Path to staying
- Study12 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 60 months
Overview
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Visa name
- Student Visa
- Local name
- تأشيرة طالب
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 12 months
- Max duration
- 48 months
- Renewable
- Yes
Student residence visa for international students enrolled at UAE-accredited universities and educational institutions. The visa process is facilitated by the university, which acts as sponsor. Includes initial Student Entry Permit followed by Student Residence Visa for the duration of studies. Covers programmes at universities across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Full fee
- Tuition range
- $10,000 – $23,000/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
Undergraduate programmes: AED 37,500–70,000/yr ($10,200–$19,000). Postgraduate: AED 55,000–85,000/yr ($15,000–$23,000). Free zone university branches of international institutions may charge more. Government-funded institutions (UAE University, Khalifa University) may offer scholarships to UAE/GCC nationals.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Separate permit
Students aged 18+ may work only with the appropriate student training or work permit. Official UAE sources confirm the permit route but do not publish a universal student hour cap; universities and emirates may apply local conditions.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Residence Extension | Job seeker | 12 mo | Bachelors | No | No |
| Golden Visa (Long-Term Residence) | Work permit | 60 mo–120 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | No |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT / IELTS | Admission | English | — | English is the medium of instruction at most UAE universities. TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 5.5+ typically required. EmSAT (Emirates Standardized Test) accepted by many UAE institutions. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa Processing Fee | Application | $1,500 | One time |
| Visa Maintenance Charge | Registration | $680 | One time |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and children. Minimum income requirement for sponsoring dependents may apply.
- Spouse work
- Not allowed
- Conditions
- Dependent visa holders must obtain their own work permit/visa to work in the UAE.
How to apply
- Method
- Online
- Via
- University sponsors and processes the visa application. Students submit documents to the university, which applies on their behalf.
- Processing
- 10-20 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- u.ae
- Health insurance
- Required (buy separately)
Notes and caveats
University acts as visa sponsor. Total visa costs (entry permit, stamping, medical, insurance): AED 5,500–8,500 ($1,500–$2,300). Additional AED 2,500 one-time Visa Maintenance Charge at some institutions. Passport must be valid for at least 7 months. Apply 2–3 months before semester. Security deposit may be required. Dubai Knowledge Fund Establishment regulates Dubai free zone universities.
Also in United Arab Emirates
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source