Study abroad depends on various factors. Students who are considering two destinations, the UAE and France, must choose the destination based on their academic records, qualifications, budget, and career goals. Both countries offer standard academic quality, world-class facilities, globally recognised degrees, and an excellent lifestyle. However, tuition fees, living expenses, and visa processes differ by country. Study in UAE is better if students want proximity to India with an easier visa process. However, choosing France is better if you are budget-conscious.
Let’s explore which country to choose for higher education.
A Quick comparison between the UAE and France
| Comparison Criteria | Study in UAE | Study in France |
| Tuition Fees | AED 30,000 to AED 1,20,000 per year | €170 to €30,000 per year |
| Living Expenses | AED 3,000 to AED 6.500 per month | €600 to €1200 per month |
| Student visa | Faster and easier | Structured and standard |
| Job prospects | High | HIgh |
Cost of study in UAE
Cost is one of the primary factors in getting admission to the UAE’s top universities. Students are highly concerned about tuition fees abroad, but tuition fees are just a part of the overall budget. Students should also consider the cost of living, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, utilities, and other expenses.
Tuition fees
To study in Dubai, estimated tuition costs range between AED 30,000 and AED 1,20,000 per year, depending on the university and level of study.
- Public universities: The UAE’s public universities charge lower tuition fees than private universities. Public universities charge between AED 30.000 and AED 60.000 per year for undergraduate programmes. However, tuition fees for post-graduate programmes generally range between AED 24,000 and AED 1,10,000, depending on the university and the specific course.
- Private universities: Private universities in the UAE charge between AED 40,000 and AED 100,000 per year for undergraduate programmes. However, tuition fees range from AED 40,000 to AED 90,000 per year for a post-graduate programme, depending on the specific programme.
Cost of living
To study in UAE, living expenses include accommodation charges, food & groceries, health insurance, transportation, and other expenses.
- Accommodation charges: Accommodation charges range between AED 2000 and AED 5000 per month, depending on housing type and location. Accommodation types include on-campus dormitories, shared apartments outside the campus, private residences, and studio apartments.
- Food and Groceries: Estimated food and grocery charges for a student typically range from AED 600 to AED 1500. Cooking at home can cost AED 600 to AED 1,000, while university canteens charge about AED 15 to AED 25 per meal.
Transportation
Transportation charges range between AED 250 and AED 600 per month, depending on the type of transportation.
- Monthly public transit passes range from AED 250 to AED 300 per month
- Pay-as-you-go charges can range from AED 300 to AED 600 per month.
Total cost for education in France
Study in France costs €170 to €30,000 per year, depending on the university, the specific programme, and students’ origin. The cost includes tuition fees, accommodation charges, food & grocery charges, health insurance, transportation, etc.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees vary by university and students’ origin. For EU and non-EU students, costs are different.
- Public university (EU/EEA student): Public universities in France cost €178 per year for a bachelor’s degree and €250 for a postgraduate degree.
- Public University (Non-EU student): For Non-EU students, public universities charge €2,902 per year for a bachelor’s degree and €3,950 per year for a master’s programme.
- Private universities: To study in France at private universities charges higher fees than at public universities. Charges typically range from €5,000 to €30,000+ per year.
Cost of living
The cost of living in France depends heavily on the city you live in. It ranges from €800 to €1800 per month. Cost of living includes accommodation, food & groceries, health insurance, and other charges.
- Accommodation charges: €400 to €900 per month
- Food and Groceries charges: €180 to €300 per month
Transportation
Transportation in France costs between €20 and €80, depending heavily on the city where you live.
Student Visa: UAE vs France
Studying overseas requires students to get a study visa from the nearest UAE embassy. A visa is also required to get work and career opportunities in the country.
UAE student visa
Visa sponsorship
International students can study in UAE under different sponsorship arrangements. The visa to study in the country can be sponsored by the university or students’ parents who are legal UAE residents.
