Can Bangladeshi students get a UAE student visa?

Since 2024 the UAE has approved fewer visas for Bangladeshi citizens, and the rules have changed several times. Your university applies for the visa, so we confirm the current position with it before you pay any fees.

Is a degree from a Dubai campus the same as from the home campus?

At branch campuses such as Birmingham, Heriot-Watt and Middlesex, you receive the same degree as students at the home campus. We check the accreditation of every programme we suggest.

Can I work in Dubai after I graduate?

Only with a job offer: your employer applies for an employment visa. Graduates with very high grades from eligible universities can apply for a ten-year Golden Visa.

Study destination

Study in Dubai

International branch campuses in a global business hub, a short flight from Bangladesh.

Book free counselling Call 01926 669 642

Main intakes: Sep, Jan
Bachelor’s: 3 to 4 years
Master’s: 1 to 2 years
English tests: IELTS, TOEFL

Why study in Dubai

Dubai is home to branch campuses of universities from the UK, Australia and elsewhere, which award the same degrees as their home campuses. Programmes are taught in English, most campuses take students twice a year, and the city is a short flight from Dhaka.

UK and Australian degrees
Branch campuses such as Birmingham, Heriot-Watt and Wollongong award the same degree as their home university.
Taught in English
Every programme at the international campuses is taught in English, and English is widely used across the city.
A global business hub
Internships and part-time roles in business, logistics, finance and hospitality, with employers from around the world.
Close to home
About five hours from Dhaka, with a large South Asian community.

Universities

Leading universities in Dubai, with what each is known for
University	Known for
University of Birmingham DubaiDubai International Academic City	Business, computer science, engineering
Heriot-Watt University DubaiDubai International Academic City	Engineering, business
Middlesex University DubaiDubai Knowledge Park	Business, IT, media
University of Wollongong in DubaiDubai Knowledge Park	Business, IT, engineering
Rochester Institute of Technology DubaiDubai Silicon Oasis	Engineering, computing

Also on our list

American University in Dubai
Amity University Dubai
Canadian University Dubai
Curtin University Dubai
De Montfort University Dubai
Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai
Murdoch University Dubai
University of Dubai

Intakes and deadlines

September
Classes start
September
Apply
February to July
The main intake, with every programme.
January
Classes start
January
Apply
August to November
Most branch campuses also start programmes in January.

Tuition and living costs

Typical figures for international students. Fees and visa amounts change every year, so a counsellor confirms the current figures for your course.

Bachelor’s tuitionAt branch campuses of UK and Australian universities.: AED 50,000 to 100,000 a year
Master’s tuitionFor the whole programme.: AED 60,000 to 130,000
Living costsIncluding rent in shared accommodation.: AED 3,500 to 6,000 a month

Entry requirements

English
- IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5 for most programmes
- TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic accepted by many universities
Academic
- Bachelor’s: HSC or equivalent; some universities ask for a foundation year first
- Master’s: a relevant bachelor’s degree
Student visa
- An offer and tuition payment, as the university sponsors the visa
- A medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics after you arrive
- Health insurance for the length of the visa

How to apply, step by step

01
Choose a university
Check it is licensed or accredited by the education authorities in Dubai or the UAE.
02
Take an English test
IELTS Academic, or another test your university accepts.
03
Apply and receive an offer
Send your certificates, transcripts and a copy of your passport.
04
Pay the deposit and visa fees
Your university then applies for your entry permit.
05
Travel on your entry permit
Book your flight once the university sends the permit.
06
Complete your residence visa
A medical test and Emirates ID biometrics in Dubai, then a one-year visa that is renewed each year.

Student residence visa

Your university sponsors the visa and applies for it on your behalf. You enter on an entry permit, complete a medical test and Emirates ID biometrics, and receive a one-year residence visa, renewed each year of your course.

Visa and processing feesSet by each university. Many also hold a refundable deposit.: AED 3,000 to 6,000
Processing timeApplications from Bangladeshi citizens currently face extra checks.: Varies

Documents you need

Passport valid for at least six months
Offer letter
Proof of tuition payment
Academic certificates and transcripts
English test result
Passport photos
Health insurance

Working during and after study

While you study
Part-time work and internships with a permit, which the employer applies for. Hours are limited during term.
After you graduate
There is no general post-study visa. To stay, you need a job offer and an employment visa; graduates with very high grades can apply for a long-term Golden Visa.