Study in Dubai · September 2027 and January 2028 intakes
Your Dubai 2027 plan from Nepal, made clear.
Free, honest counselling from NEC, helping Nepali students since 2001. We check your profile, shortlist Dubai campuses of UK and Australian universities, explain the full cost and prepare your UAE student visa documents with you.
4.8★
from 950+ Google reviews
Since 2001
helping Nepali students
UK & AU
degrees taught in Dubai
Free
first counselling session
In short
Studying in Dubai in 2027: the short answer
The main intake is September 2027, and many universities also start in January 2028. Most Nepali students choose a Dubai campus of a UK or Australian university, which awards the same degree as the home campus. Once you accept your offer and pay your deposit, your university sponsors your UAE student residence visa. You need an English score (usually IELTS 6.0 to 6.5) and a clear plan for tuition and living costs.
Intakes
September 2027 (the main intake) and January 2028. Some universities also start in May.
Money to plan for
UAE immigration does not set a fixed amount to show. You pay tuition by semester or year, and some universities ask for a bank statement showing you can cover living costs.
English score
IELTS 6.0 for most bachelor's degrees and 6.5 for master's, or the PTE or TOEFL equivalent. Some universities ask for more.
When to start
Now for September 2027. Documents and the visa take time, so aim to accept an offer by June 2027.
Why Dubai
A degree that works for your career
Dubai offers UK and Australian degrees close to home, in one of the world's most international cities.
The same degree as the home campus
Dubai campuses of universities such as Birmingham, Heriot-Watt and Wollongong award the same degree as their UK or Australian campuses.
Work while you study
With a no-objection letter from your university and a work permit from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources, you can work part-time. Your hours are limited.
Careers after you graduate
There is no automatic post-study work visa. Graduates usually move to a work visa sponsored by an employer, and top graduates may qualify for a Golden Visa.
Close to home
Dubai is about a four and a half hour flight from Kathmandu, with a large Nepali community and a safe, multicultural city life.
What universities and immigration look for
What a strong case looks like in 2027
Dubai universities check your academic record and English, and once you are admitted, your university applies for your UAE student visa. The applications that succeed show these six things clearly.
Good academic results
Solid marks in your last qualification, in a subject that leads naturally to your chosen course.
Good English scores
A strong IELTS, PTE or TOEFL result that meets your university's requirement comfortably, not just the minimum.
Funds for your studies
Tuition and living costs from a clear, genuine source, with money ready for each semester's fees.
Commitment to finish your intended course
You have researched your course and career well, you are passionate about it, and you plan to complete the full course.
A clear career outcome
You know what the degree leads to after graduation, and it matches your interests and background.
A licensed, high-quality university
Choose a university licensed by Dubai's higher education regulator (KHDA), and check its rankings and reviews before you apply.
UAE student residence visa
What you need for your visa in 2026–27
Once your profile is strong, this is what goes into your student visa application, and how we prepare each part with you.
01
University admission
You need an unconditional offer from a university licensed in Dubai. We help you apply to at least two, so you always have a backup.
02
Documents and attestation
Your passport (valid for at least six months), academic certificates and photos. Some universities ask for certificates attested by Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in Kathmandu. We tell you if yours does.
03
Tuition deposit and funds
You pay a tuition deposit so your university can start your visa. Some universities also ask for a bank statement or sponsor letter. Our review team checks every document.
04
English test score
Most universities ask for IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, or the PTE or TOEFL equivalent. Our IELTS and PTE classes help you reach the score you need.
05
Visa sponsored by your university
Your university applies for your entry permit and student residence visa. Fees and timings vary by university, and your university confirms the exact amount.
06
Medical test, Emirates ID and insurance
After you arrive, you take a medical fitness test, give fingerprints for your Emirates ID and show UAE health insurance. Your residence visa is then issued, usually for one year and renewable.
What Nepali students should know for 2027
Choose a licensed university
Study only at a university licensed in Dubai, so your degree and your visa are recognised.
Work needs a permit
Working without a permit can lead to fines and visa cancellation. Always get your university's no-objection letter and a work permit first.
Plan for the cost of living
Rent in Dubai is high. Student housing or a shared flat near your campus keeps costs down.
Rules change often. These points were checked in November 2026 against UAE government and university information. Our counsellors will give you the latest rules before you apply.
Your 2027 timeline
When to apply for September 2027 and January 2028
Offers, documents and the visa all take time. Work back from your intake so every document is ready.
September 2027 intake
January to March 2027: free counselling, book your English test and apply to two or more universities.
April to June 2027: accept your offer, get your documents attested if needed and pay your tuition deposit.
