Visa Types
UAE Student Visa Application Guide
Apply to study in the UAE as an international student, extend your study permit and find out about working while You study or after you graduate.
Key Points for UAE Study Visa >>>
Student visa
Students from outside the UAE will need to apply for a Student Residency Visa. GCC nationals do not require a visa, while outstanding students are eligible for a 5 year visa.
Student Affairs offices at universities will facilitate the process to assist students with their visa. Elements required to process a visa include an official admission letter from the university they will be studying at, a medical fitness test, a visa sponsor (which can either be the university or a relative who is a resident), and approval of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai.
Golden visa for outstanding students
If you are an outstanding student and all-round high achiever, then Dubai is the obvious choice to pursue your degree and career ambitions. Did you graduate from public or private secondary school with a final grade of 95% or above? Or are you a university student with a distinctive UAE or international university awarded GPA of at least 3.75? If the answer is yes, then you could be eligible for a five-year study visa.
And it gets even better. If you are an exceptional student, you could well be eligible for a 10-year residency visa that will set you on the right path for career success post-graduation.
Do you need a visa to travel to UAE?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to UAE
UAE visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online or Offline at VFS Centre.
Do I need to give biometrics?
No, Biometrics not required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a UAE visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a UAE visa.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a student visa?
A student visa is given for a duration of one year, at a time, renewable for a similar period upon proof of continuation of a study issued by the educational institute where the student is studying.
What kind of visa will we acquire from UAE?
The visa will be stamped in your passport by the UAE immigration authorities. The visa will contain your name, passport number, date of birth, and the purpose of your visit. It will also state the duration of your stay in the UAE.
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Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
The visa fees for the UAE for all categories from India are as follows: Visitor Visa:
- Single entry: AED 330 (approximately INR 7,400)
- Multiple entry: AED 800 (approximately INR 17,845)
- 60-day single entry: AED 650 (approximately INR 14,500)
- For undergraduate studies: AED 1,500 (approximately INR 35,690)
- For postgraduate studies: AED 2,000 (approximately INR 46,475)
- For PhD studies: AED 2,500 (approximately INR 57,260)
- For skilled workers: AED 3,000 (approximately INR 68,850)
- For unskilled workers: AED 2,000 (approximately INR 46,475)
- For investors: AED 500,000 (approximately INR 1.14 crore)
- For entrepreneurs: AED 250,000 (approximately INR 57,260,000)
- For highly skilled workers: AED 100,000 (approximately INR 2,294,250)
Step-By-Step Guidelines
Let us walk you through the process
The process for obtaining a study visa for the UAE is usually facilitated by the educational institution you have been accepted to. Generally, the institution will guide you through the visa application process and may act as your sponsor.
Research and select a university or educational institution in the UAE where you wish to study. Ensure that the institution is recognized and offers the program you are interested in.
Apply for admission to the chosen university or educational institution and follow their application process. Provide all the necessary documents as per their requirements, such as academic transcripts, certificates, letters of recommendation, and proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).
Once you receive an acceptance letter from the institution, inquire about the study visa process. The institution will guide you through the necessary steps and provide the required documents and forms.
Pay the required visa processing fee as instructed by the institution.
Submit the completed visa application and supporting documents to the educational institution. They will review and process your application, and if approved, they will act as your sponsor and facilitate the visa issuance process.
The educational institution will liaise with the relevant UAE authorities on your behalf to obtain the study permit (student visa).
Once the study visa is approved, the institution will notify you and provide you with the necessary documentation, such as an electronic visa or visa authorization number.
Make travel arrangements, including booking flights and organizing accommodation, keeping in mind the validity dates of your study visa.
Please note that while the educational institution typically handles the visa application process, it's essential to maintain communication with them to ensure a smooth application and stay updated on any changes or additional requirements.
Always consult with the educational institution you plan to attend for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the specific procedures and requirements for obtaining a study permit in the UAE.
Related links
Student visa options – Visit Dubai
Visa Process – Abu Dhabi University
Apply for Visa and UAE ID Card – Sharjah University
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for a study residence permit in the UAE, the specific document requirements may vary depending on the university or educational institution you will be attending. However, here is a detailed checklist of documents that are commonly required:
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Passport:
Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended duration of stay. Make sure your passport has sufficient blank pages for visa stamps. -
Visa Application Form:
Completed and signed visa application form provided by the educational institution or the UAE immigration authorities. Follow the instructions provided and provide accurate information. -
Offer of Admission:
Letter of acceptance or offer of admission from the university or educational institution in the UAE. This document should include details such as the course you will be enrolled in, the duration of the program, and the start date. -
Education Documents: Submit the following educational documents:
- Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts or mark sheets from your previous educational institutions, showing your academic performance.
