- Dubai student visa application fees typically range from AED 2,800 and 4,900 (₹68K–₹1.19L).
- Dubai offers three study visa options: short term study visas, one-year student residence visas and 10-year Golden Visas for top achievers.
- Dubai student visa assessment prioritises credible financial proof showing you can fund one full year of tuition and living costs.
Students look at Dubai today with fresh interest, and it is easy to see why. The city has built an academic environment that feels open, future-oriented and welcoming to learners from everywhere. Its universities focus on real industry exposure, and the job market gives graduates a sense that their skills will matter.
The student visa becomes the first important step in this journey. It sets your path toward studying in one of the most dynamic education hubs in the region. With over 70 international university campuses and some of the highest graduate employability rates in the region, Dubai has become a leading choice for global learners.
This guide discusses Dubai’s student visa requirements, fees, documentation, and common rejection reasons for 2026.
Types of Student Visas for Dubai
The UAE gives international students more than one way to study, depending on how long they plan to stay and what they want to study. Shorter courses often sit on a visit visa for study or training, while full degrees usually require a student residence visa in Dubai. Knowing which category fits your plan helps you prepare documents in order and avoid last-minute delays.
For most Indian students coming to Dubai for a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD, the standard path is the student residence visa, issued for one year at a time and renewed as long as you remain enrolled.
| Visa type | Typical validity | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Short Term Study Visa | Single entry for 30, 60 or 180 days | Language courses, certificate programs and training that finish within a few months |
| Student Residence Visa | 1 year, renewable each year | Full time higher education programs at approved universities and colleges |
| Golden Visa for Students | Up to 10 years | Top high school and university achievers with strong grades and recent graduation |
The UAE gives international students more than one way to study, depending on how long they plan to stay and what they want to study. Shorter courses often sit on a visit visa for study or training, while full degrees usually require a student residence visa in Dubai. Knowing which category fits your plan helps you prepare documents in order and avoid last-minute delays.
For most Indian students coming to Dubai for a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD, the standard path is the student residence visa, issued for one year at a time and renewed as long as you remain enrolled.
Short Term Study Visa
Shorter courses in Dubai, such as language programs, professional training or certificates, often use a visit visa issued for study or training. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) can grant this visa for 30, 60 or 180 days, and the sponsor must be a licensed university, institute or training centre.
This option works well if:
- Your course finishes within a few weeks or months
- You do not plan to stay on for a full degree straight away
The visit visa lets you attend your classes and complete your course. It does not give the same status as a residence visa in Dubai and does not give you open permission to work.
Student Residence Visa in Dubai
Students who come to Dubai for a full degree usually apply for a student residence visa. This applies to:
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s programs
- PhD studies
The official UAE government portal states that this visa is issued for one year at a time and renewed when you provide proof that you are still studying.
Most universities in Dubai arrange visa sponsorship for international students through their own systems, especially for those living in campus or approved accommodation. If a parent already lives in the UAE with a residence visa, that parent can sometimes sponsor the student instead.
Working part time on a student residence visa
Students in the UAE can work part time in approved companies, but only with a valid work permit and university approval.
- Paid work allowed only after you receive the correct permit
- Typical limits around 15 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours per week during holidays, as long as MoHRE rules and your university policies are followed
Rules can vary slightly by emirate and institution, so students always check with their university’s international office before accepting a job offer.
Dubai Golden Visa for Outstanding Students
Some students and recent graduates go a step further and qualify for the Dubai Golden Visa under the “top students and graduates” category. This is a long term, 10-year residence visa that lets you live, work or study in the UAE without a traditional sponsor, as long as you keep meeting the conditions.
Graduates of UAE Universities
- Bachelor’s, master’s or PhD from a university accredited by the Ministry of Education
- The university must be on the official A or B classification list
- Minimum GPA 3.5 if your university is in the A category
- Minimum GPA 3.8 if it is in the B category
- Graduation must be within the last two years
Essential Eligibility Criteria for Dubai Student Visa
Meeting the eligibility conditions forms the base of a strong visa application. UAE immigration authorities look at your admission status, academic background, financial capacity, health and English skills before issuing a student residence visa.
