Dubai Student Visa for Indians in 2025: Cost, Requirements, & Fee
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  • Dubai Student Visa for Indians in 2025: Cost, Requirements, & Fee

Dubai Student Visa for Indians in 2025: Cost, Requirements, & Fee

Ipshita ghoshUpdated on 28 Aug 2025, 02:34 PM IST

To get a study visa in Dubai, students must have an offer from any reputed university who can act as sponsors. They must also have some essential documents, including the acceptance letter, financial proof, passport, and health insurance. The visa application can be submitted online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portal or via authorized typing centres. Dubai is a city with its impressive skyscrapers, lavish lifestyle, and top-notch infrastructure, making it an attractive spot for international students. The city has several esteemed universities offering a wide range of courses. According to the Dubai government, there's been an annual enrolment growth of 4.5%, with over 35,500 students currently pursuing their studies at universities in Dubai. For international students looking to study in Dubai, obtaining a Dubai Study Visa is a must. If you're thinking about studying in Dubai, it's crucial to be familiar with the student visa process. This article explains the various components of a Dubai student visa, covering everything from the Dubai student visa requirements, application process, documents required, and validity.

This Story also Contains

  1. Key Points to Keep in Mind Before Applying for Study Visa Dubai
  2. Important Considerations for Dubai Student Visa
  3. Dubai Student Visa Latest Updates 2025
  4. Why Study in Dubai?
  5. What is a Dubai student visa?
  6. Important Considerations for Indian Students applying for a Dubai Student Visa 2025
  7. Dubai Student Visa Requirements 2025
  8. Dubai Student Visa Eligibility Criteria 2025
  9. Documents Required for a Dubai Student Visa for Indian Students
  10. Documents Required For Dubai Tourist Visa
  11. Dubai Student Visa Process 2025
  12. Dubai Student Visa Validity 2025
  13. Dubai Student Visa Renewal Process 2025
  14. What is the Dubai Student Visa Processing Time in 2025?
  15. Dubai Student Visa Cost 2025
  16. Dubai student visas Deadlines for International Students
  17. Dubai Student Visa Acceptance Rate
  18. Dubai student Visa Rejection Reasons 2025
  19. Conclusion
Dubai Student Visa for Indians in 2025: Cost, Requirements, & Fee
Dubai Student Visa for Indians in 2025: Cost, Requirements, & Fee

Key Points to Keep in Mind Before Applying for Study Visa Dubai

The following are some crucial points to remember before you apply for the Dubai student visa.

  • Generally, international students are not permitted to obtain a Permanent Residency (PR) visa, but long-term residency options like the Golden Visa, Retirement Visa, Investor Visa, and Employment Visa are available.
  • International students are permitted to work part-time for 15 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours during breaks.

Important Considerations for Dubai Student Visa

  • Residence Permit: Your sponsor will have to complete the process for residence visa after you arrive in Dubai.
  • Medical Fitness Test: It is mandatory to get a medical fitness test at a certified UAE centre.
  • Part-time Work: Students who are above 18 years of age can apply for a work permit for part-time jobs. These can help in managing the expenses effectively in Dubai.
  • Visa Extension: The study visas in Dubai are normally issued for a year, but can be extended on the basis of the duration of your course.

Dubai Student Visa Latest Updates 2025

These are some of the recent changes related to Dubai student visa.

New UAE Visa Rules: Revamped entry and residence system, new types of entry visas and residence permits, and expanded Golden Visa options.

Extended Entry Permits: Now, you can extend the entry permits to UAE up to 90 days, depending on your purpose of visit.

Dubai Student Visa Requirements: To apply for a Dubai student visa, international students now need an acceptance letter from the selected university, proof of funds to prove that you will be able to support your expenses during your stay in Dubai, accommodation details, and a tuition fee payment receipt.

Quicker Processing Time: Dubai student visas are typically processed within three to six weeks.

University Assistance: International students can easily obtain their study visa in Dubai with help from their university’s Student Affairs Office.

Why Study in Dubai?

