MBA in Dubai Cost: Tuition, Living & More

Dubai is a top choice for MBA students. Over 5,000 Indian students enroll in UAE universities every year.

How Much Does an MBA in Dubai Cost?

• Tuition Fees: Expect to pay AED 40,000–AED 200,000 (₹9L–₹45L) per year. Top universities like SP Jain, Hult, and the University of Dubai charge higher fees.
• Living Costs: Budget AED 3,500–AED 7,000 (₹80K–₹1.6L) per month. Accommodation takes up the biggest chunk.
• Accommodation: A shared apartment costs AED 2,500–AED 5,000 (₹57K–₹1.1L) per month.
• Food & Transport: Daily expenses add another AED 1,000–AED 2,500 (₹23K–₹57K) per month.

Dubai’s location, business-friendly policies, and connections with multinational companies make it a great investment for future business leaders. Many universities offer scholarships, paid internships, and part-time job opportunities to help students manage costs.

We will cover everything from tuition and living costs to ways you can save while studying in Dubai.

MBA in Dubai Fees: University Fees Breakdown

The MBA in Dubai cost depends on the university, program type, and specialization. Public universities offer affordable MBA in Dubai starting at AED 50,000 (₹11L), while private business schools charge AED 100,000–AED 200,000 (₹23L–₹45L). A full-time 1-year MBA costs more upfront but allows students to start working sooner. Part-time and Executive MBA programs are structured for working professionals and spread the cost over a longer period.

MBA in Dubai Fees at Top Business Schools

University	Program Type	Tuition Fees (AED + INR Equivalent)
SP Jain School of Global Management	1-Year MBA	AED 140,000 (₹32L)
Hult International Business School	Full-Time MBA	AED 180,000 (₹41L)
University of Dubai	2-Year MBA	AED 80,000 (₹18L)
American University in Dubai (AUD)	Full-Time MBA	AED 125,000 (₹28L)
Murdoch University Dubai	Part-Time MBA	AED 60,000 (₹13.5L)
University of Wollongong in Dubai	Executive MBA	AED 115,000 (₹26L)

A 1-year MBA costs more but helps students graduate faster and enter the job market sooner.

Public vs. Private Universities: What’s the Difference?

Factor	Public Universities	Private Universities
Tuition Fees	AED 50,000–AED 100,000 (₹11L–₹23L)	AED 100,000–AED 200,000 (₹23L–₹45L)
Class Size	Larger	Smaller, more personalized
Industry Exposure	Limited networking	Strong corporate connections
Flexibility	Fixed schedules	Evening & weekend classes available

Public universities offer lower fees, but private universities have stronger industry connections and better networking opportunities.

MBA in Dubai Cost Variations: 1-Year MBA vs. Executive MBA vs. Part-Time MBA

Executive MBAs in Dubai cost more because they are designed for working professionals with international faculty and leadership coaching. Part-time MBAs are spread over 2–3 years, making them easier to pay for.

Program Type	Duration	Average Tuition Fees (AED + INR Equivalent)
1-Year MBA	12–15 months	AED 120,000–AED 180,000 (₹27L–₹41L)
Executive MBA	18–24 months	AED 100,000–AED 150,000 (₹23L–₹34L)
Part-Time MBA	24–36 months	AED 60,000–AED 120,000 (₹13.5L–₹27L)

If time is a priority, go for a 1-year MBA. If balancing work and studies is important, a part-time MBA works better.

MBA in Dubai Cost: Breakdown by Specialization

Some MBA specializations cost more due to additional certifications, lab requirements, or partnerships with industry professionals. Finance and IT-focused MBAs tend to be the most expensive.

