Student Visa in Dubai: How to Obtain and What Opportunities It Provides

Dubai is undeniably a city of opportunities, where ambitions meet reality. Future entrepreneurs, engineers, designers, and representatives of many other prestigious professions study here.

However, before packing your bags, prospective students must solve an important question: how to obtain a student visa in Dubai? Let's break it down.

Obtaining a Student Visa in Dubai

The first step is to get accepted into an accredited educational institution in the UAE. This is crucial: without confirmation from the institution, you cannot obtain a student visa. Also, make sure that the institution is officially accredited and licensed to provide educational services (otherwise, your visa application may be denied).

Once enrolled, universities or colleges typically offer support in processing the visa. At the end of this article, we’ll provide a list of institutions offering visa support.

Documents Required for Obtaining a Student Visa

Let's look at the documents necessary for applying for the visa. Note that the list may vary depending on the chosen educational institution.

Before entering the UAE:

• Completed visa application form. Each educational institution provides its own form, which must be correctly filled out.

• Signed letter of commitment. This document confirms the student's agreement to comply with the institution's rules and policies.

• Copy of all pages of a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.

• Set of color photographs measuring 4.3 x 5.5 cm on a white background in .jpeg format. (Some sources specify a size of 34 x 45 mm and require up to 12 photos.)

• Admission letter from the institution. This is the official confirmation of your acceptance into the educational program.

• Proof of payment for tuition. A copy of the receipt or invoice for part or full tuition payment.

• Payment of visa fee and deposit. The amount can vary depending on the institution and may include costs for health insurance, an Emirates ID card, and other administrative expenses.

• Proof of accommodation. A rental contract or a letter from the university confirming the provision of housing in a dormitory.

• Proof of financial stability. Bank statements confirming that the student has enough funds for living and studying in the UAE.

After entering the UAE:

• Original passport. Required for further processing procedures.

• Copy of the entry visa with the immigration stamp. This confirms legal entry into the country.

• Medical examination. This is required for students over 18 years old and includes tests for HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C.

• Emirates ID card application. This is necessary for legal residence and identification in the UAE.

Important: Some institutions may require additional documents (such as notarized parental consent for students under 18 or a certificate from the previous educational institution). It is recommended to clarify the full list of required documents directly with the chosen institution.

Also, keep in mind that it may take some time for the institution to issue the necessary documents, so it's best to request them in advance.

Cost of Student Visa in Dubai

The cost of the visa depends on the institution and the course duration. On average, obtaining a visa costs around 300 USD (additional deposits may also be required).

Some universities offer package deals that include visa fees, health insurance, and other services.

Student Visa Extension in Dubai

A student visa is issued for one year and can be extended for another year, provided that the student submits official academic performance documents issued by the institution. It is recommended to apply for an extension at least one month before the current visa expires.

Educational Programs for International Students in Dubai

Dubai offers a wide range of educational programs for international students, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Universities offer programs in English in various fields such as business, engineering, art, and design.

More information about educational programs is available in our article Higher Education in Dubai: Universities and Academic Programs.

Working on a Student Visa in Dubai

A student visa generally does not grant the right to work in the UAE, so students must plan how they will finance their studies and living expenses in advance.

However, some universities offer internship programs or partnerships with companies, which give students valuable practical experience. If this is important for you, it’s best to inquire about internship conditions at your chosen university.

Additionally, students are permitted to work part-time (up to 15-20 hours a week) under certain conditions (we will give you more information further below).

Student Rights in Dubai

A student visa provides a range of rights and opportunities that help students successfully integrate and study in the UAE. The main rights are:

1. Right to reside and move freely. Students with a valid visa have the legal right to reside in the country for the duration of their studies and can enter and exit the UAE without additional permissions.
2. Access to educational resources. International students can fully use all the resources and infrastructure of their educational institution, including libraries, laboratories, and sports facilities.
3. Employment opportunities. Since 2008, foreign students in the UAE are allowed to work part-time (up to 15-20 hours per week) under the following conditions:

• Age restrictions (students must be over 18 years old).

• High academic performance (requirements vary by institution, so it's best to check with the specific institution).

• Work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor.

• The university must be the student’s sponsor.

1. Right to medical care. Students must have health insurance that covers access to medical services in the country.
2. Participation in cultural and social activities. This is an excellent way to integrate into the community, meet new people, and broaden your horizons.

Opportunities for Students in Dubai

Dubai offers students numerous opportunities for both professional and personal growth.

• Active socialization. Conferences, seminars, and exhibitions allow students to network and enhance their communication skills — what is now commonly known as "networking."

• Cultural events. For those who enjoy cultural activities, Dubai hosts numerous festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and other enriching events throughout the year.

• Sports life. For sports enthusiasts, universities and the city offer various sporting events.

Institutions Offering Visa Support

Many universities in Dubai provide support in obtaining a visa for international students. They assist with gathering the necessary documents, submitting applications, and navigating all stages of the process — quickly and without stress.

Here are some:

• American University in Dubai

• Heriot-Watt University Dubai

• University of Birmingham Dubai

• Synergy University Dubai

• Plekhanov University in Dubai

• Khalifa University

So, let's summarize the main requirements for a student visa in Dubai:

• Acceptance into an accredited educational institution — without this, you cannot obtain a visa.

• Proof of financial stability — you must confirm that you have enough funds to pay for tuition and living expenses.

• Medical insurance — required for all students.

Obtaining a student visa in Dubai is a straightforward process: just ensure that you meet all the requirements and submit your documents on time. And — good luck!