Can you bring a family member on a Dubai Study Visa?

Yes. Full-time international students are allowed by the UAE government to be the sponsor for their family members in Dubai on a Study Visa.

Can international students work on a Dubai Study Visa?

International students are allowed to work on a Study Visa for a duration of up to four consecutive hours – provided that they also obtain a Dubai Work Permit.

What is the minimum IELTS score required for Dubai Study Visa?

International students applying for a Dubai Study Visa are required to obtain an IELTS score of at least 6.5.

What is the validity of a Dubai Study Visa?

A Dubai Study Visa is currently valid for a duration of only 1 year. It is however extendable.

What courses are in demand in Dubai?

IT-related education, networking, information security, and information systems are certain courses that are currently in the highest demand.

How to Get a Study Visa for Dubai in 2023?

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Dubai Study Visa: Types, Requirements, Process, and Cost

Besides having one of the richest economies in the world, “City of Gold” Dubai, is also a globally-renowned education hub – providing top-notch facilities in terms of education to local and international students. The government of Dubai reported an annual enrolment growth of 4.5%, with more than 35,500 students currently studying in a university in Dubai. International students planning on studying in Dubai are required to apply for a Dubai Study Visa.

Types of Dubai Study Visa

Dubai Study Visa can be categorized into three types:

Dubai Study Visa Sponsored by Family: Full-time international students enrolled in an educational institute may be eligible to apply for a UAE visa under their parents’ sponsorship.

Dubai Study Visa Sponsored by Educator: Provided the educational institute qualifies, full-time international students may be eligible to get sponsored by the institution.

Dubai Study Visa for a Short Stay: International students planning on studying in Dubai for a few months, may be eligible to apply for a short-term Dubai Study Visa

What is the eligibility for a Dubai Study Visa?

The eligibility depends on the type of Dubai Study Visa you apply for. Generally, in order to qualify to study in Dubai, you would be mandated to meet the following eligibility criteria:

Must be at least 18 years old.

Must obtain an official acceptance letter from the university.

For older students, a certificate of continuation of study is required.

Passing medical clearance exams.

A visa sponsor, either from the university itself or a parent or relative.

Approval of the relevant General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

For a long-term Dubai Study Visa, school students must score at least 95% in graduation from any private or public secondary public school. Whereas, university students must pass with a minimum distinctive GPA of 3.75 from universities within and outside the country.

What are the requirements for a Dubai Study Visa?

When applying for a Dubai Study Visa, you would be mandated to submit the following supporting documents:

Passport with at least 6 months validity, the passport must have two blank visa pages (one to endorse the visa and one for entry stamps)

Passport copies (about 4).

Photographs (about 12)

Upon arrival, passport copies with entry visa to the UAE (about 3 copies)

Evidence of acceptance to a UAE tertiary institute (offer letter)

Possibly bank statements showing evidence of funds in the UAE

Possibly a tenancy agreement (or letter from the university if staying in university accommodation)

Copy of tuition fee receipt for the current study year of the program

Copy of visa fees receipt for the current study year of the program

Post-graduate students will need to have their undergraduate degree attested

What is the process to apply for a Dubai Study Visa?

STEP 1: Research your options. Before you choose to enroll in a university/institute in Dubai – decide what you want to study, where you plan on living, overall costs, and such.

STEP 2: Prepare. Prepare for entrance exams and take standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL – based on the requirement of your selected university/institute.

STEP 3: Finance your studies. See to it that you have acquired sufficient proof of funds to support yourself throughout your stay in Dubai. This includes tuition, accommodation, travel, food, and other such expenses.

STEP 4: Apply to the selected university. Your selected university/institute in Dubai may have its own eligibility criteria – apart from the above-mentioned ones. Complete the mandated prerequisites and continue with the application process.

STEP 5: Confirm your enrollment. Once you’ve met the requirements, your chosen university/institute will issue you a confirmation of acceptance letter. The next step is to pay the required fees.

STEP 6: Apply for a Dubai Study Visa. Upon receiving the acceptance letter, you become eligible to apply for a Dubai Study Visa. The processing time for Dubai Student Visa is approximately 10-15 working days.

What is the cost of a Dubai Study Visa?

International Students applying for a Dubai Study Visa must pay the following fees. Depending on the program, university, and nature of the application, the charges may vary. However, the below-mentioned costs are mandatory.

Fees for visa processing: 2300 AED to 2700 AED

Visa deposit refundable: 2500 AED to 3000 AED

Medical insurance costs: 1300 AED to 1400 AED

What is the processing time for a Dubai Study Visa?

The processing time for Dubai Student Visa is approximately 10-15 working days before your selected university receives the Student Entry Permit. The Student Entry Permit is valid for a duration of 2 months and should be used to enter the country within the date specified on the visa.

Top 10 Universities in Dubai for International Students

Here are the top 10 universities in Dubai that attract the highest numbers of international students.

University of Birmingham, Dubai Campus

Heriot-Watt University, Dubai Campus

University of Stirling, Dubai Campus

Canadian University, Dubai

Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi

University of Wollongong, Dubai Campus

Hult International Business School, Dubai Campus

Murdoch University, Dubai Campus

Middlesex University, Dubai Campus

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Dubai Campus

What are the benefits of a Dubai Study Visa?

Research and Innovation.

Wide range of courses and programs.

Stay in a safe country.

Global business hub.

Work after studies.

How can we help?

Applying for a Dubai Study Visa is a complex and time-consuming process. Working with registered immigration consultants and study visa experts at Nationwide Visas will make sure that you are fully prepared and informed on the Dubai Study Visa prerequisites, laws, eligibility, and documents.

Frequently Asked Question

Can you bring a family member on a Dubai Study Visa?

Yes. Full-time international students are allowed by the UAE government to be the sponsor for their family members in Dubai on a Study Visa.
Can international students work on a Dubai Study Visa?

International students are allowed to work on a Study Visa for a duration of up to four consecutive hours – provided that they also obtain a Dubai Work Permit.
What is the minimum IELTS score required for Dubai Study Visa?

International students applying for a Dubai Study Visa are required to obtain an IELTS score of at least 6.5.
What is the validity of a Dubai Study Visa?

A Dubai Study Visa is currently valid for a duration of only 1 year. It is however extendable.
What courses are in demand in Dubai?

IT-related education, networking, information security, and information systems are certain courses that are currently in the highest demand.