Cost of Living in UAE
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Of late, UAE has become an ideal destination for international students. It has a multicultural ambience that helps international students to mingle with students belonging to different nationalities. There are many reputed universities situated in the UAE that attract international students. Additionally, what turned out to be a game changer was the provision of long-term residence visa to foreign students pursuing higher education in the UAE. This decision was taken by the UAE Government in January 2021. According to World Bank Data, UAE has spent 3.9% of its GDP on education as of 2020. Apart from providing promising quality education to students, the UAE is one of the safest countries to live. Before we delve into the information about the cost of living in UAE for international students, let us check some of the reasons to study in the UAE.
- Diverse and international community: Students who come to study in the UAE bring new perspectives and they also get a chance to share their ideas with other people. Staying in a community of diverse individuals will help students to develop as a person professionally and personally.
- High quality education: The UAE takes pride in itself as being home to some of the best universities. Universities like United Arab Emirates University, American University of Sharjah, American University in Dubai, Middlesex University, etc are some of the best universities in UAE.
- Explore new cultures: In the UAE, tradition meets modern lifestyle. It has a thriving economy, rich heritage, and open and welcoming nature. All the emirates of UAE have their unique identities, cultures, and attractions.
- Safest country: The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world and the Middle East. It has a low crime rate.
Read: Student Guide to UAE
Cost of Living in UAE: Various Factors
The living expenses in UAE are dependent on various factors like:
- Accommodation facilities: This is one of the most important factors when you are planning to live in the UAE. According to various reports, the real estate sector in the UAE is booming. As per a report by Khaleej Times, the trust of the high net worth individuals (HNWIs) in the UAE witnessed a major boost following the hosting of the Expo 2020 Dubai event and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. This in turn has led to foreign investors pumping billions of dirhams into the real estate of Dubai. As a result, the real estate market is now witnessing a greater preference for completed residential units. The rental rates are on the rise currently. As an international student, you can either choose to live in university-managed accommodation or private accommodation.
- Food: Your food choices will also impact the cost of living in the UAE. The cost of food products is high, especially in the downtown areas of the UAE. However, the Khaleej Times has recently reported in September 2022 that the prices of food items shall witness a significant drop due to a fall in freight rates and strengthening of the Emirati dirham against the pound and rupee, thereby, helping the inflation to come down in the UAE. The report also suggests that the retailers estimate that the cost of food items shall see a drop of at least 20% in the near future.
- Transportation: The cost of living in the UAE will also depend on your preferences for transport. The public transportation system in the UAE is exceptional and you can take buses, taxis, metro, etc to commute daily in the UAE. Dubai is the only emirate that enables the transport card linking most forms of public transport payments like the metro, buses, tram, and water buses. If we talk about transportation in the other emirates, then you can travel by buses and taxis.
- Clothing: The cost of living in the UAE will also depend on your choice of clothing. The clothing cost will depend on your choice of brands and the number of purchases. Because of the prevalence of Islamic culture in the UAE, what you wear is crucial. In Dubai, you can witness modern as well as traditional clothing styles. If we talk about the dress code in UAE, then it is casual. So, pack normal clothes like trousers, jeans, shirts, t-shirts, jackets, etc. However, women should avoid wearing short skirts and must keep their shoulders covered in the UAE.
- Recreation activities: This factor is solely dependent on your lifestyle. Going out to eat in restaurants, gym membership, visiting theatres or cinema, etc are some of the expenses that you will have to manage while living in the UAE.
- Other expenses: Some of the other expenditures that will impact your cost of living in the UAE are water cost, electricity, internet, insurance, medicines, etc.
Also read: Economic Growth in UAE
An Estimate of Cost of Living in UAE
Given below is the average cost of living in UAE for international students. It is important to note that the values given below can change from time to time.
Transportation Cost (On a daily basis)
| City |
Taxi fare |
Local Transport |
Monthly Pass |
| Dubai |
12.00 AED |
5.00 AED |
300.00 AED |
| Sharjah |
13.00 AED |
8.00 AED |
250.00 AED |
| Abu Dhabi |
12.00 AED |
2.00 AED |
80.00 AED |
Miscellaneous Cost (On a monthly basis)
| City |
Utility (Water, Electricity, etc) |
Internet |
| Abu Dhabi |
510.87 AED |
372.91 AED |
| Sharjah |
641.30 AED |
361.58 AED |
| Dubai |
666.27 AED |
353.70 AED |
On-campus Accommodation
| Name of the university |
Prices in AED |
| BITS Pilani, Dubai |
15,000 per semester |
| Amity University, Dubai |
40,000 per year |
| Gulf Medical University, Ajman |
2615 per month |
| American University of Sharjah |
18,560 per year for twin sharing and 34,360 for a single room |
| Khalifa University |
20,000 per semester |
Off-campus accommodation
Accommodation options like private flats or rented flats are also available in UAE. The overall cost of renting a flat depends on various factors like apartment type, proximity to the university, etc. Renting a full flat shall cost you around 8,922.07 AED per month i.e. 107,064.84 AED annually. Apart from this, your monthly utility cost will be 1026.93 AED.
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Recreation activities cost
| Activities |
Abu Dhabi |
Sharjah |
Dubai |
| Fitness Club |
269.14 AED |
186.36 AED |
249.24 AED |
| Cinema |
40.00 AED |
45.00 AED |
40.00 AED |
| Restaurant meals |
30.00 AED |
20.00 AED |
35.00 AED |
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Q: Â Can Indians apply for BITS Dubai?
