Yes. GDRFA Dubai grants a Golden Visa to top students from UAE schools and universities and to top graduates of leading international universities. The tests are a school grade of at least 95%, or a university grade point average of at least 3.5 or 3.8 depending on the university's classification.
NXTSTAR checks the certificates against the thresholds and prepares the application, including for families applying on a child's behalf.
Last reviewed: by the NXTSTAR team.
Rules are set by the authority and can change. Confirm the current position before you apply.
School students
A high school result of at least 95%, or its equivalent, from a school in the UAE.
Graduates of UAE universities
- From a university classified A: a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5.
- From a university classified B: a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.8.
- You graduated no more than two years ago.
Graduates of international universities
- The university is among the top 100 in the world, under the ranking approved by the Ministry of Education.
- For a bachelor's degree, a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5.
Documents and approval
- Passport copy
- Certificates showing the grade and graduation date
- A recommendation letter from the school or university
- Approval from the federal identity authority, ICP
The federal portal lists a five-year visa for high school achievers and a ten-year visa for top university students, while GDRFA Dubai's service page refers to ten years. Confirm the term that applies to you when you apply.
Timing matters
The two-year limit for UAE university graduates runs from graduation. Apply early, because gathering certificates, equivalency and the recommendation letter takes time.
What NXTSTAR does, and what we do not
We confirm eligibility from the transcripts, arrange equivalency where needed, and submit the application.
We cannot convert grades favourably or vouch for a university's classification. The authorities decide both.
Common questions
My daughter scored 94.8%. Does she qualify?
GDRFA Dubai states at least 95% or its equivalent, so a result below that does not meet the condition.
I graduated three years ago from a UAE university. Can I apply?
No. GDRFA Dubai requires graduation no more than two years ago for UAE university graduates.
Can a student sponsor their parents?
Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members. Ask us to confirm what applies to a student holder before relying on it.
How much does NXTSTAR charge?
We do not publish prices. Ask us for a written quote that separates government fees from our service fee.
Sources
The rules on this page come from the authority's own published material, checked on 6 October 2026.
A top student, or the parent of one?
Tell us what you want to do and we will tell you which route fits, what it involves and what we would need from you.