Cost of Studying in Dubai for Indian Students
Planning your study abroad journey starts with understanding the real costs involved. So, prepare the cost of study in Dubai financial plan to save yourself from any surprising expenses.
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Understanding the cost of studying in Dubai for Indian students is essential to know the financial requirements for your study abroad goal. Studying in Dubai offers an excellent balance of global education and affordability for Indian students. Tuition fees are significantly lower than traditional Western destinations, while degrees remain internationally recognized. With smart planning and expert guidance, Dubai becomes a high-value, cost-effective study abroad destination with strong academic and career returns.
Tuition Fees Cost of Study in Dubai
Tuition fees in Dubai vary depending on the university, program, and level of study chosen by the student.
Level of study
University or college
Field of study
Bachelor’s Degree Cost in Dubai
- Tuition Fees: AED 35,000 – 65,000 per year
- Duration: 3–4 years
- Note: Depends on university, course, and intake
Master’s Degree Cost in Dubai
- Tuition Fees: AED 40,000 – 80,000 per year
- Duration: 1–2 years
MBA Study Cost in Dubai
- Total Program Cost: AED 55,000 – 120,000
- Duration: 12–24 months
Vocational Education and Training
Note: Students should compare programs carefully, as tuition fees differ based on course specialization and institution reputation.
Accommodation Cost of Study in Dubai
To live peacefully, you need to arrange a suitable accommodation option that allows you to focus on your studying. During your studies in Dubai, you have multiple options for accommodation. You can pick the most suitable one for your prefrence.
Accommodation Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (AED) | Key Details |
University Accommodation | AED 1,800 – 3,000 | Located close to campus; utilities are often included |
Shared Apartments | AED 1,500 – 2,500 | Most popular and budget-friendly option among Indian students |
Private Studio / Apartment | AED 3,000 – 4,500+ | Higher cost but offers more privacy and independence |
Sharing apartments is the most affordable option you can choose to live in Dubai while studying.
Monthly Living Expenses in Dubai
During the whole study session, you have managed multiple cost of study in Dubai apart from the accommodation. Over the entire study years, you have options for selecting the best accessible resource in your nearby area. Here is an approximate costing table for you to know the overview of costing and plan for it in advance.
Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (AED) | Details |
Food & Groceries | 600 – 1,000 | Home-cooked meals, occasional eating out |
Public Transportation | 150 – 300 | Metro, bus, and student travel cards |
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet) | 300 – 600 | May be lower if utilities are shared |
Mobile Phone | 50 – 150 | Prepaid student or budget plans |
Personal Expenses | 200 – 500 | Clothing, toiletries, entertainments. |
With time, you will find better options to reduce this cost. For that, you need to explore a bit after reaching the destination. You need to find the local markets to get a reasonable price for the products.
Student Visa and Immigration Cost of Study in Dubai
To study in Dubai, you have to apply for a UAE student visa. This visa gives you a legal right to stay and study in Dubai for the entire course duration. The estimated cost for this would be around AED 3,000 to 5,000.
With this budget, you need to work on multiple stages of the Visa clearing process, including:
- Visa processing fees – charged for issuing and approving the student visa
- Medical fitness test – mandatory health check required by the UAE government
- Emirates ID – an official identity card needed for daily activities like opening a bank account, using services, and renting accommodation
- Basic documentation charges – administrative and paperwork-related costs
- Health insurance – it is mandatory for all international students in Dubai. So you need health insurance for yourself that covers all basic medical needs for you while you study in Dubai.
In most cases, universities in Dubai help international students with the visa process, making it easier and more convenient. Some universities include the visa cost in the first-year fees, while others charge it separately.
Overall, the student visa and documentation cost is a one-time or annual expense and should be planned as part of your total study budget.
Education-Related Additional Cost of Study in Dubai
Apart from tuition fees, students in Dubai should also plan for additional academic expenses during their course.
Expense Type | Estimated Cost (AED) | Description |
Application / Registration Fees | 500 – 1,500 (one-time) | Paid when applying or confirming admission |
Books & Study Materials | 500 – 1,200 per semester | Textbooks, e-books, printing, and supplies |
Laboratory / Program Fees | 500 – 2,000 per semester | Applies mainly to engineering, IT, science, and design programs |
Examination Fees | 300 – 800 per semester | Charges for exams or assessments in some universities |
Graduation Fees | 800 – 1,500 (one-time) | Covers graduation ceremony and certificate issuance |
Software & Academic Tools | 300 – 1,000 per year | Specialized software or online learning platforms |
Understanding these extra expenses helps students prepare a more accurate overall study budget.
Scholarships & Fee Waivers in Dubai
Many top universities in Dubai want to promote talented students to study at their university. That’s why they provide financial support to international students to help reduce education expenses. In general, these are the following common scholarship and fee waiver options available:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Early application discounts
- Sibling or alumni discounts
- Fee waivers
Scholarships can reduce tuition fees by 10%–40%, depending on eligibility and academic profile.
Part-Time Work and Income Opportunities
Dubai offers international students opportunities to work part-time while pursuing their studies, helping them gain professional experience and manage some living expenses.
Category | Details |
Work Permission | Students can work part-time legally with university and government approval. |
Where Students Can Work | On-campus jobs, retail stores, restaurants, internships, offices, events, and customer service roles. |
Average Working Hours | Usually 15–20 hours per week during study periods; more hours allowed during holidays. |
Average Part-Time Salary | AED 15 – 30 per hour depending on job type and skills. |
Typical Monthly Earnings | AED 800 – 2,000 per month based on hours worked. |
Common Student Jobs | Sales assistant, café staff, delivery assistant, admin helper, campus assistant, internships. |
Can Earnings Cover Expenses? | Part-time income can cover personal expenses or part of living costs, but usually not full tuition fees. |
Some universities allow part-time so students can gain real-time practical skills plus professional networks in an international environment. Although earnings usually cover personal or partial living expenses rather than tuition fees, part-time work remains a valuable option for students seeking work experience while studying.
Get a Personalized Plan for Cost of Study in Dubai
The total cost of studying in Dubai can differ for every student, so it’s important to plan based on your individual situation. As a result, relying only on general estimates may lead to inaccurate budgeting. So, you can contact an experienced person to get a personalized costing for your whole period of Study in Dubai. This gives you real financial requirements and time to plan for managing those expenses better.
Students who score good marks can also get merit-based scholarships.
Want to know more about scholarships? Contact Transglobal Overseas expert counsellors to understand the details, eligibility, and deadlines of each scholarship today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of studying in Dubai for Indian students?
You need to create a budget based on your course and personal needs. On average, students can study in Dubai from AED 75,000 to 150,000 per year.
Is studying in Dubai cheaper than in the UK, USA, or Australia?
Yes. Studying in Dubai is generally 30–50% more affordable than other traditional destinations like the UK, USA, or Australia, while offering the same internationally recognized degrees through global university campuses.
How much are tuition fees in Dubai?
Based on your course and university, this varies. So you need to check it from the university website or contact education counselors to get in-depth details for costing.
What is the cost of living in Dubai for students?
Student living expenses in Dubai typically range between AED 1,500 – 2,800 per month, covering food, transport, utilities, and personal expenses. Costs depend on lifestyle and accommodation choice.
Is health insurance mandatory, and how much does it cost?
Yes. When you are planning to study in Dubai, you need to have health insurance that covers all your basic medical expenses.
Are scholarships available to reduce the cost of studying in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai University provides discounts and scholarships to promote talented candidates.
