UAE Golden Visa for outstanding students: What it means for expats, toppers, and global talent

In a move to attract and retain top academic talent, the United Arab Emirates has expanded its Golden Visa program to include high-performing students, offering them long-term residency without the need for a local sponsor. The policy is seen as part of the UAE’s broader vision to become a regional education hub and global destination for skilled professionals.

High School Students: 5-Year Golden Visa Eligibility

High school students (whether in public or private schools) may qualify for a 5-year Golden Visa if they:

• Achieve 95% or higher in their final grade
• Are recognized as national-level toppers
• Provide a recommendation letter from the UAE’s Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment)

High school students who excel academically can now apply for a five-year Golden Visa, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria. Students must have achieved a minimum of 95 per cent in their final year of secondary school, whether in the public or private system, and must also be recognized as national-level toppers. In addition to academic excellence, applicants are required to submit a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment). If the student later enrolls in a university program in the UAE that extends beyond five years, the Golden Visa may also be extended accordingly.

University Students: 10-Year Golden Visa Eligibility

Outstanding graduates from UAE universities are eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa if:

• Their university is classified as A or B rated by the Ministry of Education
• They maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 (A-rated) or 3.8 (B-rated)
• They graduated within the past two years
• They submit an official recommendation or graduation certificate

For university students, the opportunity is even more substantial. Graduates from accredited UAE institutions are eligible for a ten-year Golden Visa if they have maintained a high cumulative GPA, at least 3.5 if the university is classified as an “A” rated institution by the Ministry of Education, and at least 3.8 for “B” rated institutions. Applicants must have graduated within the past two years and must submit either a formal recommendation from their university or official documentation of their academic record. The long-term residency benefit allows these graduates to remain in the UAE to pursue advanced education, research, or professional careers.

Graduates from Foreign Universities: 10-Year Golden Visa Eligibility

Students who graduated from top 100 global universities may also qualify for a 10-year visa, if:

• Their GPA is 3.5 or above
• Their graduation occurred within the last 2 years
• Their certificate is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education

The Golden Visa program is not limited to students within the UAE. Outstanding graduates from foreign universities may also apply for a ten-year visa, provided their institution ranks among the top 100 globally according to a system recognized by the Ministry of Education. As with local graduates, these students must have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.5, completed their degree within the past two years, and have their graduation certificate formally accredited by the UAE’s Ministry of Education.