Dubai has always been one of the top study-abroad destinations for international students. Here are the reasons why:

  • Dubai has 6 QS World-Ranked Universities, pointing towards the high-quality education for students
  • International students can apply for 2-year work permit after completing their studies
  • Dubai offers greater employment opportunities
  • It offers international exposure to international students
  • A wide range of scholarships to manage the expenses effectively
  • Well-established Education System.

What is a Dubai student visa?

A Dubai student visa enables international students to study in Dubai after 12th. Usually, this visa is valid for one year, but you can renew it for the entire duration of your course. The UAE's immigration authorities issue the visa through the university or educational institution you are enrolled in. UAE has specific Dubai student visa requirements that require students to get a dedicated visa for their studies. This is crucial for accessing important services like medical insurance, opening a bank account, and getting a residence permit. Getting a student visa for Dubai usually takes around 10 to 15 working days for the Student Entry Permit. After that, you can expect another 15 to 20 days for the visa stamping.

Important Considerations for Indian Students applying for a Dubai Student Visa 2025

If you are an Indian student, you must keep these points in mind before applying for a study visa in Dubai:

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months
  • The passport must have at least 2 blank pages
  • The validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
  • You can be asked to produce additional documents by the Embassy/Consulate.
  • Submission of application along with prescribed fee does not guarantee issuance of visa.
  • You should not finalise your travel plans prior to your visa application getting accepted by the Indian Visa Application Centre.

Dubai Student Visa Requirements 2025

These are the requirements for applying for a study visa in Dubai.

  • Students must have an acceptance letter from the university they are applying to.
  • If you are above 18 years of age, you need to provide a certificate of continuation
  • Details of sponsor visa
  • Approval of General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA)

Dubai Student Visa Eligibility Criteria 2025

To get a Dubai student visa for Indian students, there are a few eligibility criteria you need to meet:

1. Admission to a Recognized Institution: You need to be accepted by a recognized institution in Dubai. This can be a university, college, or even a specialized training institute.

2. Age: Students aged between 18 and 30 are eligible to apply for the student visa.

3. Proof of Financial Stability: You will need to demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to cover both your tuition fees and the cost of living in Dubai you’re studying.

4. Health Insurance: Having valid health insurance coverage for the entirety of your stay is usually a must for your visa to be approved.

5. Passport: Make sure your passport is valid and has at least six months of validity left.

6. Medical Fitness Test: You will also need to get medical clearance through a designated medical test.

Documents Required for a Dubai Student Visa for Indian Students

A general list of required documents for the Dubai student visa 2025 is as follows.

1. Valid Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date you apply. It should have a minimum of 2 blank pages. In case of a minor, you will also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and a copy of your parent's passport.

2. Passport-sized Photographs: You'll need recent passport-sized photos that meet the UAE's requirements. The UAE requirements are as follows.

  • They should be 51mm x 51mm

  • Taken within the last three months

  • Should not feature any uniforms

  • The background should be white, and you should wear dark clothing.

  • Make sure your eyebrows, ears, and forehead are fully visible.

  • Don’t submit edited, blurry, or unclear photos.

3. University Admission Letter: This is proof that you've been accepted into an institute in Dubai. You will also need a Bonafide certificate from an educational institution in India.

4. Proof of Financial Stability: You will need to show that you can support yourself financially while studying. This can include bank statements, scholarship letters, or affidavits. Don’t forget a photocopy of a demand draft in your name for USD 1500.

5. Medical Fitness Certificate: Get a certificate from an approved medical center that confirms you are free from any contagious diseases.

6. Visa Application Form: Fill out the visa application form provided by your university or the relevant authorities, along with a student declaration form.

7. Emirates ID Application: After your visa is approved, you’ll need to apply for an Emirates ID, which is a must for all residents in the UAE.

