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Students planning for U.S. university? Attend seminars in UAE
The American Legal Center, with offices in Downtown Dubai, regularly assists families exploring the Green Card route as part of their education planning
- PUBLISHED: Fri 22 Aug 2025, 10:18 AM
For parents navigating these decisions, attending seminars and career fairs in the UAE can be an invaluable step. These events provide first-hand access to educational experts, legal advisors, and university representatives, helping families cut through online information and gain clarity on admissions requirements, scholarship opportunities, and residency pathways. A good seminar should offer more than just presentations. Look for sessions that allow for Q&A, one-on-one consultations, and practical guidance tailored to your family’s circumstances. Similarly, career fairs give students early exposure to universities and employers, helping them understand which skills and experiences are in demand. Choosing well-organised events with credible speakers and established institutions ensures parents and students walk away with actionable insights rather than generic information.
Planning Ahead
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For families in the UAE, planning a child’s educational journey can feel overwhelming. Between navigating international admissions processes, budgeting for tuition and living costs, and ensuring children are positioned for long-term career success, there is a lot to consider. The earlier you begin, the smoother the path will be. There are a lot of resources and seminars available in the UAE to best prepare families for this ultimate leap.
According to UNESCO, international student mobility continues to grow, with the US hosting over 900,000 international students in the 2023 academic year. For many families, the U.S. remains a top choice because of its wide range of universities, flexible curricula, and strong employment pathways after graduation. Yet, the financial aspect often weighs heavily on parents’ decisions.
The Cost Factor
The College Board reports that the average cost of tuition and fees at U.S. public universities for international students can exceed $27,000 per year, while private universities average around $37,000 annually. Add housing, food, books, transportation, and health insurance, and the total annual expense can easily climb above $50,000. For a four-year degree, parents may be looking at an investment well over $200,000.
This is why forward planning is so critical. Budgeting early allows families to realistically assess options and consider pathways that may help offset costs. One avenue that more parents in Dubai are beginning to explore is securing U.S. permanent residency, commonly known as the Green Card, for their children before they apply to university.
Applying As American
Under U.S. law, every American has the right to education. Students with Green Cards are eligible for the same financial aid opportunities available to U.S. citizens. This includes federal grants, need-based aid, and access to 0% interest student loans that can cover tuition, housing, and other costs. Such programs are not open to international students, who typically must rely on private funding or limited scholarships.
Beyond financial support, permanent residents can apply to universities as domestic students. This can improve acceptance chances in certain programs, where international spots are capped and highly competitive. According to U.S. News, acceptance rates at many flagship state universities are significantly higher for domestic applicants compared to international ones.
Guidance for Families
The American Legal Center, with offices in Downtown Dubai, regularly assists families exploring the Green Card route as part of their education planning. Shai Zamanian, a U.S.-licensed lawyer and MBA candidate at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, explains: “Parents are often surprised to learn that the real challenge is not just paying for university, but ensuring their children have the ability to stay and work after graduation. By addressing residency early, families can secure both financial relief and long-term opportunities for their kids.”
Monthly seminars hosted by the center help parents better understand their options and the steps involved in securing permanent residency through the investment route.