MBA Specialization	Tuition Fees (AED + INR Equivalent)	Why the Cost Differs?
Finance	AED 100,000–AED 180,000 (₹23L–₹41L)	Requires financial market simulations & certifications
Marketing	AED 80,000–AED 150,000 (₹18L–₹34L)	Practical projects & digital marketing tools included
Human Resources	AED 70,000–AED 120,000 (₹16L–₹27L)	Lower tech costs, more management-focused
IT & Data Analytics	AED 120,000–AED 180,000 (₹27L–₹41L)	Advanced tech tools & coding labs required
International Business	AED 110,000–AED 170,000 (₹25L–₹39L)	Includes international study trips & global exposure
Entrepreneurship	AED 90,000–AED 160,000 (₹20L–₹36L)	Focuses on business incubators & startup funding

Fact: Specializations like Finance and IT cost more due to the need for tech labs, simulations, and additional certifications.

Premium vs. Budget-Friendly MBA Programs in Dubai

Category	Tuition Fees (AED + INR Equivalent)	Examples
Premium MBA Programs	AED 140,000–AED 200,000 (₹32L–₹45L)	SP Jain, Hult, AUD
Budget-Friendly MBAs	AED 60,000–AED 100,000 (₹13.5L–₹23L)	Murdoch University, University of Dubai

If networking and faculty reputation matter more, go for a premium MBA. If affordability is key, budget-friendly MBAs still offer quality education.

Entrance Exam & Application: MBA in Dubai Cost

Applying for an MBA in Dubai? The costs start before you even step into a classroom. Entrance exams, application fees, visa charges, and even health insurance can add up quickly. Many students focus on tuition but forget these early expenses.

Most universities require GMAT or GRE scores, but some accept students based on work experience. IELTS or TOEFL is mandatory for non-native English speakers. Application fees vary between universities, and student visas come with their own costs. Planning for these upfront saves you from last-minute financial stress.

Want to cut down costs? Some universities waive GMAT requirements if you have strong work experience. Many also offer application fee waivers during early admissions. It’s always worth checking!

Entrance Exam & Application Fees for MBA in Dubai

Expense	Cost (AED + INR Equivalent)	Who Needs It?
GMAT Exam Fee	AED 1,000 (₹22,000)	Required by top business schools
GRE Exam Fee	AED 850 (₹18,700)	Alternative to GMAT for some universities
IELTS Exam Fee	AED 1,100 (₹24,000)	Mandatory for non-native English speakers
TOEFL Exam Fee	AED 950 (₹20,800)	Accepted in place of IELTS
University Application Fee	AED 250–AED 1,000 (₹5,700–₹23,000)	Varies by university
Student Visa Application	AED 3,000–AED 7,000 (₹69,000–₹1.6L)	Mandatory for international students

Some universities waive GMAT/GRE requirements for students with strong work experience or high undergraduate GPAs.

Hidden MBA in Dubai Cost

MBA in Dubai fees and living costs are easy to track. What about the expenses you don’t see coming? Housing deposits, visa renewals, textbooks, and medical insurance can cost thousands of dirhams each year.

Ever thought about the cost of setting up your apartment? Most rentals require deposits for rent, utilities, and even internet. Moving to Dubai also means buying furniture, a local SIM card, and transport passes.

Hidden Expenses You Should Budget For

Expense	Cost (AED + INR Equivalent)	Why It’s Important?
Student Visa Renewal (Annual)	AED 3,000–AED 7,000 (₹69K–₹1.6L)	Required for staying in Dubai
Health Insurance	AED 2,500–AED 5,000 (₹57K–₹1.1L)	Mandatory for international students
Housing Security Deposit	AED 5,000–AED 10,000 (₹1.1L–₹2.3L)	One-time refundable deposit
Electricity & Water Deposit	AED 1,000–AED 2,500 (₹23K–₹57K)	Needed before moving into an apartment
Furniture & Apartment Setup	AED 3,000–AED 8,000 (₹69K–₹1.8L)	If renting an unfurnished apartment
Textbooks & Course Materials	AED 1,500–AED 3,000 (₹34K–₹69K)	Business case studies and reading materials
Transport Costs (Taxis, Fuel, etc.)	AED 500–AED 1,500 (₹11K–₹34K)	If not using public transport

Universities often provide health insurance packages at lower rates than private insurers. Always check before purchasing a separate policy.

