UAE Student Visa for English Courses (2026): Costs, Requirements and How to Apply

Can you get a UAE student visa by studying English? Yes. A licensed English language school in the UAE can sponsor a student visa for international students who enrol in a qualifying course. At Speak English Institute, a 3-month student visa costs AED 1,470 and a 6-month visa costs AED 2,730 (2026 prices), you need to enrol on a course of at least 4 weeks, and you must keep 70% attendance each month. Approval usually takes 10 to 15 days. This guide explains who needs a student visa, the costs, documents and steps, the alternatives (visit visas and existing residence visas) and the rules that matter most, such as attendance and overstay fines.

UAE student visa for English courses at a glance (2026)

• Who sponsors it: your English school, if it's licensed to sponsor student visas.
• Visa options at Speak: 3 months (AED 1,470) or 6 months (AED 2,730). There's no 1-year option, but you can renew.
• Qualifying courses: General English, Intensive English, Business English and IELTS Preparation, at our Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah campus.
• Minimum course length: 4 weeks recommended.
• Attendance: at least 70% each month, or the visa can be cancelled.
• Processing time: usually 10 to 15 days after you submit your documents.
• When to apply: at least 2 months before your planned start date.

For full details, see our UAE student visa page.

Do you need a student visa to study English in the UAE?

It depends on your situation:

• You already live in the UAE on a residence visa (for example as an employee or a family member): you don't need a student visa. You can join any course on your current visa.
• You're coming to the UAE mainly to study: a student visa sponsored by your school is usually the best option, especially for courses of 3 months or more.
• You're visiting for a short course: some nationalities can enter on a visit visa or visa on arrival. Check the current rules for your passport with the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) or your airline before you travel. A visit visa is for tourism and short stays, so for a longer study plan a student visa is the safer choice.

How much does a UAE student visa cost?

At Speak English Institute (2026):

• 3-month student visa: AED 1,470 (about USD 410)
• 6-month student visa: AED 2,730 (about USD 750)

The visa fee is separate from your course fee. For course prices, see our English course price guide. As an example, our Intensive General English course costs from AED 4,560 for 4 weeks, and our Semi-Intensive course from AED 2,830 for 4 weeks.

Which courses qualify?

Courses that qualify for a student visa at Speak:

• General English (Semi-Intensive and Intensive)
• Business English
• IELTS Preparation

Most visa students choose the Intensive (20 hours a week) or Semi-Intensive (10 hours a week) course, because they make the most of your time in the UAE. Read can you learn English in 3 months? to see what's realistic.

Documents you need

1. Passport copy: valid for at least 6 months, with a clear scan of the photo page.
2. Passport photo: recent, white background.
3. Proof of address: a utility bill, lease or government ID from the last 3 months.
4. Completed visa application form.

How to apply: step by step

1. Choose your course and campus and enrol. Not sure of your level? Take our free English level test.
2. Send your documents to our admissions team.
3. Pay the visa fee, at least 6 weeks before your course starts.
4. Wait for approval, usually 10 to 15 days.
5. Travel to the UAE and start your course.

We recommend starting the process at least 2 months before you want to begin.

Rules to know once you're here

Attendance

You must attend at least 70% of your classes each month. If you don't, the school may have to cancel your visa. Plan holidays and trips around your course.

Renewal

There's no 1-year student visa through our school, but you can renew your visa if you continue studying. Talk to us at least a month before it expires.

Overstay fines

If you stay after your visa expires, you'll pay a fine for each extra day. Under current UAE rules this is AED 50 a day for most visa types, and long overstays can lead to a travel ban. Always check your visa status on the ICP or GDRFA app and leave or renew in good time.

Studying English on a visit visa

If you're staying for a few weeks only, a visit visa can work for a short course. Keep in mind:

• A visit visa is linked to your travel plans, not your course, so you're responsible for its dates and any extension.
• You can't work in the UAE on a visit visa.
• If your plans change and you want to study longer, ask us about switching to a student visa.

Life as an English student in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah

Both campuses are in areas where you'll use English every day:

• Dubai (JLT): close to the metro, with cafés, offices and the Marina nearby. Our complete guide to learning English in Dubai and living in Dubai guide cover the basics.
• Ras Al Khaimah (Al Hamra): quieter, with beaches and usually lower living costs. See our tips on improving your English in Ras Al Khaimah and things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a student visa for an English course in Dubai?

Yes. Licensed English schools can sponsor student visas. At Speak English Institute you can get a 3-month (AED 1,470) or 6-month (AED 2,730) student visa when you enrol in a qualifying course.

How long does a UAE student visa take?

Usually 10 to 15 days after you submit your documents and pay the visa fee. Apply at least 2 months before your start date.

What is the minimum course length for a student visa?

We recommend a minimum of 4 weeks. Most visa students study for 3 months or longer.

Can I work on a student visa?

A student visa is for study. Don't take paid work unless you have the correct UAE work permit.

Do I need a student visa if I already live in the UAE?

No. If you already hold a UAE residence visa, you can join any course without a new visa.

What happens if I miss classes?

You must attend at least 70% of classes each month. Low attendance can lead to visa cancellation.

Apply for your course and student visa

Tell us your preferred course, campus and start date, and our admissions team will guide you through the visa process. Ask for a quote, contact us on WhatsApp, or read more on our student visa page. If you're still comparing schools, see how to choose an English language school in Dubai.

Visa rules change. This guide reflects the information available in October 2026. Always confirm current requirements with our admissions team or the official UAE authorities before you travel.