UAE Student Visa 2026: Complete Guide for International Students (Requirements, Process, Renewal & Fees)

What Is a UAE Student Visa? (2026 Overview)

A UAE student visa is a residence visa that allows international students aged 18+ to live in the UAE for the purpose of education at an accredited higher-education institution. It is sponsored either by the university/college or, in certain cases, by a parent/guardian if the student already resides in the UAE on a family visa. The visa is typically issued for one year at a time and is renewable while studies continue.

Who Can Sponsor a UAE Student Visa in 2026?

University/College Sponsorship (Standard Route)

Most international students are sponsored directly by their admitting university or college. The institution helps issue an entry permit (if required), then processes your transition to student residence visa upon arrival, coordinating medical tests, Emirates ID enrollment, and visa stamping.

Parent/Family Sponsorship (Students on Family Visa)

If you already live in the UAE under a family visa, your parent/guardian may continue to sponsor you while you study, provided your university admission is confirmed and you meet age/education criteria. Some families opt to switch to university sponsorship for convenience (e.g., on-campus processes, renewals aligned with academic years).

UAE Student Visa Requirements (2026 Checklist)

Academic Admission & Eligibility Proofs

• Official Offer/Admission Letter from an accredited UAE university/college (mandatory).

• Proof of enrollment/fee payment (if requested).

• For transfers: No-objection/clearance from previous institution (when applicable).

Passport, Photo & ID Standards

• Passport valid 6+ months from intended entry; clear color bio-page scan.

• Recent passport-size photo on plain white background (no filters/retouching).

• National ID (if applying from a third country) and/or previous UAE visa/stamps (if applicable).

Financial Capability & Insurance Evidence

• Evidence you can cover tuition and living expenses (e.g., bank statement, sponsor letter).

• Health insurance coverage in the UAE (some universities include this in student packages).

Medical Fitness & Emirates ID Biometrics

• Medical fitness test in the UAE (standard screening per regulations).

• Emirates ID enrollment and biometrics appointment (fingerprints/photo).

• Additional documents the university/GDRFA/ICP may request case-by-case.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a UAE Student Visa Online (University & Family Cases)

Entry Permit (Pre-Arrival) via University/ICP/GDRFA

1. Secure admission and gather documents (passport, photos, financial proof).

2. Your university (or parent sponsor) applies for an Entry Permit through the official channels.

3. Receive your Entry Permit by email for travel (if your nationality requires it).

4. Fly to the UAE and inform your university’s visa office of your arrival.

In-Country Medicals, Biometrics & Visa Stamping

5. Complete medical fitness test at an approved center.

6. Attend Emirates ID biometrics at an authorized service center.

7. University/parent sponsor submits your residence visa file to GDRFA for approval.

8. Get your student residence visa stamped/e-sticker issued (validity usually 1 year).

9. Collect your Emirates ID (when ready) and keep digital copies of all approvals.

Pro Tip: Apply early (well before intake) to allow time for document corrections, medical appointments, and biometrics slots.

Processing Time, Validity & Renewal (2026)

Typical Timelines & Tracking

Standard university-assisted processing commonly completes in about 5–15 working days after all documents, medicals, and biometrics are done (timelines vary by emirate, volume, and season). Many institutions provide status updates via student portals or email/SMS.

Renewal Requirements & Continuation of Studies

Student visas are generally issued for 1 year and are renewable annually while your studies continue. For renewal, submit:

• Enrollment/continuation letter from your university,

• Valid passport, Emirates ID, and insurance,

• Updated medical/biometrics if requested, and required fees.

Fees & Payment Guidance (Transparent & University-Dependent)

Total costs vary by university/emirate and may include: entry permit, status change (if in-country), medical test, Emirates ID, visa stamping/e-sticker, and service/insurance fees. Many universities bundle these in a “student visa package.” For the most accurate 2026 pricing, review the latest fee table at checkout or your university’s visa desk before payment.

Special Pathways for Students (2026)

Multiple-Entry Study Travel Needs

If your coursework or research involves frequent travel, ask your university about re-entry and multiple-entry arrangements during your valid residence period (ensure you do not exceed the maximum out-of-country allowance to keep your visa active).

Outstanding Students & Long-Term Residency Options

High-achieving students and graduates may qualify for special long-term residency pathways in the UAE. If you have excellent grades, top rankings, or notable research, consult your university about eligibility and documentation.

Common Mistakes & Rejection Triggers (and How to Avoid Them)

• Mismatch between passport details and application data → Copy exactly from the passport.

• Expired/near-expiry passport (< 6 months) → Renew before applying.

• Low-quality scans/photos (glare, cropping) → Rescan in color, full page, white background.

• Insufficient funds/insurance → Provide clear bank statements and valid policy.

• Late applications close to intake → Apply early to secure medicals/biometrics slots.

• Ignoring university emails → Respond quickly to additional document requests.

Risks of Unverified Agents vs. Applying with EmiratesVisa.org

Using unverified agents can lead to fake promises, hidden fees, data misuse, or delays/rejections.
With EmiratesVisa.org, you get:

• Secure online application and payment,

• Document pre-checks and guidance tailored to students,

• End-to-end tracking with email/SMS updates,

• 24×7 support for forms, photo specs, and timeline queries.

Final Call-to-Action: Apply for Your UAE Student Visa 

Begin your study journey with confidence. Get step-by-step support, secure processing, and reliable updates—from admission to visa stamping.

👉 Apply for your UAE Student Visa now via Emirates Visa.
Our team is available 24/7 to help you submit a clean, complete, and compliant application.