Study in Abu Dhabi

A multicultural city

The city is known for being extremely diverse, with 46 percent of its student population coming from outside the UAE. 

Home to plenty of leading universities

In addition to the two local universities, Abu Dhabi also contains several branch campuses from top ranking international universities.

It’s surprisingly affordable

For a country renowned with luxury, you might be surprised to learn how well the city ranks for affordability compared to other study destinations.

Stunning landscape

Magnificent skyscrapers overlook a stunning coastline in Abu Dhabi, combining to make an enviable backdrop.

Abu Dhabi is more affordable than you might expect. This is due to Abu Dhabi’s surprisingly modest cost of living and low tuition fees in comparison to other student cities.

Numbeo estimates that a single person living in Abu Dhabi will need around 2,990AED (approx. US$813) per month, in addition to 4,630AED (approx. US$1,260) for rent in a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. Rent in Abu Dhabi is approximately 13 percent lower than in Dubai.

Tuition fees in the city are also lower than student cities in countries such as the UK and the US. Tuition fees in Abu Dhabi cost an average of US$23,000 per year for international students.

Tourists flock to Abu Dhabi to visit its skyscrapers, malls and world class hotels, but there’s so much more to the city. Abu Dhabi’s exciting and diverse culture is combined with ancient traditions, culture and history, making the city completely unique.

There’s also an abundance of breathtaking architecture to explore in your spare time, with the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the largest in the country, a particular must-see.

As well as its affordability, one of the most appealing aspects of life in Abu Dhabi is its multiculturalism – Emirati citizens represent 20 percent of the city’s population, with people from other, diverse nationalities making up the remaining 80 percent. And of its student population, almost half (46 percent) come from outside the UAE.

If you want to study in Abu Dhabi, it’s important to remember that the UAE is a Muslim country, and you should be respectful of local laws and customs at all times.

Abu Dhabi is generally slightly more conservative than Dubai, so it’s advisable to cover up with long, loose clothing – this will also help with the heat! You should be especially respectful during Ramadan and when visiting religious sites.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have both been rated among the best places to live in the Middle East, thanks to the vibrant lifestyle of the UAE, the excellent job opportunities on offer due to the cities’ fast-growing economy, and high quality of living.

Major industries in Abu Dhabi include construction, retail, finance, manufacturing and business services. There are many international companies with branches located in the city, such as Samsung Electronics, Huawei, Boeing, BP and Etoile group.

Those working in Abu Dhabi work a maximum of eight hours per day as regulated by the UAE labor law. This is reduced by two hours per day during Ramadan.