Cost of Studying in Dubai for Indian Students

Dubai has quickly emerged as an education hub of excellence. It is now a well-preferred destination for Indian students. Therefore, you must know the cost of studying in Dubai for Indian students for proper budget planning.

Tuition fees, in undergraduate programs, range on average from AED 37,000 to AED 70,000 per year in public universities and AED 55,000 to AED 80,000 in private universities. The postgraduate programs, however, may range from AED 45,000 to AED 90,000 for government universities and from AED 65,000 to AED 110,000 for private universities.

Dubai universities' application fees for the academic year 2024–25 are out, charting the way forward for prospective students based on the demand and competitiveness of various programs in these institutions.

The general application fees range from AED 300 to AED 3,000, depending on the nature of the course and the institution. Though some of the institutions have registered slight increases in their fees compared to previous years, it is mainly due to increased administrative expenses and a rise in the number of international applicants seeking admission.

This shall be the tuition fee to be paid by international students for their studies in Dubai in the academic year 2024-25, based on one's degree level and field of studies. Postgraduate degrees can cost anything from INR 11,00,000 to INR 25,00,000 per year, while undergraduate programs typically cost between INR 9,00,000 and INR 20,00,000.

The city of Dubai is rapidly joining the list of most preferred countries to study abroad in various programs. Tuition fees for international students differ at the different levels of study.

For UG programs, it ranges from AED 40,000 to AED 80,000 annually. This makes it roughly about INR 9,10,000 – 18,30,000.

In PG programs, tuition may range from AED 50,000 to AED 100,000 for the 2024-25 academic session. which translates to approximately INR 11,43,000-22,90,000.

These charges are, in a nutshell, for the very best of the quality and versatile education that Dubai has to offer.

The educational landscape in Dubai consists of programs that differ in fields, and accordingly, tuition fees. Tuition fees for international students will thus be different based on the field of study.

Generally, the more specialised a program is, the higher the tuition fee. The indicative tuition fees for the 2024-25 academic year vary greatly, reflecting this wide range of academic disciplines and their associated costs.

Living Cost in Dubai for Indian Students varies to a great extent depending on location and the type of accommodation. A shared apartment in places like Deira and Al Nahda would cost, on average, AED 2,000 to 4,000 (INR 46,000-91,500) per month.

If one desires some form of privacy, studio apartment rent in places like Dubai Marina and Downtown would run from AED 6,000 to 10,000 (INR 1,37,000- 2,29,000) per month. These prices may be a little higher in city centre locations and fully furnished apartments.

In this regard, students must pay attention to their budgetary allocation and consider proximity to a university and public transport to reduce commuting expenses.

In addition to tuition fees and cost of living, other expenses should be taken into consideration when studying in Dubai. Such expenses may include health insurance, study materials, transportation, and any fees associated with visa processing.

The following are the approximate main costs a student in Dubai might face.

Most universities in Dubai offer merit-based scholarships, which provide partial tuition fee coverage, indirectly easing financial pressure on students and making more funds available for living expenses. For example, the University of Dubai offers scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition fees for academically outstanding students.

The Ministry of Education in Dubai also offers a "National Scholarship Program" that provides full scholarships to outstanding students, including stipends, which will cover living expenses.

Private institutions and foundations also offer financial aid to international students. One very important example is that the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation offers scholarships to students from specific regions. Tuition fees, together with living expenses, are covered under this particular scholarship.

Another example includes some global scholarships, such as the Al Qasimi Foundation's scholarships for Arab students, which can be used at universities in Dubai.

High-quality education and a cultural experience are just a few of the good things that one can expect when studying in Dubai. However, Indian students must make themselves acutely aware of the cost of studying in Dubai.

An idea about this financial factor will help the students make an effective plan and support them in setting up a system to meet their expenses during their studies. Students who intend to cover their education overseas in Dubai should be able to take proper estimates of the tuition fees, accommodation, and any other expenses related to the education system.