Studying overseas is a fulfilling experience for many, and for the most part of it, there are moments of marvel. However, the process of applying and getting approval could turn pretty cumbersome. Visa application is known to be one such process. But it’s quite easy once you get the basics right. In the following blog let us go through information regarding visas, their types, and all the other things you need to know about Dubai Student Visa.
Your Passport to Global Travel
A visa, which in literal terms means, ‘the document having been seen’, is a permit given by a country that allows someone to go to that country. A visa is basically a document that is stamped on a person’s passport by an embassy. It names the kind of visit and says how long the person can stay.
Visas may be granted on arrival or by prior application at the country’s embassy or consulate, or sometimes through a specialized travel agency with permission from the issuing country in the country of departure.
Understanding Visa Types: Which One Do You Need?
Based on several factors, the top 5 types of Visas issued by the Indian Embassy are as follows:
Transit and Tourist Visa: A Transit visa is issued to an individual who is transiting through India to another destination and is able to provide enough proof of such travel plans by way of valid tickets for an onward journey (via India).
Tourist Visa: A tourist visa is issued to a foreigner who does not have a residence or occupation in India and whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, casual visits to meet friends and relatives etc.
Business Visa: A business visa is granted to a foreign national who wants to visit India to establish an industrial/business venture to explore possibilities to set up an industrial/business venture or purchase/sell industrial products in India. Certain eligibility factors need to be considered before applying for a Business Visa.
Employment Visa: Employment visas are issued to skilled and qualified professionals or persons, who are engaged or appointed by companies, organizations and economic undertakings as technicians, technical experts, senior executives etc.
Student Visa: A student visa is issued to an individual, whose sole objective is to pursue regular and full-time academic studies, and for no other purpose/activity. Such visas are issued for the duration of the course or for five years, whichever is less, to bona fide students to pursue regular studies at recognized institutions. Proof of financial support for the applicant’s stay along with other documents is to be submitted to obtain the same.
Similar to various types of Visas available in India, Dubai also issues several categories of visas. Getting a Dubai Visa is in fact one of the most hassle-free visa obtaining processes.
Step-by-Step Process for Getting a Student Visa to Study in Dubai
The up-and-coming trends in the education and job market list Dubai as one of the top destinations for studying abroad. For Indian students wanting to study in Dubai, a Student Visa is necessary. The qualifications and eligibility required to apply for a Dubai Student Visa include the following.
To apply for a Graduate Degree in Dubai the academic prerequisites are:
● 60% or 65% above score in your plus 2/intermediate depending on the University you are applying for. ● An English language proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL with the required passing criteria.
To apply for a Post-Graduate Degree in Dubai the academic prerequisites are.
● Completion of a graduate degree with at least 60% and above score from any recognized university. ● An English language proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL with the required passing criteria.
Student visas are specifically for college students pursuing their studies in Dubai. They are issued for one year at a time. If the student completes high school in the UAE, they have an additional 1 year visa.
The entire Visa application process can be categorized under three steps. The first is to fill out an online application form. The second is to submit documents and pay the Visa fees, and the third is to book an appointment and receive the Visa.
Before applying for the Visa, there are a few tasks to be done. They include:
Finalizing a course and a University.
Applying to the University for the selected course.
Getting an acceptance or admission letter from the university.
These steps are essential as the University is the agency that handles the Visa process and provides the sponsorship. Most universities provide sponsorship to students only if they are enrolled for a full-time course, and not for a part-time course. Moreover, an acceptance letter is required to apply for a Visa.
The next step is to fill out the application form provided by the University and submit it to the student recruitment office. The application form includes:
General demographic information about the student
Visa type
Passport details
UAE address details
Home country address details
Emergency details
Terms and Conditions
Declaration
Along with the application form, the following documents are also required to be attached:
A Passport with at least 6 months validity is the primary requirement.
The passport must have two blank visa pages (one to endorse the visa and one for entry stamps)
Coloured recent photographs with a white background
Photocopies of passport.
Passport copies with entry visa to the UAE, upon arrival.
Acceptance letter/Proof of acceptance by a recognised university.
A tenancy agreement.
