Dubai Student Visa for International Students
5000+
3,00,000+
International Students study in the U.K. every year
2 Yrs PSWV
Scholarships
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Getting your Student Residence Visa for Dubai is straightforward when you know the steps. Most student visas are issued for one year and renewable for the duration of your studies. Universities in Dubai usually handle the application on your behalf — you supply the documents, they submit the application, and the immigration process follows.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible for a Dubai student visa if you:
- Have an official admission letter from a recognised UAE university or college.
- Can show proof of funds (enough to cover tuition + living costs for at least one year).
- Pass a medical fitness test and hold valid health insurance for your stay.
Documents you’ll need:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Official admission/offer letter from the university
- Recent passport-size photographs (as per UAE specs)
- Proof of funds / recent bank statements (amount required varies by university)
- Health insurance confirmation valid in UAE (university insurance or private)
- Medical fitness certificate (to be done as part of the UAE entry/visa process)
- Any additional documents the university requests (translated & attested if specified).
Step-by-step: How the application usually works
- Accept the offer from your Dubai university and pay any required deposit.
- Submit documents to your university’s international office (scanned + originals as requested).
- University applies for an entry permit / student visa on your behalf through the UAE immigration platform (AXS or government channels).
- Receive Entry Permit / eVisa (if you’re applying from outside UAE) — then travel to Dubai.
- Complete medical fitness test in Dubai (blood tests / chest X-ray) and apply for Emirates ID.
- Visa stamped in passport and Emirates ID issued — you’re a UAE resident student.
Typical processing time & fees
- Processing time: In most cases expect 2–4 weeks from submission to visa issue; some universities report faster (10–15 working days) while others say 4–5 weeks depending on the application route and security checks. Apply early to avoid delays.
- Fees: Student visa fees vary by university and visa duration — commonly AED 2,500–3,000 for a one-year visa (may be higher for multi-year or express processing). Confirm exact fees with your university.
Can students work while studying in Dubai?
Yes — international students can work part-time, but must obtain the necessary work permissions from UAE authorities (MoHRE). Part-time rules vary by employer and university; a commonly reported guideline is up to ~15 hours/week during term and more during semester breaks, but check current MoHRE rules and your university’s policy before accepting work. Outstanding students who qualify for special visas (e.g., Golden Visa categories) may have additional flexibility.
Helpful tips for Students
- Start early. Submit documents as soon as you accept the offer — some checks (security, medical) add time.
- Proof of funds: Universities usually ask for bank statements showing at least one year of fees + living expenses — amounts vary, so ask your university for the exact figure.
- Health insurance: Many universities include health cover in fees or have recommended providers; confirm what’s required before you travel.
- Keep digital & hard copies of every document — immigration offices often request originals.
Ready to apply?
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