Here’s how you can keep MBA in Dubai costs in check:

Choose university-sponsored student housing to avoid security deposits.
Buy second-hand furniture from websites like Dubizzle instead of new.
Apply for a student health insurance plan instead of private coverage.
Use student discount cards for transport, food, and entertainment.

How to Reduce MBA in Dubai Costs While Studying for an MBA in Dubai?

Many MBA students manage their expenses smartly by making simple, effective choices. Living in a shared apartment, using public transport, and cooking at home can save AED 3,000–AED 5,000 (₹69K–₹1.1L) per month.

Dubai attracts over 5,000 Indian students every year, and most of them cut costs through scholarships, part-time work, and student discounts. If you plan ahead, you can complete your MBA without overspending.

Smart Ways to Cut MBA Expenses in Dubai

Expense	How to Save?	Potential Savings (AED + INR Equivalent)
Accommodation	Share an apartment or stay in university housing. Rent drops by 30–50% compared to solo living.	AED 1,500–AED 3,000 (₹34K–₹69K)
Scholarships & Aid	Apply early. Many universities offer tuition fee waivers or partial scholarships.	AED 10,000–AED 50,000 (₹2.3L–₹11.5L) annually
Food & Groceries	Buy essentials from Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Union Coop. Meal prepping saves AED 1,000+ per month.	AED 1,000 (₹23K)
Transport	Get a student metro pass for AED 250 per month instead of spending AED 800+ on taxis.	AED 500 (₹11.5K)
Part-Time Work	Look for on-campus jobs, tutoring gigs, or paid internships to cover daily expenses.	AED 2,500–AED 5,000 (₹57K–₹1.1L) per month

Fact: MBA students who use student housing, discounts, and work part-time reduce their yearly expenses by AED 30,000+ (₹6.9L).

Visa Costs & Work Options for MBA Students in Dubai

A student visa is mandatory for international students in Dubai. Most universities assist with visa applications, but it’s important to know the costs before applying.

MBA students in Dubai can also work part-time, but with restrictions. The UAE allows students to work only with a university-sponsored work permit.

How Much Does a Student Visa Cost in Dubai?

Visa Process	Cost (AED + INR Equivalent)	Details
Student Visa (1 Year)	AED 3,000–AED 7,000 (₹69K–₹1.6L)	Includes processing fees & medical tests
Student Visa Renewal	AED 2,500–AED 5,000 (₹57K–₹1.1L)	Required every year
Medical Insurance	AED 2,500–AED 5,000 (₹57K–₹1.1L)	Mandatory for all students
Emirates ID & Processing Fees	AED 1,000 (₹23K)	Needed for residency in Dubai

Some universities bundle visa and medical insurance costs with tuition, so always check before applying.

How Much Can MBA Students Earn in Dubai?

Students can work part-time if their university sponsors a work permit. The UAE allows students to work up to 15–20 hours per week.

Job Type	Hourly Pay (AED + INR Equivalent)	Monthly Earnings (15–20 hrs/week)
On-Campus Jobs	AED 30–AED 50 (₹690–₹1,150)	AED 1,800–AED 4,000 (₹41K–₹92K)
Retail & Café Jobs	AED 35–AED 60 (₹800–₹1,380)	AED 2,100–AED 4,800 (₹48K–₹1.1L)
Tutoring & Freelancing	AED 50–AED 100 (₹1,150–₹2,300)	AED 3,000–AED 8,000 (₹69K–₹1.8L)

Tutoring and freelancing pay the highest hourly rates. MBA students with experience in finance, IT, or marketing can earn more through freelance consulting.

Best Work Options for MBA Students in Dubai

• On-campus jobs – Universities offer paid roles as research assistants, library staff, or student ambassadors.
• Retail & hospitality jobs – Many students work part-time in malls, cafes, and hotels.
• Freelancing – Digital marketing, IT consulting, content writing, and tutoring are high-paying options.
• Internships – Many companies in Dubai offer paid internships in finance, consulting, and business development.

