AE · Bachelor's
SAE Institute Dubai
BA (Hons) Film Production
SAE Institute Dubai
Course Overview
SAE Institute Dubai is the regional campus of the global SAE creative-media network, and its BA (Hons) Film Production is a UK-validated degree (awarded through Middlesex University) delivered on an accelerated, hands-on model — students often complete the honours degree in two years rather than three. The programme is studio- and set-based from the start: cinematography, directing, editing, sound design, production management, and short-film projects on professional cameras and editing suites. SAE's industry-practitioner teaching and small cohorts mean serious time behind real equipment, not just lecture theory.
Sri Lankan applicants choose SAE Dubai for the fast route to a recognised UK degree, the four-hour flight from Colombo, and Dubai's status as the Middle East media capital — home to OSN, MBC Studios, Image Nation, and a thriving commercial and film-production scene around Dubai Studio City. The accelerated structure also reduces total living costs versus a three-year degree. The UAE Green Visa offers a five-year post-study residency pathway, and SAE's global alumni network spans film, TV, and streaming.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan GCE A/L: 2–3 passes; or Cambridge / Edexcel A Levels; or a relevant Diploma/Foundation.
- check_circle A showreel, short film, or creative portfolio strengthens the application (recommended).
- check_circle Personal statement on your filmmaking interests.
- check_circle Mature applicants with relevant industry experience are considered without standard qualifications.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.0 Overall.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 72 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your school qualification was taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan Edexcel / Cambridge International applicants qualify).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (AED) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | AED 60,000 | Rs. 5,220,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Dubai) | AED 36,000 | Rs. 3,132,000 |
| Student Visa, Medical & Emirates ID | AED 5,000 | Rs. 435,000 |
| Production Materials & Software | AED 4,000 | Rs. 348,000 |
| Total Programme Investment (2 years) | AED 210,000 | Rs. 18,270,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Graduates qualify for the UAE Green Visa (5-year residency) or employer-sponsored work permits. SAE Dubai Film Production alumni move into roles at MBC Studios, OSN, Image Nation Abu Dhabi, production houses around Dubai Studio City, commercial and advertising shoots, and streaming-content teams. Freelance camera, edit, and production-coordinator work is common in Dubai's busy events and media market. Sri Lankan returnees join Maharaja TV (TV1/Sirasa), Derana, the growing local film and web-series scene, advertising production houses, and corporate video teams at Dialog, Hutch, and the banks.
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ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.