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A guide for students pursuing higher education in UAE

One of the UAE's highest priorities has always been education. It places an immense value on its education as “a means of progressing its economy and business sector.” Attracting more than 70,000 international students every year, the country has no doubt some of the best schools and higher education opportunities in the Middle East, which makes it an ideal destination for students from all over the world. In UAE, there are six universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2020, and eight universities included in the 2023 edition of the QS Arab Region University Rankings. If you are a student who wishes to enroll in UAE, here are the important documents you need to get.

Admission letter

Students who want to apply to a university need to apply through relevant channels given by the university to obtain the admission letter.

Student visa

To obtain a student visa, students must provide the official admission letter from the university, passport, medical fitness test report, Emirates ID application, biometrics, and health insurance. Student visas sponsored by a university in the UAE are valid for one year only but may be renewed based on the documents for the continuation of education.

UAE residency visa

Depending on whether you are applying in Dubai or the rest of the UAE, the university will make the arrangements to obtain your residency visa from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA - Dubai) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICA) The UAE resident visa may be issued to you if you pass the medical fitness exam and obtain the necessary security clearance. If granted a student residency visa, you may sponsor your parents to live in the UAE if you can afford to cover their living expenses and health insurance.

Golden visa

If you wish to apply for higher education in UAE based on your previous excellence in academics, you may apply for a Golden Visa. A Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that is valid for ten years. In 2022, the UAE government has announced that graduates from the top 100 universities worldwide will be entitled to apply for long-term residency visas in UAE. ALSO READ: Top university graduates now eligible for UAE Golden Visa The requirements include the submission of a recommendation letter from the university or an accredited graduation certificate or academic record stating that your cumulative grade point average is not less than 3.8 along with the requirements which are required for a regular student’s visa. If granted with Golden Visa, you may sponsor your parents for a 10-year Golden Visa, too. You may contact the university where you want to pursue your higher education for further information. RZSP/Expat Media
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