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Documents Required For Dubai Tourist Visa

Following are the documents required to get a Dubai tourist visa:

  • Passport: A valid passport or travel document that's valid for at least six months after your travel date

  • Visa application form: A completed and signed application form

  • Passport-sized photos: A colored photo of yourself against a white background

  • Flight itinerary: A confirmed round-trip flight ticket

  • Hotel reservation: Proof of accommodation

  • Proof of funds: Bank statements or salary slips to show you have enough money for your trip

  • Travel insurance: Travel insurance that covers the duration of your stay

Dubai Student Visa Process 2025

Getting a student visa for Dubai is a simple process, but it does involve a few important steps:

Step 1: Apply to a University

First, you need to get accepted into a recognized university or institution in Dubai. Each school has its admission process, so make sure to follow their guidelines closely. Once you are admitted, you will receive an admission letter or confirmation, which is essential for your visa application.

Step 2: Submit Documents

You can apply for a Dubai student visa either through your university's visa office or directly with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) once you've received your acceptance letter from the university. Next, you will need to submit the required documents to your chosen university or GDRFA.

Step 3: Medical Examination

You will also need to get a medical check-up at an authorized health center to ensure you meet the health requirements.

Step 4: Pay Dubai Student Visa Fees

Next, you will be required to pay the Dubai student visa fees. The cost of a Dubai student visa 2025 can vary based on the institution, the length of your course, and other factors. Generally, you can expect to pay between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000 per year. The Dubai student visa fees for 2025 usually cover medical insurance, Dubai student visa processing time, and other administrative expenses.

Step 4: Dubai Student Visa Processing Time

After your documents are submitted, the UAE’s immigration authorities will work to process your visa application. This typically takes a few weeks. Getting a student visa for Dubai usually takes around 10 to 15 working days for the Student Entry Permit.

Step 5: Receive Your Visa

Once your application is approved, you’ll get your student visa, allowing you to live in Dubai for your studies. Don’t forget, you’ll also need to get an Emirates ID, which serves as your official ID in the UAE.

Dubai Student Visa Validity 2025

Generally, the duration of a study visa in Dubai is for a year. If a student leaves the UAE for 6 months or more, the Dubai student visa becomes invalid. If they want to enter UAE again, you need to cancel your old visa and apply for a new one.

Dubai Student Visa Renewal Process 2025

The Dubai student visa validity is for 1 year, and you will need to renew it each year to keep studying in Dubai. Your university or institution will help you with the renewal process. Just make sure to submit your renewal application well ahead of time to prevent any gaps in your visa status. After you graduate, you might want to stay in the UAE for a bit to look for a job. The UAE has a job search visa that can be granted for up to six months post-graduation. Plus, if you’ve graduated in certain high-demand fields, you could qualify for a Dubai Golden Visa, which allows skilled professionals to enjoy long-term residency.

What is the Dubai Student Visa Processing Time in 2025?

Generally, the processing time for a Dubai student visa is 10-15 working days. However, it can vary depending upon how complete your visa application is and the rush at the Immigration office. There are some organisations that also offer expedited services, minimising the processing time to 5-7 working days.

Category

Estimated Time

Fees (AED)

Short-term Student Visa

2-3 weeks

1,800 - 2,500

Long-term Student Visa

3-4 weeks

3,500 - 5,500

(Note: Fees may vary depending on the university and additional service charges.)

Dubai Student Visa Cost 2025

The cost of Dubai study visa for international students depends on the type of visa (1 year or 5 years) you are applying for, and the services required. However, it generally ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 (approximately ₹68,000 to ₹1.59 Lakh). This cost includes the visa processing fees, medical insurance, etc.

Dubai Student Visa Cost

Types of Dubai Visa

Average Fees (in INR)

48-hour visa

INR 2,200 – 4,500

96-hour visa

INR 3,899 – 6,000

14 days single entry short-term visa

INR 9,500 – 13,000

30 days single entry short-term visa

INR 6,755 – 10,000

90 days visit visa

INR 16,890 – 20,000

Multi-entry long-term visa

INR 40,320 – 60,000

Multi-entry short-term visa

INR 17,110 – 24,000

Dubai student visas Deadlines for International Students

For September intake 2025, following are the application deadlines for Dubai student visa:

Normal application: 10 August 2025

Express application: 24 August 2025

Dubai Student Visa Acceptance Rate

Generally, the acceptance rate for study visa Dubai ranges between 70% and 80%. This means that about 70 to 80 student visa applications get approved our of every 100 applications. Though, this is a good number, you still need to meet certain visa requirements, else it can lead to visa rejections.

