When I was deciding for my master’s abroad, the usual names came to my mind — UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.
After securing 10+ offer letters from some major universities like – Liverpool, Queen Mary, Exeter, Leeds, and others; I tried understanding the situation in UK from current students living there. Talking to many such students via LinkedIn and other networks made me realize the place isn’t meant for me.
Investing such heavy amounts of money in my education, having no jobs, crowded student population, extreme weather, less to no food options begin a vegetarian; I started questioning if it was really worth doing it?
It was then, when I came up with an idea of looking for off-beat destinations which fulfilled some major requirements – world’s top universities (being graduated from a top university in India, won’t settle for any lower), good ROI (return on investment of my time, efforts and money in the degree), major financial opportunities for freshers, safety (being a woman) and also good social life (c’mon one-two more years to student life!)
Hence, I landed to Dubai! You might think how, but let me summarize in points for you to better understand “Why Dubaiiii??”
1. Home to top Universities around the world
Darling, UAE, and Dubai specifically, is the only place where you’ll find universities from UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Lebanon, France, India, and what not. You name it, Dubai has it!
Universities like – University of Birmingham, Heriot-Watt, Middlesex, De – Monfort and more.
The country has a rich education system, by outsourcing it mostly! Universities have their subsidiary branches here with the same exposure, world class campuses, great faculty including flying faculty from main branches!
2. A Career Hub Like No Other
The country is a booming economy like no other. It’s a vital bridge between the east and the west!
The country now has key companies in it’s market like PwC, Deloitte, Bank of America, Citi Bank and what not!
Clearly, this means a pool of opportunities including both full-time and internships, unlike other grown economies and recession.
3. Easy-breezy lecture schedule
Okay, I understand we got jobs, but you’d question “will I have time to work as a student?”
The answer is yes! You can!
Many universities, like the University of Birmingham, offer evening classes for postgrads (usually 6-9) giving you time to work full-time.
Even if this feels very hectic to you, you always have the option for “part-time program” which makes your schedule even more relaxed to work and enjoy.
4. Easiest Visa process you can think of!
Let’s do a little reality check!
Me and my friend (one going to Dubai, one going to UK for masters).
For both of our visa applications, one had to travel from her city to Delhi for visa interview, had to give shitload of documents and show funds in her bank account as per the country standards.
The other one had to fill one application form with all necessary details for sponsorship at the University’s portal, and boom E-visa was received in 20 days!
Guess what? The second country is UAE and the other is UK!
Further processes like medical and biometrics is done once you’ve arrived in UAE. That too no hassle!
Your university will schedule it for you, and you just need to go at stated time and place! Easy-peasy!
5. Safest place you can imagine!
I don’t think there’s much convincing I need to do here!
Just google “safest cities” around the world and you’ll see Dubai and Abu Dhabi being a part of the list!
So phew! No more tension of late-night walks, taking long cabs (as a woman in Delhi), or going out alone anywhere wearing anything.
6. Luxury and Social life like anything
The country speaks luxury!
Is there any luxury brand you can’t find here? I guess not.
With events happening throughout the year, you won’t find any occasion which is not celebrated; it’s a dream come true.
With amazing quality of living; you’re building a future in a strong nation with a very diverse culture!
7. Networking & Connections That Actually Matter
Dubai hosts some of the biggest global conferences, business summits, and expos, where you can meet top industry leaders.
Whether it’s finance, tech, or even sustainability, you’ll never feel short of opportunities to connect with the right people and grow.
And how to forget the diverse community with people around the world!
The student community here is diverse, supportive, and filled with ambitious people looking to make it big.
8. Travel the world from here
The country offers direct flights to almost all destinations around the world.
India itself is hardly 4-hour flight, so you can run to your home whenever you want to (although you won’t feel like running, I’m sure, but let’s take worst case scenario!)
Also, once you get your one-year residence permit (commonly known as emirates ID) you get to travel visa free to 10+ countries! (do google this, don’t miss!)
9. Sunny round the year!
Although it might get too hot during peak summers (hot enough to get tanned in 5 minutes), you get to enjoy Air Conditioner everywhere!
Bus stops, buses, malls, bro you’d need to carry something in those freezing ACs which will make you forget the heat outside!
10. Taxes? Who?
Still not convinced? I have the masterstroke now!
NO INCOME TAXES!
That’s it! No taxes! Earn how much you want and pocket it all without paying a penny!
Habibi Come to Dubai!
Convinced enough?
So stick around — I’ll be sharing everything from university life to hidden student gems in Dubai. 🚀🎓
Let’s explore this journey together! Got questions? Drop them in the comments!
