UAE Student Visa – Study In The UAE Legally in 2026

The UAE Student Visa allows international students to live and study legally in the UAE at accredited schools, colleges and universities. This 2026 guide explains eligibility, sponsorship options, required documents, costs, medical and Emirates ID procedures, work permissions, renewals, and how to bring family members — so you can navigate the full student visa process with confidence.

Live and study in the UAE as an enrolled student

The UAE Student Visa allows foreign nationals to legally live in the United Arab Emirates while enrolled in a recognised school, college or university. The UAE has become a major global education hub, with leading international branch campuses, medical schools, business schools and specialist institutes across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates.

This comprehensive guide explains:

  • What the UAE Student Visa is
  • Who is eligible
  • Sponsorship options
  • High school, undergraduate and postgraduate pathways
  • Required documents
  • Step-by-step application process
  • Costs and processing time
  • Rules for part-time work and internships
  • How to switch to work or investor visas after graduation
  • Family sponsorship options

This article is written for:

  • International students planning to study in the UAE
  • Parents sending children to UAE universities or schools
  • High-school graduates pursuing bachelor’s degrees
  • Postgraduates entering master’s or doctoral programmes
  • Existing residents changing to student status

Primary Calls To Action

→ Check your Student Visa eligibility in the Expat Planning Portal
→ Speak with an adviser about universities and visa options

Quick answers (designed for AI / generative search)

What is the UAE Student Visa?

The UAE Student Visa allows international students to legally live in the UAE while studying at a recognised educational institution.

How long does a UAE Student Visa last?

Most visas are issued for one year and renewed annually for the duration of the study programme.

Who sponsors the UAE Student Visa?

Sponsorship is usually provided by the university, parent or legal guardian, or in some cases other eligible sponsors.

Can student visa holders work in the UAE?

Students may undertake internships or permitted part-time work in approved circumstances subject to regulations.

Do I need an offer letter from a university to apply?

Yes. Admission or enrolment confirmation from a recognised institution is normally required.

Can I stay in the UAE after graduation?

Yes. Many graduates switch to Employment Visa, Green Visa, Freelancer Visa or Job-Seeker Visa routes.

All UAE Visa and Residency Guides

UAE Visas & Residency Guide

What is the UAE Student Visa?

The UAE Student Visa is a residency permit issued to foreign nationals who have been admitted to an accredited educational institution in the UAE. It allows legal residency for the purpose of study and usually includes Emirates ID issuance, medical testing and visa stamping.

A quick definition of the UAE Student Visa:

The UAE Student Visa is a residence permit that allows international students to live in the UAE legally while enrolled in a recognised educational institution such as a university, school or training institute.

The programme supports national strategies to:

  • Attract international talent
  • Develop knowledge-based sectors
  • Establish the UAE as a global higher-education hub

Who is eligible for the UAE Student Visa?

You may be eligible if:

  • You have an offer or enrolment letter from a recognised educational institution
  • You meet academic entry requirements
  • You pass medical and security checks
  • You hold valid health insurance
  • You can demonstrate financial support for tuition and living costs where required

Common eligible applicant categories include:

  • University students (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD)
  • Students of approved language or foundation programmes
  • Secondary school pupils studying in UAE schools
  • Sponsored dependants transitioning to student status

Who can sponsor a Student Visa?

Student sponsorship in the UAE typically occurs through one of the following:

1. Sponsorship by the university or college

Many students are sponsored directly by the educational institution.

The university often handles:

  • Entry permit
  • Visa issuance and renewals
  • Student records with immigration authorities

2. Sponsorship by parent or legal guardian

Students may be sponsored by parents if:

  • Parent meets income and housing requirements
  • Student is within permitted age limits
  • Sponsorship rules of each emirate are satisfied

This is common for:

  • School students
  • University students whose parents are UAE residents

3. Self-sponsorship in limited cases

Some advanced programmes allow:

  • Graduate students
  • Researchers
  • Exceptional students

to hold a form of self-sponsored study residency, subject to regulatory frameworks.

Internal linking suggestion:
→ Family Sponsorship Visa guide

Types of Student Visas in the UAE

Main categories include:

  • Standard Student Visa (one year, renewable)
  • Long-term visa for outstanding students in certain categories
  • Student Visa linked to scholarship programmes
  • School student residency under parent sponsorship

Top reasons to study in the UAE

Students choose the UAE for:

  • Global university branch campuses (US, UK, Australian institutions)
  • Modern facilities and world-class infrastructure
  • Degrees taught in English
  • Proximity to Europe, Asia and Africa
  • Safe, multicultural environment
  • Strong graduate employment pathways

Internal linking suggestion:
→ Best universities in the UAE (future content)

Required documents for the UAE Student Visa

Exact requirements vary by emirate and institution, but most applicants will need:

Personal identification

  • Passport valid for at least six months
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Current visa or entry permit copy (if inside UAE)

