Quick Answer: The UAE Student Visa is a residence permit that allows international students to study at accredited universities and colleges in the UAE. Students must be enrolled full-time in a licensed institution that sponsors the visa. Requirements include a valid passport (6+ months), admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Visa costs range from AED 2,500 to AED 5,000, including medical tests and the Emirates ID. Processing takes 7-14 working days. The visa is valid for 1 year with annual renewals throughout the study program. Outstanding students with a GPA of 3.75+ or 95% on high school exams may qualify for a 5-10-year Golden Visa.
What is the UAE Student Visa
The UAE Student Visa is a residence permit issued to non-UAE citizens who wish to study at accredited universities, colleges, or educational institutions in the United Arab Emirates. This visa allows international students aged 18 and above to reside legally in the country for the duration of their academic program.
UAE law requires all non-GCC nationals (excluding citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia) to obtain a Student Entry Permit followed by a Student Residence Visa before commencing studies.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
| Validity | 1 year (renewable annually) |
| Sponsorship | University/Institution or Parent |
| Work Rights | Part-time with permit (up to 20 hours/week) |
| Family Sponsorship | Permitted with additional requirements |
| Emirates ID | Required for all students |
| Health Insurance | Mandatory |
Who Needs a Student Visa
| Category | Student Visa Required |
| Non-GCC Nationals | Yes |
| GCC Nationals | No |
| UAE Residents (under parent sponsorship) | May use existing visa |
| Part-time Students | Not eligible for university sponsorship |
Types of UAE Student Visas
Standard Student Visa (University-Sponsored)
The most common type for international students enrolled in full-time programs. The university acts as the sponsor and handles the visa application process.
| Feature | Specification |
| Validity | 1 year |
| Renewal | Annual throughout the program |
| Sponsor | Educational institution |
| Work Authorization | Requires a separate permit |
| Processing | 7-14 working days |
Parent-Sponsored Student Visa
| Feature | Specification |
| Sponsor | Parent (UAE resident) |
| Sons | Sponsored until age 25 |
| Daughters | Sponsored until marriage |
| Work | Requires a separate permit |
Long-Term Student Visa (5-Year)
| Requirement | Specification |
| High School | 95% or higher final grade |
| University | GPA 3.75 or higher |
| University Classification | The UAE Ministry of Education approved |
| Benefits | 5-year validity, self-sponsorship options |
Golden Visa for Students (10-Year)
| Category | Requirements |
| High School Graduates | 95%+ from UAE public/private school |
| UAE University Graduates | GPA 3.5 (Class A) or 3.8 (Class B) |
| International University Graduates | Top 100 university, GPA 3.5+ |
| Graduation Timeline | Within 2 years of graduation |
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
| Age | 18 years or older |
| Enrollment | Full-time at UAE-accredited institution |
| Passport | Valid minimum 6-7 months |
| Admission | Unconditional offer letter |
| Sponsor | University or parent (UAE resident) |
| Health Insurance | Valid UAE coverage |
| Medical Fitness | Pass required medical tests |
| Funds | Proof of tuition and living expenses |
Academic Requirements
- Admission to a UAE-licensed university, college, or educational institution
- Full-time enrollment (part-time students cannot obtain university sponsorship)
- The institution must be accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education
- The program must be recognized for visa sponsorship purposes
English Proficiency
| Requirement | Specification |
| IELTS | Typically 6.0-6.5 minimum |
| TOEFL | Varies by institution |
| English Medium Education | May waive the test requirement |
Required Documents
Primary Documents
| Document | Specification |
| Passport | Color copy, 6+ months validity, clear biodata page |
| Passport Photos | Recent, white background, passport-sized (4.3 x 5.5 cm) |
| Admission Letter | Unconditional offer from a UAE institution |
| Academic Certificates | Attested transcripts and diplomas |
| Health Insurance | Valid UAE coverage |
| Proof of Funds | Bank statements, sponsorship letter, or tuition receipt |
Additional Documents
| Document | When Required |
| Birth Certificate | Some nationalities |
| Police Clearance | Certain countries |
| Tuition Fee Receipt | Current academic year |
| Accommodation Proof | University housing or tenancy agreement |
| Emirates ID Application | After visa approval |
Application Process Step-by-Step
Step 1: Secure University Admission
Apply to a UAE-accredited university, submit required academic documents, receive an unconditional offer letter, accept admission, and pay initial fees.
