Application Process and Criteria for UAE Universities

UAE is fast becoming a popular study destination for Indian students. Due to the education policies of UAE, education is cheaper than the other countries. As an international student, you can get an international qualification at half the cost. English is the main language of instruction in all the UAE universities and colleges of technology, but it is expected from the students to possess knowledge of both English and Arabic.

The schools in UAE start from September to June, with a break from the middle of June to the end of August.

For the unversed, no centralised application system exists in UAE due to which the admission procedure may be different for different program levels or fields of study. Students looking forward to studying in the UAE are advised to reach out to the universities they are targetting and ask about the requirements set for specific courses. It should also be noted that few educational institutions may need the applicants to get nominated by their respective universities for obtaining admission. The partner institution will then send the list of nominated students to the student exchange unit office.

Points to keep in mind before the application submission

Choosing a course: You should have clarity in your mind regarding the type, level and mode, of course, you wish to pursue. Select the course which suits your interest best. Search for the institutes which are not for the selected programs and read about their application dates and deadlines. Most institutions need you to possess English language proficiency scores. So, in case you don't possess them, be quick to take an English proficiency test before applying for admission. 

Preparing your documents: After finalising a course at a university or college, your next step should be to read about its application requirements on the official website. Required documents may vary for different institutions. The most basic documents which you will need to submit along with college-specific ones are a valid passport,  academic certificates and transcripts, passport-sized photographs, and English proficiency proof. Along with your application form, you will also have to submit the application fee.

Wait for confirmation: After you've sent all the relevant documents and deposited the fee, you should wait for your admission acceptance intimation. It may take some time during the rush hours. An official acceptance letter will be sent to you once you've been accepted into the university. It will contain your date of joining and your course details. Your offer letter will come in handy when you'll apply for a student visa.

Visa application: In order to apply for a visa to study in the UAE, make sure you have a sponsor from a relative out there. In case you don't, the majority of the institutions will do it for you. So, ensure before applying that your university offers this service. Students can send their visa application online to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) or to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) in the corresponding emirate where they will study. The validity of the student visa is for 1 year after which one needs to get it renewed. What should be noted is that there is no guarantee that you will obtain a student visa if you get admitted into a university in UAE.

Eligibility for Undergraduate Exams

International students applying to Dubai universities must meet these requirements:

• The student must have completed at least 12 years of schooling
• Applicants from CBSE or ISC board must have scored a minimum of 50% to 60% to apply to Al Ghurair University, University of Wollongong in Dubai and Middlesex University Dubai.
• The student must also fulfill English language requirements by either obtaining the required score in IELTS and TOEFL or securing 70% marks in English.

Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Exams

A significant number of universities and colleges admit students with varied qualifications and backgrounds. However, it is mandatory for an applicant to hold a bachelor's degree that is recognized in India as well as in Dubai.

Documents Required

The requirement for bachelor's degree would vary between study programs and levels. For each course, Indian students will have to meet a minimum English language requirement. As a general rule, getting admission to degrees is more difficult as compared to diplomas. Foundations and Diploma programs are available to students who have secured below 50% score in higher secondary education. Students should have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree program.

The following documents need to be submitted to the universities -

1. Attested copies of mark sheets of Class X, XII
2. Two academic reference letters from professors who have taught you during school.
3. Statement of Purpose
4. Resume
5. Score reports of IELTS/TOEFL
6. Portfolio (in case of students applying for art and design courses and architecture programmes)
7. Proof of funds

Application fee

All colleges require you to pay an application fee while applying. The fee amount will differ depending upon the college and course being applied to, so check with colleges about their application fee. Note that this fee is not the same as the tuition fee. This is sort of a processing fee for your application. You will be asked to pay your tuition fee for a semester or a part of it upon receiving the confirmation letter.