- Diplomas or Degrees: Copies of your diplomas or degrees earned from previous educational institutions.
- Equivalency Certificate: If your educational qualifications are from a non-UAE institution, you may need to obtain an equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education or the relevant authorities.
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Financial Documents:
Provide proof of financial resources to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs during your stay in the UAE. This may include:- Bank Statements: Recent bank statements showing sufficient funds to support your studies and living expenses. The required amount may vary, so check with your educational institution for specific requirements.
- Sponsorship Letters: If you are sponsored by a government organization, company, or individual, provide a sponsorship letter stating their commitment to financially support you during your studies.
- Scholarship Documents: If you have been awarded a scholarship, provide the relevant documents as proof.
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Health Insurance:
Obtain comprehensive health insurance coverage that is valid in the UAE for the duration of your study. Submit the insurance policy documents as proof of coverage. -
Medical Certificate:
Some universities may require a medical certificate confirming your good health and absence of contagious diseases. This certificate is usually issued by a recognized medical authority in your home country. -
Passport-sized Photographs:
Provide recent, colored photographs with a white background. The specific requirements may vary, but generally, 4-6 passport-sized photos are required. -
Residence Visa Application Fee:
Pay the required visa application fee. The amount can vary depending on the duration of stay and other factors. Check with the UAE immigration authorities or your educational institution for the exact fee amount and payment procedure. -
No Objection Certificate (NOC):
In some cases, you may need to obtain a No Objection Certificate from your home country's embassy or consulate in the UAE. This document confirms that your home country has no objection to you studying in the UAE.
It's important to note that this checklist provides a general overview, and the specific document requirements may vary depending on the university or educational institution. It's advisable to consult with your educational institution or check the UAE immigration authorities' website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the required documents for a study residence permit application
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
If you have been accepted into a higher education institution in the UAE, your school will assist you in obtaining a UAE Student Visa. However, before you can obtain the student visa, you will need an entry permit for studying purposes, also known as a student entry permit.
The process of applying for an entry permit may vary depending on your country of origin and the specific procedures followed by the UAE immigration authorities. However, here is a general overview of the application process for an entry permit:
Sponsorship: Your school acts as your sponsor and initiates the entry permit application process on your behalf.
Application Channels: The entry permit application can be submitted through different portals, depending on the authorities involved. These portals include:
1. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC): Your school may apply through the FAIC's online portal or other available channels.
2. The ICA's eChannel portal: Your school can apply through the eChannel portal provided by the Identity and Citizenship Authority (ICA).
3. The mobile apps for Apple and Android
4. GDRFA : The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in each Emirate, such as GDRFA Dubai, may have their own online portals or in-person application options. If applying in-person, your school can do so through licensed typing centers of the GDRFA or Amer centers in Dubai.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Residence visa for studying in the UAE
A student can stay in the UAE for studying, either under the sponsorship of his/her parent, who should be a resident of the UAE or under the sponsorship of the accredited university/college he/she is studying at. At the same time, Golden visa is issued to outstanding students.
- Sponsorship: A student can stay in the UAE for studying under either their parent's sponsorship (if the parent is a UAE resident) or under the sponsorship of the accredited university/college they are studying at.
- Duration and Renewal: A student visa is initially granted for a duration of one year, renewable for a similar period. To renew the visa, the student needs to provide proof of continuation of studies issued by the educational institution.
- Age Limit for Sponsorship: Expatriate residents can sponsor their male child/children up to the age of 25. Male students over the age of 25 can stay on their parents' sponsorship if they provide evidence of attending a higher educational institute for a minimum of one year. Expatriate residents can continue to sponsor their female children for study, regardless of their age, until they are married.
- Student Affairs Office Assistance: Student Affairs offices at universities in the UAE typically facilitate the visa process and assist students with their visa applications.
- Required Documents: To apply for a student visa, you will generally need to submit a certificate issued by the university or institute specifying the duration of your study. Additionally, you will need to fulfill other general requirements stated in the general provisions for the residence visa.
- Family Members' Stay: Family members of foreign students studying at UAE universities may stay in the country as long as they can afford suitable housing. This initiative aims to achieve moral stability for the students.
- Golden Visa for Outstanding Students: There is also a golden visa program in the UAE that offers long-term residence permits to outstanding students. These visas provide extended residency and various benefits to exceptional students.
It's important to note that specific requirements and procedures may vary, so it is advisable to refer to the relevant government sources, such as the official websites of the immigration authorities or the student affairs offices at your chosen university, for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding student visas in the UAE