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Bachelor Courses in Dubai

Explore top universities, visa requirements, and promising career pathways for international students pursuing a bachelors degree in Dubai.

Last updated6th Jan 2026
9 mins read
5.98K views
Ankit Dogra
Published by Ankit Dogra

Canada & UAE Marketing Specialist | Manager - Client Relations & SES

Dubai, the city of luxury and innovation in the United Arab Emirates, has transformed itself into an international education hub. Apart from a chic way of life, Dubai universities offer a wide variety of undergraduate courses in Dubai, customised to the aspirations of international students.

Dubai provides a world-class university education in a cosmopolitan setting, making it the right place to achieve academic and personal growth. So, if you are aiming for a Bachelors in a lively city, then Dubai could be your ideal destination. Let's find out all the good academic opportunities this metropolis offers.

Why Study Bachelors in Dubai?

The pace of growth of Dubai as an international education hub has been faster than almost anywhere else in the world. Students find a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural immersion, and promising career prospects beckoning them. Here is what makes Dubai one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world:

  • World-class education: There is a diverse range of universities in Dubai for bachelors degrees offering internationally recognised degrees focused on practical learning and industry collaborations to ensure job readiness at the graduate level.
  • Multicultural environment: Dubai is a melting pot of cultures and offers both a global outlook and the development of intercultural understanding.
  • A strong economy and job prospects: Its robust economy offers lots of job opportunities in most fields, making Dubai quite ideal for career-minded students.

Ready to study in Dubai? AECC experts help you find the right university, programme, and support you need—all in one place.

Types of Bachelors Degrees in Dubai

Dubai offers an undergraduate degree in any discipline one might be interested in. Mentioned below are various modes for pursuing a bachelors degree:

Types of Bachelors Degrees

  • Full-time Bachelors: The most common among all, this type requires students to be on campus regularly for the entire duration of the course.
  • Part-time Bachelors: These courses are designed for working professionals, offering flexibility in balancing studies with work.
  • Executive Bachelors: These courses are specifically tailored for experienced professionals, focusing on leadership and management skills.
  • Online Bachelors: Online programmes bring flexibility and convenience, allowing students to study at their own pace.

Popular Specialisations

Universities in Dubai for bachelors offer a plethora of specialisations across multiple fields, such as:

  • Business and Management: Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Entrepreneurship
  • Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science
  • Technology: Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence
  • Healthcare: MBBS, Nursing, Pharmacy
  • Media and Communication: Journalism, Public Relations, Media Studies
  • Design: Fashion, Interior Design, Graphic Design
  • Law: Jurisprudence, Legal Studies

Programme Duration and Academic Calendar

Most undergraduate courses in Dubai run on the semester-based academic calendar. For a standard full-time undergraduate programme, the duration would be around three to four years. However, the exact duration may vary depending on the university and the opted specialisation.

Academic Calendar (Approximate):

  • Fall Semester: September to December
  • Spring Semester: January to April
  • Summer Semester: May to August

The dynamic education landscape in Dubai offers a plethora of choices to an international student. You can easily get the best-suited bachelors degree in Dubai in support of your career aspirations, amidst the array of programmes at your disposal and different study modes.

In the past decade, Dubai proved to be one of the major global centres for learning, hosting different undergraduate courses in Dubai popular among international students. Here are the most popular bachelors courses available in Dubai:

  • Business and Management
  • Business Administration
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Human Resources
  • International Business
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Technology
  • Information Technology
  • Computer Science
  • Cybersecurity
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Science

You can be the one studying these programmes at top Dubai universities. Speak to an AECC expert and start your study abroad journey today!

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

Admission to any university in Dubai will require the satisfaction of certain eligibility criteria. Here's a breakdown of the essential requirements:

Academic Qualifications

  • Higher Secondary Education: Most universities in Dubai for bachelors require that the student needs to have completed 12 years of schooling or its equivalent.
  • Minimum Grades: Often, a certain percentage or GPA is required, which again varies from one university and programme type to another.
  • Subject Requirements: There are prerequisites in some programmes for subjects like Mathematics, English, or Science.
  • Standardised Tests: Most universities require English language proficiency tests in the form of IELTS Academic, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
  • Minimum Scores: Scores are different for all institutions and programmes.

Financial Requirements

  • Proof of Funds: The student would be required to show sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare return.
  • Financial Support: Some universities require proof from the sponsors regarding financial standings.

Other Requirements

  • Passport and Visa: A valid passport and a student visa are required for a student to study in Dubai.
  • Health Insurance: Many universities require international students to be covered by health insurance.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Good letters from your teachers or employers will work to your advantage.
  • Statement of Purpose: An essay on your academic and career goals.
  • Portfolio: A good portfolio may be required for particular programmes, for instance, in the case of design or art programmes.

How to Apply for Bachelors in Dubai?

There are several steps to get admission into the universities in Dubai. Here is a general guideline to take you through the process:

  • Research Universities and Courses: Go through various universities and their programmes that best fit your academic goals and ambitions.
  • Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the stipulated requirements, depending on your chosen course, be it academic qualifications or even language proficiency in English.
  • Document Preparation: These include academic transcripts, language test marks, a passport, financial statements, and letters of recommendation.
  • Apply Online: Fill out the online application form and attach all the documents in the respective places.
  • Get the Offer Letter: Several weeks may be needed for processing the applications. On successful selection, an offer letter shall be sent to you.
  • Accept Offer and Pay Deposit: Accept the offer letter by paying a deposit to secure your place.
  • Student Visa Application: With an admission offer in hand, you can apply for a Dubai student visa.

