Student accommodation in Dubai costs from AED 3,250 a month for a shared room at The Myriad to AED 6,250 for a studio, but rent is not the whole bill. On published pages, you also need to budget for a refundable deposit (AED 3,500 at The Myriad), transport, and a student nol card if you use public transport. This guide lists the costs providers and authorities actually publish. For the full provider tables, see our Dubai student accommodation guide.
Figures come from the University of Birmingham Dubai and Heriot-Watt University Dubai accommodation pages and Gulf News reporting, checked on 30 October 2026. I have not verified average rents for private flats or neighbourhoods from official sources, so this guide does not quote them.
Costs you can plan for
| Cost | Published figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Shared room (The Myriad, 2026/27) | AED 3,250 to AED 3,700 a month | University of Birmingham Dubai |
| Single room (The Myriad) | AED 5,000 to AED 5,500 a month | University of Birmingham Dubai |
| Studio (The Myriad) | AED 5,650 to AED 6,250 a month | University of Birmingham Dubai |
| Refundable deposit (The Myriad) | AED 3,500 for stays of a month or more; AED 1,750 for shorter stays | University of Birmingham Dubai |
| Private providers (indicative, no currency stated) | 2,150 for a shared room to 7,500 for a studio | Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
| Student nol card (reported, August 2025) | Dh70 card (Dh50 fee plus Dh20 credit), Dh25 ISIC registration, 50 per cent off fares | Gulf News |
The rents at The Myriad fall as the stay lengthens: the lowest rate in each room type applies to 9 to 12 months. Per person, per month, they include all utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, weekly cleaning, laundrette, security and parking, so check what other providers include before comparing. Heriot-Watt notes that its prices apply only if the right number of people share.
Cash you need up front
University of Birmingham Dubai says most providers require a rent deposit paid in advance. At The Myriad, that deposit alone is more than a month’s rent for a shared room, so keep that money available on top of your first payment. I could not verify deposit amounts for the other providers, so ask each one in writing.
I could not verify Dubai’s tenancy registration or rent-regulation rules from official government sources, so I have not stated them. Before you commit, read our guide to university halls versus private housing, the checklist of what to look for before you sign and our safety guide.
FAQs about student accommodation costs in Dubai
How much does student accommodation in Dubai cost per month?
The Myriad lists AED 3,250 to AED 6,250 a month for 2026/27, depending on room type and length of stay.
Are utilities included?
At The Myriad, yes: utilities, Wi-Fi and weekly cleaning are included. Other providers differ, so ask what is covered.
Do I pay a deposit?
The Myriad lists a refundable AED 3,500 deposit for stays of a month or more. Most providers require a deposit in advance, according to University of Birmingham Dubai.
Sources
- University of Birmingham Dubai: The Myriad
- University of Birmingham Dubai: general accommodation guidance
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai: student accommodation
- Gulf News: student public transport discounts (updated 21 August 2025)
All checked 30 October 2026.
