United Arab Emirates student visa guide

International students in the UAE hold a residence visa sponsored either by their accredited university or college, or by a parent who is a UAE resident. You do not apply at a UAE embassy: the university files an entry permit for study, you travel and complete a medical test, Emirates ID biometrics and residence stamping inside the UAE. ICP handles residence in most emirates, while GDRFA handles Dubai, and fees can vary by emirate and university.

Use the guide below as a planning reference, then check the official source before you pay anything or submit an application.

Tips from experience

• Check that the university is accredited and allowed to sponsor international students before you pay any deposit.
• Ask the university's visa office for its full fee list, including its own processing charges.
• Find out whether the university is in Dubai (GDRFA) or another emirate (ICP), since procedures and fees differ.
• Do not work until you have a MOHRE work permit, even for part-time or on-campus jobs, unless the university confirms the rules.
• Keep your health insurance active for your whole residence.
• Treat all fee figures as indicative and confirm them with ICP or GDRFA before you pay.

Documents most applicants need are marked required. Others depend on your case or on what the office asks for. Build a printable checklist.

• Valid passport Required

  Valid for at least 6 months.

• Personal photograph Required

  Follow ICP photo rules.

• University acceptance letter Required

  Must state the programme and its duration.

• Enrolment certificate from the university Required

• Ministry of Education or emirate education authority approval Required

  Usually arranged by the university.

• Health insurance Required

  Valid UAE health insurance for the entry permit and residence permit.

• Medical fitness test result Required

  Required for applicants aged 18 and over, done in the UAE.

• Emirates ID application and biometrics Required

• Academic certificates and transcripts Required

  For admission. Some universities ask for attested copies, so check.

• Fee payment receipts Required

• Proof of tuition payment or financial support If asked

  Asked for by some universities. No fixed national amount is set.

• Parent's residence visa and Emirates ID If asked

  Only if a UAE-resident parent sponsors you instead of the university.

Indicative government fees only. School fees, translations, tests, courier and service charges are extra.

Living funds

No fixed amount. See the basis below.

Basis

The official UAE government pages for the student residence visa do not set a fixed proof of funds amount. Instead, the visa depends on your sponsor: an accredited university or college, or a parent who is a UAE resident.

Tuition included

Yes

Your university may ask you to pay tuition, a deposit or visa charges before it files your entry permit, and some universities ask for evidence that you can pay fees and living costs. Check the exact financial conditions with your university and with ICP or GDRFA.

Typical decision time

ICP lists 2 days to complete the entry permit and the residency permit services once a complete application is filed, and 5 days for a new Emirates ID. In practice you also need time for the university to file, for the medical test and for biometrics.

How early you can apply

The process starts once you have an offer and have met the university's conditions, often including fee payment. An ICP entry permit must be used within 60 days of issue.

Latest sensible time to apply

Give your university your documents at least 6 to 8 weeks before the semester starts. After you enter, ICP allows up to 60 days to complete the residence procedures.

1. 1

   Choose an accredited university

   Apply to a university or college that is accredited and approved to sponsor foreign students. ICP requires approval from the Ministry of Education or the competent education authority in the emirate.

2. 2

   Accept your offer and meet the conditions

   Accept the offer and complete the steps the university asks for, which often include paying tuition or a deposit and sending passport copies and photos to its visa office.

3. 3

   University applies for your entry permit

   The university, as your sponsor, applies to ICP or GDRFA Dubai for an entry permit for study. You do not apply through a UAE embassy in Nigeria.

4. 4

   Arrange health insurance

   Valid UAE health insurance is required for the entry permit and the residence permit. Many universities arrange it, so ask what they provide.

5. 5

   Travel to the UAE

   Enter the UAE within 60 days of the entry permit being issued. Bring your passport, the entry permit, your offer letter and academic documents.

6. 6

   Do the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics

   Applicants aged 18 and over must pass a medical fitness test. You also apply for an Emirates ID and give fingerprints at an ICP service centre.

7. 7

   Receive your residence permit and Emirates ID

   Your residence is issued for the length of your study programme. Complete everything within 60 days of entry to avoid overstay fines of 50 AED per day.

8. 8

   Renew while you study

   If your programme runs longer than the permit, your university handles the renewal. Keep your passport valid and start early.

Work and post study rules change often. Confirm them on the official source before you plan around them.

• The university or institution was not accredited for sponsoring foreign students.
• The passport had less than 6 months' validity.
• Health insurance was missing or not valid in the UAE.
• The applicant did not pass the medical fitness test.
• Residence procedures were not completed within 60 days of entry.
• Documents were missing, inconsistent or did not appear genuine.

Refused before? Read what to do after a visa refusal.