How much savings should I have initially to cover deposit, application fees, and other expenses in UAE for a Master's?

Before your first semester's tuition, you should set aside roughly AED 25,000 to AED 45,000, about USD 6,800 to USD 12,200, to comfortably cover application, visa, deposit and settling in costs for a Master's in the UAE. This cushion is separate from tuition, which most universities let you pay per semester rather than all at once.

Where your initial savings go

Costs beyond this initial cushion

• Tuition is usually billed per semester or credit hour, but you will still need a first installment or registration fee, often AED 5,000 to 15,000, around the same time as your visa processing.
• Budget separately for a local phone plan, household basics if you move off campus, and utility connection deposits, which drain cash quickly in your first weeks.
• Part-time work is allowed under university-approved permits, but do not count on that income in your first two to three months; your savings need to cover you independently until then.

My Advice

Keep your AED 25,000 to 45,000 cushion in an account you can access immediately on arrival, separate from any tuition installment money, so a delayed transfer never leaves you short for your security deposit or first month's rent. Ask your university's international office in writing exactly when the first tuition installment is due, so you are not caught arranging two large payments in the same week.