Step 2: Submit Documents tothe University
Provide the university’s student visa office with a completed visa application form, passport copy, passport-sized photos, admission letter, tuition fee receipt, and health insurance documents.
Step 3: University Submits Visa Application
The university’s PRO (Public Relations Officer) submits your application to GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs).
Step 4: Pay Visa Fees
Pay required fees covering visa application fee, processing charges, security deposit (if applicable), medical examination fee, and Emirates ID fee.
Step 5: Receive Entry Permit
Upon approval, an entry permit is issued (valid 60 days). Travel to the UAE within permit validity.
Step 6: Complete Medical Examination
Within 30 days of arrival, schedule an appointment at a DHA/EHS-approved center. Complete blood tests and chest X-ray. Results transmitted to immigration authorities.
Step 7: Register for Emirates ID
After passing the medical test, book a biometric appointment (7-10 days after the medical test). Provide fingerprints and a photograph. Receive the Emirates ID application form. Card delivered within 5-7 working days.
Step 8: Receive Residence Visa
Visa stamped in passport (or e-visa issued). Student residency status activated. Legal to reside and study in the UAE.
Fees and Costs
Government Fees Breakdown
| Component | Cost (AED) | Cost (USD) |
| Entry Permit | 300-500 | 80-135 |
| Residence Visa Stamp | 500-700 | 135-190 |
| Medical Examination | 300-500 | 80-135 |
| Emirates ID (1 year) | 370-570 | 100-155 |
University Processing Fees
| Component | Cost (AED) | Cost (USD) |
| Visa Processing Fee | 500-2,000 | 135-545 |
| Visa Maintenance Charge | 1,500-2,500 | 410-680 |
| Security Deposit (refundable) | 1,000-3,000 | 270-820 |
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Total (AED) | Total (USD) |
| Minimum | 2,500 | 680 |
| Average | 3,500 | 950 |
| Maximum | 5,000+ | 1,360+ |
Health Insurance Costs
| Coverage Type | Annual Cost (AED) | Yearly Cost (USD) |
| Basic Student Plan | 1,200-1,500 | 325-410 |
| Standard Plan | 1,500-2,000 | 410-545 |
| Comprehensive Plan | 2,000-3,500 | 545-950 |
Processing Time
Standard Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
| Document Verification | 2-3 working days |
| Entry Permit Issuance | 3-5 working days |
| Medical Examination | 1-2 days |
| Emirates ID Processing | 5-7 working days |
| Residence Visa Stamping | 2-3 days |
| Total | 7-14 working days |
Some applications may take up to 1 month or longer due to additional document requests, security clearance requirements, peak enrollment periods, or incomplete applications. Express processing available at extra cost (5-7 working days).
Medical Examination Requirements
Mandatory Tests
| Test | Purpose |
| Blood Test | HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis screening |
| Chest X-ray | Tuberculosis detection |
Exemptions
| Category | Exemption |
| Under 18 years | Medical test not required |
| Pregnant women | Blood test only, X-ray deferred |
Medical Test Outcomes
| Result | Action |
| Fit | Proceed with visa processing |
| Temporarily Unfit | Treatment required, retest |
| Unfit | Visa denied |
Emirates ID Registration
All students on university-sponsored visas must obtain an Emirates ID card within 15 days of visa stamping.
Process
- University schedules a biometric appointment (7-10 days after the medical test)
- Visit the ICA center for fingerprints and a photograph
- Receive the temporary Emirates ID application form
- Card delivered via Emirates Post (5-7 working days)
Emirates ID Fees
| Validity | Cost (AED) |
| 1 year | 370 |
| 2 years | 570 |
| 3 years | 770 |
Student Work Permits
International students can work in the UAE with proper authorization from MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation).
Requirements for Student Work Permit
| Requirement | Specification |
| Age | 15 years or older |
| Enrollment | Active in a licensed UAE institution |
| Academic Standing | Satisfactory performance |
| University Approval | No Objection Certificate (NOC) |
| Valid Residence Visa | Student visa must be active |
| Emirates ID | Required |
Work Hours Limitations
| Period | Maximum Hours |
| During Semester | 20 hours/week |
| Academic Breaks | Full-time permitted |
| Daily Limit | 6 hours maximum |
Work Permit Costs
| Component | Cost (AED) |
| Student Work Permit | 500 |
| Processing Fee | 100-300 |
Golden Visa for Outstanding Students
The UAE Golden Visa program offers exceptional students 5-10 years of residency without requiring a sponsor.