June to July 2027: your university applies for your entry permit, and you get your NOC from Nepal's Ministry of Education.
August to September 2027: fly to Dubai, complete your medical test and Emirates ID, and start classes.
January 2028 intake
June to August 2027: free counselling and your English test.
August to October 2027: apply to universities and prepare your documents.
October to November 2027: accept your offer, pay the deposit, and your university applies for your visa.
December 2027 to January 2028: get your NOC, fly to Dubai and start classes.
These dates are a general guide. Our counsellors will give you exact deadlines for your chosen university and course.
Common visa worries
Honest answers to the questions students ask us most
I have a study gap. Will my visa be refused?
Not automatically. What matters is a clear, documented explanation of what you did in the gap (work, training, family responsibilities) and why this course makes sense for your career now.
My grades are low. Is Dubai still possible?
Often, yes. Many Dubai universities offer foundation and diploma routes into a degree. We find the option that fits your marks.
I was refused a visa before. Can I apply again?
Yes, but you must declare it. We review what happened, fix the reasons and only apply again when your file is genuinely strong.
My family will sponsor me. Is that enough?
Family sponsorship is common. Plan for tuition for the whole course, not just the first semester, and keep clear records of the money. We help you plan this before you apply.
How long does the visa take?
Your university applies for you, and it usually takes a few weeks once your documents are complete. Apply early so there is time before your course starts.
Can you guarantee my visa?
No one can, and anyone who promises is not being honest with you. What we do promise: a genuine, well-documented file and a straight answer if your profile needs more work first.
How NEC gets you there
Six clear steps, one counsellor with you all the way
1
Free counselling
We look at your marks, English, family finances and career goals, and tell you honestly how strong your case is today.
2
Offers from two or more universities
We apply for you and explain every condition in your offer letters.
3
Documents and attestation
We prepare your application documents and guide any attestation your university needs.
4
Finances checked in-house
Our review team checks that every financial document is genuine, traceable and sufficient.
5
Deposit and visa
We guide your tuition deposit, and your university applies for your UAE student visa.
6
NOC, then pre-departure
We help with your Nepal NOC, then prepare you for life in Dubai before you fly.
Where to apply
Popular Dubai universities for Nepali students
Dubai has campuses of well-known UK, Australian and other universities, licensed by the KHDA. Our counsellors will give you a shortlist of the options that fit your course, marks, budget and career plan.
University of Birmingham Dubai
Dubai International Academic City · UK university
A Russell Group university, strong in business, computer science and engineering.
Visit the University of Birmingham Dubai website →
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
Dubai International Academic City · UK university
Known for engineering, business and computer science, with links to its Scottish campuses.
Visit the Heriot-Watt University Dubai website →
University of Wollongong in Dubai
Dubai Knowledge Park · Australian university
Business, IT and engineering degrees, in Dubai since 1993.
Visit the University of Wollongong in Dubai website →
Middlesex University Dubai
Dubai Knowledge Park · UK university
Career-focused degrees in business, IT, psychology and media.
Visit the Middlesex University Dubai website →
Murdoch University Dubai
Dubai · Australian university
Business, IT and psychology degrees from a Perth university.
Visit the Murdoch University Dubai website →
Curtin University Dubai
Dubai International Academic City · Australian university
Business, IT and engineering degrees from Curtin in Perth.
Visit the Curtin University Dubai website →
Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai
Dubai Silicon Oasis · US university
Engineering, computing and business degrees from a US university.
Visit the RIT Dubai website →
Amity University Dubai
Dubai International Academic City · Indian university
A wide range of business, IT, engineering and design programmes.
Visit the Amity University Dubai website →Fees, entry requirements and intakes vary by course. Our counsellors will give you the current details for each option.
Get your free Dubai plan
Tell us a little about yourself. A counsellor will contact you within one working day to go through your options: courses, universities, total cost and the visa steps. Your first session is free, with no pressure.
“Avash guided me through every step and helped complete my entire process within just one month. Everything was smooth, efficient, and stress-free.” — Sushant Shrestha, NEC student
Questions students ask us
Is the first counselling session really free?
Yes. We look at your marks, budget and goals and suggest courses and universities that fit, with no obligation to continue.
When should I start for September 2027?
As early as possible. Offers, scholarships and visa processing all take time, so starting this month gives you the best choice of universities and a calm, complete visa file.
My IELTS or PTE score isn't ready. Can I still start?
Yes. We can plan your course and universities now, and our IELTS and PTE classes and mock tests help you reach the score you need.
Prefer WhatsApp? Message a counsellor on 9802364830 →.png)
.svg)