Dubai: Apply for a Student Visa University of Birmingham Dubai

Already have a University-sponsored visa? If you’re a continuing student and already have a University-sponsored student visa with us, but it’s due to expire, please visit our visa renewals page for guidance on how to renew.

Application deadlines The deadlines for new international students to apply for a University-sponsored visa from outside the UAE are: ### September 2026 intake Normal application: Monday 17 August 2026 Express application: Monday 24 August 2026 ### January 2027 intake Normal application: Monday 14 December 2026 Express application: Monday 21 December 2026 ## How to apply Follow these steps to apply for your student visa: 1. Complete your online registration: you must be a registered student before starting your visa application 2. Gather required documents: including passport, photograph (see photograph requirements), and completed student undertaking form (PDF, 326 KB), as well as other documents as outlined within the visa form 3. Activate your University email: you will need your University email address to start your visa application.

Open Outlook on any device with a web browser https://outlook.cloud.microsoft. Log in using your University email address: \[your username\]@student.bham.ac.uk (for example: ABC123@student.bham.ac.uk) and use the password you received during online registration. Use this email address to log in and begin your visa application 4. Complete the new visa application: fill in the required fields with your details.

The form must be completed by the student only. Applications submitted by someone else on your behalf will not be accepted 5. Make the visa payment to the University via card payment or bank transfer 6. Await your decision: our team will start the visa process and confirm the next steps within 10 working days The information you provide will be used solely for the purposes of your studies in Dubai and will be shared with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

For details on how we handle your personal data, please refer to our privacy statements. Start your visa application ## Photograph requirements Please ensure your photograph meets the following requirements:
• Taken at a professional photo studio
• High quality (clear and in focus)
• Avoid wearing white or very light-coloured clothing, as well as overly colourful shirts
• Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed
• Avoid wearing jewellery, necklaces, or ties
• Avoid heavy makeup
• Ensure hair does not cover your ears
• Preferably, do not wear eyeglasses
• Do not alter the photo (e.g. Photoshop or AI editing) ## Post application process The duration and steps of the visa issuing process depend on whether you apply for a normal or express visa, and whether you are applying from inside or outside the UAE. ### Visa processing time #### Pre-arrival If you're applying from outside the UAE, you will need an entry permit to be issued before you travel.
• Normal application: entry permit issued in 14 working days
• Express application: entry permit issued in 7-10 working days #### Post-arrival
• Normal application: visa issued in 4-5 weeks
• Express application: visa issued in 3-4 weeks ### Step-by-step guide These steps are arranged by the University and AXS (our visa processing partner). Students will be notified via email with instructions, including any actions you need to take. 1. Entry permit issuance (for students outside the UAE): you will receive permission to enter the UAE for study.

Print this out to provide to border control 2. Arrival in the UAE (for students outside the UAE): Submit a stamped copy of your entry permit via the Arrival Intimation Form 3. Medical test appointment: you will receive an appointment request for a routine health check required by the UAE authorities 4. Biometrics appointment: you will receive an appointment request to take a fingerprint scan.

This is the final step to complete your Emirates ID registration 5. Visa and insurance issued: the University team