Studying abroad in Dubai is an exciting opportunity. You will immerse yourself in new cultures, meet other international students from around the world, and gain lots of new knowledge and skills. Murdoch University Dubai – a branch campus of Murdoch University in Perth (AUS) – is one of our new destinations for studying abroad for one or two semesters. Dubai is known for its impressive skyline, diverse culture, and its flourishing economy. Due to its many possibilities and opportunities, Dubai has become a popular hub for international students. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to get a clear picture of the costs involved in studying in Dubai.
In this blog post, we will break down all the expenses that you will face when studying abroad in Dubai. From tuition fees to daily living costs, we will expose everything you need to know to help you plan your budget and make the most of your time in this exciting city.
1. Tuition Fees: The Big One
Let’s begin with the most obvious cost – tuition fees. The selection of universities in Dubai is big and often the tuition fees come as a negative surprise. However, by choosing to study in Dubai with Asia Exchange you will get the most affordable tuition fees. Together with our partner Murdoch University Dubai we offer a 15-35% scholarship on your tuition fees exclusively for Asia Exchange students. The tuition fee and the scholarship depend on the program that you choose and its duration, as shown in the table below.
| Program and Duration | 25% Scholarship 3 Credits |
25% Scholarship 6 Credits |
25% Scholarship 9 Credits |
25% Scholarship 12 Credits |
| Study Abroad UG | 1.498 USD approx.: 1.427 EUR |
2.997 USD approx.: 2.855 EUR |
4.496 USD approx.: 4.284 EUR |
5.995 USD approx.: 5.712 EUR |
| Study Abroad PG | 1.528 USD Approx.: 1.456 EUR |
3.056 USD approx.: 2.913 EUR |
4.584 USD approx.: 4.369 EUR |
6.112 USD approx.: 5.826 EUR |
| Program and Duration | Tuition Fees | 15% Scholarship | 25% Scholarship | 35% Scholarship |
| MBA (1 year) | 24.250 USD approx.: 23.112 EUR |
– | 18.190 USD approx.: 17.336 EUR |
15.765 USD approx.: 15.025 EUR |
For additional financial support, be sure to check out any scholarships or financial aid options, offered for example by your home university or your home country. Find more information about where to find scholarships and how to apply for them from our website.
2. Accommodation: Where Will You Live?
Next up, housing. Especially when studying abroad it is important to have a home where you feel comfortable in, since it is not only the place where you sleep and keep all your belongings, but can also function as a hideaway in case you need some alone time or peacefully contact your loved ones back in your home country. So, how do you find accommodation and how much does accommodation for a student in Dubai cost?
The price of accommodation in Dubai can vary depending on whether you choose to have a single room or a shared dorm room. Unfortunately, there is no student accommodation available directly through Murdoch University Dubai. However, there are plenty of student housing providers in Dubai, below we have listed three trustworthy ones. They all have been recommended by Murdoch University Dubai.
Yugo Dubailand
Yugo Dubailand offers spacious rooms, a fully furnished kitchen and lounge area for each apartment. There is 24/7 security staff present at the facility, and the floors for ladies and gents are segregated. Different housing options are offered, students get to choose between single and shared room.
Shared ensuite: starting from AED 3,150 (780 EUR) per month
Studio ensuite: starting from AED 5,500 (1350 EUR) per month
Find out more here.
The Myriad Dubai
The Myriad Dubai is a community living space exclusively for students, consisting of seven buildings. It includes sports facilities such as a gym and jogging track. On top of that residents profit from other benefits such as free wifi, laundry rooms, an outdoor amphitheater and even a rooftop swimming pool.
Shared ensuite: starting from AED 4,200 (1000 EUR) per month
Single ensuite: starting from AED 5,850 (1450 EUR) per month
Find out more here.
KSK Homes
KSK Homes is located inside Dubai Academic City. Featured communal lounges and study areas make living there enjoyable. Other nice extras include free wifi, a gym and a swimming pool.
Shared ensuite: AED 2,999 (740 EUR) per month
Single ensuite: AED 3,999 (990 EUR) per month
Find out more here.
3. Living Expenses: Everyday Costs in Dubai
While living in Dubai might seem expensive at first glance, there are definitely ways to make life more affordably if you’re mindful of your spending.
Food and Groceries:
If you love eating out, you’ll find a huge variety of dining options in Dubai, from street food to fine dining. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will typically cost between AED 50 to AED 150 (12 EUR to 40 EUR). If you’re more into casual or fast food, you can get a meal for AED 20 to AED 40 (5 EUR to 10 EUR).
If you’re more into cooking your own meals, groceries are fairly reasonably priced. A monthly grocery bill for one person can range from AED 800 to AED 1,500 (200 EUR to 370 EUR), depending on what you like to eat.
Transportation:
Getting around Dubai is easy thanks to its efficient public transportation system, including the Dubai Metro. A monthly metro pass will cost you around AED 300 to AED 400 (75 EUR to 100 EUR), which is pretty affordable if you’re staying in the city for a while.
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Careem are available, but they’re a bit pricier. A 10-minute taxi ride within the city might cost you around AED 25 to AED 40 (6 EUR to 10 EUR).
Utilities and Internet:
Utilities like electricity, water, and cooling for a typical apartment can cost between AED 500 and AED 1,000 per month (120 EUR to 240 EUR). High-speed internet is also essential for students and can cost anywhere between AED 300 to AED 600 per month (75 EUR to 150 EUR), depending on your package.
4. Entertainment and Leisure: Enjoying Dubai Without Breaking the Bank
Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, but don’t worry—you can still enjoy the city on a student budget. While there are high-end shopping malls, fancy restaurants, and extravagant attractions, there are also plenty of low-cost options to enjoy.
You can visit the beautiful public beaches, explore traditional markets (called souks), and discover the city’s rich cultural offerings, including museums and art galleries. Movie tickets, entry fees to museums, and other leisure activities typically cost between AED 50 to AED 100 (12 EUR to 25 EUR), depending on what you’re doing.
5. Other Miscellaneous Costs
Don’t forget about things like clothing, mobile phone bills, and study materials. Clothing prices in Dubai are similar to those in Western countries, and you can often find good deals during seasonal sales.
For your phone, a prepaid SIM card will usually cost between AED 100 and AED 300 (25 EUR to 75 EUR) per month, depending on your plan.
Final Thoughts: Budgeting for Studying Abroad in Dubai
Studying in Dubai can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to plan your finances carefully. By understanding the costs of tuition, accommodation, transportation, and everyday expenses, you can create a budget that ensures you’ll make the most of your time in this dynamic city.
Here is an overview of estimated monthly living costs for a student in Dubai (excluding tuition fees and free-time activities):
Rent: AED 3,500
Groceries: AED 1,000
Public transportation: AED 300
Utilities & internet: AED 900
SIM card: AED 200
Total: AED 5,000 (1,200 EUR)
Dubai might seem expensive at first, but there are plenty of ways to keep costs in check. Look into scholarships, consider shared accommodation, and take advantage of student discounts wherever you can.
With a little planning, studying abroad in Dubai can be a life-changing experience that’s as affordable as it is unforgettable. Ready to start your journey? You can still apply for Trimester 3 2025 until the 25th of July! More info here.
The post Breaking Down the Costs: What to Expect When Studying Abroad in Dubai appeared first on Asia Exchange.
Article source: https://asiaexchange.org/blogs/breaking-down-the-costs-what-to-expect-when-studying-abroad-in-dubai/
