What are the Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students to Study in UAE?

Indian students who want to study in UAE must meet the requirements and eligibility criteria, which can vary from the level of education to the particular institution in the UAE.

Undergraduate Programs

International students must meet the basic requirements for admission to a bachelor’s degree program, which consists of the following components:

• Completed senior high school or equivalent from a recognised education board
• Scored a minimum score of 50-60%, depending on the particular program and university to study in UAE
• Subject-specific background for professional courses, such as engineering, information technology, business, or health sciences
• English language proficiency through the IELTS and TOEFL (some universities may offer waivers or internal assessment for language proficiency)
• Some universities might require candidates to clear the entrance test or interview

Postgraduate Programs

For pursuing a postgraduate degree, the candidates must meet the following basic criteria:

• A recognised bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline
• Minimum CGPA of 2.5-3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent
• English proficiency test scores, such as IELTS & TOEFL
• Work experience for MBA and executive programs
• Doctoral programs might include research proposals and faculty approvals

Major Intakes for International Students to Study in UAE

International students can study in UAE through a multiple-intake system, which provides flexibility and helps plan an academic journey in the UAE universities more effectively. Here is a full list of intakes happening in the UAE universities for international students:

September Intake (Fall)

The fall intake happening in September is the primary and most important intake, which is usually preferred by all international students, as it offers a range of different benefits, including:

• Availability of a wide range of academic programs
• More availability of higher education scholarships
• Maximum number of on-campus activities
• Networking opportunities with a large student body

January Intake (Spring)

International students can also choose to study in UAE by applying for the January intake. While options for a wider range of academic programs may be slightly different from the September intake, the January intake still presents a strong alternative for many students.

• If a student missed the September intake
• Need more time to prepare for tests, etc.
• More chances of admission approval
• Small class size, better teacher-student ratio

May Intake (Summer)

Some UAE universities also offer a Summer intake, usually in May. This intake period is less popular, as the availability of academic programs is very limited. International students study in UAE while applying for this intake mainly:

• Foundation programs
• Diploma or short-term courses

Admission Process for International Students to Study in UAE

The admission in the UAE is streamlined, structured, and digitally upgraded. All international students must meet the eligibility criteria, followed by the admission process, as shown below:

• Shortlist universities based on your academic background and career goals
• You can also shortlist the particular cities located in the United Arab Emirates
• Check if the university is approved by the Ministry of Education, UAE, or local regulators like KHDA to ensure you study in UAE with a secure future career pathway
• Scan and prepare the required documents by the university (and visa)
• Academic transcripts & certificates
• Passport
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR, mainly for postgraduate)
• English language proficiency test score card
• Updated CV (for master’s programs)
• Submit the filled form to the university along with the required documents on their official website or official admission portal
• You may have to pay an initial admission fee along with the application submission
• After verification, receive the conditional admission or unconditional offer letter from the university
• Accept the offer letter (and pay the initial tuition fee, if applicable)
• Apply for a UAE student visa at the nearest embassy or consulate to study in UAE
• Pay for the visa application fee while submitting the required documents
• Previously used documents, along with the medical fitness certification, Emirates ID registration, and health insurance coverage
• Make travel and accommodation arrangements after getting your stamped student visa

Conclusion

Many international students choose the UAE for its world-class education and top universities with career prospects for a safe future. While the admission process might seem strict, the framework for admission at the UAE universities is generally transparent and follows a certain level of standard for all international students. Though there are no exact requirements for admission to study in UAE, Indian students can consider the basic eligibility criteria. Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can directly apply for admission.

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