A copy of the tuition fee receipt for the current study year of the program.
A copy of the visa fee receipt for the current study year of the program.
An attested undergraduate degree completion certificate for postgraduation students.
Proof of bank funds in Dubai along with medical insurance.
The following step is to pay the visa fees and receive the entry permit. With a few emails, and bookings you can finally fly overseas and arrive in Dubai where the Visa is stamped, and you receive the verified documents.
The last step is to book an appointment for a medical checkup. After this is cleared an appointment with the Visa department is scheduled to complete the biometrics and Visa confirmation. And that is all about applying to a Dubai student Visa!
The university might ask you to submit copies of the Visa for their record.
Do you want to study in Dubai? We Study Overseas Help experts offer guidance on the most prestigious universities and top-notch courses for higher studies in Dubai. Enquire now!
FAQ’s:
What is the Time Required for Processing of Visa?
The Dubai visa processing time for Indian students takes around 15 to 20 working days. The student visa will be processed once you have accepted your offer of admission, cleared all academic conditions and submitted all necessary financial documents. Certain factors like specific visa categories, the complexity of the case and the workload at Dubai immigration authorities etc. can increase the visa processing time. Sometimes, even an overall health check-up is advised. Hence, it is necessary to apply for a visa well in advance.
Student Visa Fees and renewal fees vary for a one-year visa depending upon the universities, colleges and institutions.
Visa Validity: What You Need to Know
If a student stays out of the UAE for longer than six months, their student residence visa becomes invalid. Usually, the sponsors report to the authority. Therefore, in conclusion, If Students are planning to study in Dubai, they simply have to contact their respective universities to apply for a student visa and each university has its criteria for the visa process, document requirements, and visa processing fees. One also needs to know that student residence visas are normally only valid for 1 year at a time, which can be renewed each year during the study program.
For more details, visit the official website of the UAE to apply for a Visa.
Dubai, one of the most fascinating, innovative, and rapidly developing cities in the United Arab Emirates is home to a significant number of universities with high standards of quality education. Data from 2022, reports that a total of approximately 2 Lakh Indian students applied to study in Dubai, and were staying there. In the same year, there were reports that the UAE was in the top 3 countries with the highest Indian population.
Proximity to Dubai, comparatively cheaper rates of flights, and hassle-free visa registration process make it a great choice for Indian students to study in Dubai.
It is indeed natural to look for thetop 8 universities in Dubai when selecting a university to apply for admission. But how do you go about selecting the best university? So, to help you with it, here are the 6 necessary parameters to base your selection upon. Though there are diverse factors that you can consider based on your choices and requirements, the list below compiles the most important factors.
Accreditation The first parameter is the accreditation acquired by the university. This refers to the university being registered and licensed under the Ministry of Education, or holding a ranking from a well-recognized agency. This ensures the quality of education and overall experience. A plus point is that opportunities come flowing with accreditation or a brand name. Accreditation and ranking contribute to the Academic Reputation of the University although it is not the only determining factor.
Campus and Co-curricular Activities Life on campus, convenience, and safety within the campus determines a large part of student satisfaction. Extra points to the university if its campus is well-designed! Apart from the campus, the cultural activities, university festivals, sports, and competitions all work towards building a cohesive college community.
Facilities and Resources The provisions provided by the university or college determine the ease of adjusting to university life. While the resources contribute a rich experience of the same. Facilities and Resources comprise of libraries, laboratories, types of classrooms, seminar halls, aid and technology for the specially-abled. Sports facilities would consist of swimming pools, courts, gymnasium, open ground and others. Accommodation would include hostels, canteens, and campus shops.
Faculty and Course Structure Perhaps the top determinant of the best colleges is the faculty and the team of teaching, and the support team of the university. International faculty with teaching expertise, professionals working in the field, researchers, and the admin staff would contribute to the student’s learning experience. The course structure, electives, and specializations are essential in shaping your theoretical and practical knowledge, thus empowering the students to adapt to the job market.
Financial Aid and Scholarships Each University has its individual system to base the fee structure. During admissions, the affordability of the tuition and accommodation fee plays an important role. The availability of financial aid like merit-based scholarships, sports scholarships, and education loans provides options for the payment of college fees.
