Budgeting & daily costs
International students who move to Dubai should understand that while the city is safe and offers a great living experience, the cost of living in the city is on the higher side. To ensure that students do not run into financial difficulties, this section offers a breakdown of the primary expenditures they can expect to incur, along with tools and tips to help track expenses to ensure spending is kept under the budget.
Typical Monthly Student Budget in Dubai
Tools for Budget Tracking:
- Mobile Apps:
• Spendee or Goodbudget – Track expenses by category
• Splitwise – Manage shared rent/utilities with roommates
- Excel or Google Sheets: Create a monthly planner with fixed and variable expenses
Tip: Always budget 10–15% extra for unexpected expenses like visa renewals, medical needs, or travel.
Student Discounts & Saving Tips
Documents & Rules to Know
• Bank statements or proof of funds might be required for visa renewals.
• Student Nol card application requires a university letter or student ID.
• Some discounts require Emirates ID or university email verification.
Pitfalls to Avoid
• Living paycheck to paycheck – Try to build an emergency buffer of at least 1,000 AED.
• Impulse spending at malls – Stick to a list and avoid unnecessary electronics or luxury brands.
• Ignoring hidden costs – Like housing agency fees, SIM activation charges, or textbook deposits.
• Not comparing plans – Always compare internet, phone, and gym plans before subscribing.
Useful Platforms & Sources
• Splitwise – For expense tracking
• GoodBudget – Budget tracking
• Spendee – Visual budgeting app
• Groupon UAE – Discounts for food, entertainment
• Talabat – Food delivery
• Careem – Food and groceries delivery
• Dubai RTA Nol – Apply for a student Nol card