In short: To study in United Arab Emirates as an international student you apply for: Student residence visa (institution-sponsored). Institution applies via ICP smart services website/app (UAE Pass), or in Dubai via GDRFA digital channels, Customer Happiness or Amer centres. ICP: application AED 100, issuance AED 100 per year, smart service AED 100, status adjustment AED 500. ICP lists 2 days service completion; GDRFA Dubai lists 48 hours for both the study entry visa and the student residence permit. Every line on this page was read on an official page, which is linked beside it; the facts were last checked on 6 October 2026.
| Visa or permit | Student residence visa (institution-sponsored) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | AED 100 (icp.gov.ae) |
| Money to show | No funds threshold is listed for the student category; the institution is the sponsor. (gdrfad.gov.ae) |
| Processing time | ICP lists 2 days service completion; GDRFA Dubai lists 48 hours for both the study entry visa and the student residence permit. (gdrfad.gov.ae) |
| Where you apply | Institution applies via ICP smart services website/app (UAE Pass), or in Dubai via GDRFA digital channels, Customer Happiness or Amer centres. (gdrfad.gov.ae) |
| Last checked |
Authority: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP); GDRFA Dubai for Dubai. Official portal: u.ae - Visa and Emirates ID.
Education authority approval certificate, the institution's enrolment certificate, and its hosting letter stating the programme and duration.
Source: icp.gov.ae · checked on
Source: icp.gov.ae · checked on
No tuition payment proof is listed; enrolment certificate and hosting letter are required.
Source: icp.gov.ae · checked on
No funds threshold is listed for the student category; the institution is the sponsor. Dubai study entry visa needs an AED 1000 refundable security deposit.
Source: gdrfad.gov.ae · checked on
ICP: application AED 100, issuance AED 100 per year, smart service AED 100, status adjustment AED 500. Dubai (GDRFA): residence AED 200 plus extra charges.
Source: icp.gov.ae · checked on
| Charge | Amount | What the official page says | Source, checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa fee (government) | AED 100 | ICP: application AED 100, issuance AED 100 per year, smart service AED 100, status adjustment AED 500. Dubai (GDRFA): residence AED 200 plus extra charges. | icp.gov.ae, 15 September 2026 |
Institution applies via ICP smart services website/app (UAE Pass), or in Dubai via GDRFA digital channels, Customer Happiness or Amer centres.
Source: gdrfad.gov.ae · checked on
The accredited university or college sponsors the student and files the entry permit and student residence application on the ICP or GDRFA smart services. The student supplies documents to the university.
ICP Smart Services (federal) or GDRFA Dubai smart services, filed by the sponsoring university: smartservices.icp.gov.ae
Source: u.ae · checked on
The fees are paid online inside the smart services application after logging in with UAE Pass or a username, or at an Amer or Customer Happiness Centre.
Source: gdrfad.gov.ae · checked on
The sponsor follows the request through the ICP Smart Services website or ICP Smart App account used to file it.
Official tracking page: smartservices.icp.gov.ae
Source: icp.gov.ae · checked on
GDRFA Dubai states an expected completion time of 48 hours for a student residence permit; ICP lists 2 days for its residency permit service.
Source: gdrfad.gov.ae · checked on
The applicant is notified when the residence is issued, and the Emirates ID card is then issued and delivered by authorised courier companies.
Source: icp.gov.ae · checked on
Steps as read on the official pages; checked on 15 September 2026.
ICP lists 2 days service completion; GDRFA Dubai lists 48 hours for both the study entry visa and the student residence permit.
Source: gdrfad.gov.ae · checked on
The residence permit is linked to an Emirates ID application.
Source: icp.gov.ae · checked on
Valid health insurance is a required document; cost is not stated.
Source: icp.gov.ae · checked on
Residence visa applicants aged 18 and above must pass a medical test.
Source: u.ae · checked on
No police certificate is listed; applicants must pass a security check.
Source: u.ae · checked on
Residence is issued without a work requirement. Post-study stay: 180 days after study ends.
Source: icp.gov.ae · checked on
Family members of foreign students at UAE universities may stay if they can afford suitable housing.
Source: u.ae · checked on
Finish residence procedures within 60 days of entry; overstay fine AED 50 per day.
Source: icp.gov.ae · checked on
ForiForeign prepares your student visa application with you and guides you through each step: the documents, the forms and the order to do them in. You file the application yourself with the authority named above, and that authority decides. ForiForeign is not a visa office or an agent of United Arab Emirates, and no one can promise a visa. Rules, fees and dates change: confirm each one on the official page linked beside it before you pay or travel.
The same facts for software and AI assistants: /facts/visa/ae.json.
ForiForeign.com · admin@foriforeign.com · WhatsApp +92 310 5048760 · Information drawn from official sources shown on each rule; not legal advice.
About · Contact · Privacy · Terms · Cookies · For consultancies · For universities · For employers · Policy updates