Dubai, also known as the “City of Gold,” has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. It is also the educational center of the UAE. Dubai’s universities and educational institutions provide students from all over the world with high-quality education.
These prestigious institutions offer all popular degrees, including science, engineering, technology, architecture, aviation, management, economics, media, fashion, IT, economics, law, and so on. Dubai provides numerous opportunities for students due to its fast-paced economy and development. As a result, the number of students applying for a Dubai visa to study and work is steadily increasing.
Here is everything you need to know about getting a Dubai visa.
1. Why study in Dubai?
Before we talk about the Dubai visa, lets look at why Dubai is a great study destination –
- Dubai is a safe city to live in.
- It has a well-established educational system.
- The universities in Dubai are equipped with cutting-edge technology.
- Tuition and living costs in Dubai are minimal in contrast to other countries in the west.
- It is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, with plenty of opportunities for students.
- The prospects for finding full-time employment are immense due to vast development.
- Dubai has a diverse culture and students are exposed to almost 200 different nationalities.
2. Eligibility and documents you need for a Dubai visa
International students can study at a variety of universities and colleges in Dubai. If you are not a UAE or GCC national (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia) national, you must first complete all university processes before applying for a student visa in Dubai.
The following are the documents needed to apply for a Dubai visa:
- A valid passport
- 4 copies of your passport
- 12 passport-sized photos with a white background taken recently.
- Acceptance letter from the university you have applied to.
- Valid bank statement.
- A tenancy agreement that governs the use of a property. If an applicant does not have one, they must obtain a letter for the same from their university.
- A valid copy of the tuition fee receipt.
- A valid copy of the visa fee receipt.
- A proof of your recent educational qualification (undergraduate or graduate).
- It is mandatory for a student to undergo a medical examination at an authorized center.
- A test for COVID, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Leprosy, Syphilis, and Tuberculosis and a chest X-ray is a must.
If any of these tests turn out to be positive, the student will be deported. However, if the student has Syphillis, he or she can stay and be treated.
3. Higher education student visa
Expat students over the age of 18 who reside in the UAE may apply for a student visa. The UAE government announced in November 2018 that outstanding students would be eligible for a long-term visa.
Eligibility conditions for a long term 5-year visa;
- Secondary school students, whether public or private, must graduate with a grade of at least 95%.
- University students from both within and outside the country must have a GPA of at least 3.75 to graduate.
Note: Families of excellent students will be eligible for visa benefits as well.
Who is a student visa for?
A student visa is required for students attending university or college in UAE cities. To be eligible, students must be at least 18 years old.
What is the validity of the student’s visa?
A student visa in Dubai is currently only valid for one year. It is, however, extendable if the student provides certified proof from one of the UAE’s relevant educational institutions.
Who provides a Dubai student visa?
Each emirate, which is represented by the relevant General Directorate of Residency, issues student visas in Dubai. The visa applications are then processed by Foreigners Affairs.
Can universities and colleges help their students obtain a visa?
Yes, through an accredited college or university, students can obtain a visa. However, admission to one of the UAE colleges does not guarantee the issuance of a visa. You must pass medical tests, a security check, and obtain permission from the GDRFA to be eligible for a Dubai visa.
How may UAE expatriate residents obtain a student visa for their children?
The UAE law prohibits resident expatriate parents from sponsoring their male child after the age of 18. Male students pursuing higher education in the UAE or abroad, on the other hand, qualify as an exception for the Dubai student visa. This means that male students over the age of 18 can remain in Dubai on their parents’ residence visas.
These students, on the other hand, must show proof of enrollment in a higher education institution for at least a year.
Expat parents may continue to support the education of their female children regardless of their age. Parents of students must present university graduation certificates that have been officially attested.
4. Eligibility criteria for undergraduate and postgraduate international students
Undergraduate:
- A competitve IELTS or TOEFL score, depending on your university’s requirements
- Students who have more 75% scores in ISC/CBSE or are Cambridge English students may be exempt from English proficiency tests.
- A minimum of 12 years of schooling with a 60 percent or higher grade point average.
- Students with an English score of more than 75% may not take the IELTS test.
- For UG admission to competitive universities, students will need to take the EmSAT.
EmSAT is a national standardized testing system for competitive and entry-level university admissions. Both public and private universities accept it. Arabic, English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Biology are all covered on the EmSAT.
Note: Arabic is not necessary for international students.
Postgraduate:
- Foreign colleges with branches in Dubai expect credentials that are comparable to those in their home countries.
- An aggregate of 60% or above in your undergraduate degree.
- Competitive TOEFL or IELTS scores to prove proficiency in English
- Students applying to MBA programs in Dubai must have 2-4 years of relevant work experience.
5. Fee details
The figures below represent the average annual fees in Dubai for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. In contrast, the fees are determined by the course and university to which you are applying.
| Undergraduate | AED 37,500 to AED 70,000 per annum |
| Postgraduate | AED 55,000 to AED 75,000 per annum |
6. Dubai visa cost for students
The first time you apply for a student visa in Dubai, you will pay approximately AED 100. The cost of renewing your student visa after a year is also the same.
7. Work authorization for students in Dubai
If you intend to stay and work in Dubai during your education period, here is what you need to know:
- International students can only work part-time and that too off-campus. They need authorization from United Arab Emirates’ Department of Labour.
- Students must also obtain permission for part-time work from their university or college.
- Only students over the age of 18 are eligible to work.
- Students can work 15 hours per week or 60 hours per month during sessions.
- During the summer vacations, students may work for 40 hours per week or 160 hours per month.
8. Work prospects for graduates in Dubai
After completing your course in Dubai, there are numerous internship opportunities available. However, the vast majority of these internships are unpaid. Furthermore, Dubai offers numerous lucrative career opportunities and advancement opportunities in a variety of industries.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting a work permit in Dubai.
- Students with a GPA of 3.75 or more can apply for a renewable Dubai visa
- Outstanding students are eligible to apply for a 5-year long-term visa. This enables them to stay in UAE and search for work opportunities.
- After graduation students can search for a job following which they can apply for a work permit.
- The residence permit for employment issued for an employee is one of the major types of Dubai work visa
- The UAE has an employment age of 18 years.