Dubai student Visa Rejection Reasons 2025

When applying for a Dubai student visa, you must know the most common reasons that lead to rejection. Knowing and rectifying these can help you enhance the chances of visa approval. These are the most common reasons for visa rejection:

Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: If the documents are not complete, or incorrect, it can lead to rejection. Make sure you have all the accurate and complete documents.

Insufficient Financial Proof: If students don't have enough funds or sponsorship to support their study and stay in Dubai, it can lead to visa rejection. Ensure bank statements and sponsorship letter clearly show that you are financially sound to manage the expenses.

Unverified University Admission: Not verifying that your university is accredited by the UAE ministry of education can result in visa rejections.

Medical Issues: Ensure that all required health checks are completed and results are submitted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Dubai student visa process is pretty straightforward, it’s essential to follow the Dubai student visa requirements 2025 and timelines to ensure everything goes smoothly. Dubai boasts a top-notch education system, rich cultural experiences, and plenty of opportunities for both personal and professional growth. With the right planning, you can make the most of what Dubai has to offer while chasing your academic dreams.

Also Read:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the 10 year visa for Dubai?
A:

The 10 years golden visa is a long-term residency program which allows candidates to live, work and invest in the UAE. It is given to you only if you meet the following requirements: 

  • An approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE. 
  • A letter of recommendation from Emirates Council of Scientists, stating that the applicant is awarded the Medal of Scientific Excellence.
Q: How long is the student visa in Dubai?
A:

UAE student visas are valid for a period of 12 months. International students must renew their Dubai student visa before their visa expires if their study program has a longer duration.  

Q: Is English mandatory in Dubai?
A:

Although Arabic is the official language of Dubai and the UAE, many people speak in English and it is considered to be the second language. However, English is still not mandatory in Dubai but it is crucial so some universities require students to demonstrate proficiency in English language with IELTS scores.  

Q: Is a Dubai visa free for Indian students?
A:

No, Dubai visas are not free for Indians. However, students can get a 48-hour transit visa for free in Dubai. The general cost of a visa in Dubai varies from AED 300 to AED 500, with 5% additional charges, like VAT, on the visa fee.

Q: Can parents come to Dubai for a student visa?
A:

Yes, parents can come with a student on Dubai student visa under their sponsorship. Students can be sponsored by their chosen educational institute, provided the institution qualifies.

Q: Can I work in Dubai on a student visa?
A:

Yes, international students can work a maximum of four hours part-time jobs in Dubai per day but it requires work permit and meeting certain requirements. During academic sessions, students can work up to 15-20 hours per week, while up to 40 hours during holidays. 

Q: Is IELTS required for Dubai student visa?
A:

While taking an IELTS or a similar English proficiency test can be helpful for a Dubai student visa application, it's not always a requirement. Different universities in Dubai have their own requirements, and some may not even ask for an IELTS score from students.

Q: How much bank balance is required for Dubai student visa?
A:

For a Dubai student visa, you need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, typically requiring bank statements or a sponsorship letter showing access to funds, often around USD 15,000 or more. 

Q: Is Dubai cheap for study?
A:

As for the cost of studying in Dubai, it’s not the cheapest option out there, especially compared to some other places, but it can be more affordable than studying in Western countries like the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia. You’ll find a good balance between quality education and cost.

Undergraduate programs usually range from AED 37,500 to AED 70,000 per year, while postgraduate programs can set you back between AED 55,000 and AED 85,000 annually. On top of tuition, students should budget around AED 4,500 to AED 6,500 per month for living expenses, which can be lower than what you’d spend in cities like New York or London.

Q: Can students get PR in Dubai?
A:

While Dubai doesn’t have a traditional Permanent Residency (PR) system, exceptional students can qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa, which provides a long-term residency option. High school students can also apply for a 5-year Golden Visa.

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https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/study-in-uae#:~:text=The%20academic%20requirement%20for%20admission,have%20good%20scores%20in%20GMAT.

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