Student Visa vs X2 Student Visa
Student visa comparison: United Arab Emirates and China. Tuition, work rights, financial requirements and post-study pathways.
Overview
 AE
Student Visa
|
 CN
X2 Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | China |
| Program type | Full time | Language |
| Status | Active | Active |
At a glance
|
AE
Student Visa
|
CN
X2 Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | 12 mo | — |
| Proof of funds | — | — |
| Application fee | $27 | — |
| Work during study | Yes | No |
| Post-study visa | Yes | No |
Tuition
|
AE
Student Visa
|
CN
X2 Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Tuition policy | Full fee | Full fee |
| Tuition-free scope | None | None |
| Tuition minimum | — | $540 |
| Tuition maximum | — | $1,460 |
| Scholarships available | Yes | Yes |
Duration
|
AE
Student Visa
|
CN
X2 Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | 12 months | — |
| Maximum duration | — | 12 months |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes |
| Renewal duration | 12 months | 6 months |
Financial requirements
|
AE
Student Visa
|
CN
X2 Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $27 | — |
Work during study
|
AE
Student Visa
|
CN
X2 Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Work allowed | Yes | No |
| Unlimited hours | No | No |
| Freelance allowed | No | No |
| On campus only | No | No |
| Work permission type | Separate permit | Not allowed |
Requirements
|
AE
Student Visa
|
CN
X2 Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Full-time study | Required | Required |
| Institution accreditation | Required | Required |
| Health insurance | Required | Not required |
| Medical exam | Required | Not required |
| Criminal record check | Not required | Not required |
| Accommodation proof | Not required | Not required |
| Visa interview | Not required | Not required |
Family and dependents
|
AE
Student Visa
|
CN
X2 Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Dependents allowed | Yes | No |
| Dependent restriction | University students may sponsor family members if they can afford the costs and provide suitable housing; specific emirate and immigration conditions apply. | X2 is short-term; dependents should apply for S2 visitor visa separately. |
| Spouse can work | Yes | No |
| Spouse work unrestricted | No | No |
| Children can attend school | No | No |
Post-study pathways
|
AE
Student Visa
|
CN
X2 Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Post-study visa | Yes | No |
| Work permit | Yes | No |
| Permanent residency | No | No |
| Citizenship | No | No |
| Time counts toward permanent residency | No | No |
Application process
|
AE
Student Visa
|
CN
X2 Student Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Method | Online | In person |
| Processing time | 2–2 days | — |
| Apply in-country | Yes | No |
| Multiple entry | No | No |
| Schengen access | No | No |