Study in UAE

The United Arab Emirates is home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which stands at an impressive 828 metres. The UAE also stands tall in higher education, with 11 universities featuring in the QS world university rankings. 

In addition, the country is constantly improving its higher education system to create a diversified economy away from oil and gas.

In line with these efforts, the government allocated AED 10.2 billion (approximately $3 billion) or 16 per cent of the total general budget to public and university education programs in 2024. The initiative also aims to retain its Emirati citizens and attract international students who will help steer the economy even further.

This article will answer all your questions about studying in a country whose area is primarily a desert (about four-fifths). More topics to cover include:

• Study in UAE Statistics
• Why Study in UAE
• Top Universities to Study in UAE 2024
• Affordable Universities and Colleges in UAE 2024
• Scholarships in UAE
• Top In-Demand Careers in UAE 2024
• Top Courses to Study in UAE 2024
• Grading System in UAE
• Eligibility Criteria to Study in UAE
• Study in UAE Admission Process
• Important Timelines for Study in UAE
• Cost of Living and Studying in UAE
• Student Life In UAE
• Best Cities to Study and Live in UAE
• Top Jobs in UAE for International Students
• Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in UAE
• Permanent Residency (PR) After Study in UAE
• Conclusion

Study in UAE Statistics

In recent years, there has been a shift in the higher educational sector in the UAE. The country hosts more international students than it sends to other countries. A significant contributor is the government initiatives, such as extending study visas for students even after graduation.

The UAE, which is comprised of seven emirates, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, hosts about 78,000 international students from various countries.

In Dubai alone, there were 30,000 international students enrolled in university in 2023, of which 60% were pursuing undergraduate degrees and 80% were studying full-time.

Here are more interesting facts about studying in the UAE:

• The country invests heavily in education. It spends about 16% of its total expenditure on public and university education programs.
• The country’s enrollment rate of higher education students is about 52.71%.
• As of 2021, the number of students enrolled in tertiary education in the UAE is 304,400
• One in four UAE students (around 28%) is an international student.

Why Study in UAE

Apart from the fact that the UAE attracts many tourists and visitors with its beaches and attractions, here are more reasons why you should study in the Emirates.

a) UAE Has a Diverse International Community

The UAE has a diverse mixture of cultures, the predominant one being the Emirati culture. You’ll find it in all the seven emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

The United Arab Emirates is a tolerant country that allows more than 200 nationalities to tour, live, study, and work. Although the country is predominantly Muslim, the government allows the practice of other religions, meaning its residents enjoy freedom of religion.

b) It’s an Opportunity to Study at Top Institutions

Apart from having some of the best universities in the Gulf region, four of them are among the top 500 universities in the world. They include Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University, the American University of Sharjah, and the University of Sharjah.

The conducive business and academic environment has also attracted foreign universities to set up campuses in the UAE. For example, Middlesex University and Heriot-Watt University are top British institutions that have set up campuses in the UAE.

c) Don’t Speak Arabic, No Problem

The official language of the UAE is Arabic, meaning all government affairs are conducted in Arabic. However, the Emirates is also a global hub of business and a top tourist destination, meaning that English is also widely spoken.

English is used more frequently in higher learning institutions. Traffic signs and commercial signs are in both Arabic and English.

d) Stay back Opportunities

If you are an outstanding student who gets a GPA of more than 3.5 after studying in certain UAE universities, you may be eligible for UAE’s Golden Visa. It allows you to stay in the country for an extra 5 to 10 years after graduation without requiring a sponsor.

e) Plenty of Work Opportunities

The economy in the United Arab Emirates is well-positioned to absorb many graduates from its public and private institutions. Craydel partners with institutions in Dubai and Sharjah that have high employment rates. They include:

• Curtin University Dubai – 97%
• Heriot-Watt University Dubai – 90% 
• Navitas Murdoch University Dubai – 90%

Top Universities and Colleges to Study in UAE 2024

According to QS World University Rankings, the Top-tier universities in the United Arab Emirates include:

Affordable Universities and Colleges in UAE 2024

Did you know that the UAE offers free education in its public universities?

