Abu Dhabi is not only a prime spot to live and work in; it is also an excellent location to study in. International students get to immerse themselves in a multicultural environment on campus while at the same time enjoying several more perks compared to their counterparts studying elsewhere.
Benefits of moving to Abu Dhabi as an international student
Abu Dhabi enjoys continuous economic growth and political stability, which is why the government invites world-class educational institutions to set up branches in the capital. Such world-renowned universities are INSEAD, New York University, and Paris-Sorbonne. The top local universities that have been in existence for years and offer high-class education to their students are Zayed University and the United Arab Emirates University. Students who earn their diplomas in these ADEC-licensed foreign higher education systems are also recognized not only in the UAE but also in the institution's country of origin. This gives the graduates a competitive advantage over their counterparts all over the world.
The capital enjoys political and economic stability, giving students opportunities even after they have earned their diplomas. Student life in the capital will enable them to explore which path they want to take, as more doors are available for them to the world. Today, the government's Economic Vision 2030 wants to diversify Abu Dhabi's economy and steer away from depending solely on its oil and gas industry. This way, they can direct the economy into more sustainable and high-added-value sectors like healthcare, tourism, education, media, renewable energy, logistics, and aerospace.
Choosing to study in Abu Dhabi is not only an opportunity to tap into world-class education, but it also opens doors of opportunities to students who choose to. Learning will not only be inside the campus doors, but their experiences in the capital will give them lifelong experiences that will contribute to their personal and professional growth, too.
Student discounts in Abu Dhabi
Students have a lot of perks living in the UAE because of discounts available for them all year round. Below are some examples of discounts that can be availed in Abu Dhabi:
Studentcard.ae
Get the most out of your student status in the capital through the International Student Identity Card or ISIC, an international privilege and identity card for students, teachers and the youth. Perks come with great benefits for improving their everyday life while on a budget. Visit their website for more details and merchants who provide big discounts.
The student card can be ordered through their website for AED 120. You'll need to provide a passport photo, a copy of your ID, and a confirmation of student status.
Dubai's RTA discounts
Explore Dubai on weekends or free days with 50% discounted rates on public transportation for students using your personal NOL card issued by RTA.
Etihad Airways
Abu Dhabi's main airline offers regular student offers, making booking trips back home that much sweeter. Students can save up to 10% off Economy tickets and up to 5% off Business tickets. All you'll need to do is verify your student ID before booking.
Apple UAE student discounts
Enjoy the perks of being a new college student with Apple Education Pricing. Not only college students benefit, but also their parents (when buying on behalf of the student), faculty members, staff, and homeschool teachers for all grade levels as well.
Entertainer UAE
Entertainer UAE is one of the most popular 2-for-1 deals in the city. Almost all major restaurants and stores accept coupons that come in app form. You only need to purchase this app to avail of one year's worth of 2-for-1 deals.
Fazaa student discount card
Get incredible discounts on restaurants, travel, shopping, cinema, entertainment, libraries, and more with the Fazaa student discount card. The discounts come from over 1,600 brands all around the UAE. To get your own student card, visit the Fazaa Card Centres and present your student ID along with your Emirates ID.
Louvre Abu Dhabi student pass
Immerse yourself in the world of art with the Louvre Student Pass, giving you unlimited access to all of its collections and galleries for a whole year and more. The cost of the pass is AED 120 and can be purchased at the museum's Membership Desk.
The cost of living and studying in Abu Dhabi
Sample breakdown of average tuition fees (AED) for top universities as of December 2023 by Edarabia.com:
- Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) – 110,000 to 135,000;
- Abu Dhabi University – 22,862;
- AL HOSN University – 35,200 to 48,000;
- Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) – 75,600;
- Emirates Institute for Banking & Financial Studies (EIBFS) – 23,750 to 28,500;
- Fatima College of Health Sciences ' Abu Dhabi – 60,000;
- Lincoln University of Business Management – 41,800;
- MAK Institute – 15,000 to 35,000;
- Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi – 32,700 to 188,100;
- University of Strathclyde Business School, Abu Dhabi – 130,000;
- Zayed University, Abu Dhabi – 84,000 to 128,000.
Also, here is an example of New York University Abu Dhabi's breakdown of expenses for their students. This is based on the estimated cost of attendance for 2023–2024:
- Tuition – USD 60,438;
- Books and supplies – USD 1,730;
- Health insurance – USD 1,680;
- Room and board (meals) – USD 11,800;
- Estimated personal expenses (leisure) – USD 2,364;
- Estimated transport – USD 3,480;
- Total cost of attendance: USD 81,492 or AED 299,300.
Student accommodation in Abu Dhabi
You'll find that most universities in Abu Dhabi offer on-campus student accommodation. The cost of these will vary depending on your university and room of choice. Abu Dhabi University offers single occupancy with a private bathroom and kitchenette for AED 12,500 per semester or AED 9,200 if you're willing to share the amenities. New York University Abu Dhabi has student housing at a rate of USD 3,000 (or AED 11,000) and is included in the room and board costs previously mentioned. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has student rooms for AED 12,500 if you're paying per semester or AED 3,500 per month.
If you prefer to live off campus, you will need to look for properties on your own. You can do this through popular property listing websites such as Property Finder, Bayut, or Dubizzle.
Useful links:
Entertainer (for discount offers in the UAE)
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