The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become quickly a leading global education hub, attracting future students all over the world, such as neighboring Middle Eastern countries like Jordan. Being a nation famous for its intellectual excellence, strategic location, multicultural environment, and global-standard facilities, the UAE is a progressively attractive destination for Jordanian learners seeking quality higher education.
This comprehensive guide has everything Jordanian students need to know in order to be successful students in the UAE — from choosing a university and visa information to integrating into Emirati society.
Why Choose the UAE for Higher Education?
1. Geographical and Cultural Proximity
The UAE and Jordan are not just geographically close but also have deeply established cultural, religious, and linguistic similarities. It is easier for Jordanian students to adjust here than to move to Western countries.
2. World-Class Universities
The UAE is home to several world-class universities, some of which are:
Khalifa University
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
University of Sharjah
American University of Sharjah (AUS)
New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD)
Zayed University
These universities offer a wide range of programs in engineering, business, IT, media, healthcare, and more.
3. Safe and Stable Environment
The UAE is one of the most secure countries in the world. The government offers a secure environment for students with strict laws and cutting-edge infrastructure.
1.4 Global Exposure
The UAE is a multicultural society with people from over 200 nationalities. This provides students in the UAE with global exposure, which is necessary to equip Jordanian students with worldwide careers.
5. English-Taught Programs
Most of the degree courses, particularly in private universities, are in English, minimizing the language barrier for Jordanian students who are already conversant with the language.
Popular Courses for Jordanian Students
Jordanian students in the UAE prefer courses based on needs of local UAE job markets and global employability. Their most popular programs are:
Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)
Computer Science and IT
Business Administration and Management
Architecture and Design
Medical and Health Sciences
Media and Communications
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Top Universities in UAE for Jordanian Students
1. Khalifa University
Top-class ranking in engineering and technology programs, located in Abu Dhabi.
2. American University of Sharjah (AUS)
One of the most Arab students’ choice, AUS offers strong American-style accredited education.
3. University of Sharjah
Offers very wide array of programs and is renowned for low fees and diversity of cultures.
4. New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD)
International, top-quality school offering scholarships on very generous terms, an American-style program of study, and international staff.
5. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
A flagship government university, most notably research and postgraduate studies-focused.
Student Visa Process for Jordanian Nationals
1. How to Apply for UAE Student Visa
Get Admission Offer Letter: Admit to a valid UAE university.
University Sponsorship: Universities sponsor the majority of international students.
Visa Application: The university will help you apply for a visa.
Medical Fitness Test: The test must be undertaken on arrival by students.
Emirates ID Application: Students must apply for a national ID.
2. Supporting Documents for Student Visa
Valid passport (6 months validity minimum)
Passport-sized photos
University admission letter
Proof of payment of tuition fee
Proof of residence
Health insurance coverage
Medical test results
Visa application fee (Approx. AED 3,000–4,000)
3. Visa Validity and Renewal
Generally valid for one year
May be renewed annually up to the end of the course.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
1. Fees
Public Universities: AED 30,000 – AED 50,000 annually
Private Universities: AED 40,000 – AED 80,000 annually
Medical and Engineering Programs: AED 60,000 – AED 100,000+ annually
2. Scholarships and Financial Aid
Various UAE universities offer scholarships to Arab students, including:
Merit-based scholarships
Need-based financial aid
Research assistantships
UAE government-sponsored schemes (e.g., Khalifa Scholarship)
Jordanian students are encouraged to apply early for financial aid.
3. Living Expenses
Accommodation: AED 2,500 – AED 4,000/month
Food and Groceries: AED 1,000 – AED 1,500 monthly
Transport: AED 300 – AED 500 monthly
Miscellaneous: AED 500 – AED 1,000 monthly
Average cost per month: AED 4,000 – AED 7,000 depending on lifestyle and location.
Accommodation Options
1. University Dormitories
On-campus accommodation is available for international students.
Typically includes meal plans and security.
Fees: AED 2,500–AED 4,000/month
2. Off-Campus Housing
Studio apartments or shared apartments.
Preferred by senior students.
