Admission
to universities in Dubai

We'll explain how the system works, which universities to consider and when to apply — so you don't miss a single opportunity

Why study in Dubai?

I

World-class education

Branch campuses of leading British, Australian and other international universities, with programmes recognised worldwide
I
II

English-taught programmes

Most programmes are taught in English, and degrees are recognised by employers and universities worldwide
II
III

Flexible admissions

Unlike the rigid deadlines in Europe and the USA, many universities admit students year-round
III
IV

An international environment

Students from 100+ countries make it easier to settle in and build global communication skills
IV
V

Career opportunities

Dubai is a major international hub with plenty of internships and graduate jobs
V

Prestigious universities,
annual tuition fees

68,500 — 82, 500 DH

Heriot-Watt University Dubai

A British university with strong engineering, business and architecture programmes
I want to study here
I want to study here
80,000 — 110,000 DH

University of Birmingham Dubai

A top British university with a campus in Dubai's Academic City, known for IT, economics and law
I want to study here
I want to study here
60, 429 DH

University of Wollongong Dubai

An Australian university with solid academics and strong industry links
I want to study here
I want to study here
63, 000 DH

Middlesex University Dubai

A great fit for students interested in business, law and the creative industries
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I want to study here
65 ,000 — 75,000 DH

Canadian University Dubai

Canadian programmes with the option to transfer to Canada
I want to study here
I want to study here

Alpha Capital Education study abroad experts

Alpha Capital Education
admissions experts

We prepare you for entrance exams and admissions interviews and help you write a compelling personal statement

Rachel

Graduate of The Wharton School, Univ. of Pennsylvania — economics

Wall Street banker

Profile
admission to US schools and top universities
Superpower
building standout application profiles
knows every standard and requirement inside out (an alumni interviewer for the University of Pennsylvania)
Consultation with an expert
Consultation with an expert

Dmitry

Graduate of Imperial College London in Medicine and Surgery

Chief Medical Information Officer in the NHS in England

Profile
admission to medicine and the sciences
Superpower
detailed preparation for real interview questions and targeted exam preparation
Consultation with an expert
Consultation with an expert

Svetlana

Graduate of Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London

A mentor with a successful career in interior design

Profile
admission to all creative courses (architecture, design, fashion, advertising and more)
Superpower
a unique method for building portfolios and writing compelling personal statements
Consultation with an expert
Consultation with an expert

Dilya

Graduate of London College of Communication, University of the Arts London

Head of Alpha Capital Education

Profile
admission from nursery to university in the UK, Switzerland and Dubai
Superpower
a creative, individual approach
a multicultural perspective
in-depth knowledge of what top schools and universities expect
Consultation with an expert
Consultation with an expert

Our approach

No agency commissions

We give you a shortlist of every school and university that genuinely fits your strategy and goals

A strategy built around your child

We don't make your child fit the system — we build the admissions plan around their character, strengths and potential

We help your child make friends

We introduce our students to one another, share contacts with parents' consent and create a supportive, safe community

We assess
your profile

Step one — an academic assessment against the target country's curriculum, plus an in-depth look at the goals, mindset and needs of the student and family
Timing: 18–24 months before the course starts
I

We create a personalised admissions strategy

Based on the assessment, we shortlist every suitable school and university and build a personal application strategy around your child's level, deadlines and entry requirements
Timing: 18–24 months before the course starts
II

We build academic foundations and prepare for exams

Every institution has its own requirements: IELTS / TOEFL, SAT / ACT, UCAT, LNAT, entrance tests, essays and interviews. Our tutors will prepare your child to succeed
Timing: 18–24 months before the course starts
III

We gather the documents and build a strong portfolio

Applications require school reports, references, personal statements, a CV and a portfolio. We gather the documents and sharpen the portfolio, the story and the applicant's strengths
Timing: 18–24 months before the course starts
IV

We submit applications on time and error-free

Each country has its own application system: UCAS, Common App or direct applications. We handle registration, complete the forms, submit everything correctly and keep track of every deadline
Timing: 12–18 months before the course starts
V

Exams and offers

Where possible, exams are taken remotely. Once offers arrive, we compare them and their conditions and help you choose the best fit
Timing: 9–12 months before the course starts
VI

Visa and relocation

You get step-by-step guidance, a check of every form and help with practical matters (documents, CAS or I-20, proof of funds, application forms…)
Timing: 3–6 months before the course starts
VII

Support while settling in and throughout studies

We help your child settle into their new academic environment, arrange guardianship if needed and advise on studies, daily life and living in a new country
Timing: tailored to you
VIII

Full support for the whole family

We handle everything in parallel, so you can plan your time and resources calmly and systematically — whether you have several children or need additional services
Timing: tailored to you
IX

Student stories

300+ students are already successfully following their educational strategy abroad

Roman got into the University of Oxford

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Nadezhda's son got into Oxford, and two more of her children into English schools

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Dariga got into
Central Saint Martins

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Children who got into King's College London and Berkeley

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Alisa's daughter got into Central Saint Martins to study fashion

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Nina got into Collège du Léman

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Janetta's son spent his holidays at summer camps

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Tamila got into University of the Arts London

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Dariga got into UCL School of Management

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Assel got into
University of the Arts London

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Safiya got into one
of England's top 10 schools

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Ekaterina's sons
got into one of the UK's top 10 schools

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Munisa got into one of the UK's top 10 schools

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Sanzhar spent the summer at camps arranged by Alpha Capital Education

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Nikhad got into Glion Institute of Higher Education

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We don't take commissions from schools or universities, so our advice is always objective

Consultations are led by specialists with 15 years' experience in top university admissions

Paid consultation

We don't take commissions from schools or universities, so our advice is always objective and honest

Free consultation on studying in Dubai

Free admissions consultation

Your questions, answered

Compare studying
at universities in Dubai and the UK

Aspect

Dubai
UK
Structure of study

Universities are either local or branch campuses of international institutions. British branches offer early specialisation; American ones let you choose a major later

Focus on one subject: specialisation from the first year

Duration

Usually 3–4 years, depending on the university and system (British — 3, American — 4)

3 years (4 in Scotland), with no general education subjects

Skills development

Strong emphasis on an international environment, practical experience and career prospects, with close links to regional businesses

Academic depth in the chosen field, less interdisciplinarity

Aspect

Dubai
UK
Applications

No single system; you apply directly to the university. Requirements vary (school certificate, IELTS/TOEFL, personal statement)

One application and one personal statement via UCAS for up to 5 universities

Flexibility

Transfers between universities and international branch campuses are possible

Grades are decisive; switching subject after applying is very difficult

Requirements

School certificate, IELTS/TOEFL, sometimes the SAT or internal tests

The main emphasis is on academic performance

Offers

Quick decisions; offers may be unconditional or conditional

Mostly conditional offers, based on final exam results

Aspect

Dubai
UK
Tuition fees

More expensive than in England (around $ 15–30k a year), depending on the university

Cheaper overall, thanks to shorter courses

Financial aid

Universities offer scholarships and discounts, but they are limited and depend on academic performance

Few scholarships for international students

Additional costs

A high cost of living, especially rent and healthcare; insurance is compulsory

Expensive housing, especially in London, but healthcare is cheaper than in Dubai



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PRIME MENTORS LIMITED
Alpha Capital Education is a trading name for Prime Mentors Limited
Company number: 15962143
Registered office address:
2 104 Greencroft Gardens, London, United Kingdom, NW6 3PH