So you want to study in Dubai? Great choice! Dubai is becoming a popular destination for Indian students. It’s close to home, the universities are good, and honestly, living in Dubai sounds pretty exciting. But before you pack your bags, there’s one thing you need to sort out first — your student visa.
Now, I know the dubai student visa process can sound a bit scary at first. There are forms, documents, medical tests, and lots of steps. But don’t worry. In this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything step by step. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do and feel much more confident about applying.
At People’s Overseas, we’ve helped thousands of Indian students get their Dubai student visas without any problems. Our Dubai Student Visa Consultant service can guide you personally from university shortlisting to post-arrival support.
Step 1: Get Admission into a Dubai University
Before anything else, you need to get accepted into a university in Dubai. Without an admission letter, you can’t even start the visa process. So this is your first and most important step.
How Do You Choose the Right University?
Start by looking at universities that are officially recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education. Some popular ones include University of Dubai, Manipal Academy Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, Heriot-Watt Dubai, and Amity University Dubai.
Think about what course you want to study, how much the fees are, and where the campus is located. Read reviews, check the course details, and see if the university offers good placement opportunities.
The Admission Process
Most universities have online applications. You’ll need to fill out a form and upload:
- Your 10th and 12th grade certificates and mark sheets
- Your bachelor’s degree (if applying for a master’s)
- A copy of your passport
- English language test scores like IELTS or TOEFL
- Sometimes a Statement of Purpose (basically why you want to study there)
Once you submit everything, the university will review your application. If they like what they see, they’ll send you an Offer Letter or Admission Letter. This usually takes about 3 to 6 weeks.
Important: You cannot apply for your student visa without this admission letter. So wait for it before moving forward.
Step 2: Prepare All the Documents You’ll Need
Alright, you’ve got your admission letter. Now it’s time to gather all the documents for your visa application. This part is super important because missing even one document can delay everything.
Here’s What You Need:
- Valid passport: Make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to travel
- Passport-size photos: About 6 to 12 recent photos with a white background
- Admission letter from your Dubai university
- Academic documents: Your certificates and mark sheets from school and college
- Medical fitness certificate: You’ll need tests for things like HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis
- Bank statements: Proof that you have at least AED 20,000 (around ₹4.6 lakhs) to support yourself
- Accommodation proof: Either from the university hostel or a rental agreement
- Health insurance: This is mandatory in Dubai
- Emirates ID form: You’ll fill this out after you arrive
Make sure everything is clear, properly scanned, and translated into English if needed. Keep both originals and copies ready.
Step 3: Your University Applies for Your Visa
Here’s some good news — most Dubai universities handle the visa application for you. You don’t have to run around government offices. They do most of the work through something called GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs).
How It Works
Your university has someone called a PRO (Public Relations Officer) who deals with immigration. You give them your documents and pay the fees, and they submit everything on your behalf.
In some rare cases, you might have to apply directly through the government portal. But honestly, it’s easier to let your university handle it.
How Much Does It Cost?
The total cost for the dubai student visa process is usually between AED 7,000 to AED 15,000 (around ₹1.6 to ₹3.5 lakhs). This includes:
- Visa processing fee
- Medical test fee
- Emirates ID fee
- Admin charges
You can pay online or at a typing center in Dubai.
Step 4: You’ll Get an Entry Permit
Once your visa application is approved, you’ll receive something called an Entry Permit. Think of it as a temporary pass that lets you enter Dubai.
This permit is valid for 60 days, so you need to travel within that time. Your university will email it to you as a PDF. Print it out and keep it with your passport when you fly.
What Happens After You Land in Dubai?
Once you’re in Dubai, you have about 30 days to:
- Complete your medical tests
- Register for your Emirates ID
- Get your residence visa stamped in your passport
Don’t stress — your university will guide you through all of this.
Step 5: Medical Tests and Emirates ID Registration
Medical Tests
Dubai takes health seriously, so everyone applying for a student visa has to pass a medical fitness test. You’ll need to visit a DHA-approved medical center like Smart Salem or a government health clinic.
