Dubai Student Visa: A know it all guide for Indian Students

A crucial step of studying abroad is getting a valid student visa that covers students' academic years. And the same is the case with Indian students moving to study in Dubai; they all want to know about student visas in Dubai. Now, the Dubai student visa offers one-year validity under the sponsorship of either their parent who is a UAE resident or the accredited university or college they attend.

Did you know male children can only be sponsored till the age of 25 by their parents for higher education in Dubai, and female children have no age limit to be sponsored?

For more details on Dubai student visas, keep reading!

Types of Dubai Student Visa

The first step when looking for a student visa is to learn the different types of student visas that are available and select the one that matches your eligibility and the requirements of the programme. When talking about the Dubai student visa, did you know it has got a ‘Golden Visa’ for outstanding students? This Golden Visa gives students with extraordinary academic records, like 95% or above in high school and a 3.75 GPA in an undergraduate programme, a special residency award of 5 years.

Yes, you read that right. Let’s explore the multiple types of Dubai student visa here:

• University-Sponsored Student Visa: This is the most common type for international students and is applied for by the accredited educational institution (university or college) that has accepted the student's admission. It offers one-year validity and is renewable as long as the student remains enrolled in their programme.

• Parent-Sponsored Student Visa: This is for students who are residing in Dubai and can opt for a Dubai student visa through parents. It is an age-specific visa which allows for an age cap of 25 years, and for females, it does not have any age cap.

Now, that we understand the sponsorship of Dubai student visa then comes the visa categories, and here are the details:

• Short-Term Student Visa: This visa is for students enrolling in short courses, training programmes, or language courses that are generally 3 to 6 months in duration.

• Golden Visa for Outstanding Students: This is a long-term, 5-to-10-year residency visa for exceptional students with outstanding academic achievements. It provides a pathway for top students to live and work in the UAE after their studies.

• Exchange Student Visa: This is for students participating in a short-term exchange programme between their home university and a UAE institution.

Eligibility Requirements of Dubai Student Visa

Certificate from the University: You need a certificate or official acceptance letter from the university or institute specifying your enrolment and the course duration. This is a crucial document.

• Recent Passport Photograph: A recent, clear passport-sized photo with a white background is a standard requirement.

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.

• Valid Health Insurance: Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for a student residence visa. In many cases, the university will arrange this for you.

• National Identity Card: A national ID may be required for certain nationalities or for residents of the GCC, as you mentioned.

• For Minors: If you are a minor (under 18), a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your parents is required, along with copies of their passports.

Cost of Dubai Student Visa for Indian students

Now, the cost of a Dubai student visa can be divided into two categories: one, the visa application fees, and the other, additional university charges, as a student visa in Dubai is sponsored by universities in Dubai for international students.

The cost of a student visa in Dubai is AED 2900, and additional charges include medical tests, admission charges, health insurance and other service charges depending on universities.

As per AECC experts, here is a table of the approximate cost of Dubai student visas for Indian students:

Step-by-Step process to apply for Dubai Student Visa as an Indian Student

The application process to apply for a Dubai student visa as an Indian student is a straightforward process that is highly dependent on the eligibility criteria of the student residency visa in Dubai. This requires preparing your documents, getting medical tests and biometric data, and filing the application form with all the relevant fees.

Let’s go through the step-by-step process of how to apply for a Dubai student visa:

• Secure University Admission: The process begins once you receive an official acceptance letter from an accredited university in the UAE.

• University-Facilitated Process: The university's Student Affairs office will then take over and guide you through the visa application process.

• Document Submission: Submit all required documents to the university, including your passport, photographs, and the university acceptance letter.

• Visa Fee Submission: Pay the required visa application and processing fees to the university.

• Application & Awaiting Visa: The university, acting as your sponsor, will submit the application on your behalf to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). You will then wait for your visa to be approved and issued.

• Travel & Finalisation: Once the visa is issued, you can finalise your travel plans to Dubai. Upon arrival, you will undergo a medical fitness test and provide biometrics for your Emirates ID, which completes the residency visa process.

Dubai Student Visa Processing Time

The processing time of a Dubai student visa is anywhere between 15-20 days, your university receives the student study permit which is valid for two months of time and students are required to travel to Dubai within that time to get the visa and start their education journey.

Work while on Dubai Student Visa

Indian students on a Dubai student visa can legally work to support their stay in the UAE, provided they secure the correct work permit. The process is straightforward, requiring a valid fee and the right authorization from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Here are the work permits available for international students in Dubai:

• Juvenile Work Permit: For students aged 15 to 18, this permit allows part-time work in a safe, regulated environment. It is valid for one year.

• Student Training and Employment Permit: This permit enables students over 15 to gain on-the-job training or part-time employment. It is valid for three months, making it ideal for holiday work or short internships.

• Freelance Work Permit: Students who wish to work independently can apply for a freelance permit. This allows them to generate income by offering services without being sponsored by a specific employer.

Here are the primary requirements for getting your work permit:

• Your Age: You must be at least 18 years old, though students aged 15-18 can apply for a specific juvenile or training permit.

• University Approval: You need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your university, confirming that your part-time work won't interfere with your studies.

• The Job Role: Your job duties must align with the legal business activities of the company hiring you.

• Your Employer's Status: The company must have a valid trade licence and be free of legal violations.

• Formal Application: Your employer is responsible for applying for your work permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Dubai Student Visa Rejection Rate & Reasons

When applying for a Dubai student visa, understanding common rejection reasons can help avoid pitfalls and improve your chances of approval. The rejection rate for Dubai student visas can vary, but it's crucial to be aware of common issues that lead to denials.

• Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: Missing or incorrect documents can lead to rejection. Ensure all forms are fully completed and all documents are accurate.
• Insufficient Financial Support: Failure to provide adequate proof of financial resources or sponsorship can result in denial. Ensure bank statements and sponsorship letters clearly show financial stability.
• Unverified University Admission: Applying to a non-recognised or unapproved institution can cause issues. Verify that your university is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education.
• Medical Issues: Incomplete or failed medical examinations can lead to visa refusal. Ensure that all required health checks are completed and results are submitted.
• Previous Immigration Violations: Past visa violations or legal issues can negatively impact your application. Address any previous issues before applying.

Dubai student visa offers a structured pathway for international students aiming to study in the UAE. The process of applying for student study permit in UAE is different from other study destinations, your choice of university has a bigger role to play and therefore it is important for students to speak with student support of universities you have applied to. Or else speak to AECC experts to understand more about Dubai student visa.