Preparing for University

Follow these steps before you arrive to ensure you're prepared as a new University of Birmingham Dubai student.

Your checklist to become a student

1. Accept your offer via the Application Portal

To confirm your place, you must log into the application system to accept your offer.

Have you met your entry requirements?

If you have a conditional offer, ensure you have uploaded all your documents to the Application Portal. Look out for emails from our admissions team, who will be in touch if you need to provide any further details

2. Complete online registration

All students must complete online registration at the start of each academic year. All new applicants will receive their login details for online registration within 7-10 working days once an unconditional accept (UA) has been issued. You will be asked to confirm your personal details, programme details and other important information. You must complete online registration to access your student email address, virtual learning environment and the intranet.

3. Check your fees and scholarships

Once you have accepted your offer you will be able to receive any scholarships awarded to you. If you need to discuss your scholarships with anyone, please contact our admissions team via phone or by submitting an enquiry on our contact us page.

Do not forget to pay your fees. You can pay your fees at the start of the academic year or using a termly instalment plan. For further details visit our student finance page once you have completed online registration.

4. Apply for your visa

If you require a visa, you can apply once you have an unconditional offer that you have accepted and you have completed the online registration process. If you are already under a Parent or Employee Sponsorship Visa and do not require sponsorship from the University, please complete the existing visa form.

5. Think about your expenses

Understanding your typical expenses while studying in Dubai is crucial so that you can plan your finances. Consider the cost of living in Dubai as a student to make informed decisions, such as what accommodation you choose.

6. Find accommodation

Finding somewhere to live is an exciting part of moving to a new city. The University of Birmingham Dubai is situated in Dubai International Academic City. The University is situated close to several student accommodation providers, which offer special rates to University of Birmingham Dubai students. 

Many students also choose to live in private rented accommodation. Please note that you will need to have obtained your visa and Emirates ID card before you can take on a private tenancy.

We recommend that students arrive the weekend before Welcome Week.

7. Consider your healthcare

Before starting your studies, take some time to understand how to access healthcare in Dubai, including disclosing any disabilities, ensuring you have the necessary health insurance and knowing how to access a doctor, pharmacy and other healthcare services.

8. Plan your journey to Dubai

Once you have booked your accommodation, you can book your flight to Dubai if you are relocating to study with us. Dubai is serviced by 2 airports: Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. 

All our student accommodation partners provide airport pick-up to bring you straight from the airport to your accommodation, please contact them with your flight details once booked.

9. Pack your bags

Start planning what you will need to bring with you for studying and living in Dubai. We have put together some suggestions to help you consider what you might need.

10. Map out your Welcome Week!

Once you’ve completed all your pre-arrival administration it is time to have some fun and plan your Welcome Week timetable. Our Welcome Week will be made up of social events, skills development events and your programme induction. It is a great opportunity to learn more about your programme, the University, and make friends!

Join the conversation

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram to get a feel for student life at the University and start sharing your journey: #MyUoBDubai #UoBDubai #StudyDubai #MyUoBD

@unibirminghamdubai @uobdubai_studentexperience

Students sat on floor playing board games.
International students holding messages in different languages.