Live. Thrive. Study In Abu Dhabi.
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As the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi combines tradition and modernity seamlessly. It’s home to globally ranked universities, advanced research centres, and strong ties to multinational industries.
Students here enjoy a supportive, secure environment with numerous scholarships and internship pathways that prepare them for global careers.
Abu Dhabi gives students a calm, enriching, and globally connected environment. It mixes world-class academics with rich culture and unmatched safety. The city blends modern learning with heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re studying at a top university or enjoying the local community, student life in Abu Dhabi feels balanced and meaningful. It's one of the best cities for students in the UAE, thanks to its world-class facilities and inclusive atmosphere.
Start your day in a tech-enabled classroom at universities like NYU Abu Dhabi or Khalifa University. These spaces promote collaboration and innovation. After class, enjoy a study break at Art House Café in Al Bateen or meet peers at Al Qana’s waterfront cafés. Many students like the calm vibe of the Corniche for group study or solo reflection. In Abu Dhabi, your days are productive and peaceful.
Abu Dhabi offers something for every interest. Attend global film screenings at Manarat Al Saadiyat, see art at Louvre Abu Dhabi, or explore live shows at Etihad Arena. Heritage lovers enjoy Qasr Al Hosn and traditional souks. On weekends, take a walk through Jubail Mangrove Park or watch the sunset at Saadiyat Beach. The city balances international appeal with Emirati roots, which makes it perfect for foreign students in Abu Dhabi seeking both learning and leisure.
Social circles in Abu Dhabi grow fast through university clubs, cultural exchanges, and innovation events. Join coding clubs at Hub71, attend youth forums at NYU Abu Dhabi, or pitch ideas at events hosted by Abu Dhabi Global Market. Universities in Abu Dhabi often host joint activities, from career fairs to film festivals. Friendships here go beyond borders, and every interaction helps you grow. The student lifestyle in Abu Dhabi is vibrant, friendly, and opportunity-filled.
Abu Dhabi offers a balanced lifestyle, modern, spacious, and less crowded than Dubai, with a range of affordable housing and transport options.
| Category | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | AED 2,000 – AED 3,800 |
| Food | AED 850 – AED 1,200 |
| Travel | AED 50 – AED 200 |
| Utilities | AED 500 – AED 800 |
Abu Dhabi provides high-quality education with global academic standards, supported by strong research, innovation, and government-backed scholarships.
| Course | Annual Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Engineering | AED 40,000 – AED 70,000 |
| Business Studies | AED 40,000 – AED 65,000 |
| Health Sciences | AED 80,000 – AED 200,000 |
| Humanities & Social Sciences | AED 40,000 – AED 55,000 |
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world, with a very low crime rate and strong public confidence in its law enforcement system.
The city is well known for its safe transport networks and secure public spaces, an advantage that international students often highlight when choosing Abu Dhabi as their study destination. It regularly appears in global safety rankings with scores higher than many major Western capitals, reflecting its robust security framework and community-oriented environment.The UAE overall has been ranked second worldwide for personal safety, and Abu Dhabi plays a leading role in maintaining that reputation through effective governance and advanced policing. Serious crimes are exceptionally rare, as the emirate invests heavily in surveillance technology, visible patrolling, and community policing to reassure both residents and students.
Top universities in Abu Dhabi prioritise student wellbeing by offering extensive support services that cover academic, medical, and emotional needs for both local and international learners. Most campuses maintain 24/7 security presence, dedicated medical clinics, and professional counselling teams to ensure that help is always available.
Wellbeing centres focus on academic stress, cultural adjustment, and emotional health, creating an environment where students feel guided and supported throughout their studies. Institutions such as NYU Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi provide direct access to licensed wellness professionals, pastoral care teams, and student development programmes.
Abu Dhabi is widely recognised as one of the most secure and welcoming global cities for women, combining cultural respect with strict enforcement of national laws.
Harassment and misconduct are treated with zero tolerance, supported by legal penalties that make public spaces safe and respectful for female residents and students.
Women-only housing facilities and dedicated transport options are widely available, offering additional reassurance to international students living away from home.
Female students frequently report feeling safe when commuting alone, walking in residential areas, or participating in late-night activities, which is a comfort rarely found in large global cities.
Abu Dhabi operates a highly efficient public safety system, ensuring rapid response and reliable support in all types of emergency situations.
The emergency hotline 999 provides direct access to police, ambulance, and fire services, with multilingual operators available around the clock.
The Abu Dhabi Police app allows students to report issues instantly, request urgent help, and receive real-time alerts through a user-friendly digital platform.
Smart surveillance systems and integrated monitoring technologies reinforce the emirate’s commitment to safety, keeping campuses, neighbourhoods, and public areas secure at all times.
Safety in Abu Dhabi means peace of mind, access to help, and a lifestyle built on mutual respect.
Getting around is easy and student-friendly.
Your student experience depends on where you live. We’ve mapped out Abu Dhabi's best student neighbourhoods based on budget, lifestyle, and proximity to your university.
Saadiyat Island - Home to NYU Abu Dhabi, beaches, and cultural hubs
Al Reem Island - High-rise comfort and study-friendly cafes
Al Bateen - Boutique living with walkable access to restaurants and parks
Mussafah - Budget-friendly housing with metro and bus access
Dubai allows international students to work part-time under specific conditions, helping them gain valuable study experience.
Dubai allows international students to work part-time under specific conditions, helping them gain valuable study experience.
Students enrolled in accredited universities in Dubai can apply for part-time work permits issued by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The permit is required for any legal off-campus employment.
Permitted students may work up to 15 hours per week during academic terms and up to 40 hours per week during breaks or holidays, depending on the employer and type of job.
Some universities offer on-campus roles such as library assistants, lab aides, event support, or student ambassadors. These positions are limited but can provide flexible hours and experience within the academic environment.
Part-time jobs for students are typically available in hospitality, retail, events, tech startups, and customer service sectors. English fluency is often a strong advantage.
Note: Students must obtain official approval before beginning any employment. Unauthorised work may affect visa status.
Universities in Abu Dhabi typically require:
Requirements may vary slightly depending on the university and program level.
After receiving your admission offer, the university will sponsor your visa. You must provide:
The process generally takes 2-4 weeks and is handled by the university’s student affairs department.
Yes, universities in Abu Dhabi widely accept CBSE, ICSE, and State Board results. For undergraduate admissions, students must have completed Grade 12, while postgraduate programs require a recognised bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Most universities accept IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE as proof of English proficiency.
Some institutions also accept students who studied in English-medium schools without IELTS, provided they meet specific internal assessment criteria.
Programs like medicine, engineering, or management may require entrance tests or interviews.
Abu Dhabi offers high-quality education and modern infrastructure, often with access to scholarships and instalment-based fee options.
Yes, many universities in Abu Dhabi offer merit-based, need-based, and national scholarships to study in Abu Dhabi.
Students with strong academic records, extracurricular achievements, or early applications may qualify for partial tuition waivers or financial aid.
Yes. Abu Dhabi’s universities promote a vibrant student life with clubs, cultural associations, and leadership programs.
There’s a large Indian and international student community that offers peer support, mentorship, and social networking opportunities.
Yes, international students studying in Abu Dhabi can work up to 15 hours a week during semesters and full-time during breaks, subject to university and visa regulations.
Work opportunities include internships, campus jobs, or roles in authorised free zones.
The university’s admissions team assists students throughout the process.
Health insurance is mandatory to study in Abu Dhabi.
Universities often include basic medical coverage in tuition fees, or students can opt for private insurance with more comprehensive benefits.
Abu Dhabi also has excellent healthcare facilities and emergency services for students.
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