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UAE: real study routes, costs and what to check
A clear overview for students and parents — which routes exist, what they cost, where you apply, and how to plan a backup.
Admissions portal
Direct university application
Budget
AED 40.000–80.000 tuition/year (≈ €10.000–22.000); living costs higher in Dubai/Abu Dhabi
Visa complexity
usually straightforward
Why this route can work
- International branch campuses (NYU Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, Heriot-Watt Dubai).
- Student residence visa is fast and predictable; no income tax for graduates.
- Most programmes are taught in English; IELTS/TOEFL widely accepted.
What to check first
- Tuition higher than Eastern Europe; living costs in Dubai/Abu Dhabi add up.
- Post-study work options are more limited than Canada/Australia/UK.