PhD Study in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – A Guide for 2024

Excellent natural resources and a growth in luxury tourism have seen the United Arab Emirates develop into the second largest Arab economy. But there’s more to the UAE than industry and commerce and it isn’t just travellers that visit its high-tech cities: investment in universities and research means this region also offers unique opportunities for cutting-edge doctoral work.

This page covers everything you need to know when searching for a PhD in the United Arab Emirates, with information on universities, application requirements and international funding.

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The UAE offer a brilliant combination of higher education and cosmopolitan culture.

Famous for its business schools as much as its designer shopping (and possibly in the future its Mars simulation city), the UAE is a fantastic place for international study.

Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in some great extra-curricular activities. Whether that involves walking around the Dubai Fountains or observing the Persian Gulf from the world’s tallest building: the Burj Khalifa.

Here are a few more specific reasons to consider a PhD in the UAE this year:

• The Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT) - The United Arab Emirates is now home to one of the largest research centres in the Middle East and aims to train PhD students in order to develop and shape the region’s future.
• Domestic university and international branch campuses - Their PhD degrees are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the international universities educating body (British/USA/Australian).
• A wide range of opportunities - A PhD student will be able to easily explore the seven different emirates; all of which have their own laws, cultures, traditions and landscapes.

The UAE higher education system is similar to the UK, offering Bachelors, Masters and doctoral degrees.

Not all institutions offer PhD study, and a number only offer programmes in a specific discipline. If in doubt, check university websites or contact their admissions office.

Public and private institutions

United Arab Emirates higher education institutions can be divided into two categories according to: the funding they receive, how they are operated and whether international students can attend them.

• Public higher institutions - There are 3 main UAE Government institutions and 5 other public institutions. These are administered by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and are usually restricted to UAE nationals and children of UAE nationals.
• Private higher institutions - These are non-government funded and are open to international applications. They are licensed and accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA).

United Arab Emirates university rankings

The UAE’s growing higher education sector has begun to receive international recognition, with four institutions featuring within the most recent QS and THE world rankings. The UAE Government is currently investing money into institutions and research centres to improve the higher education system.

Other opportunities

There are a number of specialised college and research centres in the UAE that offer PhD programmes.

Within the capital city Abu Dhabi there are 17 government funded Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). The HCT are enhanced institutions of applied higher education; and are designed to produce skilled PhD researchers that will shape the UAE’s future.

The specialised research centres are typically linked with a partner university or higher college.

• Emirates Technology and Innovation Centre (ETIC)
• Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT)

If you conduct your PhD within a research centre your degree will be accredited by the partnering institution.

United Arab Emirates university cities

The United Arab Emirates is a federation made up of seven Emirates. All feature several higher education institutes and research facilities.

The United Arab Emirates main university cities include: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman.

Graduate research scholarship and fellowship for international PhD students

Some UAE universities may offer scholarships and fellowships specific to international students.

A typical scholarship includes a number of benefits, but most are subject to certain requirements you must meet during your PhD studies:

• Living costs paid - you will receive a monthly stipend, medical insurance and a housing allowance
• University costs covered - the scholarship covers the cost of full tuition and research support for consumables and conferences
• Requirements - you must spend a minimum of 20-hours a week with your supervisor, present your research outcomes, publish 2 papers and have no other work duties

A studentship has fewer benefits than the scholarship, it will only cover your full tuition costs and medical insurance. In turn, it is subject to fewer requirements: You must spend a minimum of 10-hours a week with your supervisor, present your research outcomes and publish 1 paper.

You should apply for the scholarships directly on the university’s website and deadlines are typically the same as for the graduate programmes.

Admission requirements

Different institutions will have their own requirements and minimum grades for admission to their programmes, but there are a couple of key things most will require:

• A Masters degree - you must hold a Masters degree from a university recognised by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education. Typically, a minimum GPA 3.3/4.0 (63% in UK Masters/pass in MPhil) or equivalent is required
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) - this is a standardised test that all applicants must complete prior to applying for the programme. Each institution/department sets its own requirements for the minimum GRE score.
• Research proposal - this will be a short summary of the project you want to do, including aims, hypothesis and research methods.

Some universities will also require you to submit a statement of purpose; including your specific plans and goals that you hope to achieve from the programme.

Language requirements

Some PhD programmes for international students are taught in Arabic and others are taught in English. Depending on the programme you choose there may be a language requirement.

