How to apply for a Dubai student visa

Dubai is not only limited to an exotic lifestyle and vibrant culture; it is readily emerging as a premium education hub in the Middle East. Tax-free earnings, work opportunities while studying, academics that are at par with Western standards and a relatively low cost of education make Dubai a lucrative destination for Indian students wishing to pursue higher education abroad. Dubai visa for Indian students enables the country’s students to fulfil their dream of quality education. In this article, we shall discuss the various aspects of procuring a Dubai visa requirement for Indian students.

Who needs a student visa?

To pursue any educational program as a full-time in Dubai, a student visa would be required. Through this visa, if you fulfil certain additional conditions, you can work on-campus as well as off-campus. If you wish to enrol in any of the following educational programs, you will need a Dubai visa for Indian students: -

• Primary and secondary schools
• Secondary school exchange programs
• Higher Education
• Graduate and Post Graduate Courseworkh
• Postgraduate Research
• Vocational Education and Training
• International students sponsored by any University or their country’s government.

Types of Study Visas in Dubai

1. Family Sponsored Dubai Student Visa To pursue full-time primary, secondary or high school education, this visa is required by students. It is sponsored by the child’s parents and is suitable for sons below the age of 18, while unmarried daughters have no age restriction.
2. Educator Sponsored Dubai Study Visa To pursue a full-time college education, this is suitable; it allows students to obtain a study visa for their course’s entire duration.
3. Short Stay Dubai Student Visa For studies that shall be completed within 60 days, this visa is suitable. This is ideal for two months’ training or exchange programs.

What are the documents needed?

In order to complete your visa application, you are advised to have original and copies of the following documents:

1. Identity proof: Students are required to provide an identity proof, for passport-sized colour photographs and a valid passport is needed. The passport should have minimum two blank pages and a validity until 6 months after your course’s completion.
2. Health proof: Applicants are required to undergo medical tests at approved UAE Medical Centers. This includes a test for: -
   1. HIV (AIDS)
   2. Hepatitis (B and C)
   3. .Tuberculosis
   4. Syphilis
   5. Leprosy
3. Proof of funds: It is required that the applicant must prove his/her financial credibility to cover all living, travel and academic expenditure. You may furnish current bank statements, mutual or provident funds, if applicable, then scholarship evidence or any other relevant documents.
4. Offer letter: The offer from the university you have been admitted to is needed, it should include the duration of your course, the type of study and the confirmation of the paid tuition fee.
5. Evidence of accommodation: If the applicant has applied for accommodation on the university campus, a letter is required to be furnished as proof of the same.
6. In order to establish your eligibility criteria for pursuing a particular course, you need to submit the certified copies of your IELTS score, GMAT Score, TOEFL score or other relevant tests.
7. To prove your eligibility for pursuing a course, you need to provide scorecards of exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT or any other relevant exam.
8. Certified copies of your latest educational results, character certificates, recommendation letters, and other relevant documents
9. Copy of visa fee receipt and the tuition fee receipt for the current study year of the program.
10. Applicant’s resume or CV, if applicable then Experience Certificate is to be attached to the visa application.

Note: Please note that this is a standard-generalized list of documents needed by Indian students to pursue educational courses in Dubai. Immigration may require additional documents as deemed necessary by them.

Procedure for a student visa

When the selection of the applicable visa and collection of documents required is complete, you may proceed to apply for a Dubai visa for Indian students. Please note that VFS Global handles all types of visa applications for Dubai visa for Indians. Therefore, the application process shall be fulfilled via their assistance only. Just follow these steps to apply for a visa: -a for Indians. Therefore, the application process shall be fulfilled via their assistance only. Just follow these steps to apply for a visa: -

1. Once accepted in your chosen university, you will be issued an Offer Letter. You can officially begin your application process after receiving the Offer Letter.
2. Next, you shall be required to fill the visa application. Please note that the form needs to be filled offline.
3. On completion of the form, you are required to gather all the necessary documents for submission to nearest visa application centre.
4. The visa fee can be paid via Cash/DD/Credit Card and is to be paid at the VFS Center along with the documents and visa application.
5. The visa processing is 3-4 working days (excluding UAE holidays) from the date of submission.
6. If approved, your PNR will be generated following which the visa copy can be collected for the application centre.

Things to keep in mind

Following are some aspects which you must keep in mind while fulfilling the Dubai visa requirement for Indian students: -

1. It is advisable for you to carry copies (soft copy and hard copy) of your certificates and documents, as they will come in handy in case of loss or theft.
2. If you change your course or coursework provider, please ensure to inform the immigration department at the earliest.
3. Female students above the age of 18, if travelling alone, require NOC from parents/husband and a copy of their identity proofs.
4. Student visas are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. Indian students can renew the visa as per their educational program’s requirement.
5. A minor student shall be required to furnish documents related to his/her guardian or parents’ approval, identity proof, contact details etc.
6. Students should take care of abiding by the permitted working hours and not exceeding their stay in Dubai without proper legal sanctions.

Reasons for rejection

Reasons for the rejection of your Dubai visa: -

1. Inability to generate proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
2. Discrepancies in any documents, such as travel or identity proof.
3. Failure of medical examination.
4. .If the visa office questions the credibility of your Offer Letter.

Dubai can greatly contribute to taking your academics and career to greater heights. What’s more is that procuring a Dubai visa has never been easier! Be it a Dubai tourist visa for Indians or a Dubai visa for Indian students, all that’s needed is following each step with precision. Dubai visa requirement is fairly simple, so if not for the education you should definitely visit Dubai for a luxurious holiday!