Study in Dubai

International degrees, close to home.

Dubai is home to campuses of well-known universities from the UK, Australia and India. You can earn an internationally recognised degree in a global city that is just a short flight from Kerala.

~4 hrsdirect flight from Kerala
1 yearstudent visa, renewed each year of your course
0%personal income tax in the UAE
Get free counsellingStudent visa guide
The Dubai skyline lit up at night~4-hour flightfrom KeralaFree counsellingand student visa support
Why Dubai

A global city on your doorstep.

Dubai brings together international universities, a fast-growing jobs market and one of the largest Indian communities outside India.

International campusesStudy at Dubai campuses of universities from the UK, Australia and India.
Close to homeDirect flights connect Dubai with airports across Kerala in about four hours.
A truly global cityPeople from around the world live and work in Dubai, and English is widely spoken.
Tax-free salariesThe UAE does not charge personal income tax, so you keep more of what you earn.
A regional career hubDubai is a base for global companies in business, finance, tech, aviation and tourism.
Golden Visa for top studentsOutstanding graduates can apply for the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa.
Language

English: what you really need.

Courses are taught in English, and many universities accept your school English marks instead of a test.

IELTS requirementMostly not necessaryMany universities accept your Class 12 English marks
Language of studyEnglish at all international university campuses.
Everyday languageArabic is the UAE’s official language, but English is used everywhere in daily life and at work.
Other proof of EnglishMany universities accept your Class 12 English marks from CBSE, ISC or state boards, usually with a minimum percentage. Others ask for IELTS or a similar test. We check the exact requirement for your course.
Where you could study

Study hubs across Dubai.

Most international universities are based in Dubai’s dedicated education zones, with campuses spread across the city.

  • Dubai International Academic City
  • Dubai Knowledge Park
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis
  • Dubai Internet City
  • Downtown Dubai
  • Dubai Marina
Student visa

The UAE student visa, step by step.

In the UAE, your university sponsors your student residence visa and applies for it on your behalf. It is valid for one year and renewed each year of your course.

  1. Offer and registrationAccept your offer and complete registration with your university.
  2. University appliesYour university submits your visa application and you pay its visa package fee.
  3. Entry permitYou receive an entry permit, which lets you travel to Dubai to start your studies.
  4. Medical testComplete the routine medical fitness test required for UAE residence.
  5. Emirates IDGive your biometrics for your Emirates ID, the card every UAE resident carries.
  6. Residence visaYour residence visa is issued and renewed through your university each year.
Sponsoredby your university, which handles your visa application
1 yearstudent residence visa, renewed for the length of your course
10 yearsGolden Visa for outstanding students and graduates
Costs at a glance

What the visa side costs.

In the UAE, your university sponsors your visa, so visa fees vary from one university to another. We give you the exact figures for your options.

Set by your universityYour university charges a visa package fee for your student visa, often with a refundable deposit.Paid to your university
Health insuranceMedical insurance is required for your residence visa, and many universities arrange it for you.Paid with your visa package
FreeOur counselling, admissions help and student visa support. We do not charge a service fee for student visas.Haven Overseas
Intakes

When you can start.

Main intakeSeptemberThe largest intake, with the widest choice of courses and universities.
Second intakeJanuaryMost universities also offer a January or February start.
LimitedMay / JuneSome universities run a smaller summer intake.
Universities

Some of Dubai’s best-known university campuses.

We help you find the right university for your profile, budget and career goals.

University of Birmingham DubaiDubaiOpened 2018The Dubai campus of a leading UK university, in Dubai International Academic City.Visit website
Heriot-Watt University DubaiDubaiSince 2005The Dubai campus of the Scottish university, known for engineering, business and design.Visit website
Middlesex University DubaiDubaiSince 2005The Dubai campus of the London-based university, with a large international student body.Visit website
University of Wollongong in DubaiDubaiFounded 1993One of the UAE’s longest-established universities, with Australian roots.Visit website
BITS Pilani, Dubai CampusDubaiSince 2000The Dubai campus of one of India’s best-known engineering institutes.Visit website
Manipal Academy of Higher Education, DubaiDubaiSince 2000The Dubai campus of Manipal, offering business, engineering, design and more.Visit website
Looking beyond the famous names? Dubai has dozens of international university campuses, with courses and fees to suit every profile. We will match you with the right ones.Find my university
FAQ

Studying in Dubai: your questions answered.

Do I need IELTS to study in Dubai?

Often, no. Many universities in Dubai accept your Class 12 English marks from CBSE, ISC or state boards, usually with a minimum percentage. Others ask for IELTS or a similar test. We check the exact requirement for your course.

Is a degree from a Dubai campus recognised?

Yes. Many international campuses in Dubai award the same degree as their home university. University of Birmingham Dubai students, for example, graduate with a University of Birmingham degree. We confirm the details for each university.

Who sponsors my student visa?

Your university. It applies for your student residence visa, which is valid for one year and renewed each year of your course.

How long does the UAE student visa take?

Once your university submits your application, the entry permit usually takes around two weeks. Your residence visa and Emirates ID are completed after you arrive, following your medical test and biometrics.

Can I work while studying in Dubai?

Students can take part-time jobs and internships with the right work permit, arranged with the support of their university. We explain the options for your university.

Can I stay in Dubai after my studies?

Yes. When you find a job, you can move on to an employment visa. Outstanding students and graduates can also apply for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa.

How far is Dubai from Kerala?

Direct flights connect Dubai with Kochi, Kozhikode, Kannur and Thiruvananthapuram in about four hours, so home is never far away.

When are the intakes?

The main intake is in September, with a second intake in January or February at most universities and a smaller summer intake at some.

How much are the visa fees?

Because your university sponsors your visa, the fees vary by university and usually include a refundable deposit and health insurance. We give you the exact figures for your options.

Do you charge for counselling or visa support?

No. Our counselling and support are free, and we do not charge a service fee for student visas. You only pay official costs such as tuition and your university’s visa fees.

Ready to study in Dubai?

Talk to us for free at our Kozhikode or Kochi office, or on phone or WhatsApp. We will find the right course and handle your application and visa with you.

Kozhikode: +91 8606 828 009Kochi: +91 8606 528 009 WhatsApp us

Visa details are based on UAE government and university guidance as of October 2026 and may change. Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Dubai skyline by Robert Bock, CC0; Dubai sunset by the_dead_pixel, CC BY 2.0.