, and Africa.

That’s not all. The desert city also offers pleasant, sunny weather year-round for fun activities on its beaches and sand dunes.

Top Universities in Dubai Offering Master’s Programs

Dubai’s several internationally recognized universities, both local and international branches, offer some of the most advanced degrees for Indian students.

The table below lists some of the best universities in the city for master’s education:

Each university in the UAE sets its tuition fees, which are usually based on credit hours. Private universities usually charge more than public ones. For instance, Curtin University Dubai offers postgraduate and doctorate programs at AED 91,000 to 115,500 (INR 21,14,000 to 26,00,000 ). The American University Dubai charges AED 137,600 (INR 31,96,000) for a master’s degree.

Some affordable universities for master’s in Dubai may charge as low as AED 21,000 per year. For instance, an MBA or ME may cost AED 32,000 (INR 7,43,000) per year.

Indian University Campuses in Dubai

Several Indian universities have established campuses in Dubai. IIT Madras has also announced its plans to launch a research centre in 2025. The centre’s focus will be on AI, data science, robotics, and sustainable energy technologies. 

Here are some top current Indian university campuses in Dubai:

BITS Pilani

Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani is one of the most respected engineering institutes in the UAE. It was established in 2000 and offers postgraduate and doctoral programs in engineering and technology. The campus was also awarded a 5-star rating by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in partnership with QS in 2022.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

MAHE Dubai was offers over 50 programs across: 

• engineering, 
• information technology, 
• biotechnology, 
• business 
• and media & communication.

The academy was also one of the first Indian multi-disciplinary universities in the region. 

Amity University Dubai

Amity University Dubai offers more than 30 bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It was established in the early 2010s and features courses in fields such as:

• business,
• engineering, 
• computer science, 
• law, 
• hospitality, 
• media, 
• and design.

The Amity Dubai campus houses students from over 70 nationalities.

SP Jain School of Global Management 

The SPJ business school is located within one of the largest educational hubs in the world, the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC). It offers globally recognized degrees, including:

• Master of Global Business
• Global MBA
• Master of Artificial Intelligence in Business

As you might have noticed, some of the most popular Dubai graduate programs for Indians are in the field of engineering, business, and data science.

Most popular Master’s degrees for Indian students

Indian students in Dubai often pursue master’s degrees in areas that offer high employability. Strong career prospects both in the UAE and globally are also guaranteed.

The top Dubai master’s programs for Indian students are:

• Business Administration (MBA)
• Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
• Healthcare Sciences (Public Health, Nursing, Biomedical Science, Healthcare Management)
• Finance and Management
• Law (LLM)
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Architecture and Media Studies

These programs usually require the basic prerequisites for admission. 

Admission requirements for Indian students

The general admission criteria for postgraduate studies in Dubai universities include a bachelor’s degree. Other specific requirements may vary for different universities and programs. For instance, some master’s courses in international university campus may require:

• A minimum 50–60% aggregate in undergraduate studies
• Language proficiency test scores like IELTS (6.0 or above) or TOEFL (80+ iBT)
• 2–3 years of professional work experience for select programs like MBA

Application process may also demand supporting documents, including:

• Academic transcripts
• statement of purpose (SOP)
• letters of recommendation (LORs)

University in Dubai also helps with the visa application post selection within a master’s course.

Visa process and work opportunities for Indian students

Indian students can apply for a UAE student visa with support from their university in Dubai.

The standard student visa is valid for one year and would need to be renewed annually for the duration of your master’s degree. Some important documents required for visa processing, include:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• 12 passport-sized photographs
• Acceptance letter from the university
• Proof of tuition fee payment and financial support (bank statements)
• Attested undergraduate degree (for postgraduate applicants)

UAE also offers longer residency permits for exceptional students and professionals. Here are the three visa types that Indian students can apply for studying in a Master’s course in Dubai.

During the academic term, students can work part-time during studies, in compliance with university and government regulations. You can work up to 15 hours/week during classes and full-time (40 hours/week) during breaks with university approval. Many universities also facilitate industry internships in sectors like tech, finance, and hospitality.

After completing your master’s in Dubai, you can apply for a job-seeker visa. The visa carries a validity of 60, 90, or 120 days.

Career prospects after completing a master’s in Dubai

After studying a master’s course in Dubai, graduates can explore career opportunities both in the UAE and internationally. In general, a master’s degree holder earns on average 16% more than people with a bachelor’s degree.

The UAE offers different residency visas for working professionals. 

Dubai’s economy is driven by trade, finance, logistics and technology. It is a global hub for business and innovation. The city’s D33 Economic Agenda  pledges to double its economy by 2033, and will generate thousands of skilled jobs over the decade. 

The tax-free income in the UAE makes it a perfect launchpad for a global career. Many graduates secure roles in multinational corporations and regional powerhouses.

High-demand roles include data scientists, digital marketers, project managers, and logistics professionals. 

The average salary of an MBA graduate is in the upwards of AED 360K (INR 83.7 lakh) per year in the city. Meanwhile, HR managers in Dubai earn up to AED 16,667 (INR 3.8 lakh) per month.

Civil engineers are also in high demand in construction and infrastructure. Their average salary is around AED 7,333 (INR 1.7 lakh) per month. Meanwhile, software engineers can earn up to AED 15,000 (INR 3.48 lakh) per month in the Dubai area. Roles in AI, cybersecurity, and renewable energy are also growing in green buildings, smart tech, and sustainable projects. 

Alternatively, a master’s degree in Dubai can open up global opportunities. Some universities in the Emirate offer exchange or mobility programs. For example, the University of Birmingham Dubai’s “Go Global” program allows students to study, work, or volunteer abroad. The students can attend summer schools in China, Denmark, Singapore, Sweden, or take part in volunteering projects in South Africa.

University of Dubai’s Student Exchange Program also allows senior students to study abroad. The university’s partner institutions include the University of North Florida in the USA and Montpellier Business School in France.

Overall, Dubai is a highly promising and practical destination for Indian students pursuing a master’s degree abroad. The comparatively affordable education compared to other countries make it a smart choice for students who want to expedite their careers.

FAQs

1. Which universities in Dubai offer the best master’s programs for Indian students?

Middlesex, Birmingham, Wollongong and Hult University campuses in Dubai offer some of the best master’s programs in tech, finance and healthcare. BITS Pilani and SPJ Global are two top universities for Indian students looking to pursue engineering or MBA.

2. How much does it cost to pursue a master’s degree in Dubai?

Dubai graduate programs usually cost about INR 9–20 lakh for Indians. The university fee may be higher for certain programs and specialization in international campuses. 

3. Are there master’s Scholarships available for Indian students in Dubai?

Several scholarships includin university-specific merit and government-funded grants like the Al Qasimi Foundation’s research grants are available for Indian students in Dubai.  

4. What are the job opportunities after completing a master’s degree in Dubai?

Employment opportunities in Dubai for Indian students are available in sectors like finance, HR, technology, healthcare and logistics. Some popular roles are project manager, civil engineer, and digital marketer.