Application process to get the visa
To receive a student visa, students go through some easy steps, which are as follows:
- Obtain an official admission letter from the university
- Prepare required documents
- Visa sponsorship either by the university or parents
- Submit the visa application
- Medical examination
- Receive the entry permit
- Get the visa stamped after arrival in the country
Visa validity
Your UAE visa is typically valid for 1 year. Students need to renew it depending on their course duration. To renew the visa, they need to submit necessary documents, which include:
- A renewal application before the expiry of the existing visa
- Valid enrollment certificate from the university
- Medical certificate
- Health insurance
- A renewal fee
France study Visa
There are two types of French study visa: Short-stay visa and long-stay visa.
Eligibility criteria for French student visa
To apply for a French student visa, students must meet the academic, financial, and document requirements. Below are the eligibility criteria:
- A minimum age of 18 years
- Official admission letter from a French university
- Evidence of sufficient fund
- Proof of language proficiency
- Proof of housing arrangements in France
Application process to get a French study Visa
Here are the following steps to get a French study visa:
- Validation of Etudes en France (EEF) file
- Go for an academic interview, if applicable
- Complete your visa application with VFS
- Validate the long-stay student visa
- Apply for the residence permit, if applicable.
Which Visa is Easier?
Students considering which country’s visa is easier for them, they must check the following:
- Processing and documentation
- Visa application fees
- Visa-extension facilities, etc.
Both the UAE and France offer straightforward student visa processes. However, the UAE is considered faster and easier, with minimal paperwork. On the other hand, France has a more structured, standard, and transparent system with a high approval rate.
Part-time work while studying
Considering part-time work in the UAE and France while studying shows differences in wages, legal hours, visas, and permits.
UAE
While studying in Dubai, students can work as a part-time employee while considering the following points:
- Legal Hours: Approx. 15 hours per week during academic hours and up to 40 hours during breaks.
- Work permit: Students need many documents to get a work permit while studying in the country. These documents include an NOC from the university.
- Wages: Wages heavily depend on the specific free zone, emirate, and company.
France
To study in France, students can work as a part-time employee while considering the following points:
- Legal Hours: Approx. 20 hours per week and full-time during holidays.
- Work permit: Students’ long-stay visa acts as a work authorisation. Hence, no need for a work permit.
- Wages: Students can get wages ranging from €11 to €15, depending on the sector.
Post-study career prospects: UAE vs France
Working after graduation in the UAE
International graduates from the UAE can transition from student status to employee status as soon as they secure a job offer. The high-demand job sectors in the country are IT, AI, Finance, logistics, and renewable energy. The following steps are required to get employee status in the UAE:
- Maintain a legal stay during job hunting
- Get a job offer from a Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) registered employer
- Update your status through immigration authorities
- Complete your medical fitness test, Emirates ID registration, and residence stamping.
Working after graduation in France
The student status does not change automatically; students need to get a permit to work in the country after graduation. The change of status applies to non-EU and non-Swiss students. Top hiring sectors in the country include IT, Engineering and Aerospace, Finance and consulting, and green energy and sustainability.
Here are the steps to follow to get a change of status from student to an employee in the country:
- Fill out the application form 2 or 4 months before the residence permit expires.
- The job offer must be published at least 3 weeks before any application is filed.
- Issuance of ANEF attestations to prove your legal status
- Issuance of final employee residence permit
Which is better for Indian students: the UAE or France?
The UAE and France both offer a standard education system to their students. Choosing one of the countries to study depends on students’ preferences and their goals.
Why choose France?
Choose France for higher studies if you have the following goals:
- Low-cost public education
- Getting a European degree
- Getting into a European job market
- To study fashion, design, management, engineering, and business
- English-medium programmes
Why choose the UAE?
Choose the UAE for higher education if you prefer the following:
- Proximity to India
- A large diaspora
- International branch campus
- Fast visa processing
- Long-term residency option
Conclusion
Comparing two countries to study abroad largely depends on students’ previous qualifications, budget, and career objectives. The UAE is known for its tax-free economy and lower unemployment rates, while France is known for its European degree and being a second-largest economy in Europe. If you are seeking a cheaper destination, studying in France would be better for you. However, the UAE offers an international branch campus with top-notch courses.
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