If you are a student or recent graduate looking for residency options in the United Arab Emirates, there is more than one avenue available to you.

Being sponsored by an educational institute in UAE

Foreign students have the opportunity to obtain a visa sponsored by their accredited university or college. To facilitate the process, students can contact the student affairs’ offices at their university.

The required documents and fees for the visa application include a recent colored personal photo with a white background for the sponsored individual, a copy of the passport, a Medical Fit certificate approved by the relevant authorities, an Emirates ID Application, medical insurance (specifically for Abu Dhabi and Dubai), an entry permit, and a certificate issued by the university or institute specifying the duration of the study.

According to the website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the service fees associated with the application are as follows: application fees amount to Dh100, issuance fees are Dh100 per year and per person, and e-Channel services fee is Dh150.

Golden visa for university graduates

UAE universities

As per the UAE’s government portal, students studying at universities in the UAE may qualify for a 10-year Golden visa if they satisfy the following conditions:

The duration since graduation should not exceed 2 years. The university must be classified as either A or B by the Ministry of Education. Applicants are required to submit a recommendation letter from the university, an accredited graduation certificate, or an accredited academic record indicating a cumulative GPA (CGPA) of at least 3.5 for class A universities or at least 3.8 for class B universities.

To determine the university’s classification, applicants can visit the university’s website or reach out to the administration department for further assistance.

Foreign university graduates

The UAE’s government portal offers the opportunity for students studying in foreign universities to obtain a Golden visa, which grants a 10-year residency period, under certain conditions.

Firstly, the graduation certificate must be accredited by the Ministry of Education. Additionally, the time elapsed since graduation should not exceed 2 years.

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Furthermore, the university attended by the student must be among the top 100 universities globally, as per the rating system recognized by the Ministry of Education.

Lastly, the student’s cumulative GPA should be equal to or higher than 3.5. These criteria aim to ensure that exceptional students have the ability to continue residing in the country even after completing their studies.

High School students

If high school students meet specific criteria, they may be eligible for a Golden Visa with a duration of 5 years. To qualify, the student must be a national-level topper, achieving a minimum grade of 95 percent in either a public or private secondary school. Additionally, a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment) must be submitted.

The initial 5-year duration of the Golden Visa can be extended if the student is enrolled in a major or college in the country that requires a study period exceeding 5 years. This extension allows students to continue their education without interruption.

Regarding the cost of the Golden Visa for students, the Amer website states that it amounts to AED2978.90.

Various bundles are available ranging from AED350 and AED1250 respectively.

Sponsorship by parents

Perhaps the easiest way to get sponsored is if your parent is already in the UAE.

Residents have the option to sponsor their children’s education. In the case of female children, residents can sponsor their studies regardless of age, up until the time of marriage.

However, when it comes to male children, expatriate residents can sponsor their education until they reach the age of 25. After the age of 25, parents can continue sponsoring their male children only if they can provide proof of attending a higher educational institute for at least one year’s course.