Fact: Students with work experience find internships faster. Having an updated LinkedIn profile and networking through university events helps secure part-time roles.

Cost Comparison: MBA in Dubai vs. Other Countries

Thinking about an MBA but not sure where to study? Dubai competes with top study destinations like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Singapore when it comes to quality education, networking opportunities, and return on investment (ROI).

MBA tuition fees in Dubai are lower than in the USA and UK, and living expenses are more affordable than in cities like New York or London. Indian students looking for an international MBA without spending ₹1 crore often choose Dubai for its strong job market and tax-free salaries.

MBA Cost Comparison: Dubai vs. Other Study Destinations

Country	Tuition Fees (Annual, INR Equivalent)	Living Costs (Annual, INR Equivalent)	Total Cost for 1-Year MBA
Dubai	₹9L–₹45L (AED 40,000–AED 200,000)	₹9L–₹19L (AED 40,000–AED 85,000)	₹18L–₹64L
USA	₹60L–₹1Cr (USD 75,000–120,000)	₹15L–₹25L (USD 18,000–30,000)	₹75L–₹1.25Cr
UK	₹25L–₹60L (GBP 25,000–60,000)	₹12L–₹20L (GBP 12,000–20,000)	₹37L–₹80L
Canada	₹20L–₹50L (CAD 35,000–85,000)	₹10L–₹18L (CAD 18,000–30,000)	₹30L–₹68L
Australia	₹25L–₹55L (AUD 45,000–100,000)	₹12L–₹20L (AUD 20,000–35,000)	₹37L–₹75L
Singapore	₹30L–₹70L (SGD 50,000–120,000)	₹14L–₹22L (SGD 24,000–40,000)	₹44L–₹92L

Fact: An MBA in Dubai costs nearly 50% less than an MBA in the USA while offering similar industry exposure and global networking opportunities.

Which Country Offers the Best ROI for Indian Students?

The best return on investment (ROI) depends on tuition fees, job opportunities, and salaries after graduation.

Country	Average Salary Post-MBA (INR Equivalent)	Time to Recover Investment
Dubai	₹40L–₹75L (AED 200,000–AED 350,000)	1.5–3 years
USA	₹80L–₹1.5Cr (USD 100,000–180,000)	4–7 years
UK	₹50L–₹80L (GBP 50,000–80,000)	3–5 years
Canada	₹45L–₹70L (CAD 75,000–110,000)	3–5 years
Australia	₹45L–₹75L (AUD 80,000–130,000)	3–6 years
Singapore	₹50L–₹90L (SGD 90,000–150,000)	3–5 years

Best ROI? Dubai and Canada offer faster payback periods due to lower tuition fees and strong job markets.

upGrad Abroad’s Expense Calculator for MBA in Dubai

Planning your MBA budget can be tricky. upGrad Abroad’s Expense Calculator helps students estimate their total cost of study, including tuition fees, rent, food, transport, and visa expenses.

How Does the Expense Calculator Help?

Breaks down tuition, living, and visa costs—no hidden expenses.
Compares costs across different universities to find the best option.
Estimates monthly spending based on rent, groceries, and student lifestyle.
Helps students plan for scholarships and part-time work to manage expenses.

Use the upGrad Abroad Expense Calculator to see your total MBA costs and compare different universities in Dubai.

Is Studying an MBA in Dubai Worth the Cost?

Pros:

Lower tuition fees than Western countries.
Strong job market with companies like Emirates, Deloitte, and PwC.
Tax-free salaries and networking opportunities.

Cons:

High living costs compared to India.
Limited post-study work visas for international students.

Dubai stands out for its lower tuition fees, fast-growing economy, and tax-free salaries. If you’re looking for an international MBA without spending ₹1 crore, Dubai is a smart choice. Plan your budget wisely and make an informed decision!