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Can you share college details including fee structure and start dates for part-time and full-time courses in UAE/Dubai for a Master's/MA?

04 Sept 2026 · Answered by Sai Sunayan Reddy P · 2 min read
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Yes, five Dubai colleges offer both formats: Middlesex (AED 55,000 to 75,000/year), Birmingham Dubai (AED 85,000 to 105,000/year, mostly full-time), Heriot-Watt (AED 60,000 to 80,000/year), UOWD (AED 75,000 to 95,000/year), and MAHE Dubai (AED 35,000 to 50,000/year). September is the primary start date, with several also offering January.

Sai Sunayan Reddy P
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Your fee range across Dubai colleges is wide, from AED 35,000 a year at the most affordable option up to AED 105,000 at the priciest. Most colleges give you a real choice between full-time and part-time formats built around your visa and work schedule. Start dates cluster around September, with several also running a January intake.

Fees and Start Dates by College

UniversityAnnual Tuition (AED)Study ModesStart Dates
Middlesex University Dubai55,000 to 75,000Full-Time and Part-TimeSeptember, January
University of Birmingham Dubai85,000 to 105,000Full-Time (some part-time)September
Heriot-Watt University Dubai60,000 to 80,000Full-Time and Part-TimeSeptember, January
University of Wollongong in Dubai75,000 to 95,000Full-Time and Part-TimeSeptember, January, Spring
MAHE Dubai35,000 to 50,000Full-Time and Part-TimeSeptember

Full-Time vs Part-Time, Practically

  • Full-time programs usually run 1 year in an accelerated UK or Australian branch-campus structure, sometimes up to 2 years for research or American-style tracks, and require a full-time student visa sponsored by the university.
  • Part-time programs typically stretch across 2 years with evening and weekend classes, and usually require you to already hold local residency or an employment visa to enrol.
  • Budget extra for application fees (AED 500 to 2,000), a student visa if applicable (AED 2,500 to 6,500/year), and living costs (AED 3,800 to 6,760+ per month if renting independently).

My Advice

If you already hold a UAE employment visa, part-time at Middlesex or Heriot-Watt lets you keep working while you study without an additional visa cost. If you are moving to Dubai specifically to study, MAHE offers the lowest tuition entry point, while Birmingham Dubai suits you if global ranking matters more than saving on fees.

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