Student Visa
UAE residency for international students enrolled in UAE universities or top schools. Sponsored by the educational institution. Includes Emirates ID and right to work part-time.
What Is the Student Visa?
The UAE Student Visa is issued to international students enrolled in accredited UAE universities, colleges or schools. The educational institution acts as sponsor — they handle the visa application as part of admission. Standard validity is 1-2 years (renewed for the duration of the course). Top high-school students (95%+ average) and top-100 university students with GPA 3.5+ qualify for a separate 5-10 year Golden Student Visa.
Student Visa allows the holder to live in the UAE during studies, work part-time (with permit), open a UAE bank account, and bring immediate family in some cases. Compared to Family Visa (where parent sponsors child), the Student Visa is independent — useful for international students whose families do not reside in the UAE. The Golden Student Visa track extends benefits to top performers including parental sponsorship.
Who Can Apply
- Acceptance letter from accredited UAE educational institution
- School, college or university must be registered with the Ministry of Education
- Proof of tuition fee payment for first semester
- Health insurance covering UAE
- Clean medical fitness test (for age 18+)
- For Golden Student Visa: top scorer (95%+ school) or GPA 3.5+ (top-100 university)
Cost Breakdown
Government fees + Insight service fee. No hidden costs.
Estimates only. Final quote depends on dependents, urgency and current government fees. We confirm in writing within 24 hours.
Step-by-step Application
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01
University acceptance
You receive an acceptance letter from a UAE-accredited institution. This is the prerequisite for the visa application.
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02
Institution-led application
Your university or school files the Student Visa application via the ICA portal. Entry permit issued in 5-10 days.
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03
Entry to UAE
You travel to the UAE on the entry permit (valid 60 days). On arrival, the institution coordinates next steps.
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04
Medical + biometrics + Emirates ID
Complete medical fitness (if 18+), biometrics, and Emirates ID issuance. The institution typically organises these as group activities for incoming international students.
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05
Visa stamping + enrollment confirmation
Visa is electronically stamped to your passport. The Ministry of Education confirms enrollment. Visa is renewed annually until course completion.
What You Need to Provide
- Passport copy (6+ months validity)
- Passport-size photo with white background
- Entry permit / current UAE visa copy
- Emirates ID (if existing UAE resident)
- Medical fitness test result
- Application form signed by sponsor / self
- University / school acceptance letter
- Tuition fee payment receipt (first semester)
- High school transcripts (for university applicants)
- Birth certificate (for school students under 18)
Student Visa vs Other UAE Visas
| Visa | Validity | Cost from | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa this visa | 2-5 years | AED 4,500 | University / top school students | |
| Golden Visa (Student) | 5-10 years | AED 9,500 | Top scorers (95%+ school / GPA 3.5+) | Details |
| Family Visa | 2-3 years | AED 6,000 | Sponsored by UAE-resident parent | Details |
| Employment Visa | 2 years | AED 5,000 | Post-graduation employment | Details |
Student Visa — Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — with a part-time work permit from MOHRE. Students on a UAE Student Visa can work up to 20-30 hours/week during semester, full-time during breaks. The work permit is separate from the visa and requires university approval.
Standard Student Visa is sponsored by your institution, 1-2 year validity (renewed), AED 4,500. Golden Student Visa is self-sponsored, 5-10 year validity, AED 9,500 — but requires being a top scorer (95%+ school, GPA 3.5+ at top-100 university) and includes parent sponsorship for minors.
Standard Student Visa does not sponsor parents — they need their own visa path. Golden Student Visa for high-school students allows parents to stay until the student turns 18. After graduation, the now-adult student can sponsor parents on a Family Visa if salary/income thresholds are met.
Standard Student Visa expires upon course completion. You have 30-60 days grace period to either: transfer to an Employment Visa (with a job offer), apply for an independent visa (Investor, Freelance, Green), or leave the UAE. Many graduates use this transition window for job search.
Yes — Student Visa is a full UAE residency, allowing unrestricted travel in/out of the UAE during studies. Standard 180-day absence rule applies; longer absences may require coordination with the university.
Visa itself: AED 4,500 first year (~AED 2,000 annual renewal). Tuition varies massively: AED 30,000-80,000/year for accredited universities (American University of Sharjah, NYU Abu Dhabi, Heriot-Watt Dubai), AED 80,000-150,000/year for top-tier (INSEAD, others). Living costs Dubai: AED 5,000-10,000/month.
Apply for Student Visa
