Last Updated on May 17, 2023
The resources on this page are intended for international students who plan to study at ADSM.
The quality of education offered in the UAE is attractive to many international students. However, all students must plan cautiously the various costs of their stay in the UAE while earning their degree.
Living costs in Abu Dhabi vary depending on different factors such as housing, transportation, food, entertainment and other miscellaneous expenses. Students must choose their options based on their allocated budget.
ADSM tuition fees and financial aid options are available at the Tuition and Financial Aid page.
In addition, to give you a fair idea about the cost of living in the UAE, we have listed below average costs for housing, transportation, and other possible costs.
Housing
As a graduate business management school, ADSM does not provide student accommodation. However, finding housing in Abu Dhabi is not difficult as accommodations of all types are available in abundance throughout the Emirate. Please check here to view an example of current available options for studio apartments. If you need any help, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at Registrar@adsm.ac.ae, and they will recommend and suggest nearby and affordable accommodations.
Transportation
You may opt to buy your own vehicle or use public transportation based on your budget. Abu Dhabi public transport is governed by the Department of Transport, and offers various options. We have included below an estimated cost for some of the current average transportation costs:
| Taxi (5 km trip) | AED 15 |
| Bus (per trip) | AED 2 |
| Petrol (per liter) | Determined on monthly basis here |
Student Visa Requirements
International Students who successfully get admitted to a program at ADSM will need to apply for a Student Visa.
Student Visa in the UAE can be secured either by UAE residents sponsoring their relatives or by the accredited Institution that the student will study in.
Visa applications are processed by the relevant General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in each emirate.
If you do not have a visa sponsor in the UAE and require ADSM to sponsor your visa, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at Registrar@adsm.ac.ae to request visa sponsorship.
A student visa is only valid for one year and needs to be renewed annually, with an official proof of continuation of study from ADSM. However, the UAE government approved a decision to grant a 5-year visa to outstanding students.
Students must graduate with a distinctive GPA of at least 3.75 from universities and colleges within and outside the country to be eligible for a 5-year visa.
Student visa requirements include:
- A visa sponsor (either Institution or a relative)
- An official admission letter from Institution
- Passing medical fitness test
- Approval of the relevant General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs(GDRFA).
For further details on government regulations and student visa, please visit https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/education/higher-education/student-visa
Note: Due to the COVID-19 situation, regular visa processing for the UAE has been suspended until further notice.
Eligibility for Health Services
All ADSM students eligible for a residence visa must have a health care plan as it is a requirement from the Abu Dhabi Government. In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, visa sponsors are responsible for providing health insurance coverage for the sponsored individual. If you intend to request visa sponsorship from ADSM, the Office of Student Affairs will provide you with detailed information and associated costs.
A good healthcare system is in place in the UAE, with access to many private and government hospitals. Hospitals accept direct payments through the health insurance card, but it is always recommended to inquire about insurances accepted at each facility before obtaining any health services to assure there are no unexpected charges.
Accident and Travel Insurance
As soon as a student gets health insurance plan, he/she can apply for accident and travel insurance on personal basis. For more information, contact the Office of Student Affairs at Registrar@adsm.ac.ae.
