There are three state-funded universities in the UAE:

• Higher Colleges of Technology;
• United Arab Emirates University;
• Zayed University.

There are over 50 private (licensed) universities in the UAE and since the federation formed in 1971 there have been measures to ensure education at all levels is available to all nationals.

Many universities from Europe, the USA and Asia have campuses in the UAE. The University of Bath - United Arab Emirates is one such university.

Many higher education institutions in the UAE are set in state-of-the-art buildings with equally impressive facilities and modern technology.

To study in the UAE, you will need:

• a Bachelors degree to study a postgraduate course;
• a Masters degree to study for a PhD;
• for all UK qualifications to be obtained from an accredited higher education institution.

International students need to have received a student visa before they start any course. Acceptance on to a university programme does not guarantee you a student visa.

Students are required to pay admission fees for all universities in the UAE, plus additional costs for applying and registering for courses.

It is a good idea to check with each institution you are applying to as fees will vary depending on the university and the course.

Courses in the UAE are assessed in semester credit hours with each course carrying a certain number of credits. These credits are awarded after the course has been successful completed. The costs of each credit hour changes depending on the course.

For example, A MSc in Electrical Engineering at the United Arab Emirates University will cost around £280 per one-credit hour with the complete programme totalling 30-credit hours. This equates to around £9,000 for a postgraduate programme at a state-funded university.

The MSc in Information Technology at Ajman University of Science and Technology costs £160 with the programmes total credit hours at 33.

There are funding options to support your study in the UAE. It is probably easier to secure funding from a UK organisation or university than from within the UAE as scholarships from UAE universities are often specifically for national school-leavers.

If you are studying at a UK university and planning a study period in the UAE, speak to your university regarding funding while you are away.

If you are applying to study at an institution in the UAE, you should contact them directly to discuss your funding options as an international student.

The Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) offers bank loans with reduced rates to students who are studying at the British University in Dubai (BUID).