1. Offer of Admission from a Recognised Institution
You must hold a confirmed offer from a recognised higher education provider in Dubai. The university must be:
- Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education / CAA, or
- Licensed as a higher education provider by KHDA in Dubai
Most Dubai universities sponsor the visa once you complete enrolment steps and pay the initial fees.
2. Academic Qualifications
Your past education must match the entry level of your programme.
- Undergraduate programmes: Completed Grade 12 / Class XII or equivalent
- Postgraduate programmes: Recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Minimum GPA: 2.5–3.0 on a 4.0 scale (55–70% or 6.0–7.5 CGPA). The exact requirements vary by university and course.
3. Age Requirement and Parent Sponsorship
Students are generally expected to be 18 years or older when starting university.
Current family sponsorship rules:
- Parents can sponsor sons up to age 25
- Unmarried daughters can remain under parent sponsorship with no age limit
Students outside parent sponsorship move to a university-sponsored student residence visa.
4. Financial Ability
Students must show the means to pay for:
- One year of tuition fees (Many undergraduate programmes fall roughly between AED 40,000 and AED 100,000 per year)
- Accommodation, meals, transport and general living costs (AED 7,200 – 9,650/ month)
You must provide bank statements showing consistent income for the past 3-6 months, along with supporting documents like a scholarship award letter, educational loan approval, or a sponsor’s financial proof.
5. Medical Fitness
All student residence visa applicants undergo a mandatory UAE medical fitness test. This includes blood tests for communicable diseases and a chest X-ray to check for active tuberculosis. The visa is issued only after you are declared medically fit.
6. English Language Proficiency
Most universities in Dubai conduct programmes in English. You need to submit standardised test scores proving your English proficiency unless you completed your previous education in English medium.
English Language Requirements (varies by university)
- IELTS Academic: 5.5-6.5
- TOEFL iBT: 70-80
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 50-58
- Duolingo: 95-105
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Required Documents for Dubai Student Visa
Every document you submit helps confirm your identity, admission, financial strength and eligibility for a student residence visa. Missing or unclear documents are among the most common reasons for delays in Dubai student visa processing.
1. Personal and Identity Documents
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport outer cover copy
- Passport bio-page scan
- White-background photos
- Visa application form (given by university)
- Emirates ID application/receipt (after arrival)
2. Academic Documents
- University offer letter
- Class 12 certificate + marksheet (UG)
- Bachelor’s degree + transcripts (PG)
- Master’s degree papers (PhD)
- Attested certificates (for Indian students)
- Gap explanation (only if asked)
3. Financial Proof
- Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
- Bank balance certificate / fund proof
- Tuition fee payment slip
- Education loan letter (if applicable)
- Sponsor income proof
- Sponsorship / support letter
4. Health & Medical
- Valid health insurance
- Medical fitness test (blood test + X-ray)
- Medical clearance for visa stamping
5. Sponsor / Accommodation (If Needed)
- Sponsor’s passport + Emirates ID
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate)
- Hostel letter / tenancy contract / hotel booking
- NOC from employer (if working in UAE)
Dubai Student Visa Fees
Visa fees cover application processing, medical tests, Emirates ID issuance, and related administrative costs. These fees vary by university and are typically non-refundable regardless of your application outcome.
| Service Type | Normal Fees | Express Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa Application | 2,800 – 4,900 (₹68,124 – ₹119,217) | 4,200 – 6,300 (₹102,186 – ₹153,279) |
| Student Visa Renewal | 2,400 – 3,200 (₹58,392 – ₹77,856) | Not Specified |
| Medical Insurance | 1,350 (₹32,846) | 1,350 (₹32,846) |
| Visa Deposit (Refundable) | 1,000 – 7,000 (₹24,330 – ₹170,310) | 2,500 (₹60,825) |
| Medical Test & Emirates ID | 700 – 1,500 (₹17,031 – ₹36,495) | Not Specified |
Common Reasons for Dubai Student Visa Rejection
The UAE maintains strict immigration standards, and rejection rates exist for improperly prepared applications. Learning about common pitfalls helps you avoid unnecessary complications.