Yes, but there is a catch: it’s free only for its citizens. This means that international students still have to part with some money to take advantage of the country’s education system.

At Craydel, we understand the need to save money on tuition costs while not compromising on the quality of education that you receive. With that in mind, here is a list of affordable universities in the UAE.

Scholarships in UAE

The UAE has a high quality of life, which can translate to high living costs depending on where you stay. Scholarships can be a great way to minimise tuition fees and make living costs more manageable. In rare cases, some scholarships may also cover living costs.

Institutions of higher learning offer most of the scholarships available to international students in the UAE. Visiting the university pages can offer more insight into the nature, duration, and eligibility criteria for getting scholarships.

Applying through Craydel guarantees that you get the following discounts and scholarships on your tuition fee.

• Britts Imperial University College – 50% discount
• Curtin University Dubai – Up to 50% scholarship

Top In-Demand Careers in UAE 2024

The UAE has a highly developing economy. Sure, the oil and energy sector has played a part in its fast acceleration, but it’s also expanding to other sectors. As a result, there has been a surge of careers that are in demand in the country.

In-demand careers offer lucrative salaries, job security, flexibility, career growth, and job satisfaction. After thorough research, we have compiled a list of 5 in-demand careers in the Emirates.

1. Information Technology Specialists

The IT sector in the UAE is a rapidly growing industry focused on digital transformation. It’s an important sector of the economy in positioning the UAE as a regional hub for digital services.

Current demands for skilled IT professionals are increasing, indicating a shortage in the industry. According to Middle East Hays’ managing director, 67% of employers expect to add IT specialists to their organisations in 2024.

With a career that pays an average of AED 9,000 monthly, you should consider this lucrative career and contribute to Emirates’ continued technological advancement.

2. Hospitality

According to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), it is estimated that around 90,000 professionals will be needed in the hospitality industry by 2026. The vast majority (82,000) are needed in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and receive a monthly salary of up to AED 19,042 for managers.

This will position the UAE as the top destination for the hospitality profession in the coming years, as graduates will be assured of jobs straight from campus.

3. Engineers

The engineering sector in the UAE is vital, driving infrastructure development, urban planning, and technological innovation. It supports the country’s rapid growth and modernization. However, in the recent past, the industry has faced some challenges related to workforce shortages.

According to the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) findings, 54% of employers face a skills shortage in the industry. Another report by The National News reports that 93% of employers found it hard to recruit staff in 2022.

This means there is a clear need for engineers in the UAE who employers can hire. If you’re passionate and excited to be part of the rapid growth in construction in the UAE, you should consider this career, which pays an average of AED 8,833 per month.

4. Healthcare Professionals

According to a forecast by Colliers Healthcare and Education division, the UAE will require more than 33,000 health professionals by 2030. Other statistics by WHO indicate that for every 100,000 people in UAE, there are only 31 nurses.

Since a healthy nation is a productive nation, there is a need for more doctors, nurses, and mental health practitioners. With an average salary between AED 5,000 and AED 13,000 per month, you should consider getting trained to become a skilled health professional in the United Arab Emirates.

5. Finance

According to Michael Page’s 2023 UAE salary guide, banking and finance jobs are in demand in the country. This is because a gap exists between client expectations and candidate skills due to a lack of the required skills or low on-the-job training.

You can take advantage of this shortage and train at a UAE university to acquire key financial skills, which will earn you a salary of around AED 10,542 per month.

Top Courses to Study in UAE 2024

The UAE has thousands of courses from 76 licensed institutions of higher learning. However, some courses are more lucrative, in demand, or attract better remuneration. Here are the top courses to study in the UAE.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is a branch of Information technology that involves the science of making computer systems and machines that simulate human intelligence. 

Artificial Intelligence is very big in the United Arab Emirates. There is even a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, the first of its kind in the world! In addition, the country has a university dedicated to AI research. This is a testament to the country’s huge leap in the AI sector.

