Studying abroad in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) opens up a number of exciting opportunities, from immersing yourself in a new culture to expanding your global career prospects.
If you’re moving to the UAE in the middle of your studies, the good news is that you don’t have to start over. Many universities allow you to transfer university credits from your home institution and pick up right where you left off. Plus, with Remitly, you can easily receive financial support from your family overseas to help you manage the cost of living in Dubai or any other Emirate.
What is a credit transfer?
A credit transfer allows students to transfer the academic credits they’ve received at one university to another. This process is useful for students who:
- Relocate to a new country and want to continue their education there.
- Switch programmes within the same university or transfer to a different institution.
For example, many students from countries like India, Pakistan, or the Philippines start their degrees in their home country before transferring to a university in the UAE to improve their career prospects. Some students also transfer between universities within the UAE, like switching from a public to a private institution or upgrading from a diploma to a full degree.
Credit transfers are available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Undergraduate students often transfer after completing a few semesters or earning a diploma at another institution.
- Postgraduate transfers are less common, but can happen, especially when changing specialisations or completing part of your degree elsewhere.
A successful credit transfer means that your past academic work and achievements will be recognised by your new university. This means you won’t have to start your courses from scratch, saving you time and reducing tuition costs.
Universities in the UAE
The UAE offers a variety of universities catering to different academic needs and backgrounds. The right choice depends on factors such as your nationality, field of study, and whether you’re looking for a local or internationally accredited qualification.
Public universities
Public universities cater primarily to Emirati students, but some accept international applicants under certain conditions. Although requirements are stricter for non-citizens, tuition fees are generally more affordable than at private institutions.
These universities offer programmes that align with the UAE’s developmental goals, like engineering, education, healthcare, and public administration. While their degrees are usually locally accredited, they are often recognised across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Examples of public universities and their specialisations:
- United Arab Emirates University: Engineering, IT, education
- Zayed University: Media, business, international affairs
- Higher Colleges of Technology: Applied sciences, business, health sciences
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences: Medicine, dentistry, biomedical sciences
Private universities
Private universities in the UAE are open to students of all nationalities and are the most accessible option for international students. They typically offer a wider range of programmes and have more flexible admission requirements than public universities.
Many of these institutions have international partnerships or are affiliated with universities abroad, so they offer globally recognised degrees. However, tuition fees tend to be higher compared to public universities.
Private universities specialise in a broad range of subjects, but they’re especially known for business, media, design, and STEM programmes:
- American University in Dubai: Business, architecture, media studies
- University of Wollongong in Dubai: Engineering, IT, finance
- Middlesex University Dubai: Law, psychology, marketing
- Abu Dhabi University: Education, business, public health
These institutions often have modern campuses, diverse student communities, and adapt their curriculum to suit the needs of businesses in the UAE’s private sector.
International branch universities
International branch universities or campuses are extensions of well-known institutions from countries like the UK, US, Australia, and India. They follow the same curriculum and academic standards as their home campus, while offering globally recognised degrees.
With students from all nationalities, these universities attract a diverse student body and are ideal for those who want to work in the UAE, return home, or study abroad after graduation.
Notable international branch universities in the UAE:
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai: Engineering, business, data science
- University of Birmingham Dubai: Education, artificial intelligence, psychology
- Amity University Dubai: Law, hospitality, biotechnology
- Murdoch University Dubai: Media, cybersecurity, business
Requirements for transferring university credits in the UAE
Transferring university credits in the UAE varies depending on the type of institution you’re transferring to and where your previous university is based. The main factors influencing your transfer include:
- The type of university (public, private, or international branch)
- The country your previous university is based in, as this affects accreditation, grading scales, and course equivalency
- The level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate)
It’s essential to check with the admissions office of your chosen UAE university to find out specific details, as requirements can differ between institutions.
Transferring credits from a university abroad
If you’re transferring credits from a university outside of the UAE, you’ll need to prepare some key documents for the evaluation process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts
- Your previous institution will need to provide a detailed transcript showing all completed courses, grades, and earned credits.
- Course descriptions or syllabi
- These are required to help the UAE university compare the content of the courses with its own curriculum.
