Study in Dubai / UAE – January 2027 Intake
Everything Indian students need to plan for the January 2027 intake in Dubai: application deadlines, a month-by-month timeline, universities, costs, IELTS and visa steps.
Dubai / UAE January 2027 intake at a glance
January 2027
Apply August – December
UG AED 40,000 – AED 100,000 · PG AED 50,000 – AED 120,000 per year
AED 35,000 – AED 60,000 per year
UG 5.5 – 6.0 · PG 6.0 – 6.5
Graduates can switch to an employment visa; top performers may get a Golden Visa
Timeline for the January 2027 intake
A month-by-month plan, counted back from when classes start.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | Research & shortlistPick courses, countries and 6 – 8 universities with a counsellor. |
| March 2026 | Book IELTS / PTE / TOEFL (and GRE/GMAT if needed)Leave time for a retake. Scores are valid for 2 years. |
| April 2026 | Prepare SOP, LORs & documentsTranscripts, CV, passport, 2 – 3 recommendation letters. |
| May 2026 | Submit applicationsApply early – popular courses and scholarships fill first. |
| July 2026 | Apply for scholarships & education loanMany scholarship deadlines fall 6 – 8 months before intake. |
| September 2026 | Accept offer & pay depositGet your CAS / I-20 / CoE / LOA after the deposit. |
| September 2026 | Arrange proof of fundsShow the required funds (blocked account, GIC, bank balance). |
| October 2026 | Apply for student visaBook biometrics early – peak season gets busy. |
| December 2026 | Book flights & accommodationPlan to arrive 1 – 2 weeks before classes start. |
| January 2027 | Classes start – January 2027 intakeWelcome to Dubai! Arrive 1 – 2 weeks early for orientation. |
Why choose the January intake
- Less competition for admission at many universities
- Good option if you missed the September intake – no need to wait a full year
- More time to improve your IELTS score or build your profile
- Smaller class sizes in some programmes
Things to keep in mind
- Fewer courses on offer – not every programme runs in this intake
- Fewer scholarships and on-campus jobs at the start
- Some UG courses may need a foundation or pathway route
Universities in Dubai / UAE for Indian students
Partner universities we work with. Not every course runs in January – ask us which ones do this year.
Khalifa University
Abu Dhabi
IELTS 6.5–7.0 · QS Top 250
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
Al Ain
IELTS 6.0–6.5 · QS Top 350
American University of Sharjah (AUS)
Sharjah
IELTS 6.5 · QS Top 500
American University in Dubai (AUD)
Dubai
IELTS 6.0–6.5 · Regionally ranked
University of Dubai
Dubai
IELTS 6.0–6.5 · Regionally ranked
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
Dubai
IELTS 6.0–6.5 · UK branch campus
Visa document checklist
Every document for the Dubai / UAE student visa.
Cost in rupees
Tuition, living and visa costs with live rates.
Scholarships
Funding options for Dubai / UAE.
Frequently asked questions
Is the January intake good for Dubai / UAE?
Yes, if your course is offered. January is a secondary intake in Dubai: there are fewer courses but often less competition, and it saves you waiting for the main intake.
What is the last date to apply for the Dubai / UAE January 2027 intake?
Deadlines vary by university and course. As a guide: Apply August – December. Popular courses and scholarships close earlier, so aim to apply 6 – 8 months before classes start.
Which universities accept students for the January intake in Dubai / UAE?
Many universities in Dubai offer selected courses in the January intake, including Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), American University of Sharjah (AUS). Course availability changes each year – ask a counsellor for the current list.
How much does it cost to study in Dubai?
Tuition is roughly AED 50,000 – AED 120,000 per year for master’s and AED 40,000 – AED 100,000 for bachelor’s, plus living costs of about AED 35,000 – AED 60,000 per year.
When should I apply for the visa for the January 2027 intake?
Apply for your student visa around October 2026, about 3 months before classes start, once you have your offer and funds ready.
Other intakes in Dubai / UAE
January intake in other countries
Start your Dubai / UAE January 2027 application
Free profile review, university shortlist, SOP help and complete visa support.
