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Work and Study

Student Jobs in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), your university's visa rules decide if you can work. Some universities do not allow work on the student visa. Some, such as American University of Sharjah (AUS), offer jobs on campus. Pay is in UAE dirham (AED).

Work Regulations for International Students

AUS students
  • You may not take full-time or part-time jobs on the student visa.
  • AUS has its own on-campus jobs, open to full-time undergraduates.
  • Internships linked to your course, with AUS approval and an NOC.
Students in a Dubai free zone (a special business area with its own rules)
  • BITS Pilani Dubai: you may not take a job on this visa.
  • Curtin University Dubai: you can only work within the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) group of companies, in its Earn While You Learn program.

Types of Student Work

No Objection Certificate (NOC)

A letter from your university saying it agrees, for example for an internship. AUS gives one through its visa office.

Special Cases

After you graduate

If you get a job, your employer arranges a new visa for you. Show your university the new visa so it can cancel your student visa.

Popular Job Opportunities for Students

Jobs depend on your university. Check its visa rules first.

On-Campus Jobs at AUS
  • Work in the library, help desks, the Student Center or university offices.
  • Open to full-time undergraduates, who study at least 12 credit hours (a credit hour is one unit of a course).
  • Up to 20 hours a week in term, 40 in breaks.
  • Your pay goes into a savings account at Sharjah Islamic Bank.

AED 15 to AED 30 an hour (AUS)

Internships
  • AUS allows internships linked to your course, with its approval.
  • You need a No Objection Certificate (NOC), a letter from AUS's visa office saying it agrees.

Work-Study at AUS

AUS runs a work-study program for students with financial need.

How It Works

  • Part-time jobs for undergraduates who need money.
  • You must study full time (at least 12 credit hours).
  • AUS's scholarships office decides who is eligible.

How to Find Student Jobs in United Arab Emirates

Start with jobs your own university offers.

University Resources

Your university's student employment office

At AUS, ask the employment office about job openings.

Common Challenges & Solutions

Your visa may not allow work

Your university gets your student visa for you. Many of these visas do not let you work outside the university.

Solution:

Read your university's visa terms. At BITS Pilani Dubai Campus (BPDC), you may not take a job on this visa.

Balancing Work and Study

Study comes first. Your visa needs you to stay a full-time student.

Put study first

Your visa depends on full-time study.

Work on campus

Campus jobs fit around your classes.

Week Planning for Success

Optimal Hours

  • Up to 20 hours a week:The limit for AUS on-campus jobs during term.
  • Up to 40 hours a week:The AUS limit in breaks and summer.

Warning Signs

Consider reducing work hours if you experience:

  • Your grades are falling.
  • You miss classes for work.
  • Your GPA (grade point average) is close to 2.20. AUS needs a GPA of 2.20 for on-campus jobs.

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