United Arab Emirates hubs

Fatima

Student

United Arab EmiratesArabic (العربية)د.إ AED

Fatima is an ambitious university student navigating life in the UAE, balancing her academic workload with the pursuit of internships and personal development. This hub covers the essential national portals, student benefits, and government services she needs to manage her identity, finances, and future career prospects.

My Digital Identity and Official Documents

These are the foundational tools needed to access any government portal, bank account, or university service.

UAE PASS

هوية الإمارات الرقمية

national · Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority

Who qualifies
All UAE residents with a valid Emirates ID.
What you get
Single sign-on access to thousands of government and private sector services.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires biometric verification at a kiosk or via the mobile app.
Common gotcha
Ensure your phone number is registered under your own name at your telecom provider to activate.

Emirates ID

بطاقة الهوية الإماراتية

national · Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security

Who qualifies
Every legal resident of the UAE.
What you get
Official identification for all legal, banking, and travel purposes.
What it actually costs you
Renewal fees vary; requires a medical fitness test for visa renewal.
Common gotcha
Always keep it physically with you; digital copies are often not accepted for official verification.

Tas-heel

تسهيل

national · Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation

Who qualifies
Students seeking part-time work permits or internships.
What you get
Legal processing for labor contracts and work permits.
What it actually costs you
Processing fees vary by permit type.
Common gotcha
Students must have a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their university to apply.

Degree Attestation

تصديق الشهادات

national · Ministry of Education

Who qualifies
Graduates of foreign universities or those seeking further study.
What you get
Official recognition of academic credentials for employment and visa purposes.
What it actually costs you
Fees per document; requires original transcripts.
Common gotcha
Attestation must be done in the country of origin before being stamped by the UAE MOE.

TAMM Portal

تم

national · Abu Dhabi Digital Authority

Who qualifies
Residents accessing government services.
What you get
Centralized access to utilities, housing, and social services.
What it actually costs you
Free registration.
Common gotcha
Some services are location-specific, check your jurisdiction.

Ministry of Finance e-Services

وزارة المالية

national · Ministry of Finance

Who qualifies
General public for tax and fee payments.
What you get
Access to government fee payments and financial information.
What it actually costs you
Varies by service.
Common gotcha
Ensure you are using the official portal to avoid phishing sites.

Academic Life and Career Prep

Resources for funding, internships, and professional development to bridge the gap between study and work.

Ministry of Education Scholarship Program

بعثات وزارة التربية والتعليم

national · Ministry of Education

Who qualifies
High-achieving Emirati students.
What you get
Full tuition coverage and monthly stipends for higher education.
What it actually costs you
Requires maintaining a specific GPA.
Common gotcha
Application windows are very short; monitor the website in early spring.

NAFIS Program

نافس

national · Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council

Who qualifies
Emirati citizens seeking internships or private sector jobs.
What you get
Financial support for training and private sector employment.
What it actually costs you
Free registration.
Common gotcha
Only for UAE nationals; check eligibility for specific training tracks.

UAE Government Internship Portal

بوابة التدريب الحكومي

national · Federal Authority for Government Human Resources

Who qualifies
University students seeking federal internships.
What you get
Structured work experience in government entities.
What it actually costs you
Application process via university liaison.
Common gotcha
Competition is high; apply at least one semester in advance.

Certificate Equivalency

معادلة الشهادات

national · Ministry of Education

Who qualifies
Students with degrees from outside the UAE.
What you get
Official recognition of foreign degrees as equivalent to UAE standards.
What it actually costs you
Processing fee; requires original degree and transcript.
Common gotcha
The process can take months; start as soon as you graduate.

Youth Hubs

مركز الشباب

national · Federal Youth Authority

Who qualifies
Students and youth aged 15-35.
What you get
Access to co-working spaces, workshops, and networking events.
What it actually costs you
Free access with registration.
Common gotcha
Book meeting rooms in advance via the app.

Student Visa Renewal

تجديد إقامة طالب

national · Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security

Who qualifies
International students enrolled in UAE universities.
What you get
Legal residency for the duration of studies.
What it actually costs you
Annual renewal fees; requires university enrollment letter.
Common gotcha
Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity before applying.

Staying Healthy on a Budget

Navigating healthcare requirements and insurance is essential for long-term residency.

Thiqa Program

ثقة

national · Department of Health - Abu Dhabi

Who qualifies
Emirati citizens.
What you get
Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
What it actually costs you
Free for eligible citizens.
Common gotcha
Check the network of providers before booking appointments.

SEHA Health Services

صحة

national · Abu Dhabi Health Services Company

Who qualifies
All residents.
What you get
Access to public hospitals and clinics.
What it actually costs you
Co-pay fees depending on insurance.
Common gotcha
Always carry your insurance card and Emirates ID.

