Last Updated on July 1, 2025
Dubai is a great destination for Indian and international students who wish to study among the best. The city offers not only quality education, but is also home to universities equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, relevant courses, and faculty who can mould you into industry-ready professionals.
That said, individuals aspiring to pursue their higher education and fulfil their study abroad dreams in Dubai must keep abreast of the university intakes in the city. Universities in Dubai primarily have three intakes: September, January, and July. Most of the programs and courses are available during the September intake.
Before we further delve into the types of intakes in Dubai for Indian Students and other technical aspects, let us first understand why Dubai can be your ultimate study abroad destination.Â
Why Study in Dubai?
It is hard to imagine Dubai without opulence, rich Sheikhs, glitzy cars, and humongous roads. However, there is a massively underrated aspect to Dubai, and that is the quality of education the city provides. Universities in Dubai are not only eminent but also offer some of the most sought-after degrees that are globally recognised. In other words, for Indian students, Dubai can be an ideal study abroad destination.
- Dubai boasts of housing some of the best universities in the world. These institutions are not only equipped with cutting-edge facilities, but the faculty there are trained to shape young, promising minds into confident, industry-leading professionals.
- Dubai has something to offer for everyone. Be it engineering, medicine, business, or humanities, the wide array of courses available in Dubai’s universities is nothing short of a feat in itself, showcasing how far the city has come in terms of education and academics.
- In Dubai, you will be exposed to people from all over the globe, making connections and networks with individuals you’ve never met and may not have known otherwise. This inclusion of cultures and diversity can broaden one’s horizon and understanding of how the world works, preparing you for the real world that’s waiting beyond the classroom.
- A special note for Indian parents: If you are a parent, feel confident in sending your child to Dubai to pursue their study abroad dreams. Dubai is considered one of the safest cities in the world. Ranked as the second safest city globally, it boasts extremely low crime rates, offering peace of mind for families back home.
- One of the best aspects of studying in Dubai is that it allows Indian and international students to earn without paying income tax, making it easier to save, invest, and manage finances effectively.
Now that you have a decent idea about the quality of education in Dubai, let us understand the types of intakes in Dubai for Indian Students.
What are the Types of Intakes in Dubai for Indian Students?
Dubai offers three major intakes for international students, including Indians — January (Winter), May (Summer), and September (Fall).
Fall Intake 2025 (September Intake)
The Fall intake, also known as the September intake, is the most popular among international and Indian students. The intake window typically lasts from September to October. This period offers the widest variety of courses and programs to both Indian and international aspirants.
Not only that, students who wish to enrol in internships or part-time jobs can do so during the Fall intake. Universities also offer financial aid during this time, especially to students coming from economically weaker sections. Indian students who have just completed their higher secondary education are highly encouraged to apply for the Fall intake in universities in Dubai.
Here are some key points to consider if you’re planning to apply for the Fall Intake 2025:
- The intake period offers some of the most mainstream and sought-after courses to Indian and international students alike.
- The sheer variety of courses available during this period can broaden a student’s options and help them choose a path aligned with their long-term goals.
- Students can even partake in internships or part-time jobs during this period, gaining early exposure to industry practices and professional work environments.
- However, due to its popularity, this intake is highly competitive, so early preparation and timely application are crucial.
Spring Intake 2026 (January Intake)
The Spring Intake (also known as the January Intake) is ideal for students who may have missed the Fall Intake. It serves as a secondary admission window for those unable to apply during the September-October period for any reason.
One of the drawbacks of this intake is that it offers fewer programs compared to the more popular Fall intake. However, if you do not wish to lose an academic year and are determined to pursue your education regardless, this remains a great alternative.
Students aspiring to pursue UG, PG, and diploma programs can confidently consider enrolling during this intake season.
Here are some key points to consider if you’re planning to apply for the Spring Intake 2025:
- One of the best things about the Spring intake in Dubai is that universities during this time have fewer enrolments, making it easier to secure a seat due to less competition.
- Universities in Dubai typically accept students with average academic scores during this intake. Therefore, if you are someone with average scores, do not fret, you can easily opt for the Spring Intake in Dubai.
- As stated before, fewer course options might restrict academic flexibility. Additionally, internship and job opportunities may not be as abundant as those available during the Fall intake.