Internships and Placements The third most important factor following the faculty and accreditation is the nature of Internships and Placements provided by the university. Inquire about the special add-on courses made available by the university, and the research programs run by them.
All of the factors above are highly interrelated and determine the rate of graduation, and your standing in the job market. It is important to carefully scroll through these factors before applying to any of the top colleges or universities.
Following is a list of the top 8 universities in Dubai. The Ranking Web of Universities published the world ranking of universities from the UAE. The world ranking is taken from the cybermetrics book of the ranking web.
World Rank
University
Accreditation
Rankings ‘23
Fees
Scholarships
1444
Zayed University
Recognized by the Ministry of Education
#10 in UAE according to QS World Rankings
2500 AED per credit hour
Merit scholarships for national and international students
3432
University of Wollongong Dubai
Commission of Academic Accreditation
#12 in UAE according to Webometrics
UG: ~16,500 USD PG: ~ 2565 USD
Merit, Sports, students continuing higher studies
3465
The British University in Dubai
Recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education
#11 (Arab region)
UG: ~56,250 AED PG: ~200,000 – 250,000 AED
Merit, kids of alumni, sibling discount
3729
Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medical and Health Sciences
Recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education & SCHS
_
~ 160,000 AED
Merit for students applicable
4050
Canadian University Dubai
Recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education through CAA
#6 in UAE according to QS World Rankings
UG: ~ 70,000 – 90,000 PG: ` 100,000
Merit, Sports, Special needs, Special talent, financial needs
4238
University of Dubai
Ministry of Education, UAE
#11in UAE according to QS World Rankings
The fee calculator available on the website
Partial scholarships, Full scholarships through ICT fund for select students
4262
American University in Dubai
UAE Ministry of Education & KHDA
#8 in UAE according to QS World Rankings
The fee calculator available on the website
Merit
4483
Amity University in Dubai
Recognized by UGC India, And UAE Ministry of Education
#18 in UAE according to Webometrics
Variable depending on the course
Merit, categorical
Apart from the Webometrics web of university rankings, and QS world rankings of the university, subject-specific rankings are also available. Here are the top 8 Universities based on the parameters above:
8 Leading Universities in Dubai You Should Know About
1. Zayed University – What You Need to Know
A university with one of the most stunning designs and architecture has a global ranking of approximately #400. With 7929 students taking admission on average, Zayed University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. They run around eight undergraduate schools with multiple programs under them spanning from fine arts, interdisciplinary studies, humanities, natural and health sciences, to technological innovation, business, and mass media communication. At the post-graduate level, courses span from International affairs, legal and judicial systems, counselling psychology, and Environment and sustainability sciences, to communications, finance, information management sciences and cyber security.
The faculty members are from diverse backgrounds and hold definite expertise. Life at campus is coloured with multiple interactive fests and competitions, and opportunities for the management of the same. Libraries, common study areas, student counselling centres, and student residences. Financial Aids are provisioned mostly for Emirati students, and on some occasions for international students. Merit scholarships and tuition assistance are also provided. Read the clauses and directions carefully before application.
2. University of Wollongong in Dubai – A Premier Education Destination
A modern and urban structure, the University of Wollongong in Dubai is an offshore campus of an Australian premier university. As reported by the graduation surveys, 84% of their students are recruited for jobs within six months of passing out. With a license from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, and recognition from multiple institutes, Wollongong University is located right in the Business Knowledge Park, at the very heart of the Dubai Business Centre. Facilities range from well-equipped laboratories, and classrooms, to lounges, cafeterias and dining halls.
At the graduate level, the university delivers 22 courses spanning five majors. They are Business and Commerce, Media and Design, Computer Science, Engineering, and Information Technology. At the postgraduate level, the same courses are carried forward with an addition of majors in Healthcare and Education. A Business and commerce doctoral program is also available along with numerous short certification courses. Financial aid is available in terms of Merit-based scholarships, Sports scholarships, and scholarships for students continuing in the same university for higher studies.
