Students Visa for Universities & Colleges in Dubai / UAE

Any foreign national (except GCC nationals) wishing to study in the UAE must get a UAE Student Visa. However, students must first be accepted into a higher education institution in the UAE, as it is the school that conducts the visa application procedure.

What documents do I need for a UAE Student Visa?

When applying for a Student Visa in the UAE, you must meet many conditions and provide supporting documentation. This includes the following:

• Your passport, as well as many copies of it
• Several passport-sized photographs You may require up to 12, so plan accordingly.
• A letter of acceptance to a university or college in the UAE.
• Proof of financial stability to fund tuition and living expenses
• A medical certificate issued by a UAE government-approved health establishment. All applicants over the age of 18 must be tested for HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, leprosy, and syphilis.
• Proof of residence, such as student housing or proof of tenancy
• Include proof of certification from your prior university/college if you are applying for a post-graduate program.

Keep in mind that visa application criteria change from one emirate to the next, as well as from one university to the next. This list only includes the most frequently requested documents. Finally, it is your school that will offer you a complete list of all the documents you will require.

How can I apply for a Student Visa to the UAE?

If you are accepted into a UAE higher education institution, your school will arrange for your UAE Student Visa to be obtained from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – GDRFA. The college or university must be accredited in order to secure the visa on your behalf.

Because the UAE Student Visa is a sort of resident visa, it can only be obtained by your school once you have arrived in the country. This means you must first obtain admission permission for the purpose of studying.

Obtaining a Student Visa

Your college or university applies for your UAE Student Visa at the GDRFA office in the emirate where you will be residing. If your application has been approved, the GDRFA will stamp your passport with a Residence Visa and provide you with an Emirates ID that is valid for the same period as the visa.

How long is the validity of a UAE student visa?

A student visa is typically provided for one year and can be renewed annually for the duration of your study. To renew your Student Visa, you must obtain confirmation from your institution that you are still enrolled.

The UAE government, on the other hand, launched a new form of Long-Term Residence Visa in 2018, which is awarded to excellent or exceptional pupils. This visa is valid for a period of five years.

Who Qualifies for a 5-Year Student Visa in the UAE?

If you are a good student with a high GPA, you may be eligible for a UAE Student Visa with a 5-year validity period. The following are the eligibility requirements:

• Secondary education graduates must have a minimum grade point average of 95% in a public or private secondary school.
• For university graduates: A GPA of at least 3.75 from a university in or outside the UAE is required.

The holder of this sort of UAE visa may also bring dependents.

Is it possible to work in the UAE while on a student visa?

Working in the UAE with a Student Visa is only possible if you additionally get a UAE Work Permit. Furthermore, you are not permitted to work full-time: you may only work for four hours in a row.
This is a relatively new policy, as previously, international students were not permitted to work at all, except in school-approved internship programs.