Life in UAE for International Students: Things to Know Before Study in UAE
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Known for its cosmopolitan culture and great infrastructure, UAE is ideal for studies in many ways. With a lifestyle to match countries like the US, UAE offers cost-effective living. If you can be sensitive to the culture of the place, studying in UAE could be quite an experience.
When it comes to academic courses, the UAE offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Many globally acclaimed universities have established their branches in the UAE. Also, many educational reforms are being highlighted and brought by the government over there for upgrading the higher education standard. The Emiratis are generous in providing financial support to many private institutions so as to attract students from abroad to study there.
Initially, UAE witnessed most of its local students going abroad to pursue higher education in topmost study locations such as Australia, North America, Europe, etc, due to the non-availability of a quality higher education. It was just one-way traffic. It was only a few years back when international students started flowing in for studies in UAE after it enhanced the quality of education due to various initiatives which the government took.
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According to a report published by Khaleej Times in April 2022, in January 2021, the UAE government planned to provide longer-term residence visas to students coming from abroad for studying. This was a game changer.
It should be noted that an increase of 50% has been witnessed in the number of Indian students enrolled in degree courses in the UAE since 2011.
The cost of living in UAE revolves around various factors, namely -
Accommodation facilities: Take accommodation seriously if you are planning to study in UAE. Real state is at its peak in UAE and it has become even more New York like. Due to massive commercial development, the costs of residential buildings have gone up manifold. The influx of foreign workers in the UAE has increased considerably due to the surge in businesses. Consequently, it has increased the demand for living spaces and flats, villas, and living quarters have become a scarce resource in UAE.
Food: It is affordable in UAE for all levels of remuneration. The cost of food products is high, especially in downtown areas. Water is expensive across all the countries. Local wine and other beverages are manufactured or imported from nearby Middle Eastern countries.
Transportation: Infrastructure is one of the strong points of the UAE. Roads are wide in some parts of the city, but can be narrow in the older localities. The traffic movement is controlled, but you can face traffic jams every now and then.
Manage your finances: As compared to Europe or other Asian countries, in UAE expenses of a student is very less. Here you can also get a recognized certificate and quality education with great experience of multi culture.
Dress Code: With the prevalence of Islamic culture what you wear is of utmost importance. In places like Dubai you can see a mix of modern and traditional dresses. However, in smaller cities it’s better to stick to traditional attire.
Safety parameter: UAE is a safe country as it has low crime rate. It cannot be said that crime does not occur but incidents are very rare.
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.
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