Dubai Health Authority Services

هيئة الصحة بدبي

national · Dubai Health Authority

Who qualifies
Residents of Dubai.
What you get
Access to public healthcare facilities.
What it actually costs you
Varies by service.
Common gotcha
Register on the DHA app to track medical records.

National Vaccination Portal

بوابة التطعيم الوطنية

national · Ministry of Health and Prevention

Who qualifies
All residents.
What you get
Access to mandatory and recommended vaccinations.
What it actually costs you
Free for most national programs.
Common gotcha
Keep your digital vaccination certificate updated on the Al Hosn app.

Al Hosn App

الحصن

national · Ministry of Health and Prevention

Who qualifies
All residents.
What you get
Digital health records and test results.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
Update your profile if you change your phone number.

Estijaba Mental Health

استجابة

national · Department of Health

Who qualifies
Residents seeking mental health counseling.
What you get
Access to psychological support services.
What it actually costs you
Varies by insurance coverage.
Common gotcha
Check if your specific insurance covers mental health consultations.

Commuting and Travel

Getting to campus and internships efficiently using public transport discounts.

Nol Student Card

بطاقة نول للطلاب

national · Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)

Who qualifies
Full-time students in Dubai.
What you get
50% discount on public transport fares.
What it actually costs you
Small fee for card issuance; requires student ID.
Common gotcha
Must renew annually with proof of enrollment.

Hafilat Student Pass

حافلات

national · Integrated Transport Centre (ITC)

Who qualifies
Students in Abu Dhabi.
What you get
Discounted bus travel.
What it actually costs you
Annual subscription fee.
Common gotcha
Must tap in and out to avoid fines.

Emirates Student Discount

خصم الطلاب طيران الإمارات

national · Emirates Airline

Who qualifies
Students aged 16-31.
What you get
Up to 10% off flights and extra baggage allowance.
What it actually costs you
Requires valid student ID.
Common gotcha
Must book through the specific student portal link.

Etihad Student Discount

خصم الطلاب طيران الاتحاد

national · Etihad Airways

Who qualifies
Students with a valid student ID.
What you get
Discounted airfares and additional baggage.
What it actually costs you
Free registration.
Common gotcha
Offers change seasonally; check the website before booking.

RTA Student Parking Permit

تصريح مواقف للطلاب

national · Roads and Transport Authority

Who qualifies
Students with cars.
What you get
Discounted parking near specific university zones.
What it actually costs you
Monthly or annual fee.
Common gotcha
Permits are location-specific; check the zone number.

Careem Student Discount

خصم كريم

national · Careem

Who qualifies
Students with university email addresses.
What you get
Discounts on rides and food delivery.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
Must verify your email via the app.

State-level schemes

7states & territories — open one to see what it offers.

Ajmanعجمان

Ajman offers a unique mix of affordable living and specialized academic support for students looking to balance quality education with lower costs of living compared to Dubai.

Help with my studies and fees

Ajman University Merit Scholarship

منح جامعة عجمان الدراسية

university · Ajman University

Who qualifies
Students with high academic achievement in secondary school or current university GPA above 3.75.
What you get
Between 20% to 100% tuition fee waiver depending on academic performance.
What it actually costs you
Requires official transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a formal application during the admission window.
Common gotcha
Scholarships are often competitive and require maintaining a high GPA every semester to keep the discount.

GMU Academic Excellence Grant

university · Gulf Medical University

Who qualifies
High-performing students enrolled in medical or health science programs.
What you get
Up to 50% reduction in tuition fees for top-tier students.
What it actually costs you
Application form, high school grade certificates, and an interview.
Common gotcha
Does not cover laboratory fees or training costs, only base tuition.

Ajman Chamber Internship Program

برنامج التدريب في غرفة تجارة عجمان

state · Ajman Chamber of Commerce

Who qualifies
University students residing in Ajman seeking mandatory internship credits.
What you get
Structured professional placement in local businesses and government departments.
What it actually costs you
Letter of recommendation from university and a CV; no monetary cost.
Common gotcha
Spots are limited and usually filled months in advance.

Ajman Public Library Student Membership

عضوية مكتبة عجمان العامة

state · Ajman Department of Tourism Development

Who qualifies
All students with a valid Emirates ID and proof of residency in Ajman.
What you get
Free access to quiet study spaces, research databases, and printing facilities.
What it actually costs you
Emirates ID and a small registration fee for a library card.
Common gotcha
The library closes on specific public holidays, check the schedule before planning a late-night study session.