The test includes:
Blood tests (for HIV, Hepatitis B and C)
Chest X-ray (to check for tuberculosis)
The cost is around AED 300 to AED 700, and results usually come within a few hours to a few days. Your medical certificate is valid for 3 months.
Emirates ID
The Emirates ID is like your identity card in Dubai. You’ll need it for everything — opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, renting a place, and accessing healthcare.
You need to apply for it within 7 days of arriving in Dubai. Go to a typing center with your:
- Passport
- Entry permit
- Medical test results
They’ll take your fingerprints, photo, and eye scan (biometrics). Your Emirates ID will be ready in about 5 to 10 working days.
Step 6: Get Your Residence Visa Stamped
After your medical tests and Emirates ID registration are done, it’s time for the final step — getting your residence visa stamped in your passport.
You’ll submit your passport to Dubai immigration (your university PRO usually handles this). It takes about 7 to 14 working days to process.
What You’ll Need:
- Your passport and entry permit
- Emirates ID registration receipt
- Medical fitness certificate
- University enrollment confirmation
- Payment receipts
Once it’s done, you’ll get your passport back with a shiny new residence visa sticker. Congratulations — you’re officially a student resident of Dubai!
Step 7: Renewing Your Visa Every Year
Your Dubai student visa is valid for 1 year. You’ll need to renew it every year until you finish your course.
The renewal process is pretty straightforward:
- Your university PRO will handle it again
- You’ll need to provide updated enrollment proof and a fresh medical certificate
- Pay the renewal fee (around AED 1,200 to AED 1,800)
- Processing takes about 1 to 2 weeks
Important: Start your renewal at least 4 to 6 weeks before your current visa expires. If you let it expire, you might face fines or even have to leave the country.
Make sure everything is clear, properly scanned, and translated into English if needed. Keep both originals and copies ready. Want the full latest checklist? See our Dubai Student Visa Requirements 2026 blog.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
| Step | Time Needed | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| University Admission | 3–6 weeks | You get your offer letter |
| Visa Application Submission | 1 week | University submits documents |
| Entry Permit Issued | 5–7 days | You can travel to Dubai |
| Medical Tests & Emirates ID | 1–2 weeks | Health checks and biometrics |
| Visa Stamping | 2–3 weeks | Your residence visa is finalized |
Total time: Most students complete the entire dubai student visa process in about 6 to 10 weeks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let me share some mistakes I’ve seen students make. Avoid these and you’ll have a much smoother experience:
- Passport validity issues: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months
- Missing documents: Double-check you have everything before submitting
- Skipping medical tests: Only go to DHA-approved centers
- Delaying Emirates ID: Register within 7 days of arrival
- Name mismatches: Make sure your name is spelled the same way on all documents
- Late renewals: Don’t wait until the last minute
At People’s Overseas, we review every document carefully so these mistakes don’t happen. Our team makes sure your application is complete and correct.
Get Help from People’s Overseas
Look, I get it — applying for a visa can feel overwhelming. There are so many steps, documents, and deadlines to keep track of. That’s exactly why People’s Overseas is here to help.
We’ve been doing this for years and have helped thousands of Indian students get their Dubai student visas successfully. Here’s what we do:
- Help you choose the right university
- Guide you through the admission process
- Check all your documents to make sure nothing is missing
- Coordinate medical tests and Emirates ID registration
- Keep you updated at every step
- Assist with renewals and post-arrival support
Our success rate is really high, and our students always tell us how relieved they felt having expert support.
Get personalized guidance from our consultants and make your Dubai student visa process smooth and successful.
Final Thoughts
Dubai is an amazing place to study. It’s modern, safe, and full of opportunities for Indian students. The dubai student visa process might seem long, but once you break it down step by step, it’s totally manageable.
Start early, keep your documents organized, follow the steps carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. With the right guidance from People’s Overseas, your dream of studying in Dubai can become a reality.
Ready to start your journey? Let’s do this together!