Studying AI at a UAE university puts you at the forefront of the ever-evolving world of technology, as the country’s AI sector is very advanced.

Tourism and Hospitality Management

This course involves administering food, accommodation, and touring services to people traveling either for business or pleasure. If you’re passionate about serving people from different backgrounds, studying this course in the UAE will fulfill your dreams.

The Tourism and Hospitality Management course in UAE offers benefits to international students such as:

• Learners and graduates get global exposure since the country attracts thousands of tourists all year round. The visitors interact with professionals in this field in luxury resorts, hotels, and restaurants.
• If you study this course in the UAE, you will have a high chance of employment worldwide because the teaching standards are high.
• A rewarding career that offers monetary value as well as job satisfaction.

3. Nursing

Nursing is the care of ill individuals and the promotion of health in settings such as hospitals, mental facilities, or retirement homes. A bachelors in nursing from an accredited UAE institution sets you up for an exciting career as a nurse in a country keen on promoting health.

Universities in the UAE are also well-equipped to train nurses in classroom and field applications. This ensures that graduates are highly qualified for the job market.

4. Engineering

Engineering is the science of building machines and structures. In the UAE, the engineering sector is constantly growing, especially in construction. According to experts, the construction industry grows at a rate of 4.7% every year.

This is noticeable in the magnificent structures and cities that the UAE has built over the years. One such iconic building is the famous Burj Khalifa, which has been called an engineering marvel.

If you like designing, creating, and building structures from scratch, you should consider studying at a university in the UAE.

5. Finance and Accounting

This course will teach you the principles of organizing and managing money. UAE’s economy is highly advanced. According to Forbes 2021, it’s the second-largest Arab Economy after Saudi Arabia. This means that the economy is good for business operations.

Studying finance and accounting in the UAE gives you the required skills to manage the finances of the many local and international businesses that have established themselves in the Emirates.

Grading System in UAE

The grading system in UAE higher learning institutions may vary. However, most universities have a uniform grading system, as shown by the University of Dubai grading system.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in UAE

If you decide to study in the UAE, you’ll experience institutions of academic excellence. As a result there are certain requirements that you’ll be required to meet to qualify for admission. Universities usually have their own requirements for admission. However, here are the more common requirements across many universities in the UAE.

• Academic certificates and transcripts
• To enroll in a masters, you need to have a bachelor’s degree recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education
• Proof of language proficiency with IELTSor TOEFL
• Statement of purpose
• Passport size photographs
• Letters of recommendation

Complete a Craydel Eligibility Check today to make sure you get into the right university and program in the United Arab Emirates.

Study in UAE Admission Process

With Craydel as your partner, enrolment in a UAE university is a hassle-free process. Here are the steps to follow for successful admission.

1. Identifying the Institution and Program of Choice

This first step is probably the most important. It sets the pace for the whole application process.

For this step, a Craydel counselor will take the time to guide you on university and course selection. You’ll benefit from their extensive knowledge of different study destinations.

A Career Match Assessment is also available on the Craydel platform. It’s an ideal tool to match you with the perfect course at a university in the UAE. 

2. Check Admission Requirements and Submitting Documents

After identifying a course of study, the next step is Checking the admission requirements for your particular university. This mainly includes academic documents and proof of language requirements.

It’s important to prepare these documents early enough to submit them to the university’s portal. Your Craydel counselor will help you gather and submit the application documents.

3. Getting a Letter of Acceptance

Once the university’s admission officers review your application, the institution sends you a formal letter of acceptance. The letter confirms your place at the institution, details of your course, and the starting dates.

4. Applying for a UAE Study Visa

It’s important to note that admission into a UAE university does not automatically qualify you to get a student visa. For successful issuance of a visa, the following conditions must be met:

• You must provide the LoA. It demonstrates that the university has indeed reserved your place in the institution
• You must pass a medical test and provide evidence of private medical coverage.
• You must provide evidence that you have enough funds to support yourself in the UAE, including payment of tuition and living costs.
• You must demonstrate to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) your intention to return to your country after the study period.
• You must pay AED 3,000 to process the visa

UAE study visas can take 2–5 weeks to process. It’s also important to note that when the study visa is issued, it lasts for one year, after which you are supposed to renew it according to the duration left for your study.

