Cost of living in UAE – Working towards making the educational system of UAE world-class, the UAE government has allowed several top foreign universities to set up their campuses in the country. Some of these reputed institutions include SP Jain School of Global Management, Emirates Aviation College, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS), Dubai Medical College, University of Dubai (UD), American University in Dubai (AUD), and University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD). The quality education offered by these institutions is attracting international students towards UAE. However, students must plan their stay in this country carefully as the cost of living in UAE is quite high. Living costs vary depending upon different factors such as rent, food, entertainment, transportation and other miscellaneous expenses (visas and residence permits).
To give you a fair idea about the cost of living in UAE, we have listed the average tuition fees paid by students as well as the living cost and accommodation cost incurred while studying in the educational institutions of UAE.Mostof these premier institutes of UAE are based in Dubai. So, we have focused the article onthe cost of living in Dubai for international students.
Tuition fees for an undergraduate program in Dubai range between 37500 to 70000 AED per year and the living expenses range between 2600 to 3900 AED per year. Tuition fees for a postgraduate program in Dubai range between 55000 to 75000 AED per year and the living expenses range between 2600 to 3900 AED per year.
Cost of living in UAE – Accommodation Prices in Dubai
Accommodation is divided into two parts: on-campus and off-campus accommodation. The most popular option is on-campus accommodation as it is less costly than living in the city. Students need to plan their living arrangement as early as possible because accommodation places quickly get filled up in top universities of Dubai.There are 63 plus universities and institutes of higher education in Dubai, and only a few of them offer student accommodation. For those who can afford it, the universities also tie-up with local hotels to offer rooms at cheaper rates. If the university does not provide residential facilities, then the students can look for private accommodation in Dubai.
On-campus Accommodation Cost in Dubai Universities
| Types of On-campus Accommodation | Costs (AED) |
| Type A – Single | 27,500 |
| Type B – Shared x2 | 16,000 |
| Type C – Shared x 2 (premium) | 19,000 |
| Type D – Shared x3 | 12,500 |
| Type E – Shared x3 (upgraded) | 13,500 |
| Type F – Shared x3 (premium) | 14,500 |
Private accommodation – Private accommodation is an unavoidable reality for many students studying in Dubai who do not manage to find on-campus accommodation. The accommodation costs shown below is given by the Canadian University, Dubai. This will give the aspirants who wish to study in Dubai some idea about the private accommodation costs.
Private Accommodation Cost in Dubai
| Private Apartments | Costs (AED) |
| Modest, 1 bedroom | 70,000 – 85,000 |
| Modest, 2 bedrooms | 85,000 – 100,000 |
| Good quality, 1 bedroom | 100,000 – 120,000 |
| Good quality, 2 bedrooms | 120,000 – 140,000 |
| Good quality, 3 bedrooms | 140,000 – 190,000 |
Cost of living in UAE – Food Prices in Dubai
The average cost of daily necessities and services (source: University of Wollongong in Dubai) in Dubai are shown in the table below:
| Loaf of bread | AED 5 |
| Water (1.5 litres) | AED 1.50 |
| Can of soft drink | AED 1.50 |
| Dozen eggs | AED 10 |
| Milk (1 litre) | AED 7 |
| Rice (1 kg) | AED 10 |
Cost of living in UAE – Transport Prices in Dubai
Food, entertainment, transport and other such miscellaneous items contribute to the overall cost of living in UAE/Dubai.
| Taxi (5 km trip) | AED 10.50 |
| Metro trip (1 zone, standard fare) | AED 2.50 |
| Car Hire (per week) | AED 600 |
| Petrol (per litre) | AED 1.72 |
Cost of living in UAE – Dubai prices compared to other cities*
One major factor that adds expense for students and expats in Dubai, is the cost of converting cash to AED from their home currency.
| Comparing cost of living | One bedroom flat in city centre (monthly rent) | Lunch for two (Three courses, mid-range restaurant) | Transportation (monthly pass) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 7,324 AED | 150 AED | 250 AED |
| London, UK | 7,847 AED | 255 AED | 607 AED |
| New York City, USA | 10,938 AED | 275 AED | 430 AED |
| Berlin, Germany | 3,023 AED | 164 AED | 331 AED |
| Sydney, Australia | 7,187 AED | 222 AED | 444 AED |
Source* TransferWise
Dubai is a great destination for international students, whether they are considering a permanent move after studies, or just looking to finish studies and exploring the city.
