Cost of Studying in Dubai
Learn everything you need to know about cost of study in Dubai and get our end-to-end expert guidance.
Planning to study abroad? The popularity of Dubai's world-class education often comes with a big question mark: How much will it really cost? The final expense is a multifaceted blend of tuition fees, college applications, entrance exams, and daily living costs, tailored to every student's needs.
Here's the good news: Dubai is lauded for offering comparatively affordable tuition fees, especially when stacked against Western study destinations offering the same degree courses at their Dubai branch campuses.
While tuition is only one piece of the puzzle, this page is your complete guide. We've compiled all the essential, up-to-date information you need to accurately plan your budget.
But before we dive in, consider this: more than 42,000 international students enrolled to study in Dubai educational institutions in the 2024/25 academic year, with a major percentage being Indian students. Ready to join them? Let's get started!
Types of Tuition Fees at Dubai Universities
Universities in Dubai adopt different systems for charging tuition, largely shaped by the university’s curriculum and its country of origin (especially for international branch campuses). You’ll generally encounter one of two fee structures:
- Annual / Per-Semester Fixed Fee: Common among universities that follow the British system, this model lets you know exactly how much you’ll pay for the whole year (or sometimes even the whole degree). It brings predictability.
- Per-Credit-Hour Fee: Often used in American-style institutions, this model ties your cost to how many credits you take. The more you enrol, the higher your tuition will be that semester.
These tuition fees are paid by flexible payment plans; termly, quarterly, or using post-dated cheques synced to semester schedules. That’s why it’s essential to closely read your offer letter; it will spell out the specific fee structure so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
| Fee Structure Type | How is the Fee Calculated? | Example Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Per Credit Hour | A fixed fee is charged for every credit hour a student registers for (e.g., AED 4,456 per credit hour) | American University in Dubai (AUD), Canadian University Dubai (CUD), Amity University Dubai (often US-style curricula) |
| Per Semester | A fixed amount is charged for a regular full-time course load within a semester/trimester. | University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), often universities using a term/trimester system. |
| Annual Fee | A single, set fee for the entire academic year (often two semesters/terms). | Heriot-Watt University Dubai, University of Birmingham Dubai (often UK-style curricula) |
Cost of Studying in Dubai
Dubai hosts more than 40 universities and each university has their own specific tuition fees depending on the level of studies and programmes. The undergraduate programmes are often at lower cost to the postgraduate degree courses and some specialised programmes like Master in Business Administration (MBA) in Dubai have a higher tuition fees.
Now, to help you understand the entire cost of study in Dubai, here is a table of the average tuition fees of the most popular universities in Dubai including Middlesex University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University, University of Wollongong, Dubai, American University in Dubai (AUD) and Canadian University Dubai from level of study, to popular field of study.
Cost of Studying in Dubai by Level of Programme
Universities in Dubai offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, spanned across diverse subjects from Engineering and Science to Business and Accounting. The tuition fees vary significantly between institutions and levels of study.
Annual Average Tuition Fees (AED)
Based on indicative fees from several top universities in Dubai (such as Manipal, Canadian University Dubai, Heriot-Watt, and UOWD), the annual costs are generally categorised as follows:
| Programme Level | Average Annual Tuition Fee Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Bachelor's) | AED 40,000 – AED 80,000 |
| Postgraduate (Master's) | AED 50,000 – AED 100,000 |
It is important to understand that this cost can differ depending on the type of university. The tuition fees at Public Universities is slightly lower when compared to the tuition fees of Private Universities in Dubai.
Cost of Study in Dubai by Popular Field of Study
The Cost of Studying Dubai can be broadly identified with the average tuition fees of the most popular fields of study like engineering, business, architecture. And, here is a table of the average tuition fees of the most popular fields of study taken from top five universities in Dubai including Middlesex University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University, University of Wollongong, Dubai, American University in Dubai (AUD) and Canadian University Dubai.
| Field of Study | Confirmed / Refined AED Range |
|---|---|
| Engineering | AED 66,000-100,000 per year |
| Business | AED 60,429 - 114, 000 per year |
| Information Technology | AED 60,000 - 80,000 per year |
| Architecture | AED 70,000-100,000 per year |
| MBBS | AED 120,000-160,000 |
Cost of Studying in Dubai by University
Dubai is home to some of the world’s most popular international branch campuses, from the American University in Dubai to Middlesex University Dubai. These universities offer world-class education with the same globally accredited degrees at relatively affordable tuition fees, making Dubai a smart choice for international students.