5. Travelling and Enrollment

At this step, your dream of studying in the UAE is only an Emirates or Etihad flight away. Your counselor will help you book a flight early enough to avoid last-minute rushes.

You’ll also need to prepare for your stay in the Emirates by packing personal items and appropriate gear and clothing for the UAE weather.  

Important Timelines for Study in UAE

An essential component of making university applications is keeping to the stipulated deadlines. Missing them delays your scheduled intake which may cost you your valuable education time. Luckily, universities do a decent job of informing potential students on these timelines.

Popular Intakes for Study in UAE

As an international student, there are three durations or intakes for which you can enroll in a university. They include:

• September intake – Also known as the fall intake. It’s the most popular. During this period, a wide variety of courses at the institution are available
• January intake – Also known as the Spring intake. It’s a rare intake, and not all universities will offer it.
• July intake – also known as Summer intake. It’s a good option for students who may wish to take a break from studies during a regular school year. It’s also suited for those taking short courses.

When Should You Apply?

The right time to apply may vary with an institution’s own academic calendar. However, a general guide to when you should submit your application is as follows:

• September/ Fall intake deadline – Around July 25th
• January/ Spring intake deadline – Around December 26th
• July/ Summer intake deadline – Around May 16th

The benefits of applying early before the stipulated deadlines include:

• It gives you a higher chance of being selected. Most universities will roll out selections based on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Applying early gives you ample time to gather your documents. You get a chance to go over the checklist of documents or items required for study in your particular university.
• You also get to proofread your application for grammatical errors and typos that make a bad impression during the review of your submission with the admissions committee.

Course Duration for Study in UAE

The duration taken to study in a UAE university is as follows:

• Pathway and Foundation programs – 1 year
• Undergraduate degree – 3 to 4 years
• Masters – 2 years

Cost of Living and Studying in UAE

Apart from covering their tuition costs, international students have to cater for their living costs. The cost usually depends on the city or emirate in which they choose to reside. Here is a breakdown of costs for two major cities in the UAE. 

Dubai

Sharjah

Student Life In UAE

English is the primary language of instruction in UAE universities and colleges, so international students settle in just fine. However, to get the full Emirates experience, consider learning Arabic. After all, it’s the sixth most spoken language in the world, with around 274,000,000 speakers.

Perhaps one culture change that you may have to adjust to when living and studying in the UAE is the culture and way of life. Although the country is multicultural, it is still heavily influenced by Arab culture. It’s courteous and good practice to observe basic etiquette, such as proper dress code and adhering to certain mannerisms, while in public. For example, public shows of affection are frowned upon.

Regarding weather, the UAE may have an arid desert climate, but that doesn’t stop students from flocking the country. This is because, apart from education, the country has plenty of offerings for any visitor. From world famous structures, to public beaches or a desert adventure, there is always something to do in the UAE.

In addition, most campuses and student residences have ample air conditioning, which is useful during the summer.

Best Cities to Study and Live in UAE

The ideal city for a student is one that is affordable, offers employment opportunities, has plenty of entertainment spots, is safe, and has a multicultural appeal. In the UAE, here are the cities that international students are likely to study and live in. 

Dubai

Dubai is a city and one of the seven emirates of the UAE. Many confuse it as the headquarters of the UAE, but this is far from the truth. Abu Dhabi is the capital city, but Dubai is the largest and most populous city in the UAE. As of 2024, it had a population of 3,051,016.

The city is a major tourist destination, but here is why it’s appealing to international students.  

a) It has reputable higher education institutions

Three among the top 10 universities in UAE have their campuses in Dubai according to QS rankings. They include, Canadian University of Dubai, the American University of Dubai and the University of Dubai.