How Much Does it Cost for a Bachelors in Dubai?

Studying in Dubai provides a world-class education, but it is equally important to understand the financial implications. Here is an approximate breakup of the costs involved:

Tuition Fees

  • The cost of tuition varies greatly from one university to another and by programme. The tuition fees normally range from AED 37,500 to AED 70,000 per year for an undergraduate course in Dubai.

Living Expenses

  • Accommodation ranges from shared apartments to luxury living. Average living expenses for food, transport, and entertainment could range from AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 a month.

Other Expenses

In addition to your tuition and living expenses, you will have to budget for:

  • Visa fees: Expenses involved in getting a student visa.
  • Health insurance: While studying in Dubai, international students are mandated to have health insurance.
  • Books and Supplies: This involves the cost of books, stationery, and related study materials.
  • Travel: Flight tickets, airport pickup, and travel insurance

Be sure to make a proper budget so that you can afford your studies in Dubai easily. Speak to an AECC expert to get a better estimate of the cost of study in Dubai, depending on the university in Dubai for bachelor's and the programme you choose.

Dubai Universities for Studying Bachelors Degree

Dubai hosts a variety of prestigious universities that offer world-class bachelors programmes. Let us explore some of these institutions.

University NameQS World University Rankings 2026Popular Courses
University of Birmingham, Dubai campus#76Engineering, Science, Humanities, Social Sciences
Curtin University, Dubai campus#183Business, Engineering, Media, Communication
Heriot-Watt University, Dubai campus#287Engineering, Business, Computer Science
Middlesex University, Dubai campus#801-850Business Administration, Information Technology, Engineering

Scholarships to Study Bachelors in Dubai

A scholarship can go a long way in offsetting the cost of studying in Dubai. Though not as varied as in other countries, there exist several scholarships for international students.

Types of Scholarships

  • University-Based Scholarships: Several universities in Dubai for bachelors offer a large number of scholarships, mostly merit-based.
  • Government Scholarships: These are scholarships offered by the government bodies for higher studies abroad.
  • Private Scholarships: These are scholarships offered to certain courses or students by some agencies or private persons.
ScholarshipEligibilityAward
University-based merit scholarshipsHigh CGPA grades, awards in the field of academics or sportsWaived or subsidised tuition fee, hostel facility, or monthly stipend 
Government scholarshipsAcademic merit, financial need Partial or full tuition, living expenses
Private scholarshipsVarieties of eligibility formatPartial or full tuition compensation

Career & Pay Scale After Bachelors in Dubai

As the economy of Dubai is sparkling, the opportunities for the graduates also vary. Mentioned below are job options available for graduates from Dubai universities, along with the expected salary range:

Job RolesMonthly Salary (in AED)
Software EngineerAED 15,000 - 25,000
AccountantAED 10,000 - 18,000
Marketing ManagerAED 12,000 - 20,000
Financial AnalystAED 15,000 - 22,000
Human Resources ManagerAED 12,000 - 18,000

Source: Indeed, PayScale

Job Searching Tips in Dubai

The following are some tips that increase the prospect of a job in Dubai:

  • Networking: Build a network with relevant people in the industry.
  • Internships: Gain work experience through internships.
  • Language Skills: Develop a good understanding of the English language.
  • Cultural Understanding: Be aware of the local traditions and business culture.
  • Customised Resume: Your resume should be customised to reflect relevant skills and experiences.

There is no doubt that studying a bachelor's degree in Dubai is beneficial due to the country’s academic status, cultural diversity, and numerous economic opportunities. The world-class universities surrounding it boast a booming job market, and the glamour just lures in students from around the world who want to pursue exciting undergraduate courses in Dubai.

While studying in Dubai sounds exciting, it requires serious research and planning. Knowing about the eligibility criteria, what is required in the admission process, and the financial implications is the key to a smooth transition. AECC experts deliver the right support at every stage of this study abroad journey. Right from choosing the universities and courses, to visa and accommodation, our expert counsellors will help you from application to arrival.

Ankit Dogra
Published by Ankit Dogra

Canada & UAE Marketing Specialist | Manager - Client Relations & SES

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With over a decade of experience in the overseas education sector, Ankit Dogra is a marketing and student recruitment specialist with deep expertise in the Canada and UAE markets. He has a proven history of success at top multinational companies like AECC, ApplyBoard, and IDP Education.

What makes Ankit's perspective unique is his holistic understanding of the entire student journey. Beyond just admissions, he leads the Student Essential Services (SES) vertical, which includes crucial support like education loans, accommodation, GIC accounts, and money transfers. This means he doesn't just help students get into university; he helps them build their new life abroad.

As a Manager at AECC, Ankit is responsible for growing student enrollment numbers from the South Asia region for Canada and the UAE. His extensive background in digital marketing, certified by a Digital Marketing Course, allows him to provide the most current and effective advice for students navigating the modern, online world of university applications.

Ankit can help you with

  • Navigating Beyond Admissions: Get expert advice on the "next steps" after your acceptance letter, including securing an education loan, finding accommodation, and setting up your finances.
  • Understanding Canada & the UAE: Benefit from his focused expertise in the Canadian and UAE education markets to make informed choices about your future.
  • Building a Digital-First Application: Use his certified digital marketing knowledge to understand how to present yourself effectively online to universities and admissions teams.
  • Making a Smooth Transition: Leverage his experience with Student Essential Services to ensure every aspect of your move abroad is planned and stress-free.

Ankit holds an MBA in Marketing, which, combined with his extensive hands-on experience, makes him a powerful guide for any student's international education journey. 

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