Study in United Arab Emirates

Dwelling beautifully alongside the Persian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers spectacular locations, tall buildings, huge shopping malls, dazzling beaches, and, supposedly, a newly unveiled “Mars Science City.” Now, that’s a city I’d like to hang out in.

It’s almost like going to UAE can be a wonderfully educational experience in itself. But, luckily for you, there are also great universities for you to pursue your Master’s or Bachelor’s degree anywhere in the city. As a foreign student, there are some interesting options to consider, and there is plenty to learn about the history, culture, and politics that make UAE unique.

Why Study in United Arab Emirates?

The population in the UAE has a spectacularly high literacy rate – up to 90% - and these days the country has invested tons of money into the improvement of their science and technology institutes. Joining ranks with some of other major research and training enterprises, the UAE has formed the Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT) group, where they’ve been working with major companies around the world in developing nanotechnology, biotechnology, and a major supercomputing centre in South Asia.

Universities as well are starting to gain a wide reputation all over the world, and students there have gone on to work in science, technology, and politics, making UAE an excellent choice for higher education.

What to Study in United Arab Emirates?

Well, it’s quite simple: the UAE is known for their science and technology, so that seems like a good place to start. But, don’t go leaping there so fast. There are other interesting topics and subjects to pursue while you’re enjoying a trip along the beach or tearing up the indoor ski slopes.

Here is a list of some interesting degrees to pursue in the UAE:

• Project Management in the United Arab Emirates 
• Risk Management in the United Arab Emirates 
• Education in the United Arab Emirates  
• Executive MBAs in the United Arab Emirates 
• Mechanical Engineering in the United Arab Emirates 

Major cities in the United Arab Emirates

What’s the first city that comes to mind when you think of the United Arab Emirates? Is it Dubai? Of course it is! Dubai has some of the biggest universities, and some of the most spectacular historical and cultural landmarks in the world. You can plenty of information about Dubai, including living costs, places to visit, and information about cultural life.

Which universities to attend in the United Arab Emirates

In each of the major cities and all over the UAE, you can find plenty of universities and institutions offering Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in lots of subjects. Furthermore, some of those universities even reach some of the top rankings worldwide, giving them a great global reputation.

Here are some universities and institutions we’d highlight:

• Emirates Aviation University 
• American University in Dubai
• American University of Sharjah  
• Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University 
• Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

Practical Information

How to apply to universities in the United Arab Emirates

Each university in the United Arab Emirates has its own system on their website that allows future students to apply for and enrol in their degree programmes. So, once you select the university of your choice, you can go through their application and submit your materials there.

Here are some of the basic requirements you’ll need for every application:

• A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
• A transcript/record of your previous courses
• A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
• Your CV
• Testing scores
• Evidence of scholarship or funding
• Letters of recommendation (between 2-3)
• Portfolio and/or writing samples

In some universities and regions, students must be Muslims to attend, and at others admission is only available to nationals. However, other, more expansive universities are starting to arise around the region, giving international students opportunities to learn and attend courses.

Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a university in the United Arab Emirates

Take Preparation Courses: These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes. Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice;

Improve your English through an English-language prep course: If you’re attending a degree programme in the UAE you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures; some schools will require Arabic, while others will require strong English skills. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

To apply to study in the UAE, you’ll need to provide proof you have a diploma for your English proficiency.

The certificates generally accepted by the universities in the UAE are:

• TOEFL
• IELTS
• C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 

Still, you should always check on your university’s website, just to be sure what the exact requirements are.