3. The British University in Dubai – A Hub for Quality Education
The British University in Dubai is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education, and recognized by various professional establishments and partners. This university provides Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral courses and is home to students from 99 different nationalities. The undergraduate programs include a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Accounting and Finance, Law, Business Management, and Electro-Mechanical Engineering. The postgraduate list of courses is unique as it covers topics like Construction law and dispute management, cybersecurity, informatics, structural engineering, sustainable design of the built environment, business administration and project management.
The scope of research is rich owing to its multi-faceted student publication opportunities including journals, student publications, research news, incubation centres for cybersecurity, and research in digital education. The fee structure on average for the undergraduate program is around 56,250 AED, whereas for the post-graduate program, it is between 200,000 AED to 250,000 AED depending on the nature and duration of the course. Certain postgraduate programs are priced at 85,000 AED. Apart from the tuition fees, other fees are also applicable. Scholarships are applicable in all departments to students maintaining their CGPA and are merit based in nature. Additionally, scholarships are also based on kids of alumni, siblings being in the university, and such others.
4. Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences
MBRU is a college for medical sciences and has schools for Nursing and midwifery, the School of Dentistry, and the School of Medicine. Key features of this institute state that this is Dubai’s largest medical simulation centre and that it has one of the best, innovation-driven research centres. Located in Dubai Healthcare City, this establishment is licensed and accredited by the Ministry of Education, and the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. There are several other accreditations, and partners working together with Mohammed Bin Rashid University.
Under the wing of the College of Medicine, the degrees provided are MSBS ( Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences) with a tuition fee of 160,000 AED and a PhD in Biomedical Science. The wing of dentistry comprises postgraduate courses in endodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry. Meanwhile, the school of nursing is accredited for two courses in Master of Science in Cardiovascular Nursing, and in Pediatric Nursing with a tuition fee of 140,000 AED. Merit-based scholarships are provided throughout the tenure for students applicable.
5. Canadian University Dubai – Your Pathway to Success
Located near City Walk, Dubai, the Canadian University of Dubaiproudly boasts of being the top college in Dubai for Art and Design, and Management studies. This record is closely followed by a national rank of 3 and 4 respectively in the above-mentioned fields. Accredited by the Ministry of Education through the Commission for Academic Accreditation, CUD is partnered with multiple professional establishments such as IAA, PRSA, and CIMA. It houses Graduate programs in Business Administration and Information Technology Management, and undergraduate programs in architecture, Business, Communication, Engineering, Interior design, Public Health, Social sciences and creative industries.
On campus, the student life is filled with activities from the Student Council. They also house a robotics club known for innovation, bringing together students, and making it an enjoyable venture. To secure admission to this university, one needs to have a 10+2 degree with decent scores, international students would require an English proficiency test, and the student needs to clear the placement tests. The fee structure is based around 70,000 AED to 90,000 AED and varies for each course. The fees spike for masters to around 100,000 AED. Scholarships are based on Academic excellence, Sports, Special needs, financial needs, and special talent. One of the finest opportunities and benefits of studying in CUD is the chance to transfer to Canada for a term or two in a partner institution.
6. University of Dubai – Your Journey Starts Here
University of Dubai, located in the Academic city of Dubai, and licensed by the Ministry of Education, is home to students from over 37 nationalities. The undergraduate and Graduate programs are categorised under the School of Business, school of Engineering and IT and School of Law. Its partnerships with other accredited universities and institutes allow for international exchange programs, internships, placements, and guest sessions.
The tuition fees of UD can be calculated through their built-in calculator after selection of the course to study, study mode, credit, and additional costs. Scholarships are granted to students based on merits and special clauses. International students can avail partial scholarships, whereas Emirati students can avail a 100% scholarship under the ICT fund. The Center of Executive Development allows professional establishments to train and achieve expertise in business-related domains with specially tailored in-house programs. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Free Zone, the Centre for Future Studies, and the Centre for Business Research and Consultancy provide an opening for research expertise.
