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UAE is home to 11 universities, which rank among the top universities in the world. The picturesque location of the seven emirates of UAE equally attracts international students in recent days. With English being the main language of higher education, UAE has facilitated students from all across the globe to learn in the middle east. After completing their studies at universities in UAE, students can get an average package of up to AED 20,000 (4.5 lakhs INR),making it a good place for earning a fair amount after studies.
Students who wish to study in UAE need to apply for a Dubai Study Visa while enrolling in full-time UG or PG courses. However, students applying for a part-time course need to apply for a visa for another category that may be sponsored by parents, employment visas, or any other category. UAE Student Visa is granted for one year initially, and can be extended for another year if the student shows they're still enrolled in their studies at the same university.
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UAE Student Visa
Students can get their Dubai Study Visa easily assisted by Student Affairs Offices at the university. Student visas offered by top universities in UAE allow students to study and reside in the country for 1 year. Students can renew their visas at least 45 days before the expiry date to avoid overstay fines and a lengthy visa renewal process. Dubai Study Visa is renewable only upon providing proof of continuation of study.
Dubai Study Visa applications of International students are processed by the General Directorate of Residence and Foreign Affairs. Students can be offered visas under the sponsorship of an accredited university or college or a parent residing in UAE can sponsor his child up to the age of 25 years.
Dubai Study Visa: Types
UAE Student Visa can be distinguished into two parts, the Short Term UAE Students Visa and the Long Term UAE Students Visa. Here are the duration and other advantages of UAE Student Visa:
| Visa Type | Duration | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Short Term Visa | 1 year | This visa benefits international students by allowing them to study in UAE universities for 12 months. This visa is renewable upon providing proof of continuation of study. |
| Long Term Visa | 5-10 years | This visa benefits students by allowing them to reside in UAE for 5-10 years. |
UAE Student Visa: Requirements
Once students are enrolled in any recognized university in UAE, they can apply for a visa. Students must complete all the requirements listed below to apply for a UAE student visa.
- Certificate specifying the duration of study issued by university or institute.
- Medical fitness certificate.
- Approval from the General Directorate of Residence and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA)
Long-Term UAE Student Visa: Eligibility Criteria
Outstanding students are offered long-term student residency visas that allow students to reside in the country for 5 to 10 years. To be eligible for a long-term Dubai study visa, students must fulfil the below-mentioned eligibility criteria.
- Candidates must have scored 95% or more in graduation from any public or private secondary school.
- University students must have received an award of a GPA of a minimum of 3.75 from any UAE or international University.
UAE Student Visa Requirements
Documents required for visa applications are different for different universities. Students can check the list of commonly required documents for a Dubai study visa application below:
- Passport copy with 6 months validity
- Passport-sized photograph with white background.
- Certificate of medical fitness issued by the concerned authority.
- Emirates ID (if applicable).
- Medical Insurance.
- Certificate issued by the university mentioning the duration of study.
- Entry permit.
UAE Student Visa: English Language Proficiency Requirements
International students who wish to study at universities in UAE need to fulfil the English Language Proficiency Requirements before applying. Students will not be allowed to get UAE student visas before getting admission to a university or institute in UAE. Students can go through the table below to check the EPL requirements for UAE universities.
| University/Institute | English Language Proficiency Requirement |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi University, Dubai | IELTS: 5.0, TOEFL: 61, EmSAT: 1100-1225, Cambridge 154-161 |
| University of Birmingham, Dubai | IELTS: 6-7, TOEFL: 80-95 PTE: 64-67, CE:162-185 |
| American University of Sharjah | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 80, TOEFL iTP: 550, EmSAT Achieve-English: 1550 |
| Khalifa University | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 91 or equivalent, EmSAT Achieve-English: 1550 |
| Arab Emirates University | IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL iBT: 70, TOEFL: 525, EmSAT Achieve-English: 1250 |
| University of Sharjah | IELTS: 5, TOEFL: 61, TOEFL: 500, EmSAT Achieve-English: 1225 |
| Ajman University | IELTS: 6, TOEFL: 550, EmSAT: 1400 |
| New York University Abu Dhabi | IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, PTE: 70, Cambridge English: 191, Duo Lingo Test: 130, iTEP: 4.5 |
| Canadian University Dubai | IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 500, TOEFL: 61, EmSAT: 1250 |
| Middlesex University | IELTS: 6.0, PTE: 51, TOEFL iBT: 72, Duolingo: Overall 95 |
Dubai Student Visa Processing Time
Students applying for UAE student visa need to follow the procedure prescribed by the universities they have applied for. Students will be assisted by the Student Affairs offices at universities with their visas.