Usually private institutions will teach in English. Public universities are more likely to teach in Arabic and require students to be fluent in this language (and potentially English too).

If you have completed a Masters/Bachelors taught in English, you may not need to complete an English language test. Otherwise, commonly accepted scores include:

• International English language Testing System (IELTS ) - Score of 6.5 or higher where the course is taught in English, or dissertation is submitted in English. Score of 5.0 or equivalent for courses taught in Arabic.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - A score of 91 or equivalent in the internet based TOEFL test for courses taught in English.

If you do not reach the language entry requirements contact the university directly, as they do sometimes admit students during clearing with lower scores.

Application process

In the UAE, students are required do research about the PhD project and email a prospective supervisor to discuss their research before filling out applications.

Following this there are several steps you must complete:

• Complete the application form - this is typically online, through the university's own webpage
• Provide academic transcripts - two copies of your full academic transcripts, available from your university and college
• Provide references - two recommendation letters from professionals who have taught/worked with you
• Provide proof of funds - evidence of your scholarship, or that you have sufficient funds. They will need to see that you can afford both tuition fees and living costs
• Pay the application fee - this varies but is typically AED 200-420 (USD $55-115)
• Other - you must submit an up to date CV, a copy of your passport and a passport style photograph

All applications must be reviewed and recommended for admission or rejection by the academic department; and reviewed and endorsed by the Doctoral Study Committee.

Interviews

Some universities may wish to discuss your application with you; if this is the case they may ask you for an interview. They probably won’t expect you to fly over to the UAE for an hour, these will usually be conducted through a web-chat or video-conferencing channel.

All international students will be required to obtain a student residence visa, except those from the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries : Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE.

For a student residence visa, full-time students must be sponsored by the university they are attending – not all institutions offer this. Your university will start the visa application process as soon as you are admitted on to the programme as they take 2-5 weeks to process.

The fees required for a student visa in the United Arab Emirates can vary depending on whether you are applying for a new visa (normal or express), a visa renewal or a visa cancellation. A normal visa (not express) applied for outside of UAE includes a refundable deposit of approximately AED 5560, a visa fee of AED 850-1400 and health insurance fee of AED 800. This comes to an approximate total of AED 7000-8000 (USD $1905-2178).

To apply for a visa you must submit the following documents:

• An original and photocopy of your passport with 6-months validity and passport photos
• Your university acceptance letter, a bank statement showing proof of funds and your tenancy agreement/university accommodation letter
• A medical test conducted at an UAE authorised medical centre and possible a security check to make sure you are not a threat to UAE security

Student resident permit visas are only valid for 12-months and have to be renewed for each year of study. Renewal typically costs 550 AED (USD $150).

Working in the UAE as an international PhD student

Under a new Federal Law, international students studying in the UAE are permitted to work part-time alongside their studies.

You are allowed to apply for unpaid internships or paid placements in addition to part-time work. However, for any paid work you must have university sponsorship and obtain a working permit from the UAE Labor department.

For any off-campus work you must obtain permission from your institution.

Health insurance

It is required that you obtain health insurance in your own country prior to arriving in the UAE. Ensure this insurance covers the entirety of your stay.

Next steps

As you can see there are many things to do in the UAE, with seven emirates to visit, a diverse culture and excellent research facilities. All of this means you will certainly enjoy your PhD experience studying there, but what can you do next?

Can I work in the UAE after my PhD?

The UAE encourages international students to remain in the UAE after graduation.

With the accessibility of working visas and permits, large trade centres and a thriving business and economy sector, it isn’t surprising that 85% of the UAE population are internationals.

Once you’ve completed your PhD you must secure a job in order to procure a working visa. Following this, your employer must obtain a work permit for you from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Your employer (sponsoring company) arranges for: medical testing, a UAE Resident Identity (Emirates ID) Card, Labour Card and stamp of the work residency permit on your passport (within 60 days). After these are completed you can sponsor family members and bring them into the country.

UAE laws and cultural expectations for international students

The UAE is a respectable, beautiful and popular destination and you will definitely enjoy your time there.

To make your PhD study abroad experience easier there are a number of laws and customs you must respect:

• Zero tolerance of drink and drug driving
• You must have a specific license to consume alcohol
• It is illegal to have relationships outside marriage
• Women must dress comfortably but modestly when out in public

Your university’s international office should be able to advice you if you have any questions about customs and cultural expectations whilst studying in the UAE.

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