How to Apply for a UAE Student Visa (University-Sponsored Residence)
A student can live in the UAE for study in two ways. A resident parent can sponsor the student. Or the accredited university or college can sponsor the student. Universities help with the process. The student residence permit lasts for the full study programme. After you finish your studies, you can stay in the UAE for 180 days. You renew or extend the permit while you are still enrolled. You need an admission letter. You need a certificate from the university that states how long your study will last. You also need a medical fitness test, an Emirates ID, and health insurance.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Varies — confirm on ICP (residence issuance per ICP fee list + medical + Emirates ID + insurance)
- Total time:
- 2–4 weeks (end to end)
- Steps:
- 7 steps
- Where to apply:
- u.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 7 steps
- Before You Go Varies by institution
Get admitted to an accredited institution
Get a place at an accredited UAE university, college, or research institute. Your sponsor will be the institution, or a parent who lives in the UAE. Ask your university which sponsorship route it uses before you apply.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare Varies
Gather your documents
Collect your documents. You need your admission letter. You need a certificate from the university that states how long your study will last. You need a copy of your passport and a photo. Is a parent sponsoring you? Then you also need your parent's passport and residence details. The visa office at your university usually gives you its exact checklist.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Varies AED 500 status adjustment (if already in UAE)
Apply through the university / ICP
The university helps you apply through ICP. For institutions in Dubai, the application goes through GDRFA Dubai. Are you outside the UAE? Then you get an entry permit first. Are you already inside? Then apply for a status change. It costs AED 500.
Click to mark as done
- Go Result typically same/next day Varies by emirate/centre
Pass the medical fitness test
You take a blood test and a chest X-ray at an approved medical fitness centre. Everyone aged 18 and over must take this test. The fee depends on the emirate and the centre.
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- Go Same-day appointment
Complete Emirates ID biometrics
You give your fingerprints and a photo at an ICP service centre or another authorised centre. This happens at the same time as the residence process.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Varies From ~AED 300 (residence issuance)
Residence permit is issued
Your student residence permit lasts for the full length of your study programme. This is per ICP. After you finish your study period, you can stay in the UAE for 180 days. ICP publishes this fee list for residence issuance. You pay an AED 100 application fee. You pay AED 100 per year. And you pay an AED 100 smart services fee. Check the total in the portal. Remember to add the costs of your medical test, your Emirates ID, and your insurance.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Before expiry
Renew/extend with continued enrolment
Extend your permit while you are still enrolled. You need a new certificate from your university that states how long your study will last. Are you a male student over 25, sponsored by a parent? Then you need proof that you attend a higher education institute. You need this proof to stay on your parent's sponsorship.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who sponsors a student visa — the university or a parent?
Either one can sponsor you. The accredited university or college can sponsor you. Or a parent who lives in the UAE can sponsor you. Universities usually help their students with the process.
How long is a student visa valid?
The visa lasts for the full length of your study programme. You can extend it if you prove that you are still enrolled. You can also stay for 180 days after you finish your study period.
Can I work while studying on a student visa?
You may be able to work part-time. You need permission from your university and the right permit. Check the current rules with your university and MOHRE before you take any job.
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