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Student Visa
United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates•Asia
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Student Visa

Study Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 days

Estimated Cost

Not confirmed

AED 200 + 5% VAT
Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
United Arab Emirates flag

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living
20% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryAED 126,000
Quality of Life
169/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Study full-time at a UAE-registered educational institution with sponsorship, optional limited work rights, and annual renewal.

The UAE Student Visa is a residence permit for international students pursuing full-time academic studies at UAE-accredited institutions. Sponsored by the educational establishment itself, this visa provides the legal framework for non-national students to reside in the country while enrolled. It is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate programs across all academic levels.

The visa is issued for one year and is renewable annually as long as the student maintains full-time enrollment status. Processing takes just 2 days, and the standard application fee is AED 200 plus 5% VAT. Dependents are permitted to accompany the student. Work authorization is limited and requires a separate permit.

This visa is ideal for international students seeking long-term residency in the UAE to complete bachelor's or master's degrees at accredited universities and colleges.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Employment Visa
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Employment Visa

Validity2 years
Processing2 days
View Visa Details
Golden Visa (5/10 Year)
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Golden Visa (5/10 Year)

Validity10 years
Processing2–5 days
View Visa Details
Green Visa
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Green Visa

Validity5 years
Processing2 days
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Acceptance at registered institution

Institution sponsors visa

Medical fitness

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Acceptance letter

Academic transcripts

Medical fitness

Photos

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Ultra-fast 2-day processing — approved faster than most other visas
  • School directly sponsors application — no employer intermediaries needed
  • Renewable annually for entire duration of enrolled studies
  • Can sponsor spouse and dependents to join you in UAE
  • Limited part-time work allowed during studies for financial support
  • Clear conversion pathways to employment, golden, or green visas post-graduation
  • Medical fitness and security checks completed quickly as part of 2-day cycle

Worth Knowing

  • Visa sponsorship tied directly to school — termination from institution ends visa
  • Requires annual renewal to match academic year, not multi-year single issuance
  • Institutional acceptance and medical fitness are non-waivable prerequisites
  • Limited to full-time students only at UAE-registered institutions; no part-time or online study

Application Process

1

Get admission letter

Receive acceptance from accredited educational institution

2

Institution sponsors application

Educational establishment applies for student visa

3

Receive entry permit

Get entry permit for travel to UAE

4

Travel to UAE

Enter on student entry permit

5

Medical examination

Undergo health screening at UAE medical center

6

Apply for residence

Complete student residence visa application

7

Register with institution

Enroll in courses and activate student status

8

Receive residence visa

Get student residence visa in passport

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Institution application—

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