The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for international students who want to pursue their education in a sunny and modern country. The UAE offers a diverse and multicultural environment, as well as various academic and career opportunities. However, before you pack your bags and book your flight, you should know that the UAE is not exactly cheap.
Accommodation Costs
These are the most popular types of accommodation for students in the UAE:
– university housing (on-campus or off-campus housing): prices and facilities vary from one institution to another. Some universities offer free or subsidized housing for international students.
– shared apartments: prices range from 300 to 800 EUR per month for a single room in a shared apartment.
– private apartments: prices range from 600 to 1,200 EUR per month for a studio or one-bedroom apartment.
Food Costs
Food costs depend on whether you cook at home or eat out. If you cook at home, you can expect to spend around 150 EUR per month on groceries. If you eat out, you can expect to pay around 16 EUR for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs depend on how far you live from your university and what mode of transport you use. The UAE has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, metro trains, trams, taxis, and water buses. A single ticket for public transport costs around 0.50 EUR. A monthly pass costs around 40 EUR. A taxi ride starts from around 3 EUR plus 0.50 EUR per kilometer.
Other Costs
Other costs that you should consider include:
– health insurance: some universities provide health insurance for international students as part of their tuition fees or services. If not, you will need to purchase your own health insurance, which can cost around 100 EUR per month.
– entertainment: the UAE offers a variety of fun activities, such as desert safaris, kayaking, surfing, or sky diving. The cost of these activities depends on the provider and the duration. For example, a desert safari can cost around 40 EUR per person. A cinema ticket costs around 12 EUR.
– communication: the UAE has two main telecom providers: Etisalat and du. They offer prepaid and postpaid plans for mobile phones and Internet. A prepaid plan with 1 GB of data and 100 minutes of calls costs around 10 EUR per month. A postpaid plan with unlimited data and calls costs around 50 EUR per month.
The UAE is an attractive destination for international students who want to enjoy a high-quality education and a vibrant lifestyle. However, it is also an expensive country, so you should plan your budget carefully and look for ways to save money. Some tips to reduce your expenses include:
– applying for scholarships or financial aid from your university or other organizations
– choosing a cheaper type of accommodation or sharing it with other students
– cooking at home or eating at cheaper restaurants
– using public transport or walking instead of taxis
– taking advantage of student discounts or free events
This budget is just a guideline, and your actual expenses may vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. However, it should give you a good idea of how much you can expect to spend as an international student living in the UAE.
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Works Cited:
(1) Tuition Fees and Living Costs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2023 …. https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/2879/tuition-fees-and-living-costs-in-the-united-arab-emirates-in-2023.html
(2) Cost of Living & Helpful Facts about Life in the UAE – InterNations. https://www.internations.org/uae-expats/guide/living
(3) Study in the UAE: Housing & Living Costs – Educations.com. https://www.educations.com/study-guides/asia/study-in-the-uae/housing-living-costs-17952

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