- University accreditation
- Your previous institution should be recognised by the educational authority in its home country. Universities in the UAE often request this to verify the credibility of your prior studies.
- Attested documents
- Some universities may require attested copies of your documents. This means that they’ll need to be verified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the UAE embassy in the country where you studied.
- Passport and student visa copies
- Providing copies of these helps confirm your identity and status as a student during the transfer process.
- Letter of good standing
- This letter is proof that you’ve paid all tuition fees and are in good standing with your previous university.
Transferring credits from another university in the UAE
Transferring from one university to another within the UAE is usually more straightforward than transferring from an institution abroad. However, you’ll still require a few important documents:
- Official transcript
- You’ll need to provide a transcript from your current university, detailing the courses you’ve completed.
- Course descriptions or syllabi
- Just like with international transfers, you’ll need to provide syllabi or descriptions of the courses to help the new university assess equivalency.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) or clearance letter
- Some universities in the UAE require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or clearance letter from your current institution, confirming they have no objection to your transfer.
- Copies of Emirates ID, passport, and residency visa
- As with international transfers, you’ll need to submit these documents to verify your identity and residency status.
- Student visa transfer or cancellation
- If you’re on a student visa, you’ll need to arrange either a transfer or cancellation of your student visa to match your new university.
Unlike international transfers, attestation of documents is typically not required when transferring between UAE universities.
Step-by-step guide for transferring university credits to the UAE
Transferring university credits can seem like an overwhelming task, especially with different rules at each institution. However, once you break down the process into clear steps, it becomes much more manageable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.
1. Apply online
Most universities in the UAE have an online application portal to begin the transfer process. You’ll usually need to register an account, choose your programme, and indicate that you’re applying as a transfer student.
Double-check the intake period and application deadlines to ensure that you submit your application and accompanying documents on time.
2. Submit your documents
Once you’ve submitted your online application, you’ll need to provide the required supporting documents. These typically include:
- Official transcripts from your previous institution
- Course descriptions or syllabi to outline the content of your previous coursework
- Proof of accreditation from your previous university
- Any required letters from the institution
Be mindful that some institutions may require attested documents, which can take some time. Start gathering your paperwork early to ensure everything is ready in time.
3. Wait for feedback
After you’ve submitted your documents, the university will assess your application and decide which credits they can accept. This can take a few weeks, depending on the institution. Some might even reach out for more information or clarification from you, so be sure to keep an eye on your email and check the application portal regularly.
4. Pay the fees
If your application is successful and your credits are approved for transfer, you’ll need to pay the necessary fees to complete the process.
Typically, you’ll have to pay an application fee, a credit evaluation fee, and a tuition deposit. Some universities may also charge per credit transferred. Fortunately, this is easy to do when you use Remitly for your international money wires.
Summary
Whether you’re continuing your undergraduate studies or pursuing a postgraduate degree, understanding how different universities manage credit transfers can help you avoid delays to get an internationally recognised degree in no time.
Each university in the UAE has its own set of rules, but the key steps tend to stay the same: apply early, prepare your documents, and pay your fees on time.
Taking the time to get everything right from the start means you’ll be able to focus on your studies and settle into life in the UAE more easily. And that’s one less thing to worry about when you’re making a big move.
FAQs
Can I transfer credits to a different university?
Yes, many universities in the UAE accept transfer students. The number of credits they’ll recognise depends on their policies and how closely your previous coursework matches their curriculum. You’ll usually have to submit academic coursework and course descriptions to support your application.
How do I transfer international credits?
To transfer international credits, you’ll need to apply as a transfer student and submit the required documentation. The list usually includes your academic transcript, course syllabi, and your student visa. Some universities in the UAE may also require attestations to prove that your previous institution is accredited by the relevant education authority.
What university accepts the most transfer credits?
While there’s no official ranking, private and international branch universities in the UAE tend to accept more transfer students than public institutions.
Can you transfer university credits to an open university?
Some universities in the UAE and abroad allow credit transfers, especially for undergraduate programmes. You’ll need to meet their eligibility criteria and submit supporting documents. Just be sure to check your chosen institution’s rules around transfers, as this will affect the application process you need to follow.