United Arab Emirates student visa checklist

Documents to gather

Valid passportValid for your whole course if possible — at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Renew early: passports can take weeks.Unconditional offer / admission letterMeet any conditions (grades, English) so the offer becomes unconditional — the visa document is issued from it.Certificates & transcriptsSecondary and any university results (e.g. KCSE, WAEC, A-Levels). Certified copies, with official English translations where needed.English test resultIELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo as your university and the visa rules accept. Check the minimum per band, not just overall.Passport photosRecent photos to the destination’s size rules (many applications now use a digital photo).University sponsorshipPay the fees and provide documents your university asks for.

Money

Proof of fundsBank statements, sponsor letter and/or scholarship letter showing tuition plus living costs for the period the rules require. Statements usually must be recent and in the account holder’s name.Sponsor’s documents (if a parent or sponsor pays)Letter of support, their bank statements, proof of relationship (birth certificate) and sometimes proof of income. Our Sponsor & Parent Report helps them see the full cost.Tuition deposit receiptMany universities ask for a deposit before issuing the visa document. Keep the official receipt.

Application

Entry permitIssued to you before travel.

Before you fly & on arrival

Book your flightOnly after the visa is approved. Arrive in time for orientation; check how early you may enter.Confirm accommodationUniversity housing or a verified private room for at least the first weeks. Never pay deposits to unverified landlords.Copies of everythingPaper and cloud copies of passport, visa, offer, insurance, funds and certificates. Carry originals in hand luggage.Money for the first weeksA card that works abroad and some local currency for transport and food before your account is open.Medical fitness testDone in the UAE after arrival.Emirates IDBiometrics and card for your residence visa.

Need help with the money part? Make a Sponsor & Parent Report for your sponsor · Other destinations

United Arab Emirates — Student residence visa checklist

Documents to gather

Money

Application

Before you fly & on arrival