The Dubai study visa is issued within 10-30 days of application. In case the student wants to discontinue their study in the country, they can apply for cancellation of the visa and prepare to move to another country or make another visa for staying in UAE.
| Application Type | Location | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
|
Inside UAE |
Normal | 4-5 weeks |
| Express | 3-4 weeks | |
|
Outside UAE |
Normal | Before Arrival: 14 Working days; After Arrival: 4-5 weeks |
| Express | Before Arrival: 7-10 Working days; After Arrival: 3-4 weeks |
Dubai Study Visa Fees
Fees charged for applying for a Dubai study visa are different for different universities. Students can check below the visa fee charged by some of the top universities in UAE.
| University | Type | Amount (AED) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Abu Dhabi University |
Visa Fee | 1,400 + VAT | 31,600 |
| Health Insurance Fee | 800 + VAT | 18,000 | |
|
University of Birmingham |
Visa Fee | 3,000 | 67,700 |
| Health Insurance Fee | 1,031 | 23,200 | |
| American University of Sharjah | Visa Fee | 1,168 | 26,300 |
|
UAE Student Visa |
Processing Fee | 2,000-3,000 | 45,000-67,000 |
| Health Insurance Services | 1,300-1,500 | 29,300-33,800 |
With the rapid development of the country in the past two decades, UAE is extraordinarily supplied with excellent educational institutions all around. The modern infrastructure of schools ensures a good quality of education. The assimilation of people from all around the world in the scenic location makes a positive impact on the young students to pursue education in UAE in recent years.
FAQs
Ques. How much does a UAE student visa cost?
Ans. Fees charged for applying for a Dubai study visa are different for different universities. Students can check below the visa fee charged by some of the top universities in UAE.
| University | Type | Amount (AED) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Abu Dhabi University |
Visa Fee | 1,400 + VAT | 31,600 |
| Health Insurance Fee | 800 + VAT | 18,000 | |
|
University of Birmingham |
Visa Fee | 3,000 | 67,700 |
| Health Insurance Fee | 1,031 | 23,200 | |
| American University of Sharjah | Visa Fee | 1,168 | 26,300 |
|
UAE Student Visa |
Processing Fee | 2,000-3,000 | 45,000-67,000 |
| Health Insurance Services | 1,300-1,500 | 29,300-33,800 |
Ques. Who is eligible for a student visa in Dubai?
Ans. To be eligible for a long-term student visa, students must fulfil the below-mentioned eligibility criteria.
- Candidates must have scored 95% or more in graduation from any public or private secondary school.
- University students must have received an award of a GPA of a minimum of 3.75 from any UAE or international University.
Documents required for visa applications are different for different universities. Students can check the list of commonly required documents for a Dubai study visa application below:
- Passport copy with 6 months validity
- Passport-sized photograph with white background.
- Certificate of medical fitness issued by the concerned authority.
- Emirates ID (if applicable).
- Medical Insurance.
- Certificate issued by the university mentioning the duration of study.
- Entry permit.
Ques. Who is the sponsor of student visas in UAE?
Ans. Accredited universities and colleges in UAE can sponsor their international students for a student visa. Once you are accepted into a program and the university agrees to sponsor you, they will handle the visa application process on your behalf.
Additionally, expatriate residents in UAE can sponsor their children for a student visa as long as they meet certain criteria. This applies to:
- Male children up to the age of 25 pursuing higher education for a minimum of one year.
- Female children of any age until they get married.
Ques. Can I work part time in Dubai with a student visa?
Ans. No, a student visa in Dubai alone does not allow you to work part-time, even during semester breaks. You need to secure a separate work permit issued by UAE Ministry of Labour. Even with a work permit, international students are only allowed to work part-time, with a maximum of 15 hours per week during the academic semester and 40 hours per week during academic breaks or holidays.
Ques. What is the validity of a student visa in UAE?
Ans. UAE Student Visa is granted for one year initially, and can be extended for another year if the student shows they're still enrolled in their studies at the same university.
Ques. What are the types of student visas in UAE?
Ans. UAE Student Visa can be distinguished into two parts, the Short Term UAE Students Visa and the Long Term UAE Students Visa. Here are the duration and other advantages of UAE Student Visa:
| Visa Type | Duration | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Short Term Visa | 1 year | This visa benefits international students by allowing them to study in UAE universities for 12 months. This visa is renewable upon providing proof of continuation of study. |
| Long Term Visa | 5-10 years | This visa benefits students by allowing them to reside in UAE for 5-10 years. |



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