7. American University in Dubai – Shaping Leaders for Tomorrow
A wall and brick royal structure, the American University of Dubai is an accredited establishment by the UAE Ministry of Education and permitted by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. The undergraduate and graduate programs are run under the School of Business, School of Engineering, School of Communication, School of Art, Architecture, and Design, School of Education, and School of Arts and Sciences.
Libraries and Accommodation are provided under campus facilities. Fees can be calculated on their website based on the type of course, accommodation type, semester, and number of credits. AUD provides multiple opportunities through their clubs and social activities. The Leadership Club runs the study abroad ambassador program. Each department runs its own club for example American Institute of Architecture students club, the Biology Student Society club and so on. Special interest clubs like Book Club, Model United Nations Club, Eco Club, and many others also exist.
8. Amity University in Dubai – Your Gateway to Excellence
A sleek constellation of buildings, the offshore campus of Amity University is located at the International Academic City of Dubai. This University is UGC-approved from India and licensed by the Ministry of Education Dubai. It has one of the biggest private university campuses in Dubai spanning over 15 acres. This university is great for Indian students seeking immediate placement or requiring a transfer to an Indian campus. A total of 50 UG and PG programs are run by three schools in the university. They are the Amity Business School, School of Engineering, Architecture, and Interior Design, and School of Humanities, Arts, and Applied Sciences. The fee for Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs is variable due to the distinct needs and requirements of each course. As of recent news, a 50% scholarship is applicable to all courses of Amity University. Merit scholarships and scholarships based on special circumstances and categories are also available.
On-campus facilities involve state-of-the-art student accommodations, sports facilities with a swimming pool, outdoor ground, gaming zone, and prayer halls. As luxurious as life can get, Amity is also home to in-depth research projects and provides grants to the selected research departments.
This is all about the best universities in Dubai. There are tons of other excellent establishments for study, and you can take your time to browse through them based on your needs and requirements.
Education in Dubai is popular amongst Indian students. In this blog, we will outline the basic steps of applying to the top universities in Dubai. We will also take a look at the reasons making Dubai an optimal choice to pursue education, while also listing the best universities in Dubai.
Top Reasons why Students Prefer Studying in Dubai
A. There is a wide range of Universities and business sectors, and there is constant competition. This creates an intensive atmosphere to develop the skillset and mindset of the students, thus benefitting them in some way. B. The innovative and futuristic nature of technology, adds cutting-edge exposure to the student’s overall experience. C. The proximity to India makes it convenient to travel and lowers travel costs considerably. D. The multicultural environment in Dubai creates a safe space for students of all nationalities. And there is always somebody you know from India working in Dubai! This makes students feel at home. E. Numerous Indian Universities have an offshore campus in Dubai. This provides students with UGC-approved education combined with practical training from the job markets in Dubai.
Top-Rated Indian Universities Located in Dubai
A. Amity University in Dubai B. Manipal Institute of Higher Education C. BITS Pilani Dubai Campus D. SPvJain School of Global Management
Top-Ranked 5 Accredited Universities in Dubai
A. Zayed University B. University of Wollongong in Dubai C. British University in Dubai D. Canadian University in Dubai E. University of Dubai
Top Five Popular Courses in Dubai
A. Business Administration B. Architecture and Urban Planning C. Arts and Design D. Hospitality and Tourism E. Sustainable and Innovative Technology
The step-by-step guide for applying to Universities in Dubai for Indian students is as follows:
Step 1: Selection of an Area of Interest:
Based on personal preference.
Based on market trends.
Based on the courses available.
Based on the scope of the job.
Step 2: Shortlisting Courses.
Compiling a list of suitable universities.
Selection of a university:
Based on the world ranking.
Based on their course structure.
Based on the placements and internships provided.
Based on the faculty.
Based on the mode of education. ( language, and attendance)
Step 3: Checking Course Requirements:
Minimum Education
Marks
Entrance Exams
Intake Semester
Visas
Passports
Step 4: Applying to the University
Prepare the materials
CV
Portfolio
Recommendation letters
Marks Sheet
Identity certificate
Passport size photographs
Fill the application form with due importance given to completing the task before the deadline.
Pay the application fee.
Preparing for the entrance/interviews.
Wait for confirmation.
