Guide for students on how to apply for a Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi
The world has become a much smaller place, and the doors of the world's universities are open to everyone, regardless of where they come from. There are fabulous opportunities to expand your horizons in the UAE by studying at ADU. Our intake of international students is increasing yearly, creating a thriving multicultural environment where students can simultaneously advance their studies and learn about other cultures.
The Department of Education and Knowledge oversees issuing 'Golden Visas' to encourage international students to come to the UAE to study. The aim is to draw in the brightest and the best from the emerging global talent pool, particularly those focused on studying mathematics, science, engineering, and technology.
The Golden Visa is offered to outstanding students and graduates from all walks of life.
What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa letting foreign nationals live, study, and work in the UAE for five to ten years. With it comes a host of advantages, including the right to live, learn, and work in the UAE without the need for a sponsor. You can also stay outside the UAE for more than six months at a time without affecting the validity of your visa and come and go from the UAE as you wish.
It gives students the unique opportunity to live and study in one of the world's most stimulating educational environments and become the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders.
Golden Visas for graduates – The criteria
The requirements and criteria for Golden Visa eligibility will depend on whether you have already studied in the UAE or graduated from a university overseas.
For graduates who studied in the UAE, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must hold a bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree from a university accredited by the Ministry of Education in the UAE.
- The university you received your qualification from must be classified as A or B in line with the accredited universities classification list issued by the Ministry of Education.
- GPA must not be less than 3.5 for A-classified universities or 3.8 for B-classified universities.
- You must have graduated no more than two years before applying for a Golden Visa.
- The degree must be attested by the Ministry of Education.
If you graduated from a university outside of the UAE and hold a bachelor's degree, you must meet the following criteria for application:
- The university must be included in the top 100 international universities list according to the international classification accredited by the Ministry of Education.
- GPA must not be less than 3.5 for bachelor's graduates.
- You must have graduated within the last two years.
- The degree has to be attested (Equivalency) by the Ministry of Education.
Any other requirements?
If you are a UAE graduate, you will also need official transcripts that prove you have a final GPA of not less than 3.5 for an A-classification university and 3.8 for a B-classification university. Your bachelor's, master's or PhD degree must also be issued by an accredited university in the UAE.
If you are an international graduate, you must have a final GPA of not less than 3.5. You will also need to produce your bachelor's certificate and have an equivalency certificate issued by the Ministry of Education in the UAE.
How to get started
It is easy to apply for a Golden Visa. You can download the GDRFA-Dubai application via Apple Store or the Play Store online. You will need to register your account as a new user and complete the forms. You must also scan and attach copies of the required forms and pay the service fees. You can then submit your request, and you should hear back relatively quickly to find out whether you have been granted a visa.
How much does it cost?
A ten-year Golden Visa costs AED 2,790 for residency fees and an additional AED 1,070 for ID fees. If you apply for a five-year visa, the residency fees are AED 2,280, and the ID fees are AED 575. These fees must be paid in full when you apply for your visa. However, ADU wants to ensure that everyone can take advantage of studying in one of the world's most influential and inspiring universities and is offering 100 scholarships to outstanding international students. High school graduates with an average grade of 95 per cent and above may qualify for a university scholarship at a rate of up to 50 per cent, depending on the subjects they choose to study. Priority will be given to those students who have a Golden Visa.
Is a Golden Visa worth it?
Absolutely! The Golden Visa celebrates the best of the best, those students who have so much more to offer and are destined to make the world more prosperous, innovative, and exciting. The additional advantage of applying for a Golden Visa is that it extends beyond your normal study timetable and into the first years of your career. If you choose to stay in the UAE, you will find that the opportunities for exceptionally talented individuals are second to none.
Abu Dhabi University offers talented individuals the perfect conditions to grow and succeed, benefiting themselves and those around them. This is why the Golden Visa is being offered to students and why we think it is one of the most important, proactive, and positive concepts to encourage international candidates to consider studying in the UAE.