UAE Golden Visa for high school and university students: Who's eligible, what it offers, how to qualify, explained

The UAE 's Golden Visa is more than just a residenc, it’s a gateway to a future built on ambition, innovation, and opportunity. Whether you're a top-performing high school student in the Emirates, an exceptional graduate from a leading global university, or an expat scholar already contributing to the UAE’s academic landscape, this long-term visa is your invitation to stay, grow, and thrive. With up to 10 years of residency, no need for a local sponsor, and access to world-class education and career paths, the Golden Visa is a pathway to long-term residency and opportunity in one of the world’s most future-focused nations.
Understanding the UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program introduced to attract exceptional talent across key sectors. Originally designed for investors and professionals, its scope has expanded significantly, especially following a pivotal reform in April 2022, which brought outstanding students, both local and international, into the fold.

This move aligns with the UAE’s Centennial 2071 vision, which aims to transition the economy from oil-dependency to one driven by knowledge, innovation, and advanced technology.


Key features of the Golden Visa:

• Residency for 5 or 10 years, depending on applicant category
  
• No need for a UAE-based sponsor
  
• Multiple-entry, 6-month visa to facilitate residence issuance
  
• Freedom to live, study, and work
  
• Ability to stay outside the UAE for over 6 months without losing residency
  
• Unlimited sponsorship of domestic helpers
  
• Family sponsorship (spouse and children of any age)
  
• In the event of the primary holder’s death, family members can remain in the UAE until the end of their own permit duration
  

Who qualifies? Eligibility criteria for students
The Golden Visa offers tailored pathways for two main student groups: outstanding high school graduates and exceptional university graduates, including those from both UAE-based and international institutions.

High school students (UAE-based)

Eligibility:

• Must be a top-ranking student from a UAE public or private school
  
• Minimum final grade of 95%
  
• Requires a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment)
  
  

Visa duration:

5 years (extendable if pursuing a major that exceeds five years in duration)

Special criteria for Abu Dhabi applicants:

• For public school graduates, applications are routed through the Abu Dhabi Residents Office
• Private school students may be nominated by ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge), based on end-of-year academic assessment
  
  

Required documents:

• Attested Grade 12 certificate by the Ministry of Education
  
• Recommendation letter (auto-generated for Abu Dhabi public school students via web app)
  
• Private school nominations handled directly by ADEK
  
  

How to apply:

• Graduates of public schools can apply through Abu Dhabi Residents Office.
• Private school pupils will be nominated if chosen.
• Applications can also be made through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) at https://icp.gov.ae

University students (UAE & global graduates)

Students graduating from either UAE-based or internationally ranked universities are eligible under specific criteria.

A) UAE university graduates

Eligibility:

• Hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD from a UAE Ministry of Education-accredited university
• Graduation from one of the locally ranked top 100 institutions
• Minimum GPA :
  
  
  • 3.5 for A-rated universities
    
  • 3.8 for B-rated universities
    
    
• Graduation must be within the last two years
  
• Degree must be attested by the Ministry of Education
  
  

Visa Duration: 10 years

Documents required:

• Official transcripts and degree attestation (foreign or UAE).
• International degree equivalency certificate.

Application Channels:

• Abu Dhabi Residents Office nomination portal
• ICP official portal

B) Graduates of foreign universities

Eligibility:

• Must have graduated from one of the top 100 universities globally as recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education
• Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above
• Degree must be obtained within the past two years
• An equivalency certificate issued by the UAE Ministry of Education.

How to apply:

Through Abu Dhabi Residents Office nomination portal or through ICP application portal

Also read: Here is the full list of international universities that make you eligible for the UAE Golden Visa

Strategic academic fields & government priorities

Not all degrees are treated equally. The UAE government prioritizes graduates from fields considered critical to national progress. These disciplines align with the country’s development strategy, focusing on science, technology, health, and innovation.

Priority fields for Golden Visa aproval:

• Artificial Intelligence
  
• Big Data
• Epidemiology and Virology
  
• Computer Engineering
  
• Software Engineering
  
• Electronic and Electrical Engineering
  
• Biotechnology Engineering
  
• Genetics and Molecular Engineering
  
  

Graduates in these areas are not only prioritized in the visa process but are also viewed as integral to the UAE’s long-term economic transformation.

Application essentials documents & procedures
Applicants must submit a clear set of documents, validated and translated where necessary, to be considered eligible.

Required documentation:

• Officially attested graduation certificate
  
• Academic transcripts confirming GPA of 3.5 or higher
  
• Letter of recommendation from the issuing university
  
• Any documents in foreign languages must be legally translated into Arabic
  
  

Recognition of academic institutions:

University rankings are taken seriously. The UAE government evaluates applications using globally recognized ranking systems. Applicants from top-tier universities are more likely to secure approval, especially if they also belong to the approved academic disciplines.

A nation-building opportunity
The UAE’s Golden Visa program for students is more than a benefit—it’s a strategic invitation. By rewarding academic excellence and supporting future-focused disciplines, the nation is building a robust knowledge economy. Whether you are a high-achieving school graduate from Abu Dhabi or a global university student with a standout GPA, the Golden Visa offers a bridge to long-term opportunity in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.