🌟 What Is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa introduced to attract and retain top talent. It allows foreign nationals to live, study, and work in the UAE without needing a national sponsor. Traditionally offered to investors, scientists, and entrepreneurs, the scope now includes exceptional students—making it a golden opportunity for academic achievers.
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🎓 Can Students Get the UAE Golden Visa?
Yes! The UAE government has expanded the Golden Visa eligibility to include outstanding students at both the high school and university levels. This initiative aims to encourage top talent to build their careers in the UAE.
✅ Student Golden Visa Eligibility Criteria
To qualify as a student, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:
🔹 For High School Students:
- Must be a UAE resident
- Graduate with a grade of 95% or above
- Recommendation from the Ministry of Education (MOE)
🔹 For University Students:
- Must graduate from a UAE university or top 100 global university
- Minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0 for local universities
- Minimum GPA of 3.8/4.0 for international graduates
- Graduation should be within the last 2 years
📋 Required Documents
Ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Recent photo (passport-size, white background)
- Graduation certificate or transcript
- Recommendation letter from school or university
- Emirates ID (if residing in UAE)
- Medical insurance (optional but preferred)
- Entry visa copy (if currently in UAE)
🏛️ Top UAE Universities Eligible Under Golden Visa
Here are some institutions that align with the eligibility framework:
- Khalifa University
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine
- United Arab Emirates University
- American University of Sharjah
- University of Sharjah
- New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD)
- Abu Dhabi University
- American University in Dubai (AUD)
🖥️ How to Apply Online – Step by Step
Applying is simple and can be done entirely online via the ICP portal (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship):
🔸 Step 1: Visit https://icp.gov.ae
Click on “Golden Visa Services”
🔸 Step 2: Choose “Student Category”
Select the category under Outstanding Students.
🔸 Step 3: Upload Documents
Attach your transcript, passport, Emirates ID (if applicable), and school/university letter.
🔸 Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Expect to pay approx AED 2,800 – AED 3,000 depending on your profile and processing channel.
🔸 Step 5: Track Your Application
Use your reference number to follow up on the status. It usually takes 2–4 weeks.
📌 Benefits of the Student Golden Visa
- 10-year renewable visa
- No local sponsor required
- Family members can also be sponsored
- Access to UAE work permits and internships
- Opportunity to build a long-term career in the UAE
🔚 Final Thoughts
The UAE Golden Visa for students isn’t just a residency permit—it’s a launchpad for young talent to thrive in one of the world’s most futuristic nations. If you’re a high-achieving student with a strong academic record, this could be your golden ticket to success in the Middle East.