Other notable institutions in the city which you can apply through Craydel include Curtin University Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, Navitas Murdoch University Dubai, Nest Academy, and Heriot-Watt University Dubai.

b) There are many opportunities for employment

Dubai is the base of operations for top companies like Etisalat, Emirates Group, Procter & Gamble, Visa, Majid Al Futtaim, Amazon, Oracle, TAQA, EMAAR, and HSBC. The chances of getting a job during and after studies are very high. In fact, according to the Dubai Statistics Centre, the unemployment rate in Dubai is 0.5%, which is way below the national average of 3.4%. 

c) You’ll experience a high quality of life

Dubai is a modern metropolis with state-of-the-art buildings, plenty of social amenities, and a superb infrastructure. As a student, getting from one point of the city to another is hassle-free.

In addition, the government does not impose an income tax on individuals as the revenue generated by oil exports is sufficient to fund the budget. As a result, students have more purchasing power with their money, leading to a high quality of life.

d) Dubai is a safe city

Like most emirates, Dubai ensures a high sense of security and safety for all its residents. With a safety index of 83.7, the city is ranked as one of the safest in the world (number 5). This means that students can comfortably walk in the city during the day and night.

e) The city offers an impressive off-campus life.

If you need to take a short break from studies, there is no need to go far from the city. The city has numerous activities to relax your academic brain. In Dubai, you can visit the countless malls, go to the beach, enjoy quad biking, or just take a walk and marvel at the impressive architecture in the city.

Sharjah

Sharjah is the third largest city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates, and it has a population of about 1,400,000 people as of 2024. While Dubai offers a more fast-paced metropolitan area, Sharjah delivers a more tranquil urban space. Here are five reasons why Sharjah is a student city. 

a) It is an education hub

Sharjah is home to globally recognised universities that appear in the top 500 universities in the world. They include the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah. In addition, Craydel can help you get into some universities in Sharjah, such as Britts Imperial University College and Westford University College.

b) It’s near Dubai

Sharjah is less than 30 km away from Dubai. Its proximity is ideal for students who wish to enjoy the blend of a tranquil Sharjah and a busy Dubai. As a student studying and living in Sharjah, you also get easy access to the sites and attractions of the neighbouring Dubai Emirate.

c) Sharjah is beautiful

If you love connecting with nature, you’ll love the city. First, it’s located in the backdrop of the beautiful Arabian Gulf. The city also has plenty of white sandy beaches, only minutes away by foot. If it’s just a stroll you’re after, the Islamic Botanical Garden will do the trick!

d) It’s the cultural capital of the UAE

Sharjah hosts several museums, such as the Iconic Sharjah Arts Museum, the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. This makes it a significant destination for learning about the history of the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula.

e) Discover a variety of Emirati cuisine in Sharjah

Despite constant contact with international influences, its residents have managed to preserve the local cuisine. During your free time, enjoy delicacies such as falafel, shawarma, and Arabian sweets, which you can even find at a fair price from street vendors.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the second-most populous city in the UAE, after Dubai, with a population of 1,593,284. It is also the capital of the Abu Dhabi Emirate and the whole of the United Arab Emirates. Apart from hosting the architectural marvel of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, here are other things the city has in store for international students.

a) Exposes students to the international environment

Abu Dhabi has a globalised economy as investors from all over the world come to the city to take advantage of the favourable business environment. Global companies such as British Petroleum (BP), Huawei, Samsung, Boeing and Etoile have set up branches in the city.

In addition, the capital’s location helps draw in many top professionals who act as mentors to the city’s international student community. This unique experience opens students’ thinking from a local to a global perspective.

b) Abu Dhabi has excellent universities

It is home to the best university in the UAE, Khalifa University, which ranks 202 globally in the 2025 QS world university rankings. Other top universities in the city include Abu Dhabi University and Zayed University.

c) It has excellent beaches

As an international student in Abu Dhabi, you may want to try out the city’s 10 kilometres of spotlessly clean public beaches. Having constant sunshine means you can unwind on the beach any day of the year after a long day of study.

d) The city is diverse

Around 46% of the city’s student population is not native to the UAE. As an international student studying and living in Abu Dhabi, you are bound to make new friends and connections from other countries.

e) Abu Dhabi has stunning sites and attractions

As an international student, you have the advantage of living in a city that attracts a multitude of tourists every year. People flock to the city to experience its magnificent skyscrapers, elite hotels, amazing malls, Ferrari World and, of course, the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Al Ain

Al Ain is a city in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, near the Oman border. It’s the largest inland town in the UAE, with a population of 655.950.

