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UAE Golden Visa for Outstanding Students

The achievement-based route to a 10-year UAE Golden Visa for school and university graduates. Qualifying thresholds, Ministry of Education nomination path and documents for 2026.

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  • 95%+ school grade qualifies
  • GPA 3.8+ university route
  • 10-year renewable visa
  • Parents sponsored on same term

Who the Outstanding Student Golden Visa is for

The Outstanding Student Golden Visa gives top-performing students 10 years of UAE residence based on academic achievement. Qualifies secondary school graduates with 95 percent and above, and university graduates from UAE and top-500 international universities with GPA 3.8 and above.

Secondary school graduates (grade 12): 95 percent or above overall grade
UAE university graduates: GPA 3.8 or above (first class honours) from UAE-licensed universities
International university graduates: GPA 3.8 or above from top-500 ranked universities
Specialised category: top 10 students in international academic competitions (olympiads, sciences)
No tuition or professional fee requirement; achievement-based
Family (parents, siblings under 18) sponsored on the same 10-year term

Documents required

The exact checklist for the Outstanding Student route in 2026:

Passport (2 to 3 years validity)
Official academic transcript showing GPA 3.8+ or 95%+ grade
Degree certificate (for university graduates) attested up to UAE MOFA
University ranking proof (QS or Times Higher Education) if international university
Supporting academic awards, publications, competition certificates (if applicable)
UAE Ministry of Education nomination letter (for UAE schools and universities)
Clean police clearance
UAE medical insurance

Step by step

A realistic Outstanding Student Golden Visa timeline:

Confirm eligibility: GPA 3.8+ or 95%+ grade, with university ranking proof if international
Collect transcripts and nomination letter from Ministry of Education or university
Submit through ICP (Federal) with supporting academic evidence
Entry permit issued if outside UAE, or move to medical if resident
Medical fitness, biometrics and Emirates ID
Golden Visa stamping, typically 25 to 45 working days total

Cost

Realistic 2026 Outstanding Student Golden Visa costs:

Government application fee: AED 2,800 to AED 3,500
Medical fitness test: AED 500 to AED 1,000
Emirates ID (10 years): AED 1,000 to AED 1,500
Visa stamping fee: AED 1,100
Medical insurance: AED 1,500 to AED 4,000 per year (student tier available)
Credential attestation (international degrees): AED 500 to AED 3,000 per document chain
Professional fees: AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 for nomination preparation

Frequently asked questions

Does the Outstanding Student Golden Visa cover UAE and international graduates?

Yes to both. UAE-licensed university graduates qualify with GPA 3.8+ (first class honours). International graduates qualify with GPA 3.8+ from top-500 ranked universities (QS or Times Higher Education).

Can I apply straight after graduation?

Yes. Apply within 2 years of graduation while the academic performance is current. Older graduates may still qualify if their career since graduation reinforces the Outstanding Student profile.

Does the student visa come with work rights?

Yes. Golden Visa is a 10-year residence that allows employment, business ownership or further study. Not a time-limited student visa.

Can my parents be sponsored on an Outstanding Student Golden Visa?

Yes. Parents are included on the same 10-year term as dependents, with no salary threshold. Siblings under 18 also qualify.

Which schools in the UAE routinely nominate students for the Golden Visa?

Public schools under the Ministry of Education and major private schools (GEMS, Taaleem, Repton, Dubai College, Jumeirah College) have established Golden Visa nomination pathways for top performers. Breeo helps parents compile the nomination package for Ministry submission.

Qualify as a UAE Outstanding Student

Send us the transcript and ranking and we will confirm eligibility and prepare the nomination.

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