Known as the cultural capital of the UAE, Sharjah offers a peaceful and affordable learning experience.
Its universities are known for academic rigour, family-friendly surroundings, and easy access to Dubai’s job market. Hence, studying in Sharjah is a preferred choice for students seeking a balance between focus, affordability, and opportunity.
Sharjah offers a peaceful and culturally rich environment for students. It is known for its academic excellence, creative spaces, and traditional values. The city blends learning with affordability, making it one of the best cities for students in the UAE. From global university campuses to art festivals, the student lifestyle in Sharjah is rooted in growth and connection.
Start your day at the University City of Sharjah, home to top institutions like the University of Sharjah and American University of Sharjah. These campuses are modern, spacious, and built to support academic collaboration. After classes, students relax at cafes in Muweileh or head to Al Majaz Waterfront for group discussions. A typical day offers balance—focused study and peaceful downtime in green, open spaces.
Sharjah is also known as the cultural capital of the UAE. It hosts events like the Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah Biennial, and the Light Festival. Students explore galleries at the Sharjah Art Foundation, visit the Museum of Islamic Civilisation, or spend evenings at Al Qasba with its cafés, cinemas, and water canal. These experiences make Sharjah a rich destination for foreign students, rich with local heritage and global engagement.
Students in Sharjah find strong community connections through clubs, group projects, and shared campus life. Events like TEDx AUS, inter-university competitions, and book clubs allow students to express ideas and build networks. Many live in shared accommodations near campus or university housing, which promotes deeper bonds. The student lifestyle in Sharjah is calm but deeply connected, perfect for those who want meaningful interactions in a focused environment.
Sharjah offers a comfortable yet affordable student lifestyle with easy access to Dubai, low housing costs, and family-friendly amenities.
| Category | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | AED 2,200 – AED 3,500 |
| Food | AED 750 – AED 1,200 |
| Travel | AED 150 – AED 300 |
| Utilities | AED 450 – AED 700 |
Sharjah combines academic excellence with affordability, making it a preferred choice for international students seeking value and quality.
| Course | Annual Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Engineering | AED 45,000 – AED 140,000 |
| Business Studies | AED 25,000 – AED 100,000 |
| Arts & Humanities | AED 30,000 – AED 75,000 |
| Information Technology | AED 80,000 – AED 100,000 |
Sharjah is widely recognised for its strong community-oriented environment, where low crime rates and visible security measures create a reassuring atmosphere for both residents and international students.
The emirate consistently benefits from the UAE’s national reputation for safety, with well-regulated public transport and urban areas offering a secure and dependable experience for those commuting daily.
Although not as heavily publicised as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Sharjah consistently maintains high safety rankings, with scores that exceed those of many large Western cities.
The UAE as a federation continues to rank among the safest countries globally, with Sharjah’s proactive law enforcement contributing significantly to this achievement.
Street crime and violent incidents remain exceptionally rare, as the emirate invests in community policing, surveillance technology, and visible patrolling to ensure public reassurance.
Universities in Sharjah prioritise the wellbeing of students by offering holistic support services that address academic, physical, and emotional needs throughout their time on campus.
Most campuses provide round-the-clock security coverage, on-site healthcare clinics, and licensed mental health professionals to guide students through challenges.
Dedicated student service centres focus on helping learners manage academic stress, adapt to cultural differences, and maintain overall wellness in a multicultural setting.
Institutions such as the American University of Sharjah and University of Sharjah provide extensive support through pastoral care teams, career counselling, and wellness programmes.
Sharjah is particularly respected for its cultural values and protective environment, which together foster a strong sense of safety for women in public and private spaces.
Harassment is treated as a serious offence under UAE law, with strict legal consequences and active enforcement discouraging misconduct in any form.
Women-only transport facilities, along with student housing designed exclusively for female residents, add further security and comfort for international learners.
Students frequently report that they feel secure walking in residential areas, commuting on public transport, and engaging in university activities even during late evening hours.
Sharjah maintains a comprehensive emergency response infrastructure that ensures immediate support is available in urgent situations for both citizens and students.
The national hotline 999 connects directly to police and ambulance services, with multilingual operators assisting callers in both Arabic and English.
The Sharjah Police app provides residents and students with tools to report issues, request urgent help, and receive safety alerts in real time.
Widespread CCTV networks and advanced monitoring systems across campuses and city neighbourhoods support the emirate’s commitment to maintaining a safe and reliable living environment.
“Safety in Sharjah means peace of mind, cultural respect, and strong community support.”
Students find it easy to move around Sharjah and travel to nearby Emirates.
Sharjah offers several neighbourhoods suited for students. Each has its own character, budget level, and campus access.
University City - Large academic hub with walkable access to multiple universities
Muweileh - Budget rentals, local eateries, and student hangouts
Al Majaz - Lakeside living and public parks
Al Qasba - Artistic area with events, theatres, and creative spaces
Each area features housing options, cafés, gyms, libraries, and proximity to top universities in Sharjah, helping both locals and foreign students in Sharjah find their ideal lifestyle match.
Sharjah allows international students to work part-time under specific conditions, enabling them to gain valuable professional experience while studying.
Students enrolled in accredited universities in Sharjah can apply for part-time work permits issued by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). While KHDA primarily oversees Dubai, MOHRE authorises work in other Emirates, including Sharjah. A valid permit is required for any legal off-campus employment.
Permitted students are allowed to work up to 15 hours per week during academic sessions. They can work up to 40 hours per week during semester breaks or holidays, depending on employer policy and job type.
Universities in Sharjah offer limited on-campus positions such as library assistants, research aides, IT support, event coordinators, or student ambassadors. These roles are designed to be flexible and contribute to academic and social development.
Part-time roles in Sharjah are commonly available in education services, retail, hospitality, media, and campus operations. Students with strong English communication or digital skills are in higher demand for customer service, tutoring, and marketing roles.
Note: Students must obtain official permission before starting any paid employment. Working without a valid permit could impact their visa status and future employment eligibility.
Universities in Sharjah generally require:
Requirements may vary slightly across programs and institutions
After securing admission, the university will act as your visa sponsor. You’ll need to submit:
The visa process takes about 2–3 weeks and is typically handled by the university’s international office.
Yes. Universities in Sharjah accept CBSE, ICSE, and State Board results from India. For undergraduate admissions, completion of Grade 12 is required; for postgraduate programs, a recognised bachelor’s degree is mandatory. Studying in Sharjah is quite easy if you have completed your eligible qualifications.
Most universities require IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores. Some institutions may exempt students who completed schooling in English or conduct internal placement tests for studying in Sharjah. Selective programs like engineering or medicine may have entrance assessments.
Sharjah offers quality education at lower costs than Dubai and Abu Dhabi, making it popular among Indian students.
Yes. Several universities offer merit-based, early bird, and need-based scholarships. Students with high academic achievements or extracurricular involvement can receive partial tuition waivers or financial support.
Absolutely. Sharjah’s universities have vibrant student councils, cultural clubs, and sports associations.
Indian and international student groups are active, offering guidance and community to new students.
Yes, students can work up to 4 hours daily with a valid work permit. Most jobs are available through university placements, internships, or roles in Sharjah’s free zones and business hubs.
Health insurance is mandatory for all students. Universities provide basic health coverage, with optional private plans for extended medical benefits. Sharjah’s healthcare system ensures quick access to hospitals and emergency care for international students.
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