Getting around and saving money

Ajman Public Transport Student Discount

state · Ajman Transport Authority

Who qualifies
Students under 25 with a valid student ID.
What you get
Discounted rates on public bus routes within Ajman city.
What it actually costs you
Requires a student transport card issued by the transport authority.
Common gotcha
The discount is only applicable on specific routes and not on inter-emirate travel.

Ajman Youth Center Facilities

مركز عجمان للشباب

state · Federal Youth Authority

Who qualifies
Students aged 15-30 residing in Ajman.
What you get
Free access to co-working spaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, and creative workshops.
What it actually costs you
Registration on the youth portal and Emirates ID.
Common gotcha
Workshops require separate registration and fill up very quickly.
Abu Dhabiأبو ظبي

Abu Dhabi offers world-class educational support and specialized student discounts that make living in the capital affordable for international and local students.

Making my dirhams go further

ISIC Student Discount Card

بطاقة الطالب الدولية

private · ISIC UAE

Who qualifies
Full-time students over 12 years old.
What you get
Discounts on travel, dining, and retail across Abu Dhabi.
What it actually costs you
AED 60 annual fee; requires student ID and passport photo.
Common gotcha
Many local merchants require the physical card, not just the app version.

Student Hafilat Card

بطاقة حافلات للطلاب

municipal · Integrated Transport Centre (ITC)

Who qualifies
Students enrolled in recognized educational institutions in Abu Dhabi.
What you get
Reduced fare rates on public buses within the city.
What it actually costs you
AED 5 application fee; requires school enrollment letter.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed every academic semester to remain active.

Culture Pass Student Membership

عضوية الثقافة للطلاب

state · Department of Culture and Tourism

Who qualifies
University students with a valid ID.
What you get
Free or discounted entry to Louvre Abu Dhabi and other cultural sites.
What it actually costs you
Free registration; requires student ID.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to special temporary exhibitions.

Support for my studies

ADEK Scholarship Program

بعثات دائرة التعليم والمعرفة

state · Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)

Who qualifies
High-achieving UAE national students.
What you get
Full tuition coverage and monthly stipend for university study.
What it actually costs you
Rigorous academic selection process; requires high GPA.
Common gotcha
Strict maintenance of GPA is required to keep the funding.

National Research Foundation Undergraduate Grant

منحة مؤسسة البحوث الوطنية

state · National Research Foundation

Who qualifies
Undergraduate students in STEM fields at Abu Dhabi universities.
What you get
Funding for research projects and equipment.
What it actually costs you
Requires faculty supervisor endorsement and project proposal.
Common gotcha
The application window is very short, usually early in the fall semester.
Dubaiدبي

Dubai offers a unique ecosystem for students where residency is tied to education, and specialized discounts make the high cost of living manageable.

Making my dirhams go further

Nol Student Card

بطاقة نول للطلاب

municipal · Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)

Who qualifies
Full-time students aged 5-23 enrolled in Dubai schools or universities.
What you get
50% discount on public transport fares including Metro, Tram, and Buses.
What it actually costs you
AED 70 annual fee, requires a student ID and passport copy.
Common gotcha
The card expires annually and must be renewed online before the start of the new academic year.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC) UAE

private · ISIC Association

Who qualifies
Any full-time student over 12 years old.
What you get
Thousands of discounts on dining, retail, and entertainment across Dubai.
What it actually costs you
AED 60-80 annual fee, requires proof of student status.
Common gotcha
Many merchants only accept the digital card via the app, not the physical plastic one.

Dubai Culture Student Access

state · Dubai Culture and Arts Authority

Who qualifies
Students visiting museums and heritage sites.
What you get
Free or heavily discounted entry to sites like Al Shindagha Museum.
What it actually costs you
Present valid student ID at the ticket counter.
Common gotcha
Not applicable during special ticketed events or night festivals.

Vox/Reel Student Offers

private · Majid Al Futtaim / Emaar Entertainment

Who qualifies
Students with a valid ID card.
What you get
Discounted movie tickets on weekdays.
What it actually costs you
Must book at the counter or present ID at entry.
Common gotcha
Usually restricted to Sunday to Wednesday screenings only.

Staying and studying in Dubai

Dubai Student Residency Visa

state · General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)

Who qualifies
Students enrolled in accredited Dubai universities.
What you get
Legal residency for the duration of the study program.
What it actually costs you
Varies by university; requires medical fitness test and university sponsorship.
Common gotcha
If you drop out or fail a semester, your university is legally required to cancel your visa.

Dubai Knowledge Fund Scholarship

state · Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)

Who qualifies
High-achieving students in specific private schools.
What you get
Partial tuition fee waivers.
What it actually costs you
Competitive application process based on academic merit.
Common gotcha
Very limited spots; usually announced through the school administration.

