Study in UAE – A dream of a lot of students!
UAE is one of the most populous and most prominent areas in the world. It is best known for its gigantic skyscrapers, quality of life, and, of course, its legitimate higher educational institutes!
UAE’s quality education makes it a beloved study destination, attracting students from every part of the world.
Do you also wish to throw your graduation cap high in the sky in a city that is well-known for its skyscrapers? Well, then, we have a piece of incredible news for you! UAE also offers student-friendly visa policies. Hoorah!
Want to know more about it? Well, then, we’ve got you covered.
We made a complete checklist for you, mentioning each and everything that you will need to get your hands on a student visa in UAE. So, what is the delay for? Dive into this blog right in!
UAE Student Visa 2024: Application Process, Documents & Eligibility
It is no surprise at all that UAE has become a hub not only for tourists and expats but also for international students who are seeking a memorable study experience in the wealthiest countries in the world. If you are one of those candidates, too, then read below to get insights on how you can get a UAE student visa to live this experience.
Steps To Get Your Hands On A UAE Student Visa
Luckily, the visa-acquiring process is not a hard nut to crack. To make the entire process seem less challenging, we have covered each and every step that one is required to take in order to get a UAE visa. Even though it is not daunting, obtaining a student visa can be a lengthy process, so do not waste another minute. Let us get started!
Step No. 1 – Apply For The Entry Permit
Based on the part of the world you belong to, you might have to seek an entry permit prior to setting foot in the UAE. A lot of schools also sponsor entry permits. However, if your institution is not sponsoring it, then you can apply for one yourself.
Step No. 2 – Apply For Admission In Any Institute In The UAE
After getting an entry permit, the students who are willing to study in the UAE are required to have a visa. The first and foremost thing to acquire a visa is to apply for admission to any institute in the UAE. To do so, you must provide your English proficiency test scores, academic transcripts, and other relevant documentation.
Step No. 3 – Receive An Acceptance Letter
After getting yourself enrolled in any institution, you will be offered an acceptance letter by your institute to start with your visa application.
Step No. 4 – Apply For A Student Visa
Lastly, you have to apply for a UAE student visa. This is where the roads begin to divulge, i.e. there are two ways to do so, and that is:
Online Channels
Why go out when you can get it online? Are you thinking the same thing? Well, then, we are on the same page, buddy! Read below to become familiar with the online channels where you can apply for a UAE student visa.
- The eChannels Website: To apply for a new visa or to get an old one renewed, you can use the ICA site. All you have to do is sign up to apply for your student visa.
- The GDRFA Website: You can also get it online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Apps For Mobile Devices: There are mobile apps that can help you get an entry permit as well as a visa in the UAE. Amazing, right? These apps are:
- ICA UAE eChannels for Apple and Android users.
- GDRFA Dubai app for Apple and Android users.
Offline Channels
If you are a person who does not like to rely on the internet, then you can visit your nearest UAE consulate or embassy to apply for your visa. The offline channels include:
Typing Centers: Offline applications are tailored through licensed typing facilities, where the applications are typed and processed through the GDRFA. After getting it approved, the sponsor will fetch the information regarding approval along with the entry permission.
Amer Centers: The UAE requires all entry permits and visa application procedures to be conducted via its Amer centres.
Step No. 5 – Submit The Required Document
Next up, you are required to submit the required documents to proceed with your application. Here is a list of all the documents you will need to apply for a UAE student visa
- A completely filled Application form
- Passport copies having two blank visa pages and a minimum of 6 months validity
- Your recent Photographs
- Confirmation letter or Offer letter that indicates that the educational institute in the UAE has accepted you
- Bank statements to indicate your proof of finances in the UAE
- Residency Arrangement Evidence
- A Letter of sponsorship from the educational institute
- Current academic year’s Tuition fee receipt copy
- Current academic year’s Visa fee receipt copy
- Attested undergraduate degrees (if any)
- Security check (if required)
- Some Medical examination records, including blood test reports, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, tuberculosis (TB), Leprosy, chest X-ray for HIV (AIDS), and Syphilis.
Step No. 6 – Pay The Visa Fee:
After submitting all the required documents, you have to pay a fee to get your visa. The amount will depend upon the type of visa you applied for and the duration of your stay.
Step No. 7 – Twiddle Your Thumbs While Your Visa Is Getting Processed
After completing all of the above-mentioned steps, you will be required to wait for some time while your visa is being processed. This duration can extend from a few days up to several weeks. Generally, it takes about 10 to 15 working days for a UAE student visa to get processed.
- How much does it cost to get a UAE student visa?
The cost of getting a UAE student visa depends on various factors, such as the type of visa you require, the duration of your stay, etc. However, the average cost of a UAE student visa ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 6,000.
- How long is a UAE student visa valid?
Usually, a UAE student visa is valid for a minimum of 90 days to a maximum of one year. Students are advised to research the terms and conditions attentively for their visas to make sure they match the requirements for their course of interest.
- Can I work in the UAE while on a student visa?
A UAE work permit is required by the students to work legally while on a student visa. If a student is reported to be working without a work permit, then they can be deported and banned from re-entering the UAE ever again. Those candidates who are willing to work while on a student visa are advised to go through the requirements to get a permit to work legally in the UAE.
- Are IELTS required for a UAE student visa?
Almost every institution in UAE accepts either TOEFL or IELTS as proof of English proficiency test. However, a few also accept the Duolingo English Test (DET).
Wrapping It All Up!
UAE is one of the most sought-after places for students to get their degrees. The quality of education offered in this country matches international standards. There are tons of appealing factors that attract global students to visit the UAE and call it their new home. The low cost of living, tuition-free education, affordable housing, and advanced learning programs make the UAE a great place for expats to take their academic lives in the right direction.
UAE might not be the cheapest country, but it surely opens a gateway to endless opportunities. We hope that this blog resolves all your confusion about the application process for a UAE student visa. We tried our best to break down the whole process into smaller steps and make it easier for you to understand. There is nothing too complex in obtaining a visa, but missing a single step could end up wasting all your efforts.
