Immigration

Students from abroad who wish to study in Dubai need to acquire a valid student residence visa. In order to apply for a visa you need to contact your university administration who will handle the visa application on your behalf.

Once you have provided your university with all the necessary documentation, these documents will be sent to DIAC Student Hub offices. Once approved, they will be referred to our Government Services Operations Department to process and a collection date will be advised to your university PRO, who will then collect this for you on behalf of your university.

General Student Visa Guidelines:

• Student visas are only issued to students enrolled in a licensed university located in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) or Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV).
• Student visas are valid for one (1) year only

To be eligible you must:

• Be a full-time student.
• Be under the age of 25 if studying an undergraduate program or course. For postgraduate students there is no age barrier.
• Be enrolled in a program by a DIAC university located in DIAC or DKV.
• Supply proof of funds equivalent to AED 30,000 (Bank statements)
• The Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority is the sponsor of all foreign students enrolling at DIAC Academic Institutions. Such Visa Sponsorship is only available for full-time students enrolled in Undergraduate or Postgraduate programs.
• Procedures for sponsorship cannot start until the student has provided necessary documentation and paid all relevant fees in full.
• Student visas are renewable provided the student is enrolled full-time with passing grades.
• Students holding student residence visa status are not permitted to work by law.
• All student visas must be cancelled by your university upon completion of studies (please note this is very important for your legal status and can cause complications if not adhered).

For more information please contact our Student Hub Team

Student Hub offices timings are:  07:30 to 16:30, from Sunday to Thursday.
Tel: +971 4 360 2060
Fax: +971 4 366 9641
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it