Step 5: Counselling
In-person
Tele counselling:
Accommodation
Facilities
Payments
Scholarships
Other requirements
Step 6: Applying for a Visa and Passport
Application process
Necessary documents
Insurances
The Detailed Guidebook for Indian Students Applying to Universities in Dubai
Step 1:
The pre-requisite to college application is knowing what one would like to plan for their career and future. The first step is to narrow down an area of interest. A few pointers that will help you with the Selection of an area of interest are:
Your personal preference that aligns with your aspirations, dreams, values, and goals.
Based on the current trends in the job market, the needs of the hour, and the range of the job.
Based on your personal preference and market needs, browse through the courses available in the chosen field.
Step 2:
The next step is to Shortlist the courses, and the colleges providing the desired programs. To be able to do this, start with:
Compiling a list of suitable universities. This can be chosen based on the city you want to study, the provision of facilities, reputation and ranking, and the academic quality of the university.
In our case, we are going ahead with Dubai, one of the most promising cities in the world for education, and a home to 50 plus highly ranked global universities.
Another important factor to consider is the course structure. Please make sure to understand the curriculum thoroughly to get an idea of what you will be learning. The faculty also plays a vital role.
Although most colleges in Dubai use English as the mode of education and communication, double-check before shortlisting.
The final and essential factor while shortlisting universities is to check the internships provided by them the nature and type of placements available, and whether it is feasible to continue with your Visa.
Step 3:
Once the courses are shortlisted, proceed to check the requirements needed to study the course. Factors you need to consider are:
The minimum level of education required to study the course is as follows: Certain courses also require you to have studied a specific subject in your previous academic year. For instance, courses like an MBA require you to have studied statistics for your bachelor’s or equivalent degree.
The percentage of marks scored in the previous examinations also counts as an important aspect in the selection criteria.
Scores on entrance tests formulated by the university, or scores on International Language Testing like IELTS and TOEFL. International English Language Testing System functions as a standardized English language test for non-native English speakers. This acts as an entrance test for students applying to universities in foreign countries. Indian students applying to study in Dubai need to have their scores on IELTS to get admission to certain universities.
IELTS measures proficiency in English Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. To qualify for a Visa application, one must take this examination in person either through the computer mode or through the paper-pen mode. To prepare for the test, the official website of IELTS India provides with sample test papers, reading and writing material, webinars, applications and much more. To apply for universities in Dubai, you can take the IELTS Academic Test. IELTS General Training test can be taken if you wish to study in Dubai below the graduate level.
Step 4:
After the course requirements are understood, go ahead with enquiries and counselling. Counselling here refers to a professional from the University department explaining the course, and its outcomes, and checking your suitability for the same. Counselling can be done in person when you visit the campus or can be done as tele-counselling if you are not able to physically visit the campus.
During Tele-counselling, remember to discuss the following key points:
The structure of the course. This includes how subjects are divided across semesters, the options for electives, the co-curricular activities, and the subjects under study.
Although course requirements are usually posted on the official website of the university, go through them with the counsellor.
Enquire about the facilities on campus like the cafeteria, gymnasium, basketball courts, playground, swimming pool, music room, auditoriums and so forth.
Ask about the accommodation provided by the university, and if not what would private expenses and options for accommodation look like
Finally, discuss one of the most important aspects; the Fee structure. Ask questions to learn more about:
The total fees including the tuition and other costs.
Availability of the installment payment system.
Scholarships available and how to qualify for them.
And any other miscellaneous requirements of the University.
Once tele-counselling with all the shortlisted universities is done, come to a decision about the course and university you would like to study at.
Step 5:
The final step is to send applications to the list of shortlisted universities. First and foremost get your documents in order. These include:
Your Marksheets from grade 10, grade 12, and Bachelor’ (that is if you are applying for a master’s)
Recommendation letters as per the requirement of the university.
Portfolios if applicable.
Identity certificate or Passport: A passport is the official document to travel internationally. It verifies and confirms your identity as a resident of the country. It also verifies your personal details like age, address, and so on.
And Passport size photographs.
Fill the application form with due importance given to completing the task before the deadline.
Pay the application fee and any other fee applicable. Make sure to keep a copy of the receipt.