Summer Intake 2026 (July Intake)
The Summer Intake has the smallest window of admission, typically running from July to August. However, do not misinterpret this intake period as the least valuable due to its short duration.
Despite its brief timeline, the Summer intake offers some of the best certificate programs and short-term courses to both Indian and international students. It also serves as a great opportunity for Indian students to take more time for preparation, including English proficiency tests and entrance exams.
- Due to its short duration, most students do not opt for the Summer intake period, which means there is far less competition during this time compared to other intake windows.
- This intake window also has a much higher acceptance rate than other periods. It even provides international students with additional time to prepare for their English proficiency tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
- However, it’s important to note that students cannot opt for full-fledged degree programs during this period. The Summer Intake has limited access to internships and placement opportunities when compared to the other intakes.
Are You an Indian Student Aspiring to Study in One of Dubai’s Premium Institutes?
Well, you’ll need to keep in mind some important eligibility criteria and ensure that you abide by them. Have a look.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for Intakes in Dubai 2025?Â
It is imperative for both Indian and international students who wish to pursue their higher education in Dubai and enroll in the city’s most eminent universities to stay updated on the eligibility requirements. These criteria are usually in place to assess a student’s academic potential, as well as their ability to adapt to an international environment in accordance with the guidelines of the UAE.
That said, refer to the following table to go through the eligibility criteria for intakes in Dubai for Indian students:
| Eligibility Criteria | Detail |
| Academic Transcripts | It is a mandate for aspirants to submit certified copies of their academic results/records.  Indian students are required to submit copies of their class 10th and 12th results along with Bachelor’s degree (if required). |
| Language Test | Students are required to take English language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL and PTE. |
| SOP | It is a mandate for students to submit their statement of purpose wherein they mention their reason to pursue education in Dubai and why they specifically wish to study in the UAE. The format of the SOP should be in an essay format. |
| Letters of Recommendation (LORs) | Students are required to acquire LORs from their teachers/professors who can vouch for their academic proficiency. |
| Resume | Candidates enrolling for Postgraduate or Diploma courses must have substantial work experience and a well made resume. This can help such students get the required internship or job in Dubai. |
| Valid Visa | A student must have a valid visa/passport to study in Dubai. |
How to Apply for University Intakes in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide
Wondering How to Apply for a University Intake in Dubai? Don’t fret, your dream of studying abroad in Dubai is still soaring high! Go through this step-by-step guide to understand the complete procedure for applying to university intakes in Dubai.
Choose the University and Program
Aspirants wishing to pursue their education in Dubai must first select the best program and university that aligns with their dream career or long-term career goals. This is a crucial step, so it is highly recommended that students thoroughly research the program and university that best suits them.
At Admissify, we can help you do just that!
Check Eligibility
Once the program and university are selected, students are required to go through the eligibility criteria and discern whether they are indeed eligible for the intake or not. It is imperative that students do not skim through this step, as it can become a hassle later if one finds out that they are not eligible for their dream university in Dubai.
Documentation
Some of the documents required for admission to universities in Dubai include academic transcripts, English language test scores, Letters of Recommendation (LORs), Statements of Purpose (SOPs), passports, and CVs.
Application
Students are required to submit their documents online through the preferred university’s portal. In case of payments, the university representative will assist and guide you through the process themselves.
So that was all about the intakes In Dubai for Indian students. To sum it up, there are three primary intakes in Dubai for admission, i.e, the fall intake, spring intake and the summer intake. Aspirants must have a solid idea about these intakes before applying for any of their preferred universities.
FAQs
- What are the major intakes available in Dubai for Indian students?Â
Dubai offers three major intakes: Fall (Sept–Oct) with the most courses, Spring (Jan–Feb) with fewer programs and less competition, and Summer (July–Aug) ideal for short-term courses with higher acceptance rates.
- Which intake is best for Indian students planning to pursue undergraduate programs in Dubai?
The Fall Intake is ideal for Indian students after Class 12, offering the widest course options, top scholarships, and better internship and part-time job opportunities.
- Can Indian students apply for part-time jobs or internships in Dubai during any intake?
Ans. Indian students can work part-time and take internships in all intakes, but opportunities are most abundant during the Fall Intake and are more limited in Spring and Summer.
Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.
