Study in Dubai: Is It Better than USA or UK?

Indian students are increasingly heading abroad to get their higher education. While for years, Indian students have been aiming to head to the USA and the UK, Dubai has recently emerged as a promising study abroad destination. This article demonstrates differences between Dubai, UK, and USA as study abroad destinations.

In this article, we have provided a comprehensive comparison between studying in the USA, the UK and Dubai for Indian students. We have taken into consideration several factors like the quality of education, the costs involved, the complexities of visa and immigration policies, job markets, language barriers, recognition of degrees and the lived experiences of Indian students in these countries. 

Based on the comparative study between the USA, the UK and Dubai, it can be inferred that the USA boasts the highest number of top-ranking universities in the world. The country also has the highest number of Indian students enrolled. However, the USA also boasts a long-term earning potential, higher costs to live and study and a competitive job market. The UK on the other hand offers a strong academic tradition with more affordable tuition and a relatively straightforward post-study work visa though the salaries may be lower than in the USA. Dubai (UAE) emerges as a rapidly developing educational hub with competitive tuition fees, a mid-range of living costs, high safety and increasing post-study work opportunities. It is good particularly for those who seek a culturally familiar environment closer to their homes (India). 

Read- Why are Indian students choosing to study in Dubai in 2025?

Comparison between Dubai, UK and USA as Study Abroad Destinations

Check out the coming sections to learn about the differences between Dubai, UK and USA as three most prominent study destinations.

1. Quality of Education & Top-Ranking Universities

USA- The USA has the maximum number of top-ranking universities in the world. According to the QS World Rankings 2025, 16 universities out of the top 50 are from the US. Indian students willing to pursue fields like engineering and computer science can apply to universities like Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) and Carnegie Mellon University as these feature among the world's best for this principal. Similarly, for business education, universities like Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management are considered great. 

UK- The UK hosts 8 universities securing a place within the top 50 in the QS World Rankings 2025. UK universities such as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London and University College London (UCL) rank among the global top 10 universities year on year. 

Dubai- Dubai has branch campuses of top-ranking international universities from countries like Australia, the UK, USA, Canada and India. This helps Indian students gain globally recognised degrees at a location closer to their home country. For engineering programs, universities like Khalifa University, the University of Sharjah, the American University in Dubai and Heriot-Watt University Dubai are great choices. In business education, institutions such as the American University in Dubai, the University of Dubai and branch campuses like the London Business School Dubai offer wide range of courses. For computer science, universities like Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Khalifa University and the University of Sharjah are good. 

2. Course Structure and Teaching Style

USA- Courses in USA are generally longer than in other countries like the UK and Canada. The course curriculum of American higher education system generally includes four years for UG degrees and two years for PG degrees. Teaching methodologies rely heavily on coursework, assignments, research projects and active class participation. 

UK- Education system in UK typically features shorter programs with UG degrees generally completing in three years and master's degrees in 1 year. Teaching methods in British universities focus on independent learning, research and development of analytical and critical thinking skills. 

Dubai- Educational approach in Dubai within the international branch campuses mirrors the curriculum structure and teaching methodologies of foreign parent institutions from the USA, UK, Australia, Canada or India. 

3. Costs of Living and Studying 

USA- Cost of studying in USA is generally higher than any other country in the world. The UG course fees in USA ranges from USD $20,000 to USD $50,000 per year while PG courses can cost between USD $20,000 and USD $60,000 USD per year. Living in major cities in the USA can cost you around INR 98.2K (without rent). A 1-bedroom apartment rent comes around INR 1.5 L [er month. Indian students must keep aside an amount of $2,000 to $3,500+ as monthly budget.

UK- The cost of studying in the UK is a little less than in the USA. UG programs range from £10,000 to £30,000 GBP per year and PG programs can cost between £10,000 and £35,000 annually. The cost of living per month in London, UK, comes to around £1,200-£1,800+ (depending upon the lifestyle). While outside London, the cost of living ranges from £900 to £1,300.

Dubai- The annual cost of tuition in Dubai can range from AED 30,000 to AED 120,000. Average cost of doing engineering courses in Dubai ranges from AED 45,000 - AED 65,000, for business courses - AED 40,000 - AED 60,000 and for computer science courses - AED 42,000 - AED 60,000. The cost of living per month (without rent) is around INR 86.4K. 

4. Financial Aid and Scholarships

Check out the study abroad scholarships available to study in the USA, the UK and Dubai below. 

USA- The USA offers a significant number of scholarships for international students, particularly merit-based ones, with over 1.7 million scholarships awarded annually. Some of the most sought-after scholarships to study in the USA are-

• KC Mahindra Scholarships for PG Studies (applicable for UK and Dubai as well)

• Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarships

• Northwestern Financial Aid Awards for International Students

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

• Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship for SC candidates

UK- The UK provides prestigious scholarships, though fewer in number compared to the USA, with 210 scholarships offered by 71 universities in 2024-25. Here are some of the most popular scholarships to study in the UK-

• KC Mahindra Scholarships for PG studies

• Young Women in Public Affairs Award

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

• UCL Global Master's Scholarship

Dubai- Dubai offers numerous scholarships from the government, universities, and private organisations, including both merit-based and need-based scholarships. Some of these are-

• BITS Pilani UAE School Topper Scholarship

• Master Research Teaching Scholarship (MRTS) by Khalifa University

• Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence 100% Scholarship

• HH Sheikh Hamdan Scholarships

5. Ease of getting Student Visas for Indian Students

USA- To get a US student visa, Indian students need to be accepted into a SEVP-approved institution. This institution will issues the I-20 Form for you. The student then needs to pay the SEVIS fee ($350 USD as of 2024) and complete the online DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application form along with scheduling and attending a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The processing time for a US student visa ranges from 8 to 13 weeks.

UK- Indian students need a UK student visa for courses longer than 6 months. One can start the application process right after receiving an unconditional offer letter and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter from their university in the UK. The visa acceptance rate is generally high and you may be called for an interview if the visa authorities need more information from you than what is already mentioned ikn your application.

Dubai- The process of obtaining a UAE student visa typically involves obtaining an offer letter from a recognised university, providing proof of sufficient funds, undergoing a medical fitness test and having a visa sponsor in Dubai. Your sponsor can be the university itself or a relative residing in the UAE. The processing time for a student visa in Dubai usually ranges from 2 to 4 weeks and the cost can vary between AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 depending on the university and other factors.

This was all about the benefits of studying in Dubai over studying in the UK and USA. For more details, get in touch with Shiksha's Counselling Services for free.