Study Masters Programs in the United Arab Emirates

Master Degrees in the United Arab Emirates 2017

Study in UAE

Higher Education in UAE

Traditionally an oil-rich country, in the past decade the UAE, in particular Dubai, began a transition to a knowledge-based economy. As a result, the UAE began to overhaul its education system, including higher education. The current higher education system includes undergraduate studies, master’s degrees and PhDs. The government has also made research at UAE universities a higher priority, and research programs are beginning to flourish. In addition to UAE public and private schools, many international universities have branches in the UAE.

Why Study in the UAE?

In the past decade, the number of universities offering programs to international students has nearly doubled and about 1,000 foreign students now study in the UAE. The majority of international students are from the US, UK, France, Canada, Australia and India. Master’s degrees are available in a wide range of subjects, with the most popular programs being information technology (IT), business, management and marketing. The UAE recently made IT a top priority and as a result, IT education is blossoming at universities in the country. Many master’s programs are aimed at non-UAE professionals who work in the UAE and are taught in languages other than Arabic, primarily English. In addition, many programs offer both full and part time studies, evening classes and accelerated programs with year-round attendance.

Universities in UAE

The UAE has 116 institutions of higher education, including 3 public institutes and about 30 international branches of universities from all over the world such as the University of Exeter and Michigan State University. Most of the international universities are located in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Tuition and Programme Duration

Public universities are free at all educational levels to UAE citizens. Tuition varies widely at the international universities depending upon school and type of master’s program. Typical annual tuition runs from about 10,000 US dollars to about 24,000 British pounds.

Most master’s degrees require 1-2 years to complete with full time attendance. Part-time programs can take up to 5 years; however, some accelerated part time programs can be completed in as little as one year.

Academic Year

The typical academic year includes two semesters, although some accelerated programs use a three- semester system with somewhat compressed schedules. Fall semester runs from September through December or January and spring semester runs from January or February through June.

Post-Graduate Opportunities

There are many opportunities for both UAE citizens and ex-pats to work in the UAE after graduation. Major industries include trade, transportation and logistics; hospitality and tourism services; banking and financial services; retail and commercial expansion; education; law; media and health. UAE citizens with master's degrees are highly sought after by all private industries, as currently the vast majority of private industry employees are ex-pats.

Visa Requirements

Students who hold passports from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries do not require a visa. All other students must obtain a student visa which requires that they be sponsored by a university or educational institution recognized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education. The application can be made via an electronic form and requires a photo of the student. In addition to visa fees, a deposit of AED 1000 (about $300 US) is required that is refunded when the student departs the UAE.

Health Insurance

International students should obtain health insurance in their home country that will cover them while they are studying in the UAE.


In addition to being a cosmopolitan and multi-cultural country, the UAE is one of the safest places in the world to live and visit.

The official currency in the UAE is the dirham; however, almost any type of foreign currency can be exchanged in the country, as there are no currency regulations. Moneychangers generally provide the best exchange rates, but ATMs are also widely available throughout the country.

Due to the climate, dress in the UAE tends to be somewhat casual; however, modest dress is preferable at all locations other than the beach.

Students not fluent in Arabic may also want to take advantage of their time in the UAE to learn both written and spoken Arabic.

About UAE

The United Arab Emirates, in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, extends along part of the Gulf of Oman and the southern coast of the Persian Gulf. Its neighbors are Saudi Arabia to the west and south, Qatar to the north, and Oman to the east. Most of the land is barren and sandy.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a highly modern Middle Eastern country located in the southeastern portion of the Arabian Peninsula. The country has borders with Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar. The UAE was formed in 1971 as a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain. The UAE is a popular tourist destination that blends a rich cultural tradition dating back more than 2,500 years with modern cities that boast skyscrapers, museums, art galleries, golf courses, spas and theme parks.

Although about four-fifths of the UAE has a hot and arid desert climate, the country also includes mountains, oases and a coastline. Maximum summer temperatures can reach nearly 50 degrees C in some areas, although temperatures in the mountainous regions are more moderate. Minimum winter temperatures are around 10 degrees C. Annual rainfall is from 120mm to 350mm depending on location, with occasional flash flooding. Dust storms that significantly reduce visibility also occur in the desert regions.

The UAE seeks to maintain traditional cultural elements based on tribal living and Islamic principles while moving toward a modern culture. With this in mind, the country has recently emphasized visual arts that augment traditional means of creativity that focused on poetry and the spoken word. As a result, the UAE now has a thriving, multi-cultural art community that includes museums, art galleries, art exhibitions, cultural events, theaters and art-related workshops and summer camps.

Cost of Living
Prices in the UAE are generally moderate, with one-bedroom apartments starting at about $1,000 (US) per month and utilities running about $120 (US) per month. Food and dining costs are also very reasonable. Costs near a city center are somewhat higher than costs elsewhere. Students should also be sure to budget for a car, as they are a virtual necessity in the country.


Universities in United Arab Emirates

Universities in United Arab Emirates

Facts about United Arab Emirates

Capital: Abu Dhabi
Official Languages: Arabic
Government: Federation president elected by hereditary emirs
Population: 8,264,070
Gross Domestic Product: $258.825 billion
Currency: UAE dirham (AED)
Time zone: (UTC+4)