Higher education in United Arab Emirates for international students

When it comes to higher education in the United Arab Emirates, the focus for schoolchildren and students in English is squarely on grooming future specialists for international companies. The standard program typically spans 3 years, and a Bachelor's course encompasses several key components:

• General Courses: Covering fundamental disciplines.

• Subjects of Specialization: Tailored to the chosen field.

• Electives: Offering flexibility in coursework.

• Internship: Providing hands-on experience.

• Consultation Project: Fostering collaborative problem-solving.

• Thesis: Culminating in original research.

University instructors are highly qualified, often comprising leading experts in their respective fields with extensive practical experience.

Master's Programs in English in the UAE

The UAE's Master's programs, conducted in English, include offerings like the International Business program and several popular rotation programs. These rotation programs involve studying individual modules of the Master's program across various countries worldwide. Key courses within these programs often encompass:

• International Marketing

• Finance

• Banking Services

Master's programs in the UAE are designed to meet the highest educational standards. They aim to equip students with a substantial academic knowledge base, practical skills in their chosen field, and the ability to respond effectively and professionally to external challenges. Course instructors include leading experts from diverse business domains, and students often benefit from workshops and masterclasses conducted by renowned experts and top managers from major companies.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Higher education in the UAE extends its offerings to include undergraduate and graduate programs conducted in Arabic. Both state and independent educational institutions provide students with quality education across various specialties, such as:

• Arts and Humanities

• Applied Arts

• Classics

• Design

• Education

• History

• Literature

• Museology

• Performing Arts

• Philosophy

• Religion and Theology

• Fine Arts

• Business and Social Sciences

• Languages and Culture

• Medicine

• Technical Sciences

• Technology

• Engineering Programs

Esteemed universities feature renowned instructors who teach specialized and general subjects. Moreover, practitioners and experts from prominent enterprises often serve as guest lecturers. Bachelor's programs typically span 3-4 years, while Master's programs last 2-3 years. Upon graduation, students receive prestigious diplomas that hold considerable weight in international companies.

Higher education in the UAE includes Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs catering to managers and experienced professionals aspiring to hold leadership positions. Admission to MBA courses typically requires a bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and a high level of English proficiency. These programs cover a range of essential academic disciplines, along with subjects designed to cultivate professional skills and managerial competencies. Theoretical knowledge is practically applied through various projects, including:

• Master of Business Administration in International Hospitality Management

• Certificate Program for Managers

• General Master of Business Administration

• Master of Business Administration for Executives

Courses are led by esteemed faculty members from prestigious universities, as well as seasoned professionals and top executives from leading businesses. An MBA diploma opens doors to enhanced career prospects. The courses offer flexible scheduling options:

• 4-day weekend sessions once a month or every two months

• Evening classes

• Online learning

Usually, these programs last from 18 to 24 months. Students also have an opportunity to pause and resume over a period of up to 4 years.

In addition to traditional degree programs, students have an option to take short-term professional courses. Geared towards adult students, these courses serve individuals and corporate groups. They focus on developing professional skills, competencies, and expanding professional networks. Educational institutions often collaborate with renowned international companies to create specialized courses tailored to specific organizational needs.

The duration of these programs varies, ranging from intensive one-day sessions to several weeks with evening classes. The course schedule is typically flexible to accommodate students' availability, and upon completion, participants receive certificates. Key areas covered in short-term professional courses include:

• Food and Beverage

• Financial Management

• Leadership and Management

• Human Resources

• Specialized Training

• American Hotels and Rentals

• Customer Service

• Administrative Programs

• Teamwork

• Sales and Marketing

Higher education obtained in the UAE adheres to international standards, and graduates from both public and private institutions, including branches of American, English, and European universities, enjoy the advantages akin to those of graduates from top-rated universities. Tuition pricing ranges, which is stipulated by the specialization you have chosen and course duration.

The UAE is a modern and prosperous state, which unites seven emirates. Given the combination of Eastern and Western cultures,foreign students can get a unique learning experience. The popularity of the UAE as a place for studying is related to its high academic standards and prestigious universities, which are located here. Foreign students come here to get a high quality education and immerse in the rich Arab culture for the first time.

Foreign students can obtain education at various levels, ranging from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. You can choose a program according to your academic and professional goals, including training programs and language courses.

The tuition fee is mostly stipulated by the educational program. For example, bachelor's programs usually cost between $10,000 and $30,000 per year. Pay attention that prices may vary depending on the university chosen.

English is widely used in universities in the UAE, and international students are usually required to provide results from language exams such as IELTS or TOEFL to prove their ability to study in English. Requirements may vary between universities.

Yes, foreign students are allowed to obtain a work permit within the university campus or college where they are pursuing education. So, students are provided with the opportunity to gain work experience and support themselves financially while studying. However, there are limits to the number of working hours that can be spent per week so as not to hamper your studies.

To obtain education in the UAE, foreign students are required to apply for a student visa. This process includes providing an invitation from the chosen university, health insurance and other documents. It is crucial to take care of visa formalities in advance and comply with the instructions for obtaining a visa.

There are no unified visa processing timeframes. It depends on your specific situation and the university you have chosen. However, it usually takes a few weeks. Therefore, it is recommended that you start the visa process early to have enough time to prepare for studies.

The UAE is featured by a multicultural society with deep roots in Arab culture and the Islamic religion. Therefore, it is crucial to show respect for local customs and religious traditions. For instance, students are encouraged to wear modest clothing and refrain from drinking alcohol in public.

When the studies are completed, foreign students are allowed to apply for a work visa and begin working in the UAE. This could be a great opportunity for those who want to start a career in the UAE, which offers many jobs and opportunities for professional growth.

Business, engineering, information technology and hospitality programs are popular among international students. These fields provide many future career opportunities and are in high demand in the UAE job market.

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