Prepare well for interviews in any, and keep your documents ready.
Wait for confirmation from the university before finally choosing the one University that you want to study at.
The last step would be to file for a Visa after confirmation of admission by the University. A Visa is an official document that allows an individual to enter a foreign country legally. A student Visa can be applied for to study at a University in Dubai.
While applying for a Visa, the following points need to be taken into consideration:
Acceptance letter from the university.
Accommodation proof.
Sufficient financial funds for expenses, tuition fees and medical insurance.
The following blog outlines the nature of MBA courses, specializations, the top universities for MBA in Dubai, and the benefits of studying MBA in Dubai for Indian students. Let us start by understanding the basic points and terms used in MBA.
Basics of MBA
First, let us get a basic understanding of the specializations and types of MBAs. Master of Business Administration is a course designed with core subjects like finance, microeconomics, strategic and operations management marketing and ethics to develop the student’s comprehensive skills, business sense, and interdisciplinary knowledge
There are multiple interdisciplinary specializations that can be studied for an MBA. Some of the most frequently studied courses, and the ones in high demand are listed in the table below.
Sustainable Business Practices, Corporate Environmental Strategy, Green Supply Chain Management
The course structure of an MBA involves core subjects that cover finance, analysis, strategic thinking, and planning. Apart from the core subjects and specializations mentioned in the table above the MBA course also includes Interdisciplinary subjects, electives, and hands-on training.
Before enrolling for an MBA course, a quick look at the type of degree provides clarity. MBA degrees can be classified into three divisions based on the time, duration, commitment to the course, and experience.
Full-time MBA: Takes around a year or two, and is beneficial for students new to the field, and can attend classes regularly
Part-Time MBA: Usually lasts for two to five years and is suitable for working professionals seeking advancement in their career paths. Classes are more flexible to accommodate the work schedules of individuals
Executive MBA: Designed specifically for experienced working professionals, this course enhances and helps individuals stay up-to-date with the state of the art and modern developments. Duration varies based on courses and universities.
According to the GMAC2023 Survey, Part-time and EMBAs saw a trend of increased admissions compared to full-time MBAs. Given the current national and international demands, analysts speculate that the following will be the most in-demand MBA graduates.
“Finance, Marketing, Operations, Information Technology, Big Data, and Entrepreneurship are leading nationally. Internationally, Global Management and Sustainability also contribute to the list of top MBA programs.”
Catching up with the recent developments, specialisations like Rural and Agri-business, AI and ML, Sustainability and Environmental Management are gaining momentum.
Now that we have a basic understanding of the outline of the MBA course, let us look at why Dubai is a good option to do an MBA abroad, and which universities make it into the Top 5 MBA programmes in Dubai for Indian students.
MBA in Dubai for Indian Students
Dubai, one of the most populous and booming cities of the United Arab Emirates, is home to a wide range of businesses in the sectors of trade, logistics, hospitality, tourism, real estate, and construction.
Due to its strong economy and diverse business centres, Dubai is a great option to pursue a Master of Business Administration.
Alongside that, high education quality, international faculty, and multiple Indian offshore campuses make it super convenient to pursue an MBA in Dubai for Indian students.
Indian universities like Amity, Manipal, and BITS Pilani have their offshore campuses in Dubai. This makes it extremely suitable for Indian students to adapt to the course structures and the environment.
Dubai consists of a decent percent of Indian population, making the students feel less homesick!
Let us take a look at the top 5 colleges in Dubai to pursue an MBA
Top 5 Colleges in Dubai for MBA
University
Type
Mode
Time
Tuition Fees
Scholarships
London Business School
Executive MBA
In-person
20 months
1,25,29,046 INR
ICICI Bank education loan
University of Dubai
MBA
In-person (full-time, part-time)
12-15 months
_
Merit, Nationality, others
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
MBA (day), (evening)
In-person (full-time, part-time)
2 years
11,45,676 INR
Merit scholarships on tuition fees
Institute of Management Technology
MBA
In-person; full time
1 year
19,32,234 INR
Student merit-based scholarship
BITS Pilani
MBA, MBA in Business Analytics
In-person
2 years,
7,27,374 INR
Merit, tuition scholarship, bank loans
London Business School
This institution provides a 20-month, in-person Executive MBA degree. Ranked 9th in the world for EMBA, this school has an alumnus of over fifty thousand and is located in the heart of the Dubai International Finance Centre. New intakes for 2024 start in September this year.
