100% tuition fee waivers, no US visa woes, UK transfers: How UAE universities are luring int'l students

Dubai: With international students forced to reconsider their US plans amid visa woes, universities in the UAE are emerging as a safe and stable alternative. While institutions in the UAE are reporting a significant surge in international applications and interest, they are also going the extra mile to attract talented students.

This follows a proclamation by the Trump administration banning international students from attending institutions like Harvard University. Although a federal judge has temporarily blocked Trump's order, students have reported feeling uncertain about future policy changes prompting many to seek more dependable options.

In response, the UAE is offering scholarships, easy visa policies, and world-class academic programmes to position itself as a global education hub and attract the best minds from around the world.

100% tuition waivers for September batch

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) has introduced a new scholarship programme for the September 2025 intake, offering up to 100 per cent tuition waivers for top-performing postgraduate applicants.

“To support outstanding postgraduate students, we’ve launched a new Excellence Scholarship for the September 2025 intake, offering up to 100 per cent off tuition fees for top-ranked applicants from globally ranked universities,” Camille Assouline, Head of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs Division, SUAD, said.

“Awards are based on academic performance and IELTS results – making internationally recognised education more accessible to top talent,” Assouline said.

‘This is more than just a recruitment opportunity’

Gulf Medical University (GMU) has responded with targeted initiatives, including international webinars, campus open houses, and digital outreach efforts to connect with students who are reconsidering their academic destinations.
“These initiatives aim to provide clarity, guidance, and direct engagement with our academic advisors and admissions team. We see this moment as more than just a recruitment opportunity – it’s a chance to position the UAE as a long-term leader in global medical and health sciences education,” Professor Manda Venkatramana, Acting Chancellor, said.

Free student transfer to Edinburgh, and Kuala Lumpur

Institutions like Heriot-Watt offer the Go Global programme, which allows seamless transfers between campuses in Dubai, Edinburgh, and Kuala Lumpur.
“Should students want to study in the UK at a later stage, Heriot-Watt allows them to freely transfer between our campuses,” said Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, noting that the programme enriches students’ academic journey and prepares them for international employment.

Open houses for American and CBSE students

Abu Dhabi University will be hosting an Open Week till June 20. The undergraduate Open Week is designed for American and CBSE high school graduates looking to begin their academic journey. There is also a postgraduate Open Week for those interested in exploring advanced programmes. The university is offering scholarships ranging from 25 to 50 per cent, along with a Dh3,000 fee waiver upon enrolment.