Student Visa Overview
Foreign students admitted to accredited UAE higher education institutions must hold a valid Student Residence Visa. Visa processing is managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or GDRFA Dubai.
Student visas are issued for 1 year at a time, renewable annually upon proof of continued enrollment and passing compulsory medical screening.
Student Visa Options & Requirements
| Sponsorship Type | Validity | Key Requirements | Estimated Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| University-Sponsored Student Visa | 1 Year (Renewable) | Unconditional university offer letter, tuition fee deposit, health insurance, medical fitness test | AED 3,000 – 8,000/yr (incl. deposit & insurance) |
| Parent-Sponsored Student Visa | 1 to 2 Years | Parent holds valid UAE residence, university enrollment certificate, proof of salary/housing | AED 1,000 – 2,500/yr |
| Outstanding Student Golden Visa | 5 or 10 Years | High school average 95%+ (5-yr) or University GPA 3.5+ from top 100 global / top UAE univ (10-yr) | AED 2,800 – 4,000 (one-time) |
Required Documents
- 📘 Passport valid for minimum 6 months with 2 blank pages
- ✉️ Official Unconditional Offer Letter from CAA/KHDA accredited university
- 📸 4 recent passport-sized photos with white background
- 🏥 Valid UAE Health Insurance policy card or university coverage plan
- 🧾 Proof of tuition deposit fee payment to university
- 🩺 Medical Fitness Certificate (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, TB, Syphilis screening)
- 🪪 Emirates ID application form receipt
Step-by-Step Visa Issuance
1
Entry Permit
University applies for 60-day Student Entry Permit before travel
2
Travel to UAE
Student enters UAE on Entry Permit and reports to campus visa office
3
Medical Test
Complete medical screening at DHA (Dubai) or EHS/SEHA health center
4
Emirates ID
Complete biometric fingerprinting at ICP customer happiness center
5
Visa Stamping
Digital Student Residence Visa issued and linked to passport & Emirates ID
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard student residence visa is valid for 1 year and renewed annually upon proof of continued enrollment. High achievers who qualify for a Golden Visa receive 5 or 10 years validity.
Visas can be sponsored by the accredited UAE university/college where enrolled, or by a parent/guardian holding a valid UAE residence visa.
Yes. Students holding a valid student visa can work part-time if they obtain a student work permit from MoHRE along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their university.
💼 UAE Student Work Permits & Internship Laws →⭐ Students & High Achievers Golden Visa Guide →🏥 Mandatory Health Insurance Rules Guide →
ICP & GDRFA Dubai
• ICP Federal Visa Services: icp.gov.ae
• GDRFA Dubai Student Services: gdrfad.gov.ae