UAE student visa

Specific details

If you're planning to study at a private school or university in the UAE, it's necessary to obtain a student visa to UAE.

Foreign applicants prepare all the necessary documents for obtaining a visa and apply to the visa authorities, in particular to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in each part of the UAE.

An important aspect to note when obtaining a visa is that a student visa to UAE can be issued directly to the applicant, their parents, or a sponsor. The sponsor in this case could be a university or a private school. Only those universities, colleges, and schools in the UAE that have accreditation can procure a visa for their students. This applies to both international students and those students who already reside in the Emirates but are on a different type of visa.

Student visa fee in UAE

A student visa application can cost up to AED 3,000 (approximately US $ 820). A deposit of AED 1000 (USD 270) must also be paid.

The processing time for a visa to the UAE takes 15-20 working days.

What documents are required to apply for a student visa

In order to apply for a student visa to UAE, the following documents are needed:

A valid foreign passport along with a copy of it
A photograph in current size
An admission letter from an educational institution in the UAE
For school students, a certificate confirming ongoing education
Enrollment confirmation issued by the university
Bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for the duration of your stay in the UAE
Confirmation of booking of accommodation or a rental agreement
Receipt confirming payment of tuition fees for the current academic year
Receipt for visa fee payment
Certificate of completed education (diploma or university/school certificate)
Medical fitness test results, conducted in the UAE

It's crucial to mention that you'll need to get your educational qualification documents legalized. This involves translating your documents into English or Arabic, notarizing the translation, certifying it at your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice, and then legalizing it at the UAE Embassy. Only after these steps are completed, with all appropriate official seals and signatures, will your documents be accepted and reviewed in the United Arab Emirates.

To apply for the student visa or an entry permit, you can visit the ICA Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship's website or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) that operates under the ministry. While the ICA website only allows online applications, GDRFA offers both online and offline submissions.

Platforms for application to student visa in UAE submission include:

The eChannels portal
The GDRFA website
Various mobile applications

You will need to register to apply through these portals.

Although these general rules apply, it's always advisable to check with your specific educational institution about their specific requirements and rules for applying for a study visa to UAE.

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