Student Visa UAE Age Limit for Indian Nationals

Are you applying for a student visa to study in the UAE? Then you must know about the age limit. The UAE has strict rules and regulations regarding the age criteria. You need to meet the same along with other requirements to apply for the visa. To get the visa, first enrol in an educational institution in the UAE. The educational institution will arrange for you to get a student visa from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – GDRFA. Parents can also sponsor their children.The UAE student visa is issued for a year and can be renewed annually for the course duration. This blog covers everything related to the student visa UAE age limit.

What is the Age Limit for a Student Visa in Dubai?

The UAE age limit for student visas depends on the visa type. It can also differ for women and men.

Student Visa Type	Minimum Age Limit	Maximum Age Limit
Dubai Study Visa Sponsored by an Educator(university-sponsored)	18	No upper limit
Dubai Student Visa Sponsored by Family (men)	18	25
Dubai Student Visa Sponsored by Family (unmarried women)	18	No upper limit
Dubai Student Visa for a Short Stay	18	No upper limit

Note: In the case of a Dubai Student Visa Sponsored by Family, older men can also apply. That is if they provide proof that they have attended a higher educational institution in UAE for more than a year.

Student Visa UAE Age Limit for University Admission

To obtain admission to a University in UAE you must consider the age limit. Although the upper limit is not there. A minimum age limit is provided. 

Level of Study	Minimum Age Limit
Foundation & diploma programs	16-20 (depending on the university)
Degree programs	18

Acceptable Gap Years & Student Visa UAE Age Limit

Most universities accept gap year students. Therefore, gap years are not a problem if you want to study in the UAE. However, these gap years need to be justified. (particularly if the gap year is more than 2 years). 

Level of Education	Gap years
Bachelors	1-2 years
Master’s	1-2 years

The reasons for the gap can be medical reasons, employment, personal development, training, and travel. It must also be noted that the gap years in UAE differ based on the university.

Student Visa UAE Age Limit & Work Visas 

There are 3 types of UAE work visas. That is, the Standard Work Visa, the Green Visa, and the Golden Visa. You need to consider the age limit for these visas if you intend to work in the UAE after completing your studies.

UAE Work Visa	Minimum Age Limit	Maximum Age Limit
Standard Work Visa	18	No upper limit
Green Visa	18	No upper limit (sponsoring children is limited by age)
UAE Golden Visa	18	No upper limit. Applicants above 65 need to pay the higher visa fee

The Green visa offers a 5-year residency permit.  You can only sponsor your sons for up to 25 years. There is no upper limit to sponsoring an unmarried daughter.

Learn about UAE Work Visa Requirements in Detail 

Student Visa UAE Age Limit & Permanent Residency 

Unlike other countries,  the UAE does not provide permanent residency. However, the country offers long-term residency programs. These long-term residency programs are also called golden visas.  The golden visas are valid for 5 to 10 years and provide a lot of benefits. For example, staying outside the UAE for more than 6 months yet retaining the status as a resident, and visa sponsorships to family members. The age limit for this type of visa is provided below:

Visa	Minimum Age Limit	Maximum Age Limit
UAE Golden Visa	18	No upper limit

Although the UAE has not set an upper limit for the golden visas, older applicants need to pay more. That is, applicants above the age limit of 65.

Can I Sponsor My 20 Year Old Son in UAE?

Yes. You can sponsor your 20-year-old son in the UAE. Your son stays eligible for sponsorship till he turns 25. After turning 25, proof has to be submitted. The documentation must prove that your son has studied in a higher educational institution in the UAE for at least 1 year. Only then he can receive sponsorship. You can also choose to sponsor your unmarried daughter. There is no age limit for unmarried women for sponsorship.

Who is Eligible for a Student Visa in the UAE?

A UAE student visa is only given to applicants meeting the academic requirements.

• Meeting the academic requirements of the university. For example, a minimum GPA of 3.75 from a recognised university
• Meet the student visa uae age limit of 18 years for a degree program
• Meeting the English language requirement. That is, clear the IELTS/TOEFL exam
• Must have sufficient funds to study in the UAE for the course duration
• Additional requirements to be met for the course.
• Clear a medical examination and a security check. 
• Obtain clearance from the  General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to get a visa issued.

Check out the top courses in UAE that international students can apply for 

FAQs

We hope you now understand the student visa UAE age limit. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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