Study in UAE - Studying in UAE

The UAE educational system comprises of a variety of academic institutions:

Schools,

Colleges and

Universities.

Furthermore, there are several Training Institutes that offer professional qualification and training programs in various fields. Each institution has it's own objective, structure, and admission requirements.

There are a few governmental universities and colleges in UAE where admission is restricted to nationals only. However, there are several private institutions where enrollment is open to any student who meets the admission requirements.

A student may enrol in any program of his/her choice. Programs may vary from academic, technical, and professional degree programs in various disciplines, preparing students for careers in research and professional practice in every field.

Choose a Program

The UAE educational system comprises of a variety of academic and professional training institutions. Academic Programs include diplomas, degrees as well a postgraduate studies. A student may also enrol for professional training to gain an internationally recognized certificate.

Universities & Colleges courses are organized as lecture courses and lab work. Lectures are given in halls whereby professor presents the subject; students take notes. Many professors prepare and distribute course outlines or lecture notes that help students prepare for exams. Lab work consist of small groups of students. Students apply and deepen what the professor has presented in the lecture hall. Student performance is assessed via tests, assignments and projects. Some universities also require the students to complete work experience training for two months.

Training Institutes organize courses on a part-time or full-time basis. Courses are continuously offered every month with morning, afternoon and evening session options. Institues may provide local programs or internationally recognized certifications. Student performance is assessed by a computer-based exam, written exam or practical tasks. Certification of completion is provided for each program in addition to the vendor certification upon completion of exams.

Applying for Admission

Once you've identified programs of interest to you, you must apply for admission. The first step in this important process is to be sure that the institution at the top of your list is willing to accept you. The institution will need to review your academic background to determine whether you are likely to succeed in its program.

Each UAE Institution sets its own admission standards. Some practices are common to many institutions, however, undergraduate and graduate admissions to the universities may vary from one institution to the other also from one program of study to the other. Enrollment for a professional training program may not require any specific background knowledge. It is advisable to check with the institution prior to admission.

Student Visas

A residence visa is required, to enrol in primary, secondary or high schools which means students will normally be under the sponsorship of one of their parents.

Students under parent's sponsorship wanting to enrol into tertiary level university, college or institution:

• Sons, below the age of 18 in full-time education can be sponsored by their parents
• Unmarried daughters of any age can be sponsored by their father (or their mother if she is employed in a high-level profession)

Students attending a tertiary level university, college or institution:

• Full-time students can be sponsored by the university, college or institution, that's if this service is offered by the university, college or insititution, please check to be sure.

Student Residence Visa Documents, Requirements, and Restrictions

• Student Residence Visas are normally only valid for 1 year at a time, renewed each year during the study program.
• Documents needed:
  • Passport with at least 6 months validity, the passport must have two blank visa pages (one to endorse the visa and one for entry stamps)
  • 4 Passport copies
  • 12 Photographs
  • Upon arrival, 3 passport copies with entry visa to the UAE
  • Evidence of acceptance to a UAE tertiary institute (offer letter)
  • Possibly bank statements showing evidence of funds in the UAE
  • Possibly a tenancy agreement (or letter from university if staying in university accommodation)
  • Copy of tuition fee receipt for the current study year of the program
  • Copy of visa fees receipt for the current study year of the program
  • Post-graduate students will need to have their undergraduate degree attested
• Students from some countries will undergo a security check to make sure they are not considered a threat to UAE security.
• A medical test at an authorised UAE medical center (allow AED 350 to 500) will normally be required. The medical check is a blood test and chest X-ray for HIV (AIDS), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Tuberculosis (TB), Leprosy, and Syphilis. If results come back positive for any of those conditions, the person is deported, except for syphilis which is treated, but this may change, check with UAE immigration department or UAE Ministry of Health (it's possible to get conflicting reports from each of these government agencies.)

Student Residence Visa Fees

• Student Visa Fees vary between universities, colleges and institutions. Varies between 1,000 to 3,000 AED for a one-year student residence visa.
• Some universities, colleges and institutions may require a refundable visa deposit, may vary between 2,000 to 3,000 AED.
• Renewal charges vary between 1,000 to 3,000 AED yearly.
• There might also be differences in fees between different emirates.
• There are also differences depending on if the university is located in a UAE education free zone such as Dubai Academic City or Knowledge Village, or not.

Please check with university, college or institute applying to for up-to-date information.

Some univeristies, colleges and institutes may require an administrative fee for processing a student visa. This amount is usually paid at the time of registration. However, some institutions may include this administrative expense in their tuition fees.

Visa Validity

• If a student stays out of the UAE for longer than six months, their student residence visa becomes invalid and they will be denied entry to the UAE until it is cancelled. Usually the sponsor will report the visa holder to the immigration authorities.
• Visas normally take 2 to 5 weeks to process once all the correct documentation has been supplied.
• Express visas take 1 to 3 weeks to process.
• Cancellation of visa normally takes 1 to 3 weeks, express visa cancellation takes 1 to 2 weeks.

Source: Ministry of Information and Culture and General Directorate of Residency and

Foreigners Affairs and various Universities in UAE.