UAE Student Visa Fees for Indians (2026): ICP Charges in AED

A UAE student visa is really two government transactions: an entry permit that lets you fly in, and a residence permit that you complete after arrival. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) prices each one separately. All amounts here are as published on the official sources, checked on 15 October 2026. For visit visas and other routes, see our UAE visa guide for Indians.

What does each ICP charge cover?

These are ICP's federal figures (ICP residency permit service). If your university is in Dubai, the application goes through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai), and the amounts may differ.

How much is the residence permit for a one-year or two-year course?

The residence permit has one charge that scales with the length of stay: AED 100 for each year. Residence duration follows the study programme, so the per-year line grows with your course.

Add the AED 300 entry-permit stage on top. If you are already in the UAE on another visa and switch to student status without leaving, expect the AED 500 change-of-status charge as well.

What is left out of ICP's fees?

ICP's listing states that Emirates ID, medical test and insurance costs are not included. The student route also requires valid health insurance, so it is a real cost rather than an option. Tuition is, of course, separate.

There is no official INR figure for any of these charges. UAE authorities publish fees in AED only, so the rupee cost depends on the exchange rate and how your university collects the money. Ask your university for a written breakdown of what it will charge you for visa processing, because the ICP amounts above may not be the only line on its invoice.

Who applies for the visa, and who can sponsor you?

Indian students stay in the UAE under the sponsorship of their accredited university or college, which applies for the study entry permit through ICP (GDRFA in Dubai). The alternative is sponsorship by a parent who is resident in the UAE (u.ae student visa):

• Resident parents can sponsor sons up to age 25, or older if they are attending higher education.
• Daughters can be sponsored regardless of age until they marry.
• The parent needs a minimum monthly income of AED 3,000 plus employer-provided housing, or AED 4,000 without housing.

Which documents does ICP ask for?

• Passport valid for at least 6 months, and a personal photo
• Certificate from the Ministry of Education, or the emirate's education authority, confirming approval
• Enrolment certificate from the university, college or institution
• Letter from the institution accepting to host you, stating the programme and its duration
• Valid health insurance

How long does it take, and which deadlines matter?

ICP lists a service completion duration of 2 days for the entry permit and 2 days for the residence permit. Once you land, you must complete residence formalities within 60 days of entry. After you finish your studies, you may stay in the UAE for 180 days.

Before you pay: what makes the bill bigger?

• Switching status in the UAE. Entering on a visit visa and converting to a student visa inside the country adds the AED 500 change-of-status charge.
• Emirate differences. Dubai applications run through GDRFA Dubai, and ICP warns its amounts may differ there.
• Missing the 60-day window. Residence must be completed within 60 days of entry, so book the medical test and Emirates ID steps early.
• Service charges on top. ICP's figures are the government charges. If a university or agent bills more for visa processing, the difference is their service fee, so ask what it covers.
• Insurance, ID and medical. These sit outside ICP's figures and are often the largest visa-related costs after the permits themselves.

If you plan to work in the UAE after graduating, the ICP structure looks familiar. A work entry permit is also listed at AED 100 application, AED 100 issuance and AED 100 smart service, and the work residence permit follows the same per-year pattern. The employer additionally pays the MOHRE work permit, which ranges from AED 250 to AED 3,450 depending on the company's classification.

Plan any campus visit carefully. The Emirates-linked tourist visa that VFS Global handles in India (INR 7735 for 30 days) is not open to unaccompanied students: Emirates says it cannot sponsor unaccompanied minors and students, and considers them only if they travel with their parents.

For a parent's visit visa file, Yatra For Fun's India office in Gurugram prepares flight reservations, hotel bookings, itineraries and cover letters, with packages from INR 1,000 (flight reservation) to INR 3,000 (reservation, hotel, itinerary and cover letter). WhatsApp +91 95230 91018 or contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an official rupee fee for a UAE student visa?

No. ICP and the other UAE authorities publish student visa charges in AED only. The INR cost depends on the exchange rate and on how your university collects the fees.

Can I stay in the UAE after finishing my degree?

Yes, for a limited time. Students may stay 180 days after completing their studies. Graduates of the world's top 500 universities within the last 2 years, or people at MOHRE skill level 1, 2 or 3 with a bachelor's degree, can also look at the job seeker visit visa of 60, 90 or 120 days.

How much does the UAE job seeker visa cost after graduation?

GDRFA Dubai lists AED 200 for 60 days, AED 300 for 90 days and AED 400 for 120 days, plus 5% VAT. It also takes a refundable AED 1,000 security amount plus AED 20 warranty and AED 40 guarantee collection and return fees.

Is health insurance compulsory for a UAE student visa?

Yes. ICP's student residence documents include valid health insurance, and its fee listing says insurance costs are not included in the visa charges. Budget for it separately.