This degree applies to experienced personnel with an average of 13 years of work experience. The London School of Business webpage outlines the available core courses and about 70 plus electives to choose from.
The fees are stationed at 150000US$. When converted to Indian rupee, the value is around 1,25,29,046. There are varieties of scholarships available based on the nationality of students. For Indian students, the ICICI Bank Education loan is available as a financial aid. Additionally, scholarships and leadership funds are available specifically for experienced women professionals.
The faculty at the London Business School are from different nationalities and levels of expertise, building a strong foundation for the knowledge, research, and skills of their students.
University of Dubai
The University of Dubai, located in the Academic city, is one of the key institutions providing multiple different specializations for the degree of Master in Business Administration. The specializations include regular MBA, MBA in Supply chain management, MBA in Digital Marketing, MBA in Fintech, and MBA in Strategic human capital. This school of business is licensed under the Ministry of Education, UAE.
The intake for the regular MBA is throughout the year and is taught in both the full-time and part-time mode. Apart from the specialisations listed above, the School of Business also provides certificate courses to enhance the knowledge of students. A bachelor’s degree in Business administration and a mentioned score in IELTS or TOEFL are required for admission to this institute. The fees vary for national and international students, so it is advised to contact their admin office and use their fees calculator to arrive at the final sum. Scholarships are provided based on nationality, merit, school scores, and multiple other cut-offs.
Manipal Institute of Higher Education
Manipal Group of Education has one of its offshore campuses located in Dubai. It provides a multitude of courses related to business administration. They include an MBA in both a full-time day mode and a part-time evening and weekend mode, a Post-graduate diploma in Business Administration and a Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain and Logistics.
These courses designed for two years include beneficial opportunities and a guarantee of placement. The day MBA degree provides an option of earning a dual degree from Edinburgh Napier University, UK. The specialisations span from Marketing, Finance, and Operations, to Human resource management, healthcare and entrepreneurship. The evening MBA provides comprehensive training and overviews of all subjects included in the regular course.
The fee structure for the day course is about 11, 45,676 INR, whereas the tuition fee for the evening course is around 8, 83,126 INR. Financial aid is available in terms of merit-based scholarships applicable on tuition fees.
Institute of Management Technology
IMT is a school of management that is registered and licensed by the Ministry of Education, UAE. The institute is located in Dubai International Academic City and houses a full-time one-year MBA course. The course begins in September 2024.
The course is structured into four terms, with core subjects, electives, and experiential learning. The international exchange program and the global immersion program of this institute provide students with a holistic and rich learning and skill expertise. The course fee is 85000 AED which is converted to INR and sums up to 19, 32,234 rupees. Scholarships are awarded based on student merit and follow its own set of guidelines. These scholarships do not apply to administration, accommodation, travel, visa, and insurance.
BITS Pilani Offshore Campus
The BITS Pilani Institute provides two options; one is the regular Master in Business Administration, and the other is the MBA in Business Analytics. Individuals with a minimum three-year bachelor’s degree and having studied mathematics and statistics in either 10 +2 or higher level are eligible to apply for this course.
Both of these courses are suitable for graduates, and working professionals aiming to advance their careers. Working professionals have the option of choosing a dissertation over an internship in their final semester. Merit scholarships, tuition fee scholarships, and hostel fee concessions are provided. The tuition fees amount up to 32,000 AED which when converted to INR equals 7, 27,374 rupees.
In totality, here are a few things to consider before you begin your application process:
● Make sure you have the right Visa and Passport ready. ● Enquire at the admin office of the universities to gain more detailed information and consultation. ● Be well informed about your choices, current market needs, and specialisations. ● Each institute has its intake requirements that may be based on entrance exams, graduation levels, and years of work experience. Make sure to check the requirements before applying.
