The UAE is known for its quality education. There are a number of the best higher education institutions in the world. Many universities in the QS World University Rankings are considered the best providers of education in the world. In addition, several highly-rated universities in other countries have branches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Although the number of institutions is increasing in the UAE, there are currently three publicly funded universities and more than 50 private institutions. And while government agencies are very competitive for international students, private universities and colleges are open to all.

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Any foreign national (except for GCC citizens) who wants to study in the UAE must obtain a student visa. However, before that, they must be enrolled in a higher educational institution in the UAE, since it is the educational institution that is engaged in the process of issuing a visa.

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The procedure for submitting applications to educational institutions

Applicants can apply to higher education institutions online through the NAPO student portal. 

• Applicants need to register on the student portal. Enter personal and other necessary information, such as learning preferences, study details, etc. In addition, add the necessary valid official documentation – scan and download. You can also send the necessary documents by e-mail to a NAPO employee.
• After registration, you will receive the application number. You will receive your username and password by email and SMS. To track your program, sign in with your user data and password. 

However, it is better to contact the selected educational institution directly. 

Students who pass the selection will receive a confirmation letter that can be used to apply for a student visa. 

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What documents are required for admission?

1. Application for admission to the university;
2. Certificate of education: certificate of completion of secondary school, etc.;
3. Certificates/diplomas; 
4. Copy of valid passport and photo;
5. Copy of national ID;
6. Copy of birth certificate.
7. Copy of Emirates ID.
8. Motivation letter;
9. English language proficiency certificates;
10. Letter of recommendation: at least two letters of recommendation are required. One from the teacher/professor, and the other may be from your employer;
11. Letter of professional experience (if any);
12. Insurance policy;
13. Registration fee.

Depending on the university and the program, additional documentation may be required. Always contact the university's website regarding specific admission requirements.

In the UAE, applications and admissions are processed by the institution to which you submit documents.

After you submit all the necessary documents, it may take some time to obtain the results of the entry. Once you are enrolled, the institution will send you an official acceptance letter confirming the details of your course and start date. You will need these documents to obtain a student visa to travel to the UAE to study.

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What documents do I need for a student visa to the UAE?

• Your passport, as well as several copies;
• Passport-sized photos.
• Letter of admission to a university in the UAE;
• Proof of financial solvency to cover tuition fees and accommodation;
• Medical certificate issued by the government-approved health center in the UAE. All applicants over the age of 18 must undergo a medical examination for HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, leprosy, and syphilis;
• Proof of stay, for example, student housing or proof of rent;
• If you are applying for graduate school, also add proof of certification from your previous university/college.

Keep in mind: the requirements for obtaining a student visa differ, both in different emirates and in universities. This is the main list of documents.

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How can I get a student visa to the UAE?

If you are accepted into a higher educational institution in the UAE, your institution organizes the receipt of your student visa at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – GDRFA. To be able to obtain a visa on your behalf, a college or university must be accredited.

Since a UAE student visa is a type of residence visa, your institution can only get one for you after you are in the country. This means that you first need an entry permit to study.

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Applying for an entry permit

Depending on your country, you may need to obtain an entry permit before you can enter the UAE. Your school also sponsors an entry permit. You can apply through one of the following portals:

• Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship;
• eChannel ICA portal: 
• The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – GDRFA.

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Application for a student visa

Your college or university is applying for a student visa to the UAE at the GDRFA office of the respective emirate in which you will live. If your application is approved, GDRFA will insert a residence visa into your passport and you will receive an Emirates ID valid for the same period as the visa.

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For how long is a student visa valid in UAE?

In most cases, a student visa is issued for one year, and it can be extended annually for the entire period of study. To extend your student visa, you need confirmation from your school that you are still a student.

However, in 2018, the UAE government introduced a new type of long-term residence visa issued to outstanding students. The validity of such a visa is five years.

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Who is eligible for a 5-year student visa in the UAE?

If you are a successful student with a high average score, then you are eligible to obtain a UAE student visa with a validity of 5 years.

The criteria are as follows:

• For secondary education graduates: you must have a minimum score of 95% in a public or private high school;
• For university graduates: you must have an average score of at least 3.75 from a university in the UAE or beyond.

This type of UAE visa also allows the holder to bring dependents.

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Can I work in the UAE with a student visa?

You can work in the UAE with a student visa only if you obtain a work permit in the UAE. In addition, you can't work full-time: you can only work up to four hours in a row.

This is a relatively new solution since previously foreign students were generally forbidden to work, except for internship programs allowed by their institutions.

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Is it possible to get a scholarship to study?

Most UAE universities offer scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies for international students. 

Some of the scholarships:

- William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship

This scholarship is intended for students who are interested in international affairs or know and learn Middle Eastern culture and language. The scholarship is awarded through the American University in Dubai.

- Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship

This scholarship allows students to study in the UAE. Selection for the scholarship is based on the academic history and financial needs of the candidate. Also, preference is given to students belonging to minorities.

See the list of possible scholarships on the website.