The city’s name means “spring” because of the numerous water sources around the area. Similarly, it has become an educational spring attracting international students from all over the world. Here are more reasons why students choose to study in Al Ain.  

a) The city hosts top academic institutions

Al Ain is home to United Arab Emirates University, the second-best university in the UAE, with a global ranking of 261. The university also has a 5-star QS rating, meaning it excels in research, innovation, employability, academic development, teaching, online learning and inclusiveness.

Other top universities include Al Ain University, Khalifa Bin Zayed Air College and Al Ain Women’s College.

b) It’s a city filled with history

Studying in Al Ain means living in an area that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the world’s oldest habitats, having served as an important caravan route between the UAE and Oman. In addition, it is the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE. 

c) Al Ain is green

Al Ain is often referred to as the “Garden City” due to its impressive palm trees. As an international student, you’ll appreciate the trees which thrive in the middle of the desert town and bring a cool ambience amidst the heat. 

d) The city is safe

According to Numbeo, Al Ain is almost free from crime, with a safety index of 89.88. Students can comfortably study and live in the city, knowing that they will face minimal or no interruptions. Al Ain is truly an oasis, even for international students.

e) It’s home to great sporting teams

Al Ain hosts Al Ain FC, the most successful football club in the UAE. It constantly performs in the UAE Pro League. You can catch a game during your free time while they are playing at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium right in the city of Al Ain.

Ajman

Ajman is a city in the Emirate of Ajman. It’s situated between Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain emirates. It’s the smallest city in the UAE, with a population of 417,695. Here are reasons why students choose to study and live in the city.                                  

a) There are plenty of higher-learning institutions

Ajman University is the city’s main university. It has a QS World ranking of 477 and a five-star QS rating. It’s a top institution with plenty of accolades and accreditations. For example, it was one of the first six institutions in the world to get accreditation from the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

Other top universities in the city include City University Ajman and Gulf Medical University.

b) It has a mix of modern and traditional charm

Ajman may not have a GDP like that of Abu Dhabi, but its economy is thriving. You can notice this with its modern buildings and amenities that give the city an international appeal.

However, the city has maintained a traditional charm infused into the modern city, for example, with the traditional markets or souks. For students, it feels like they are getting the best of both worlds.

c) Ajman has plenty of cultural sites

In your free time away from studies, you can explore the Manama museums, Masfout Castle, Masfout Gate and the Red Fort. These are sites located in the city and the Ajman emirate in general.

The Ajman Fort which is 11 kms from the city centre, is also a good representation of the city’s culture and heritage. It has archaeological samples of the past way of life in the Ajman emirate.

d) It has stunning beaches

Bordered by the Persian Gulf, the city has 16 kilometres of lovely beaches that have clear blue waters. Popular public beaches that you should try out in your free time include Al Hamriya Beach and Al Zorah Beach. 

e) The city’s location is strategic

The city and the whole Ajman emirates is centrally placed in the UAE. This makes it ideal for local and international investors which is why the city has been growing. The city’s economy therefore presents job opportunities for students during and after study.

In addition, Ajman’s location puts it close to Dubai (about 40 km. This is welcome news for students who can easily commute by road to one of the main cities in the UAE.

Top Jobs in UAE for International Students

A popular question that students planning to live and study in the UAE usually ask is whether they can study and work at the same time.

The simple answer is yes, they can. However, the UAE student visa limits you to work for up to 15 hours a week or an equivalent of 60 hours in a month. Students may be allowed to work more during academic breaks, up to 40 hours a week.