Fees vary by city: Dubai and Abu Dhabi higher.
Working While Studying
1. Part-Time Work Regulations
Part-time work is allowed with the consent of the university.
15–20 hours/week during semester maximum.
Internships allowed if part of academic program.
2. Most Common Part-Time Occupations
Retail work (malls, cafés)
Admin jobs
Tutoring
Jobs on campus (library, labs)
Note: Always check with the university and immigration agency before accepting employment.
Life in the UAE: What Jordanian Students Can Expect
1. Climate
Hot and sunny all year round
Mild winters (15°C–25°C), summers (35°C–45°C)
2. Food and Culture
Widespread availability of Arab, Mediterranean, international food
Halal food can be found anywhere
Mosques and prayer rooms readily accessible
3. Safety and Laws
Strict enforcement of law
Respectful behavior and dress code must be maintained in public
4. Leisure and Travel
Beaches, shopping malls, desert safaris
Weekend retreats to Oman or return to Jordan (short flights)
Tips for Jordanian Students Moving to UAE
Start the application process early.
Legalize all documents and translate them as required.
Purchase health insurance with student benefits included.
Get familiar with Jordanian student associations.
Be aware of local culture and laws.
Open a local bank account for easier money management.
Download required UAE apps: RTA (transport), Careem, Talabat, Du/Etisalat.
After Graduation: What’s Next?
1. Stay in UAE
Jordanian students can apply for:
Job seeker visa (6–12 months)
Employment visa if they have a job
Entrepreneur visas if they are entrepreneurs
2. Return to Jordan
UAE university graduates are well sought after in Jordan due to their foreign exposure and employability.
3. Further Studies
The UAE offers more master’s and PhD qualifications. Students can study locally or abroad with the advantage of good academic grounding.
Conclusion
Study in the UAE offers Jordanian students a wonderful mix of quality education, cultural ease, and global acceptance. With world-class universities, vibrant student life, and opportunities for academic and career growth, the UAE is among the most preferred study destinations in the Arab world.
By reading this guide from start to finish, Jordanian students can rest assured to make their first move towards study in the UAE and building a successful future.
Education-Related Terms
Higher education → university education, tertiary education, academic advancement
Universities → colleges, institutions, academic centers, campuses
Courses → study pathways, academic programs, disciplines, fields of study
Degree programs → university qualifications, academic degrees, education pathways
Student visa → educational visa, student residence, study permit
Location & Cultural Phrases
United Arab Emirates (UAE) → Gulf state, Emirati country, UAE territory, Middle Eastern center
Jordanian students → Jordanian learners, Jordanian citizens, Jordanian students
Abu Dhabi, Dubai → UAE, key emirates, learning centers
Multicultural environment → diverse society, inclusive setting, worldwide community.
Quality & Benefits
World-class → top-level, internationally renowned, prestigious
Safe and secure → stable, peaceful, safeguarded
Global exposure → international experience, multicultural experience, worldwide exposure
English-taught → English instruction, English-based, language-friendly programs
Affordable → cost-effective, budget-friendly, reasonably priced
Frequently Used Verbs
Apply → register, enroll, submit application, seek admission
Choose → select, opt for, decide on
Offer → provide, present, feature
Move → relocate, migrate, shift
Study → pursue education, attend school, enroll in programs
Vocabulary Living and Lifestyle
Accommodation → living arrangement, dwelling, student accommodation
Expenses → budget lines, costs, spending
Food → groceries, cuisine, meals
Transport → commuting, public transport, travel option
Leisure → entertainment, recreation, free-time activity
Career & Post-Graduation
Employment → career opportunities, work placement, career prospects
Internship → work experience, training program, industrial placement
Further studies → advanced education, graduate studies, continuing education
Job seeker visa → post-study work permit, employment visa, temporary work visa
Entrepreneur → business owner, startup founder, innovate
Valuable SEO Keywords to Use Naturally
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UAE universities for Jordanian students
Apply for UAE student visa
Cost of studying in UAE
Scholarships in UAE for Arab students
Life in UAE for international students
Best courses in UAE for Jordanian students
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After graduation in UAE
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