Indian students who wish to study at BITS Dubai can apply for admission easily. Applicants have to submit the online application by the deadline for BITS admission. Students must meet the BITS Dubai admission requirements as per the program. Mentioned below are BITS Pilani Dubai admission requirements for International students:
BITS Dubai requirements for first-degree programs:
- Complete 12th Grade or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall aggregate of marks and a minimum aggregate of 60% in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry/ Biology/ Computer Science or any other vocational subjects with at least 50% marks in each subject.
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements
BITS Dubai requirements for higher degree programs:
- Complete a bachelor's degree with a minimum aggregate of 60% in relevant disciplines.
- Candidates will be required to appear and successfully clear the Interview to qualify for higher degree admission
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements
Q: Â Is Manipal Dubai worth it?
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) - Dubai Campus is one of the best universities in Dubai which is famous for its high-quality education and has received several accolades. It is a 5-star rated university as per the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) International Higher Education Rating 2022. The university is also ranked 3rd in the Middle East for its MBA programme by Forbes Middle East Magazine. Additionally, it has been ranked among the top 200 universities in Asia. So doing a bachelor's, master's, or any certificate programme at Manipal Academy of Higher Education – Dubai is worth it for international students.
Q: Â Why indian students choose to study at University of Wollongong - UAE?
Indian students prefer attend the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Dubai for a number of reasons -
1) Ranking: UOW consistently ranks among the top 200 universities in the world.
2) Career prospects: Within six months of graduation, 84% of UOW graduates find good job opportunities.
3) International Accreditation: The CAA & KHDA have accredited and recognised all degrees from UOW on a global scale.
4) Global ties: UOW connects students and graduates with companies throughout the world through its presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai.
5) Business-friendly atmosphere: The United Arab Emirates is a popular destination for Indian and foreign investors.
6) Scholarships and financial aid: UOWD supports students with financial aid scholarships so that students who genuinely need extra financial help, can have their education expenses covered.
Q: Â Is getting part time jobs easy while studying at SP Jain School Of Global Management - Dubai Campus?
Part-time jobs for students at the SP Jain School of Global Management's Dubai campus are not allowed for foreign students in Dubai. However, the school encourages students to do internships, and the Singapore government offers special permission for foreign students at certain colleges, including SP Jain, to work up to 40 hours a week during breaks. Additionally, the school provides opportunities for academic and non-academic positions at its campuses in Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, and Sydney. Therefore, while part-time jobs for students in Dubai are restricted, there are other opportunities available at the school.
Q: Â What is the cost of studying in BITS Dubai?
The cost of studying in BITS Dubai vary as per the program for International students. BITS Dubai tuition fees varies from INR 7 L and 11 L for first-year. Students also maanage the additional cost to study at BITS Dubai campus. Mentioned below are the tuition fees with additional cost of International studnets:
Course | Tuition Range | Hostel Range | Insurance Range | Miscellaneous Expenses and Fees Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BE/BTech | INR 6.80 L – 11.29 L | INR 6.80 L | INR 45,360 | INR 40,824 – 1.13 L |
BSc | INR 6.80 L – 11.29 L | INR 6.80 L | INR 45,360 | INR 40,824 |
MBA/PGDM | INR 6.80 L – 7.25 L | INR 6.80 L | INR 45,360 | INR 65,772 |
MEng | INR 6.80 L – 7.25 L | INR 6.80 L | INR 45,360 | INR 65,772 |
MS | INR 6.80 L – 7.25 L | INR 6.80 L | INR 45,360 | INR 65,772 |
Q: Â Which is better, BITS or Manipal Dubai?
According to student reviews on unofficial sources, both BIT Pilani Dubai and Manipal Dubai are the best universities in Dubai for pursuing UG, PG, and certificate courses. But when it comes to courses like engineering, Bits Pilani offers better opportunities to international students as compared to Manipal Dubai. As an international student, choosing Bits Pilani over Manipal will provide top-notch faculty, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about pushing the boundaries.
Q: Â What is the tuition fee for a bachelor's degree at Manipal University Dubai?
Manipal University Dubai offers bachelor's programs in specializations like architecture & design, Engineering, Humanities & social sciences, Information sciences, Life sciences, Management, Media & communication. The tuition fee for a bachelor’s degree at Manipal University Dubai varies according to the program. The tuition fees for some popular bachelor’s programs are given below:
Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
B / BTech (7 courses) | INR 10 L - 11 L |
BBA (1 course) | INR 10 L |
B Des (1 course) | INR 8 L |
B Sc (2 courses) | INR 11 L |
B Com (1 course) | INR 11 L |
BBA (1 course) | INR 10 L |
BJMC (1 course) | INR 11 L |
Q: Â How expensive is it to live at University of Wollongong - UAE?
The estimated annual living expenses for overseas students, as per the university's official website, range from $8,000 to $12,000 and include housing, food, entertainment, books, internet usage, and transportation. As per the same sources, the estimated tuition cost for the 2023 academic year is $9,990. Students are also required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Dubai, where UOW is located, has a generally higher cost of living than other UAE cities. But Wollongong has a fairly affordable cost of living, so students can concentrate on their education rather than their monetary worries. Depending on the region, the approximately weekly rental cost for a two-bedroom flat in Wollongong ranges from $550 to $750.
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