Here’s a list of the top five most popular universities in Dubai, along with their tuition fees for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses:
| University | UG Fees | PG Fees |
|---|---|---|
| American University in Dubai (AUD) | AED 105,030 per year | AED 13,000 - 14, 000 per 3 credit |
| Canadian University Dubai (CUD) | AED 60,000 - 70,000 per year | AED 70,000 - 100,000 per year |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai | AED 71,500 per year | AED 99,450- 103,350 per year |
| Middlesex University Dubai | AED 188,946 per year | AED 70,000 - 114, 000 per year |
| University of Birmingham Dubai | AED 115,652- AED 151,418 per year | AED 150,225 - 168,608 per year |
Cost of Admission in Dubai
Tuition fees are only one aspect of the total Cost of Studying in Dubai. The complete picture also includes admission-related expenses, which are a combination of application fees, admission charges, entrance test fees, student visa fees, medical check-ups, and other additional charges. While some of these costs are standard, fees such as application, admission, and visa charges vary depending on the university you choose.
Here is an overview of the average Cost of Admission in Dubai:
| Expense Category | Average Cost (AED) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | 250 – 500 | Paid when submitting the university application form (non-refundable). |
| IELTS Exam Fees | INR 18,250/AED 754.60 | Applies if the university requires English |
| Student Visa Fee | 3,000 – 4,500 | Covers residence visa processing for one year. |
| Medical Test & Health Insurance | 1,200 -3,500 | Mandatory health check-up and annual insurance coverage. |
| Emirates ID & Misc. Admin Charges | 500 – 1,000 | Includes Emirates ID registration and administrative costs. |
| Books & Study Materials | 1,000 – 2,500 per year | Estimated cost for textbooks, stationery, and other learning resources. |
| Flight Charges (for Indian Students) | 400 – 900 (one-way) | Approximate airfare from major Indian cities to Dubai, depending on the season and airline. |
Cost of Living in Dubai
When international students plan their budget for studying abroad, the cost of living in Dubai often becomes a major expense. From accommodation and groceries to utilities, mobile bills, Wi-Fi, transport, and leisure activities; the list is extensive. Therefore, understanding the cost of living in Dubai is crucial, as it helps you plan your finances effectively and manage your expenses while living in a foreign country.
Scholarships to Study in Dubai
Scholarships in Dubai are an important part of the study abroad journey, as they provide financial support to cover the cost of studying at a global university, along with additional expenses such as living costs and relocation. Every country has its own scholarship system, aimed at both domestic and international students. Dubai, as a rapidly emerging education hub and home to many globally recognised private universities, offers university-specific scholarships for international students. These scholarships to study in Dubai are typically awarded based on the level and type of programme, as well as the student’s financial need and academic performance.
| Scholarship / Institution | Level (UG / PG ) | What is Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Middlesex University- Academic Excellence Scholarship | UG / PG | Depends on University Discretion and can be combined with other financial grants |
| Emirates Aviation University – Chancellor’s Scholarship | UG | Up to 100% tuition waiver |
| Zayed University – Undergraduate Academic Merit Scholarship | UG | Up to 50% tuition waiver |
| Murdoch University Dubai – Academic Merit Scholarships | UG / PG | 15% to 40% of the total tuition fees |
| Heriot-Watt University, Sports and Community Engagement Scholarship | UG / PG | Up to 30% of the tuition fee for up to 30 students |
| Canadian University Dubai- Academic Excellence Scholarship | UG / PG | 50% tuition waiver High school students need to have attained an academic average of 99%* or above |
The Cost of Studying in Dubai is a cumulative sum of tuition fees, admission charges, and living expenses, often offset by scholarships and financial aid. However, the exact cost varies depending on the university, programme, and level of study. As a general guideline, international students should consider an average annual budget of AED 90,000–120,000.
For a precise calculation of your Cost to Study in Dubai, speak to an AECC expert, who can provide the latest information on university fees, living expenses, and available financial aid options.