United Arab EmiratesStudy and training
UAE student visa for university study
Student residence visa and Golden residence for outstanding students and graduates
In short
International students in the UAE hold a residence visa sponsored either by their licensed university or college or by a parent living in the UAE. The institution applies on the student's behalf, and the student completes a medical test, health insurance and Emirates ID; outstanding graduates can move to a 10-year Golden residence.
Apply on ICP Smart Services checked 25 October 2026
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- For the duration certified by the institution; renewed while enrolled
- Validity
- Study entry permits are used within 60 days of issue; 60 days from entry to complete residence
- Fee
- AED 200GDRFA Dubai student residence permit fee, plus AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham, AED 500 in-country fee and AED 20 delivery; the issuance fee rises by AED 100 per year over two. Universities may add their own charges.
- Processing time
- ICP lists 2 days for entry permits
- Work
- Not on the student visa itself; MOHRE offers a separate student training and employment permit
- Family
- Family of university students may live in the UAE if suitable housing can be afforded; Golden graduates can sponsor spouse and children with a job and income
- Path to permanent residence
- Top graduates may qualify for a 10-year Golden residence (not renewable once it expires)
- Where to apply
- The university or a resident parent applies in the UAE through ICP or GDRFA Dubai
Who sponsors the student
A student can be sponsored by an accredited university or college, which helps with the visa, or by a parent who is a UAE resident. Parents can sponsor sons up to 25, and beyond that age if they prove enrolment in higher education; daughters can be sponsored until they marry.
The institution must be licensed to operate in the UAE and approved by the Ministry of Education or the emirate's education authority.
Documents
Students need a certificate from the university or institute stating the length of study, a recent photo, a passport copy, an approved medical examination, the Emirates ID application receipt and health insurance. For the entry permit, ICP asks for the institution's letter confirming acceptance, programme and duration.
School or university certificates issued abroad and used for admission may need equivalency and attestation; ask the university which documents must be attested before you travel.
Required documents
Identity
- Emirates ID application receipt
Travel
- Passport copy (valid at least 6 months) and recent photo
Study
- Acceptance letter or certificate from a licensed UAE institution stating programme and duration
Insurance
- Health insurance
Other
- Medical examination approved by the authorities (in the UAE)
Supporting documents (where they apply)
Study
- Attested previous diplomas, if the university requires them
Golden residence for outstanding students
ICP and GDRFA Dubai offer a 10-year Golden residence to top students: grade 12 graduates of licensed UAE schools with at least 95%, graduates of UAE universities with a GPA of at least 3.5 (category A) or 3.8 (category B), and graduates of the world's top 100 universities with a GPA of at least 3.5, in each case within two years of graduation and with attested certificates.
GDRFA states that student Golden permits are not renewed after expiry. Top school students may sponsor parents; graduates may sponsor spouse and children if they show an employment contract, steady income and housing. GDRFA lists AED 1,100 as the permit fee and about 5 days for processing.
Fees
ICP lists AED 100 application, AED 100 issuance and AED 100 smart-service fees for study entry permits. GDRFA Dubai lists a residence permit fee of AED 200, AED 500 for issue inside the country, AED 20 delivery and two AED 10 charges, with AED 100 more per year when the residence exceeds two years.
Universities often bundle these government fees with their own visa service charge, insurance and medical test.
Working while studying
The student residence does not by itself allow employment. MOHRE runs a separate student training and employment permit for students who want part-time work or internships, requested by the employer.
If you stop studying, the university cancels the visa, so plan the switch to a work or job-seeker visa before graduation.
How to apply, step by step
- Obtain admission to a licensed UAE university or college.
- Decide whether the university or a resident parent will sponsor you.
- Send the sponsor your passport copy, photo and any attested certificates.
- The sponsor applies for the study entry permit through ICP or GDRFA Dubai.
- Travel within 60 days of issue and complete the medical test, insurance and Emirates ID.
- Renew the residence each academic period as instructed by the university.
Frequently asked questions
Who applies for my UAE student visa?
Usually the licensed university or college you will attend; a parent living in the UAE can sponsor you instead.
Can I work part-time on a UAE student visa?
Only with a separate MOHRE student training and employment permit obtained by the employer.
What GPA do I need for the UAE Golden visa as a graduate?
At least 3.5 from a global top-100 university or a category A UAE university, or 3.8 from a category B UAE university, within two years of graduation.
Can my parent sponsor me as a student in the UAE?
Yes. Sons can be sponsored up to 25, or longer with proof of higher-education enrolment; daughters until they marry.
Official sources
- u.ae: Residence visa for studying in the UAE
- GDRFA Dubai: Issuing a residency permit to a student
- GDRFA Dubai: Golden residence permit (top students, graduates)
- ICP: What is the UAE Golden Residency?
- ICP: Issuance of a visa (service card)
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs – UAE Embassy in Islamabad: Attestation information
Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.
Other visa types for the United Arab Emirates
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Maximum stay: 30 or 60 days per permit; the 5-year visa allows up to 90 days per visit, extendable once by 90 days
- Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: 30, 60 or 90 days; extensions up to 120 days in total
- Transit visa Maximum stay: 48 or 96 hours, single entry
- Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: Depends on the permit issued; healthcare-related permits can be extended to a total of 180 days
Business and self-employment
- Business visa Maximum stay: 60, 90 or 120 days
- Self-employed and freelancer visa Maximum stay: 5 years, renewable
- Investor visa Maximum stay: Golden 10 years; Green 5 years; both renewable
- Entrepreneur and start-up visa Maximum stay: 10 years, renewable while conditions are met (ICP)
Work
- Job seeker visa Maximum stay: 60, 90 or 120 days
- Work visa Maximum stay: Length of the residence permit, usually two years, renewable
- Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: Green visa 5 years; Golden visa 10 years; both renewable
- Digital nomad visa Maximum stay: One year from issue, renewable
Family
- Family reunification visa Maximum stay: Tied to the sponsor's residence; issuance fee rises with each year over two
Residence
- Golden visa and residence by investment Maximum stay: 10 years, renewable while the conditions are met
- Retirement visa Maximum stay: 5 years, renewable under the same conditions