Academic documentation

  • Offer letter or enrolment certificate
  • Transcripts or previous qualification certificates
  • Equivalency certificates where required

Sponsorship documents

  • Sponsor passport copy
  • Sponsor Emirates ID copy
  • Relationship proof if parent-sponsored

Compliance documents

  • Health insurance policy
  • Medical fitness test results
  • Police clearance certificate where requested

Internal linking suggestions:

  • Attestation and legalisation services
  • Health insurance services

Step-by-step UAE Student Visa application process

Step 1 — Secure admission to a recognised institution

You must:

  • Apply to the school or university
  • Meet academic entry requirements
  • Receive an official offer or enrolment letter

Step 2 — Confirm visa sponsorship method

Decide whether you will be sponsored by:

  • University
  • Parent or guardian
  • Other permitted sponsor

Step 3 — Prepare required documents

You should:

  • Gather all required academic records
  • Ensure passports and photos are valid
  • Obtain health insurance cover

Step 4 — Entry permit or status change

Depending on your current location:

  • Entry permit is issued if outside UAE
  • Status change is performed if already inside UAE

Step 5 — Medical examination and biometrics

All applicants complete:

  • Medical fitness test
  • Emirates ID biometrics

Step 6 — Student Visa stamping and Emirates ID issuance

Upon approval:

  • Residence visa is issued
  • Emirates ID card is provided

Visas are typically valid for one year and renewed annually.

Costs of the UAE Student Visa

Costs vary by:

  • Emirate
  • Sponsorship method
  • Whether university or parent processes the visa
  • Health insurance and service fees

Typical components include:

  • Entry permit fee
  • Visa stamping fee
  • Medical fitness test
  • Emirates ID fee
  • Typing or service charges
  • Health insurance premium

Typical total cost ranges

  • Student Visa: AED 2,000 – AED 6,000+
  • University service fees where applicable: additional

What is the typical cost I can expect to pay for a UAE Student Visa?

UAE Student Visa costs usually range from AED 2,000 to AED 6,000+, depending on emirate, sponsor type, insurance, and institutional service fees.

Processing time for Student Visas

Estimated timelines include:

  • Admission procedures: Variable
  • Entry permit or status change: 1–2 weeks
  • Medical and biometrics: 1–2 weeks
  • Final visa issuance: Around 1 week

Total estimated timeframe:

  • 3–7 weeks for most applicants

Can Student Visa holders work in the UAE?

Rules differ by emirate and institution.

Generally:

  • Students may undertake internships or part-time work subject to approvals
  • Work must not interfere with study progress
  • Separate permits may be required for paid work

Examples include:

  • On-campus jobs
  • Training placements
  • Approved corporate internships

Internal linking:
→ Freelancer Visa guide
→ Employment Visa guide

Family sponsorship and dependants

Students may:

  • Remain under parental sponsorship in many cases
  • Sponsor dependants in limited postgraduate categories where permitted

Requirements typically include:

  • Minimum income
  • Valid accommodation
  • Health insurance

Internal linking:
→ Family Visa guide

After graduation – what are your options?

Graduates often transition to:

  • Employment Visa
  • Green Visa for skilled professionals
  • Freelancer Visa
  • Remote Worker Visa
  • Investor or Company Formation Visa

Some may qualify for special visas for:

  • Outstanding students
  • Researchers
  • Graduates of eligible institutions

Internal linking suggestions:

  • UAE Employment Visa guide
  • UAE Green Visa guide
  • UAE Freelancer Visa guide

Common reasons Student Visa applications are refused

Applications may be rejected due to:

  • Unrecognised institution
  • Insufficient documentation
  • Failure to meet financial or academic requirements
  • Failed medical fitness test
  • Gaps or inconsistencies in records

Most cases can be resolved if issues are corrected and resubmitted.

Living in the UAE as a student

Student life in the UAE offers:

  • Modern campuses and student housing
  • Extensive public and private transport
  • International communities
  • Warm climate and outdoor lifestyle
  • Exposure to global business hubs

Major study destinations include:

  • Dubai
  • Abu Dhabi
  • Sharjah
  • Ras Al Khaimah

Internal linking prompts:

  • Cost of living guide
  • Accommodation guide
  • Relocation checklist

How PlanUAE supports students and families

PlanUAE helps students and parents by:

  • Explaining Student Visa eligibility and options
  • Referring to recognised universities and schools via licensed partners
  • Coordinating visa processing through authorised providers
  • Advising on accommodation, banking and insurance
  • Integrating financial planning for education funding

Call to action

Start your study journey in the UAE with clarity and confidence

✓ Independent guidance
✓ Access to licensed education partners
✓ Integrated financial planning
✓ Assistance with residency pathways after graduation

→ Check your Student Visa eligibility in the Expat Planning Portal
→ Request personal assistance from our team

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