Dubai City guide
Study in Sharjah
The American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah both occupy gated campuses; many students live in Dubai's Al Qusais or Deira and commute by bus, as Sharjah has no internal urban transit network. The emirate enforces stricter alcohol restrictions than Dubai. That is why many applicants weigh Sharjah against other Dubai cities before sending documents.
The American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah both occupy gated campuses; many students live in Dubai's Al Qusais or Deira and commute by bus, as Sharjah has no internal urban transit network.
Mid-range costs
Student residence visa
Limited during studies — check your permit
You pay the institution directly — ApplySite adds no hidden student fees.
Education in Sharjah is not a single "flagship" campus story. Two-year college routes, degree pathways, work-integrated masters and rolling language intakes sit side by side. Check intake dates, language scores and whether the campus is downtown or suburban with commuter links.
Until then, use this guide for costs, visa type and study format, and talk to an advisor if you already have a campus in mind. The institution processes admission; we help you track the file.
Transit and rent shape the real budget in Sharjah more than the headline tuition fee. The American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah both occupy gated campuses; many students live in Dubai's Al Qusais or Deira and commute by bus, as Sharjah has no internal urban transit network. The emirate enforces stricter alcohol restrictions than Dubai. Compare other Dubai cities in this guide if you have not locked your destination yet.
Most cities in this guide offer three housing profiles: university residence (expensive, limited spaces, book early), homestay (board included, ideal for the first month) and shared flat (best price-to-autonomy ratio over a full academic year). A homestay family typically provides cultural and practical context that no group chat can replicate.
The academic year in Dubai typically starts in September or October, with a second intake in January or February for eligible programmes. Language schools accept monthly starts at most centres. If you arrive outside the main cycle, a language semester beforehand places you at the right level for the formal programme start. In Sharjah the concentration of providers means more varied entry dates than in smaller country cities.
To browse verified programmes and apply through ApplySite: open the catalog, filter by city or programme type, compare institution profiles and submit your application directly to admissions. You do not pay ApplySite — tuition and administrative fees go straight to the institution. An ApplySite advisor follows up with you until you receive a decision.
City guide
Why students choose Sharjah
- The American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah both occupy gated campuses; many students live in Dubai's Al Qusais or Deira and commute by bus, as Sharjah has no internal urban transit network. The emirate enforces stricter alcohol restrictions than Dubai.
- Mixed academic routes: languages, diplomas and degrees in Sharjah
- Side-by-side comparison with other Dubai cities on ApplySite
- Program catalog in Sharjah expanding at launch
Education
Types of institutions
Universities and higher education
Institutions with their own admissions in Sharjah; check language of instruction and intake dates.
Colleges and vocational training
Applied one- to three-year diplomas, often with local placements.
Language schools
Intensive courses before academic study or to raise language scores.
Programs
What you can study in Sharjah
Programs are published in stages at launch. Use the links below to explore the country catalog or speak with an advisor.
Catalog expanding at launch
Languages in Sharjah
Language schools and intensive courses in Sharjah to level up before college or university in Dubai.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Undergraduate study in Sharjah
Diplomas, technical degrees and pathways with Sharjah institutions focused on local employability.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Postgraduate programs in Sharjah
MBAs, master's and specializations on campus or hybrid with networking in Sharjah's ecosystem.
See programs →Student life
The first semester in Sharjah typically has the highest upfront costs: rental deposit, transit card, course materials and setup expenses. Budget a two-month buffer on top of regular monthly costs before your arrival date.
Visa and paperwork
To study in Sharjah you will typically need the Student residence visa. Allow several weeks for documents, biometrics and any health checks required for your nationality. While enrolled, limited during studies — check your permit Immigration rules change — confirm on the official government site before you travel.
Guide to Dubai →Immigration rules change. Information last updated May 2026 — check the official embassy or government site for your nationality.
Planning your budget
Cost of living in Sharjah
Indicative monthly ranges for one person; rent varies sharply by neighbourhood.
Indicative figures only — not a quote from institutions. Last reviewed in May 2026. Verify rent, tuition and visa fees on official sources before you budget or apply.
Dubai
Other cities in Dubai
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while studying in Sharjah?
In Dubai, the usual rule is: Limited during studies — check your permit. Confirm limits on your offer letter and the official immigration site.
How much does it cost to live in Sharjah?
Housing is usually the largest expense. Use the cost table on this page as a guide; it varies by area and housing type in Sharjah.
How do I apply to a program in Sharjah?
On ApplySite you compare programs in Sharjah, save favorites and submit your application directly to the institution with admissions tracking.
Are programs already listed for Sharjah?
The catalog rolls out in phases at launch. Until then use this guide and contact our team if you already have an institution in mind.
Do I pay ApplySite?
No. ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden student fees. Official costs (application, tuition, insurance if required) are paid directly to the institution under their published terms.
Are there hidden fees when I apply?
Browsing, comparing and submitting your application on ApplySite is free for students. Each school lists its fees; what you pay goes to the institution. We do not add undisclosed charges on top of those amounts.
Planning your move to Sharjah?
Create your account, save institutions you like and send your application when programs go live. You pay the school directly — ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden fees.