High School Graduates Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
| School Type | Public or licensed private school in the UAE |
| Minimum Grade | 95% or higher |
| Attestation | Ministry of Education |
| Nomination | Required from the Ministry of Education |
UAE University Graduates Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
| Degree | Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD |
| University Classification | Class A or B (MOE approved) |
| GPA (Class A) | Minimum 3.5 |
| GPA (Class B) | Minimum 3.8 |
| Graduation Timeline | Within 2 years |
| Attestation | Ministry of Education |
International University Graduates Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
| Degree | Bachelor’s (international qualifications) |
| University Ranking | Top 100 globally (MOE recognized list) |
| GPA | Minimum 3.5 |
| Graduation Timeline | Within 2 years |
| Equivalency | Ministry of Education required |
Golden Visa Fees
| Component | Cost (AED) |
| Residence Permit (10-year) | 2,790 |
| Emirates ID | 1,070 |
| Inside Country Fee | 500 |
| Total | 4,360 |
Visa Renewal Process
Begin renewal process at least 30-60 days before visa expiry. Requirements include active enrollment, a valid passport (6+ months), an updated medical fitness certificate, a current Emirates ID, and paid tuition fees.
Renewal Costs
| Component | Cost (AED) |
| Visa Renewal | 500-1,000 |
| Medical Test | 300-500 |
| Emirates ID Renewal | 370-570 |
| University Processing | 500-1,500 |
| Total | 1,670-3,570 |
Failure to renew before expiry results in daily fines (AED 50-100/day), potential visa ban, and deportation risk.
Post-Graduation Options
Month Job Seeker Period
| Feature | Specification |
| Duration | Up to 12 months |
| Purpose | Employment search |
| Conversion | Can switch to an employment visa |
| Work | Not permitted until an employment visa is obtained |
Outstanding graduates may apply for a Golden Visa within 2 years of graduation, provided they meet GPA requirements. Students may continue to Master’s or PhD programs under a new student visa or existing Golden Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for a UAE student visa?
Students must be 18 years or older to apply for a university-sponsored student visa. Younger students may study under parent sponsorship if the parent is a UAE resident.
Can international students work in the UAE?
Yes, with a student work permit from MOHRE. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during academic breaks. A No Objection Certificate from the university is required.
How much does a UAE student visa cost?
Total costs range from AED 2,500 to AED 5,000 (USD 680 to USD 1,360), including visa fees, medical examination, Emirates ID, university processing fees, and health insurance.
What happens if I fail the medical test?
Students who fail the medical fitness test will have their visa denied. Certain conditions may be treated and retested. Communicable diseases like HIV or active tuberculosis result in visa rejection.
What is the Golden Visa for students?
The Golden Visa is a 10-year residence permit for outstanding students. High school graduates need 95%+ scores; university graduates need a GPA of 3.5+ from Class A universities or 3.8+ from Class B universities.
Can I work full-time on a student visa?
Not during the academic semester. Students are limited to 20 hours/week during term time but may work full-time during official academic breaks with proper authorization.
How long does student visa processing take?
Standard processing takes 7-14 working days. Some applications may take up to 1 month, depending on nationality, document verification, and security checks.
What if my visa expires before graduation?
You must renew the visa before expiry. Start the renewal process 30-60 days in advance—overstaying results in daily fines and potential visa complications.
Do I need IELTS for a UAE student visa?
IELTS or equivalent English proficiency may be required for university admission, not for the visa itself. Many UAE universities waive this requirement for students from English-medium schools.
Can I sponsor my family on a student visa?
Yes, under certain conditions. Students must meet minimum income requirements and provide adequate housing. Family members require separate visas, medical tests, and Emirates IDs.
Official Sources
Government Portals
- UAE Government Portal: u.ae
- ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security): icp.gov.ae
- GDRFA Dubai: gdrfad.gov.ae
- MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources): mohre.gov.ae
Health Authority Portals
- Dubai Health Authority: dha.gov.ae
- Emirates Health Services: ehs.gov.ae
- Department of Health Abu Dhabi: doh.gov.ae
Education Authorities
- UAE Ministry of Education: moe.gov.ae
- KHDA Dubai: khda.gov.ae
- ADEK Abu Dhabi: adek.gov.ae
Contact Information
- ICP Toll-Free: 600 522222
- GDRFA Dubai: 800 5111
- MOHRE: 800 60
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information as of January 2026. Requirements and fees may change. Always verify current requirements through official government portals and your university’s student visa office before submitting applications.
Last Updated: January, 2026