From Dollars to Dirhams: Moving towards Practical ways of Studying Abroad
Talk to Expert
Six months ago, on July 22, 2021, the Ministry of External Affairs (India) published the number of students studying abroad, listing all the countries from A-Z. Foreign education specialists, the higher education industry and universities look up to such data usually to put strategies in place for the forthcoming year. Students can use this data to see how even in the remotest of countries we have Indian students trying to carve a niché.
Number of Indian Students Studying abroad – July 2021
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) – 2,19,000 |
Canada - 2,15,720 |
| United States of America (USA) – 2,11,930 |
Australia – 92,383 |
| Saudi Arabia – 80,800 |
United Kingdom (UK) – 55,465 |
| Oman - 43,600 |
New Zealand – 30,000 |
| China – 23,000 |
Germany – 20,810 |
| Russia – 16,500 |
France – 10,000 |
| Ireland – 5,000 |
Sweden – 2,000 |
| Singapore – 1,500 |
Netherlands – 1,469 |
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
Download: Data of Indian Students studying abroad
What should catch your attention is that 2,19,000 Indian nationals are studying in the United Arab Emirates as of 2021. This year on year number currently exceeds Indian students studying Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and even the USA! It cannot be denied that 50% -60% of the Indian students studying in UAE are from Indian families settled/working in UAE. What is surprising is that there is a natural course of growth in international student numbers that can be observed here.
Also, Read
- Checklist for students heading to UAE
- Living in UAE as an international student
- Study in Singapore - Colleges, Eligibility & Scholarships
For a location that is mostly preconceived as a luxury destination, vacation spot or something that was a sandy desert until 25 years ago, today there are 70+ approved universities by the Knowledge & Human Development Authority, Dubai. Indian parents have preferred Dubai and Singapore to keep their children closer to home. Cultural similarities are an add on for Indian parents to keep their children within their reach. As of 2021, Dubai has been consistently ranked for lifestyle, education, the standard of living and its eagerness to compete with the most developed destinations in the world.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Thanks to Hollywood and Bollywood, when it comes to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, most of us end up imagining a desert safari, high-speed cars, gold and tigers as pets or Burj Khalifa. But any common man knows how UAE income is tax-free, how their standard of living is skyrocketing and the low crime rates that help build up a safe economy. There are several MNCs here which have made UAE an emerging destination for students to study at world-class institutions be it from the USA, UK, Australia, India, Canada or UAE itself.
Average Cost of Studying in UAE
| Popular Courses in UAE |
Average First Year Cost |
|---|---|
| BE/BTech |
INR 13.72Lakhs |
| MS |
INR 9.09Lakhs |
| MBA |
INR 12.60Lakhs |
| Average First Year Cost of Living in UAE |
INR 5.47Lakhs |
source: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/
Dubai International Academic City plays a key role in advancing and promoting Dubai’s position on the regional and global education scale. What any undergraduate student or postgraduate student should focus on is below:
- The cost of living is usually cheaper than spending in dollars and pounds
- You end up earning a degree in ₹15lakhs or less from a country you wish to study from like the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and India per year
- There is a large sense of community here that helps you to not be homesick
- Indian parents need not worry about the food and safety of their children and can visit at affordable costs
- Flexible learning options for students
- Work full time and study full time as a student
- Students can start studying in the UAE and even move to the parent campus, if eligible
- Visa processes are easier than in the west
- Pandemic management was on point. The Healthcare system here is a boon
There are study destinations that keep emerging as one of the most preferred countries to study abroad or traditionally followed by us as one of the top-most places to study, but this is where most of us forget to think about our ever-changing world dynamics and conditions. Think about how so many of us had to re-skill, upskill or even learn new ways to survive. Think about how many people lost their jobs or how many jobs became irrelevant.
In our current situation where there is tremendous uncertainty, students must look at opportunities along with study abroad options. During the pandemic, 50% of our graduates in India were unsure about their career options and/or struggled to get jobs. Financial implications of the pandemic have ranged from personal to the government level where students await visas to travel abroad.
Related Reads
| Best Country for Studying Abroad | Most Affordable Countries to Study Abroad |
| Countries with Best Higher Education System | Most Immigration Friendly Country? |
An option closer to home, with unlimited work options and world-class education facilities, would be a good way to change the current study abroad dynamics. A more practical approach would definitely be a way forward to studying abroad.
About the Author
Q: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
- Universities in UAE26 Universities
- Universities in USA1037 Universities
- Universities in Canada174 Universities
- Universities in Australia122 Universities
- Universities in UK175 Universities
- Universities in Ireland32 Universities
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae