The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to a diverse and internationally oriented student population, many of whom choose the UK for higher education. UK universities are attractive to students in the UAE because of their academic reputation, global employability, varied course options, and recognised qualifications across undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels.
However, the UK admissions and visa process involves understanding how UAE qualifications are assessed, how English language requirements apply, and what is required for a successful UK Student visa application. Entry routes, documentation, and financial evidence requirements can vary depending on your academic background, course level, and chosen university.
This guide is written specifically for students in the UAE who are planning to study in the UK. It brings together key information to help you understand the study pathways available, what UK universities typically expect from UAE applicants, and how to prepare confidently for each stage of the application and visa process.
In this guide, you’ll find:
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Academic entry requirements for students in the UAE
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English language requirements and accepted UAE qualifications
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Required documents, financial, and medical requirements
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Typical tuition fees and living costs in the UK
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The UK Student visa process for applicants from the UAE
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Frequently asked questions from UAE students
Whether you are exploring course options, comparing entry pathways, or preparing your visa documentation, this guide is designed to provide clear, practical information to support informed decision-making when studying in the UK from the UAE.
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Entry Requirements for Students in the United Arab Emirates
Academic Entry Requirements
Academic entry requirements for students in the United Arab Emirates vary depending on the qualification studied, the course level, and the UK university. Applications are assessed based on overall grades or GPA, subject relevance, and the suitability of the qualification for UK degree study.
Because students in the UAE follow a wide range of curricula, including local and international systems, entry routes can differ significantly.
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Study
Direct Entry to Year 1
Students may be considered for direct entry to the first year of a UK Bachelor’s degree if they have completed internationally recognised qualifications such as:
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A levels, meeting the course-specific grade requirements
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International Baccalaureate (IB), typically requiring around 24–31 points, depending on the course
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US High School Diploma, in some cases supported by Advanced Placement (AP) subjects with strong grades
Subject-specific requirements often apply, particularly for competitive courses such as Science, Engineering, or Health-related degrees.
Foundation and Pathway Programmes
Foundation programmes are the most common undergraduate entry route for students who have completed the UAE Secondary School Certificate (Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama / Tawjihi).
Due to differences between the UAE and UK education systems, most UK universities require students with this qualification to complete a recognised international foundation programme before progressing to a Bachelor’s degree.
Foundation entry is typically based on:
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Overall grades achieved in the UAE Secondary School Certificate
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Performance in relevant subjects, particularly Mathematics and Science for technical degrees
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The intended undergraduate course
Students with strong academic results may be considered for integrated foundation programmes, especially in Science, Engineering, and Technology-related subjects, where higher subject-specific grades are often required.
Foundation programmes may be delivered:
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Directly by UK universities, or
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Through approved international pathway providers
Successful completion of a foundation programme allows progression to a UK undergraduate degree, subject to meeting progression criteria.
Advanced or Transfer Entry
Some universities may consider students for advanced entry if they have completed:
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A Higher National Diploma (HND)
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A Higher Colleges of Technology Diploma or Advanced Diploma
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One or more years of study at a recognised UAE institution
Advanced entry decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and depend on:
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Subject alignment with the UK degree
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Academic performance or GPA
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Detailed academic transcripts
Students may be considered for Year 1, Year 2, or final-year (top-up) entry, depending on the qualification and course.
Postgraduate (Master’s) Study
To apply for a taught Master’s degree, students from the UAE are generally required to have:
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A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised UAE university
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A minimum percentage or GPA, which typically varies by course and institution
Typical expectations across UK universities include:
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Around 2.5–2.7 GPA or equivalent for many Master’s programmes
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Higher requirements for competitive or academically demanding courses
Some postgraduate programmes may also require:
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Relevant academic background
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Prior subject knowledge
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Work experience, particularly for professionally focused courses
If standard entry requirements are not met, a pre-Master’s programme may be offered as an alternative pathway.
Doctoral (PhD) and Research Degrees
For PhD or research-based programmes, universities typically require:
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A strong Master’s degree from a recognised university
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A research proposal aligned with the university’s academic expertise
Postgraduate research degrees are individually supervised, and applicants are usually encouraged to contact a potential supervisor or academic department before submitting a formal application.
Important to Note
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Entry requirements vary by course, university, and intake
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Meeting minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission
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Applications are assessed individually, taking the student’s full academic profile into account
English Language Requirements
UK universities require international students, including those applying from the United Arab Emirates, to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language proficiency as part of the application process. English ability is assessed by the university and confirmed before a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is issued.
Minimum English Level for a UK Student Visa
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) sets a minimum English language level (commonly referred to as B2) for UK Student visa purposes. In practice, most UK universities set higher English requirements, depending on:
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The university
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The specific course
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The level of study
English requirements are determined at course level, not by nationality.
Accepted English Language Qualifications
UK universities commonly accept a range of English language qualifications, including:
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IELTS (Academic or UKVI, depending on the course)
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TOEFL iBT
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PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI
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IGCSE or O-level English (at specified grades)
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International Baccalaureate English (Language or Language & Literature), at higher grades
The exact score or grade required varies by university and course.
Course-Specific English Requirements
English language requirements can differ significantly by subject area. For example:
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Courses in Medicine, Health, Law, Education, or research-focused programmes often require higher English scores
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Some postgraduate courses may show flexibility when supported by strong academic performance
Universities assess English ability in relation to the academic demands of the course, rather than applying a single standard across all programmes.
Conditional Offers and English Preparation
Many UK universities issue conditional offers, allowing students time to meet the English language requirement before the course start date.
If your current English level is below the required standard, you may be offered:
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A pre-sessional English course, or
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An integrated English and academic pathway programme
These options allow students to improve their English while preparing for academic study in the UK.
Important to Note
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Accepted English tests and minimum scores vary by university and course
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Meeting the minimum English requirement does not guarantee admission
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Students should always check the course-specific English language requirements before applying
Required Documents, Financial Evidence & Medical Requirements
Key Documents Needed for University Applications
In addition to academic and English language requirements, students from the UAE must prepare a set of documents that will be used by both the university and, eventually, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as part of the visa application.
Most UK universities ask for:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency
- A current passport or national ID
- A personal statement
- References or letters of recommendation (where required)
These documents help universities assess your application and issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) once you meet their requirements.
For a complete and up-to-date list of required documents, refer to our UK Student Visa Documents Checklist
Financial Evidence for Visa Purposes
To apply for a UK Student visa, students are normally required to show that they have enough funds to cover tuition fees and living costs. However, UAE nationals benefit from the UK’s “differential evidence requirement.”
What This Means for Students from the UAE
If you are a UAE national, you are not usually required to submit financial evidence (such as bank statements) with your UK Student visa application.
This includes evidence for:
- Tuition fees
- Living costs for the first year of study
The UAE is listed by the UK Government as a country under the differential evidence requirement.
Important to Note
- You must still meet the financial requirement, even if you are not asked to provide documents at the time of application
- UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may request financial evidence later in some cases
- Students should ensure funds are genuinely available before applying
If your application is selected for further checks, you may be asked to provide:
- Bank statements
- Sponsorship letters (if applicable)
- Scholarship confirmation (if applicable)
Because requirements can change, students are advised to check the latest guidance on the official UK Government website before submitting their visa application.
Medical Requirements
Some UK visa applicants must take a tuberculosis (TB) test before their application if they have lived in certain countries for six months or more. The UK Government publishes a list of these countries on the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.
The UAE is currently not on the list of countries that require a TB test certificate for a UK student visa. This means that most students from the UAE will not need to provide a TB test as part of their student visa application. However, healthcare requirements and public health screening may still apply once you arrive in the UK as part of the university’s enrolment or NHS guidelines.
If you have lived in another country that is on the UKVI TB list for six months or more within the 12 months before applying, you may need to provide a TB certificate from an approved clinic. In that case, you should check the official UK Government guidance for the latest requirements.
Not sure if you meet the UK entry or visa requirements?
We review your qualifications, English level, and funding before you apply.
Typical tuition fees and living costs (2026)
The cost of studying in the UK for UAE students depends on the level of study, the course, and the university location. Fees and living costs vary significantly between institutions and cities, so it is important to plan your budget early.
