Student visa options
Study and stay
If you are an outstanding student and all-round high achiever, then Dubai is the obvious choice to pursue your degree and career ambitions. Did you graduate from public or private secondary school with a final grade of 95% or above? Or are you a university student with a distinctive UAE or international university awarded GPA of at least 3.75? If the answer is yes, then you could be eligible for a five-year study visa.
And it gets even better. If you are an exceptional student, you could well be eligible for a 10-year residency visa that will set you on the right path for career success post-graduation.
Applying for a visa
Students from outside the UAE will need to apply for a Student Residency Visa. GCC nationals do not require a visa, while outstanding students are eligible for a 5 year visa.
Student Affairs offices at universities will facilitate the process to assist students with their visa. Elements required to process a visa include an official admission letter from the university they will be studying at, a medical fitness test, a visa sponsor (which can either be the university or a relative who is a resident), and approval of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai.
Discover more
Get a head-start on your future
Finance and cost of living
Make the most of your education in Dubai while staying on budget
Getting around Dubai
The beauty of living in a place like Dubai is the variety of options the city has on offer in terms of attractions and transport.
Where to stay
Choosing a place to stay can be both exciting and daunting at the same time. Here is a brief guide to get your search started
