Part-time Work Options in UAE
clickHere

Part-time Work Options in UAE

4 mins read14.9K Views Comment
Talk to Expert Icon BlueTalk to Expert
clickHere
Priya
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Oct 5, 2025 16:20 IST
When pursuing higher education abroad, part-time jobs play a very helpful role as they help you manage your finances, and also give you the opportunity to gain work experience and meet new people. In a sense, part-time jobs give you a complete experience of the student culture and life. In this article, we will inform you about the part-time job opportunities in UAE, where to find them, earnings, duration, and more.
Part-time work options in UAE

International students looking to study in UAE always prefer to find part-time work opportunities there. The most commonly asked question among international students is: can international students work and study in Dubai/UAE at the same time? Until recently, foreign students were not allowed to work in Dubai, however, this has changed now. In this article, we will inform you of everything about part-time work options in UAE. International students can take up part-time jobs and internships in Dubai if they fulfil the legal criteria and their university's requirements. However, international students are not allowed to take up full-time jobs on a student visa in Dubai. With home to some of the topmost companies globally, UAE offers excellent work opportunities for students to gain work experience while pursuing their higher studies in Dubai.

Must Read:

Table of content
  • Process for Part time jobs in Dubai
  • Why work part-time in the UAE?
  • Student eligibility criteria to work in Dubai, UAE
  • Student part-time employment process in Dubai, UAE
  • On-campus employment opportunities for international students in the UAE
  • Off-campus employment for international students in UAE

Process for Part time jobs in Dubai

In 2017, the UAE government allowed foreign students over 18 years of age to apply for work permits and work part-time in the country. International students need a university sponsorship to be granted a part-time work permit in Dubai. Students require a part-time work permit from the UAE Labour Department. Students have the option to work on-campus and off-campus work in Dubai. Various universities offer on-campus job opportunities to students round-the-year which also gives them valuable exposure to professional life.

International students in UAE are also allowed to do internships as long as they fulfil the legal requirements, their university's requirements, and the job requirements. Top universities in Dubai also offer internship opportunities to students that give them relevant work exposure.

Why work part-time in the UAE?

UAE is home to many international companies and is also considered one of the favourite destinations among expats. It is one of the best countries to offer study-work opportunities to overseas students. Working while studying gives you immense professional experience and is also helpful while networking. The internship can also help you in finding the right career path. Working with international employers gives you immense experience. Apart from this, studying in UAE can be a costly affair and working part-time will help you in covering some of the expenses. Also, with the new development, international students working part-time in the UAE are legally protected by the new regulation.

Student eligibility criteria to work in Dubai, UAE

Below we have mentioned the eligibility requirements that you need to meet to work part-time in Dubai, UAE.

  • A student must be above 18 years of age.
  • A student must have enrolled in one of the 23 academic institutes in Dubai's creative clusters
  • A student must be sponsored by his/her university.
  • You must fulfil the criteria (academic) set by the university.
  • You must obtain a visa issued by the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA).

Those who fulfil the required criteria need to contact the Career Services Centre at the academic institution. The academic institute will then provide you with a Student Legibility Confirmation application that needs to be signed and submitted to KHDA for validation. If it is successful then you will be notified via email.

Score Predictor

Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!

Share 12th Board, Percentage, english score
Get estimated scores or IELTS, TOEFL & PTE


Also Read: Cost of Living in Dubai 2024

Student part-time employment process in Dubai, UAE

The Career Services Centre at the university will contact the student with an available job opportunity with one of the 4,500 companies based in Dubai's creative clusters. If the student gets selected for the job, the employer will apply for a student part-time employment permit on your behalf. The student then needs to sign the Standards of the Student part-time employment form with the employer. It will be submitted by the employer along with the permit application. If it is successful, the student will be notified through email.

On-campus employment opportunities for international students in the UAE

Various universities in the UAE offer on-campus jobs to international students. Students may find opportunities to work in different university departments, and libraries or work for the university administration.







Wages for Part-time jobs in Dubai

Part-time work salaries in Dubai may range from AED 15 to AED 30 per hour. Students applying for on-campus jobs need to obtain minimum GPA of 2.2, have good social standing, and passed one semester in their full-time UG program.

How many hours international students are allowed to work part-time in Dubai, UAE

Universities allow international students to work up to 15 hours per week. During academic breaks, students can work for up to 40 hours a week.

Off-campus employment for international students in UAE

Students need to have work permit to be able to work off-campus in the UAE. Students need to complete their education programme and get a job to get the UAE work permit.

Salary for part-time jobs in UAE

Part-time work salaries for international students in Dubai range from AED 30,000 to AED 80,000. Even though, part-time will definitely ease your expenses, make sure that your academics do not suffer. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.

Q:   Is the Uni of Wollongong in Dubai good?
A:

Yes, the institute can be considered a good institute for higher studies abroad. The institute offers more than 40 internationally accredited degrees, licensed by the KHDA. The faculty is well-versed, and the institute enrolls more than 3,500 students from 108 countries. 

Q:   How is the Bachelor of Computer Science programme at BITS Pilani Dubai?
A:

BITS Pilani Dubai offers a 4-year bachelor's in Computer Science programme for international students. The curriculum is based on a wide array of advanced electives, including Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Blockchain, Cryptography, AI, Embedded Systems, Quantum Computing, and more. The university offers one of the best Computer Science courses for Indian students who are seeking roles like Software Engineer, Data Scientist, or Researchers, and in-demand tech domain.

Q:   Is it possible to get into SP Jain School Of Global Management - Dubai Campus's MBA programme without work experience?
A:

Yes, it is possible to get into SP Jain School of Global Management - Dubai Campus's MBA programme without work experience. According to a post on the Beat The GMAT Forum, SP Jain Global in Dubai provides an MBA without any work experience. However, it is important to note that the GMBA programme is a full-time programme and does not permit students to work and study at the same time.

RecommendationView All

Explore MS colleges in UAE

12 courses
17.53 L - 21.98 L
Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi, UAEPrivate

6 courses
10.79 L - 13.7 L
19 courses
27.22 L - 42.16 L
6 courses
17.94 L - 22.07 L
7 courses
0 - 31.41 L
13 courses
7.23 L - 10.4 L
14 courses
22.22 L - 40.07 L
2 courses
10.87 L - 16.31 L
28 courses
6.96 L - 18.12 L
3 courses
12.18 L - 12.18 L
Is this recommendation relevant?
Which stage are you in your study abroad journey?

Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.

Research IconStarting research
Shortlist IconShortlisting colleges
Exam IconExam preparation
SopLor IconSOP/LOR writing
Scholarship IconScholarship & finance
Visa IconVisa application
About the Author
author-image
Written by
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Priya Garg is an experienced content writer and editor. With her rich experience in content writing, teaching and research & analysis, Priya believes in providing only the correct information which is also up-to-dat Read Full Bio
Explore popular study destinations
Resources for you
Understand the process step by step by referring to these guides curated just for you