Tuition Fees
Typical annual tuition fees for international students are:
- Undergraduate degrees: usually range from £11,000 to £25,000 per year
- Postgraduate taught degrees: typically range from £12,000 to £30,000 per year
Specialist courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, or laboratory-based programmes often have higher tuition fees.
If you are considering more affordable options, see our guide: Cheapest UK Universities for International Students (2026)
Living Costs
Living costs depend largely on where you choose to study.
- London: living costs are higher, typically around £1,300–£1,500 per month, mainly due to accommodation and transport
- Outside London: generally more affordable, with average living costs of around £1,000–£1,200 per month
Living costs usually include accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. Universities provide estimated budgets to help students plan realistically.
Other Costs to Consider
In addition to tuition and living expenses, students from the UAE should also budget for:
- Visa application fees
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Course materials and equipment
- Travel and initial settlement costs
Planning for these costs in advance helps avoid financial pressure after arrival.
The UK Student Visa Process for Students in the UAE
Below is an overview of the key stages involved in studying in the UK and how Atava supports students in the UAE throughout the university application and visa process.
Atava’s Membership in the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce
Atava Education & Training is a member of the Arab‑British Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), a long-established, non-political membership organisation that promotes trade, investment, and professional cooperation between the United Kingdom and Arab countries.
This membership reflects Atava’s engagement with UK-Arab professional networks and its commitment to supporting students and families from the Arab region who are exploring UK education opportunities. Through its association with the ABCC, Atava aligns itself with a wider community of organisations involved in UK-Arab collaboration, reinforcing trust, transparency, and long-term cross-border engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should students in the UAE start applying to UK universities?
There is no fixed deadline, but students applying from the UAE are generally advised to start preparing 6–9 months before their intended intake. This allows enough time for course research, applications, meeting offer conditions, CAS issuance, and visa preparation.
Which intakes are available for students applying from the UAE?
Most UK universities offer September and January intakes, with a smaller number of courses available in May, depending on the university and subject area. September remains the most widely available intake.
Can students apply to UK universities from the UAE using different school systems?
Yes. UK universities regularly assess applications from students studying under a range of curricula in the UAE, including:
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UAE Secondary School Certificate (Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama / Tawjihi)
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A levels
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International Baccalaureate (IB)
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American High School Diploma
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Other recognised international qualifications
Entry requirements are assessed based on the qualification type, grades, subjects studied, and the chosen course.
Is IELTS compulsory for students applying from the UAE?
Not always. While IELTS is widely accepted, some universities may also accept:
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IGCSE or O-level English (at specified grades)
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International Baccalaureate English
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Other recognised English language qualifications
English requirements are set by the university and course, so students should always check the course-specific criteria.
Do students applying from the UAE need to show bank statements for a UK Student visa?
In most cases, UAE nationals fall under the UK’s differential evidence requirement, meaning financial documents such as bank statements are not usually required at the time of visa application.
However:
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Students must still meet the financial requirement
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UKVI may request evidence in some cases
Students are advised to ensure funds are genuinely available before applying.
Do students applying from the UAE need a TB test for a UK Student visa?
No. The UAE is not on the UK Government’s list of countries that require a TB test for UK visa applications.
However, if a student has lived in another country that is on the TB list for six months or more within the relevant period, a TB test may still be required. Students should always check the latest UKVI guidance before applying.
Can students work while studying in the UK?
Most students on a UK Student visa are allowed to work:
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Up to 20 hours per week during term time, and
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Full-time during official university holidays,
subject to the conditions stated on their visa.
Can students bring family members to the UK?
Eligibility to bring dependants depends on the level and duration of the course and current UK visa rules. Dependants must meet separate visa and financial requirements, and eligibility is not automatic.
How long does the UK Student visa process take?
Once a complete application is submitted:
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Applications made outside the UK are usually decided within around 3 weeks
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Applications made inside the UK can take up to 8 weeks
Processing times may be longer during busy periods.
Are government-funded scholarships available for students from the UAE?
Some students studying in the UAE may explore government or employer-sponsored scholarships, depending on nationality, eligibility criteria, approved courses, and institutions. Scholarship availability and conditions are determined by the sponsoring authority and can change from year to year.
Students should always check official scholarship portals for the most up-to-date information.
Planning to study in the UK from the UAE?
We support you from course selection to visa approval and post-arrival in the UK.