1. Suspicious or Unexplained Financial Patterns
Even when funds are available, UAE authorities check for financial stability. Files get flagged if bank statements show last-minute deposits, irregular balances, unclear sponsor income or scattered accounts.
What to do:
Maintain a steady balance for several months, avoid sudden deposits, use one strong primary account, and include clear income proof from your sponsor.
2. Lack of a Clear Study Intention
Universities and visa officers look for a genuine academic purpose. Applications face issues when the chosen course does not fit past education, study gaps are unexplained, or the future plan looks inconsistent.
What to do:
Select a course that matches your academic background, provide a simple explanation for any study gaps and keep all forms and documents consistent.
3. University-Level Compliance Issues
A rejection can happen even if the student is eligible. Visas stall when the university’s licence renewal is pending, the programme is not on the updated permitted list, or the institution faces internal sponsor-code or quota problems.
What to do:
Verify that your university and programme appear in the latest CAA or KHDA lists. Confirm with the admissions team that there are no internal visa-process delays before paying fees.
4. Problems in UAE Immigration Records
Past overstay fines, duplicated files, spelling mismatches in Arabic transliteration, or an earlier visa applied incorrectly can all trigger delays or refusals.
What to do:
If you’ve visited the UAE before, clear any fines and ask the university to check for duplicate records. Ensure your name is spelled consistently across all documents.
5. Health Insurance or Medical Test Issues
Visa stamping is halted if your medical fitness test is not completed on time, not done at an approved centre, or if your health insurance does not meet student-visa requirements.
What to do:
Complete the medical test promptly at an authorised centre after arriving in Dubai, and use UAE-approved health insurance provided or recommended by the university.
Key Takeaways
Dubai offers three clear study pathways for international learners: short term study visas for courses lasting a few months, one-year renewable student residence visas for full-time degrees and 10-year Dubai Golden Visas for exceptional graduates. To be eligible, you need an offer from a CAA- or KHDA-recognised university, attested academic documents, proof that you can manage tuition and monthly living costs, valid health insurance, and required English test scores. Visa fees range between AED 2,800–4,900 (₹68K–₹1.2L) plus medical tests, deposits and insurance.
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FAQs
What is the passport validity requirement for a Dubai student visa?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of application.
Are internship opportunities available for students in Dubai?
Yes, Dubai offers extensive internship opportunities across finance, hospitality, technology, and logistics sectors through university career services and placement programmes.
What is the average tuition fee for universities in Dubai?
Undergraduate programmes cost AED 37,000–120,000 (₹8.7–28.2 lakh) annually, whilst postgraduate programmes range from AED 45,000–125,000 (₹10.6–29.4 lakh) annually.
Is UAE educational document attestation compulsory for Indian students applying for a Dubai student visa?
Yes, Indian academic documents must be attested by the MEA and the UAE Embassy.
Is a tenancy contract required for Dubai student visa applicants?
A tenancy contract or approved accommodation document may be required by some institutions.
Can international students work part-time in Dubai?
Yes, international students can work up to four hours daily with a valid work permit issued by MoHRE and approval from their university.
Is Dubai safe for international students?
Dubai maintains exceptionally low crime rates and high safety standards, ranking amongst the safest cities globally for international students.
What accommodation options are available for students in Dubai?
Students can choose on-campus housing (AED 2,700–7,000 monthly) or off-campus apartments (AED 2,700–10,000 monthly) based on preferences and budget.
What visa options are available for students studying in Dubai?
Dubai offers short term study visas, one-year student residence visas and 10-year Golden Visas.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
