Zayed University (ZU): Courses, Fees, Cost of Living 2026-27

Zayed University fees for Indian students vary by study level and programme. Undergraduate tuition is charged at AED 2,500 (INR 65,225) per credit hour, while master’s programmes range from AED 2,500 to AED 4,267 (INR 65,225 to INR 1.11 Lakhs) per credit. Zayed University is a federal public university with campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, offering popular programmes in areas such as information technology, business, and communication.

• Undergraduate tuition: AED 2,500 (INR 65,225) per credit hour
• Undergraduate full degree: AED 300,000 (INR 78.27 Lakhs) for 120 credits
• Graduate tuition: AED 2,500 - 4,267 (INR 65,225 - INR 1.11 Lakhs) per credit
• On-campus housing in Abu Dhabi: From AED 12,000 (INR 3.13 Lakhs) per year for a shared room
• Application fee: AED 262.50 (INR 6,849) for undergraduate and AED 420 (INR 10,958) for graduate applicants

For new applicants, Spring 2027 (January - February 2027) and Fall 2027 (August - September 2027) are the relevant intake periods. The UAE student residence visa is sponsored by the university, so students should start the visa process soon after completing the admission and registration requirements.

For the first year, an undergraduate student living on campus should budget AED 111,000 (INR 28.96 Lakhs) including tuition and accommodation. Students should plan their expenses as annual cash flow and confirm the latest tuition, housing and visa charges before finalising their budget.

Note: All INR figures use 1 AED = 26.09 INR as of sept 2026.

Also check, Zayed University (ZU)

Zayed University Tuition Fees by Programme

Undergraduate tuition at Zayed University is AED 2,500 (INR 65,225) per credit hour for all majors, so a bachelor's costs about AED 75,000 (INR 19.57 Lakhs) a year and AED 300,000 (INR 78.27 Lakhs) for the full 120-credit degree. Master's tuition is set per programme, so it varies more.

Undergraduate Fees: 2026-27

Every bachelor's programme is charged at the same AED 2,500 (INR 65,225) per credit rate, whether you study information technology, business, or communication. Total cost then depends only on your credit load.

Graduate Fees: 2026-27 (Course-Wise)

Master's tuition ranges from AED 2,500 to AED 4,267 (INR 65,225 to INR 1.11 Lakhs) per credit, and programmes run 30 to 48 credits, so the full-degree cost varies widely by subject. The table below is the official per-programme schedule, all figures VAT-inclusive.

Zayed University Fee Structure and Yearly Cost Drivers

Zayed University charges by the credit hour, so your yearly bill is simply the per-credit rate times the credits you take, with tuition capped and billed each semester. Fees are set at the federal level and published per academic year, and the university does not release a multi-year fee archive, so no year-over-year series is shown here.

Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for Indian Students

Living on campus at the Abu Dhabi residence costs from AED 12,000 (INR 3.13 Lakhs) a year for a shared room, using Zayed University's own published charges. The rate includes water, electricity, cleaning, maintenance, and weekly transport, but not food.

Total Cost of Studying at Zayed University

Year one costs about AED 111,000 (INR 28.96 Lakhs) all-in for an undergraduate living on campus in a shared room, and about AED 77,000 (INR 20.09 Lakhs) for a master's student. These combine tuition, on-campus housing, and food and personal expenses.

Across a full degree, a four-year bachelor's totals about AED 444,000 (INR 1.16 Crore) all-in, while a two-year master's such as Information Systems Management totals about AED 154,000 (INR 40.17 Lakhs). Because these amounts are modest by US or UK standards, many Indian families fund Zayed University from annual cash-flow or savings rather than a large education loan.

Zayed University Scholarships for Indian Students

Graduate applicants at Zayed University are automatically considered for merit scholarships at the point of admission, with no separate application, provided they submit credentials by the deadline. Undergraduate applicants can access merit-based tuition discounts and a Family Grant.

Zayed University Tuition Payment Options

A registration fee of AED 1,000 (INR 26,090) is due before you register for courses, and each semester's tuition can be paid in full or split into three installments across the term. International students sponsored by an external authority pay in full by the end of the first week.

Methods of payment for international students:

• Bank transfer to the university's account from India or a UAE account
• Forex card
• Payment through an external sponsor with an official sponsorship letter

Using a forex card or a specialist provider instead of a raw wire typically saves 2% to 3% on each transfer.

Steps to pay the tuition fee for international students:

1. Accept your admission offer and pay the registration fee
2. Complete the university-sponsored student residence visa steps
3. Register for courses so tuition posts to your account
4. Pay each semester in full, or in three installments across the term
5. Keep every payment receipt for your residence file

Hidden Costs of Studying at Zayed University

Budget for a few one-time and recurring costs on top of tuition and housing, mostly before you arrive for the Spring 2027 or Fall 2027 intake.

• Application fee: AED 262.50 (INR 6,849) undergraduate, AED 420 (INR 10,958) graduate, one-time
• Registration fee: AED 1,000 (INR 26,090), before you register for courses
• Housing security deposit: AED 2,000 (INR 52,180), refundable on departure
• UAE student residence visa and Emirates ID: roughly AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 (INR 78,270 to INR 1.30 Lakhs), including the medical test, arranged through the university
• Health insurance: mandatory for the residence visa, roughly AED 1,500 to AED 3,000 (INR 39,135 to INR 78,270) a year; confirm the current premium
• Books, laptop, and setup: roughly AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 (INR 52,180 to INR 1.30 Lakhs) a year

Budget approximately INR 2 Lakhs to INR 3 Lakhs for first-year one-time and setup costs, mostly the visa, insurance, and deposit.

Fee Saving Strategies for Indian Students

The most valuable lever is a graduate merit scholarship, which is assessed automatically at admission. A few more moves keep the annual cash outlay low.

• Win a merit scholarship: apply early so your file is assessed for the automatic graduate award at admission
• Share an on-campus room: a double room saves about AED 12,000 (INR 3.13 Lakhs) a year over a single
• Carry a full credit load: finishing on time avoids extra semesters of housing and living costs
• Work on-campus where permitted: part-time campus roles can offset living costs, subject to visa rules
• Use the Family Grant: a sibling already at ZU unlocks a 25% tuition discount for later children