However, it’s important to note that there are no minimum wages in the United Arab Emirates. UAE labour law only stipulates that salaries must cover the primary needs of the employee. With that in mind, here are the jobs which you may undertake as a student. 

On-Campus Jobs in UAE

On-campus jobs allow you to blend your academic and work life in the same environment. It’s a budget-friendly way to save on costs as a student. However, most of them are academic in nature, so the scope of jobs available to you is limited. The jobs include:

• Library assistant
• Administrative assistant
• IT support assistant
• Research and teaching assistant
• Campus tour guide
• Student union worker

Off-Campus Jobs in UAE

Off-campus jobs offer more variety and exposure to different fields. However, you may incur extra costs in transport, especially if you get a job that is far from campus. Off-campus jobs include:

• Customer service representative
• Event Staff
• Waiter
• Office clerk
• Retail Associate

Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in UAE

The UAE offers numerous opportunities for its graduates. With an economy that is moving from being dependent on oil and gas, there are plenty of opportunities in various sectors. However, international students still have to obtain a work permit before they are allowed to work after graduation.

Basically, the process of getting a work permit in the UAE starts by finding a job that fits in line with your career goals. After landing a job, the employer sponsors you to get a work permit. Here is what is needed from both your employer and yourself as part of the application process.

• From employer – They initiate the work permit process and cover the costs of the application fee.
• From employee – You’ll be required to provide a color photo on a white background, copy of passport, copy of birth certificate, proof of completion of the bachelors degree and the official job offer duly signed by yourself and the employer.

It takes about 2 to 7 days to know the status of an application. Once UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation approves the work permit, you’ll be required to complete a medical examination.

The work permit to work in the UAE after graduation lasts for two years.

Permanent Residency (PR) After Study in UAE

The UAE does not have a straightforward path to Permanent Residency, but there are various long term visa schemes. The aim of these visas is to retain high value talent or encourage investment in the country.

Some pathways to PR in UAE include:

The Golden Visa Program

It is a type of long-term residence visa that enables you to live, study, and work in any of the Emirates without the need for a sponsor. The perks of having a Golden Visa include:

• It’s usually valid for 5 or 10 years.
• With the Golden visa, you can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without making the visa invalid.
• You can sponsor your family members to stay in the UAE.
• You can also sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers under this visa.

Qualified applicants for the Golden Visa are those who show great potential for contributing positively to the UAE. This includes scientists, investors, humanitarians, and even outstanding students.

For outstanding university students, the Golden Visa may be granted under the following conditions:

• The university that you study in the UAE must be a class A or B institution recognised by the Ministry of Education. If you studied in a foreign university, it must be among the top 100 universities in the world, according to the Ministry of Education.
• You must have a GPA of at least 3.5 if you studied in a class A university and a minimum of 3.8 GPA if you studied in a class B university. Alternatively, you need to have a recommendation letter from your institution or a graduation certificate.
• If you studied in a foreign university, you need a GPA of at least 3.5 and your graduation certificate should be accredited by the Ministry of Education.
• Not more than 2 years should have passed since your graduation in a UAE or Foreign university.

You can quickly and efficiently apply for the Golden Visa using the One Touch Golden Visa service, which is available through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP) website.

The Blue Visa

It’s a 10 year residence visa granted to individuals who have made great contributions towards protecting the environment. This can include environmental activists, members of environmental NGOs, and researchers in environmental work. 

Conclusion

The founder of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, once stated, “The greatest use that can be made of wealth is to invest it in creating generations of educated and trained people.”

This has set the pace for developing a vibrant education sector, boosting literacy levels to an all-new high of 95%. It has also paved the way for diversifying the country’s economy away from the hydrocarbon sector.

The international student population has been a key part of this plan. To attract even more international students, the government introduced longer-stay residence visas for international students starting in January 2021.

With such policies and measures in place, the United Arab Emirates is changing from an exporter of university students to an education hub that attracts higher education students. At Craydel, we are ready to help you with all your application needs as you prepare to study in Dubai or Sharjah!