Intakes in Dubai at a glance
Quick read
- Dubai's universities run two main intakes, September and January, and several add a spring or summer start.
- Most admit on a rolling basis, so you can still apply for January 2027 now.
- Some scholarships are tied to dates: Heriot-Watt Dubai's Diwali award needs you to apply and pay the deposit by 11 November 2026 for January 2027.
- Your university sponsors and processes the student residence visa, which usually takes one to two months.
- Check that the programme is approved by the UAE authorities and recognised in India before you apply.
Most universities in Dubai are branch campuses of UK, Australian and Indian universities, and they follow a semester or trimester calendar. September and January are the biggest starts, and many universities also run a third intake in spring or summer. That flexibility, together with the short distance from India, is one reason Indian students make up a large share of Dubai's international intake.
Applications are usually rolling: you apply, receive a decision within days or weeks, pay a deposit and the university starts your visa. The real deadline is set by the visa and housing, so aim to complete everything two months before classes begin.
Types of intakes in Dubai
September intake
Main intakeAlso called: Fall intake
- Classes start
- Early to late September
- Applications open
- From about January of the same year
- Typical deadlines
- Rolling; most universities ask you to finish admission and pay the deposit by July or August
- Courses available
- All programmes
Good for: Students finishing Class 12 or a degree in India in the spring, and anyone who wants the full choice of courses.
January intake
Main intakeAlso called: Spring or winter intake
- Classes start
- Mid to late January
- Applications open
- From about August of the previous year
- Typical deadlines
- Rolling; usually November to early December to leave time for the visa
- Courses available
- Most bachelor's and master's programmes, including business, computing and engineering
Good for: Students who missed September or want a faster start.
Spring or summer intake
Limited coursesAlso called: April, May or trimester intake
- Classes start
- April or May
- Applications open
- From about December
- Typical deadlines
- Rolling, usually by March
- Courses available
- Selected programmes at universities that use trimesters or run a third intake
Good for: Students who need a specific start date. Check that your programme runs one.
Upcoming intakes in Dubai from 23 Oct 2026
January 2027
Applications openClasses start mid to late January 2027
Apply by: November to early December 2026; Heriot-Watt's Diwali award needs the deposit by 11 November 2026
Still realistic for most programmes. Apply soon so the university can process your visa before classes start.
Spring 2027
Opening soonApril or May 2027, selected programmes
Apply by: January to March 2027
Only at universities that run a third intake. Ask us which ones on your list do.
September 2027
Applications openEarly to late September 2027
Apply by: February to July 2027
The biggest intake. Apply early for merit scholarships and on-campus housing.
January 2028
Plan aheadMid to late January 2028
Apply by: August to November 2027
Good if you want time to improve your marks or test scores first.
Status is worked out from the date this page was updated. Courses can close early once they are full, so treat each date as the latest safe point, not a target.
Not sure which intake you can still make?Tell us your course and marks and our counsellor will check which Dubai intakes are realistic for you.
Month-by-month plan for the September 2027 intake
January to February 2027
Shortlist universities and check approval (KHDA or CAA) and recognition in India for your programme.
February to April 2027
Take your English test if needed and apply online; many universities reply within days.
April to June 2027
Receive offers, compare merit scholarships and pay the deposit to confirm your seat.
June to July 2027
Submit visa documents to the university, pay the visa package fee and medical insurance.
July to August 2027
Receive your entry permit, book housing and flights.
September 2027
Arrive, complete the medical test and Emirates ID, and start classes.
How to choose the right intake
- 01
Recognition in India
Check that the programme and campus are approved in the UAE and that the degree is recognised under India's rules on foreign qualifications.
- 02
Scholarship deadlines
Some awards are tied to a deposit date or an intake. Read the conditions before you pick a start date.
- 03
Visa processing
The university handles the visa but needs one to two months, so do not leave it late.
- 04
Weather
September starts in hot weather; January starts in the mild season. It matters for settling in, not for your degree.
Application deadlines at universities in Dubai
| University | Intake | Deadline | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai (Diwali Scholarship Award) | January 2027 | Apply and pay the deposit by 11 November 2026 | Check date |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai (Undergraduate Merit Scholarship) | All intakes | Assessed with your application | Check date |
| University of Birmingham Dubai (Chancellor's Academic Merit Scholarship) | September 2027 | Assessed automatically after a conditional offer | Check date |
| University of Wollongong in Dubai (Academic Merit Scholarship) | All intakes | Limited places; apply early in each intake | Check date |
| Middlesex University Dubai (scholarships and grants) | All intakes | At the university's discretion; most need the AED 3,000 deposit when accepting | Check date |
Dubai universities admit on a rolling basis. Programmes can fill, and scholarships can have their own cut-off dates, so apply early and check each page.
Eligibility and documents to keep ready
What you usually need to apply
- Class 12 from CBSE, ISC or a state board for bachelor's; many universities ask for 60–70% upwards.
- A recognised bachelor's degree for master's.
- IELTS, PTE or TOEFL, or an English waiver based on Class 12 English for some universities.
- Payment of the deposit and the university's visa package fee.
- Medical insurance, often included in the visa package.
Documents checklist
- Passport with at least six months' validity
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate (for master's)
- English test score report or waiver evidence
- Passport-size photographs
- Statement of purpose (for some programmes)
- Deposit receipt and visa forms from the university
Want us to check your documents?Our counsellor will go through your file before you apply, so a missing paper doesn't cost you an intake.
Intakes in Dubai: FAQs
What are the intakes in Dubai?
September and January are the main intakes. Some universities also start programmes in April or May.
Can I still apply for January 2027?
Yes, most universities admit on a rolling basis. Apply by November or early December so the visa can be processed.
Who processes the student visa?
Your university sponsors the student residence visa and processes it for you once you pay the deposit and visa fee.
Is there an application deadline?
Most universities do not have a fixed deadline, but scholarships and housing can have cut-off dates.
Are Dubai degrees recognised in India?
It depends on the university and programme. Check the UAE approval and India's regulations on foreign qualifications before you apply.
Sources
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai: Diwali Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
- University of Birmingham Dubai: scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- University of Wollongong in Dubai: undergraduate scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- Middlesex University Dubai: scholarships and grants (opens in a new tab)
- UAE government: residence visa for studying (opens in a new tab)
- KHDA: Dubai's private higher education sector (opens in a new tab)
Researched on 23 Oct 2026. Universities change dates every year, so confirm each deadline on the official page before you apply.