Golden Visa for Exceptional Students

state · Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship

Who qualifies
Students with a GPA of 3.75 or higher in accredited universities.
What you get
10-year residency for student and their family.
What it actually costs you
Application fees and proof of academic excellence.
Common gotcha
The GPA requirement is strictly enforced; no rounding up allowed.
Fujairahالفجيرة

Fujairah offers unique local scholarships and vocational training support tailored to students navigating the specific economic landscape of the East Coast.

Making college affordable

Fujairah Foundation for Education Scholarship

منحة مؤسسة الفجيرة التعليمية

state · Fujairah Foundation for Region Development

Who qualifies
High-achieving students residing in Fujairah enrolled in accredited local universities.
What you get
Full or partial tuition fee coverage for undergraduate programs.
What it actually costs you
Requires high school transcripts, family income proof, and a personal statement; competitive selection process.
Common gotcha
The scholarship is strictly merit-based and requires maintaining a high GPA every semester to renew.

Fujairah Student Book Grant

دعم الكتب المدرسية بالفجيرة

state · Fujairah Department of Education

Who qualifies
Students enrolled in public colleges within the emirate.
What you get
Annual voucher covering up to 70% of prescribed textbook costs.
What it actually costs you
Requires student ID and official book list from the university bookstore.
Common gotcha
Vouchers are only valid at specific partner bookstores in Fujairah city.

Fujairah Vocational Training Stipend

مكافأة التدريب المهني بالفجيرة

state · Fujairah Technical Institute

Who qualifies
Students enrolled in technical or vocational diploma courses.
What you get
Monthly stipend of 1,500 AED to cover transport and supplies.
What it actually costs you
Requires enrollment proof and 80% attendance record.
Common gotcha
Stipend is suspended immediately if attendance drops below the threshold.

Fujairah Excellence Award for Students

جائزة الفجيرة للتميز الطلابي

state · Fujairah Government

Who qualifies
Students who achieve top ranks in national or regional exams.
What you get
One-time cash prize ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 AED.
What it actually costs you
Requires submission of official exam certificates and school recommendation.
Common gotcha
Applications must be submitted within 30 days of exam result publication.

Getting around and staying connected

Fujairah Student Transit Discount

بطاقة خصم المواصلات للطلاب

state · Fujairah Transport Authority

Who qualifies
Full-time students with a valid university ID.
What you get
50% discount on monthly public bus passes within the emirate.
What it actually costs you
Requires passport photo, student ID, and 50 AED processing fee.
Common gotcha
The pass is non-transferable and must be renewed every semester.

Fujairah Youth Hub Membership

عضوية مركز شباب الفجيرة

state · Fujairah Youth Council

Who qualifies
Students aged 18-30 residing in Fujairah.
What you get
Free access to high-speed internet, study pods, and printing facilities.
What it actually costs you
Simple online registration with Emirates ID.
Common gotcha
Study pods must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Fujairah Public Library Student Card

بطاقة مكتبة الفجيرة العامة

state · Fujairah Culture and Media Authority

Who qualifies
All registered students in the emirate.
What you get
Free access to academic databases and quiet study zones.
What it actually costs you
Proof of residency and student status.
Common gotcha
Fines for late book returns are strictly enforced even for students.
Ras Al Khaimahرأس الخيمة

Ras Al Khaimah offers unique educational support through the RAK Academy and specialized government-backed scholarships for local students pursuing higher education.

Money for my studies

RAK Government Scholarship Program

برنامج منح حكومة رأس الخيمة

state · RAK Government

Who qualifies
High-achieving Emirati students residing in RAK pursuing higher education.
What you get
Full tuition coverage and monthly stipends for select local and international universities.
What it actually costs you
High GPA requirements, personal interview, and proof of residency.
Common gotcha
The scholarship is highly competitive and requires maintaining a specific GPA every semester to continue funding.

RAK Education Zone Support

منطقة رأس الخيمة التعليمية

state · Ministry of Education (RAK Branch)

Who qualifies
Students enrolled in public schools within RAK facing financial hardship.
What you get
Provision of school supplies, uniforms, and subsidized transport.
What it actually costs you
Application through the school social worker with income proof.
Common gotcha
Often requires renewal at the start of every academic year.

Making the most of living here

RAK Youth Council Programs

مجلس رأس الخيمة للشباب

state · Emirates Youth Council

Who qualifies
Youth aged 15-30 living in RAK.
What you get
Access to leadership workshops, networking events, and internship placements.
What it actually costs you
Online registration and active participation in community service hours.
Common gotcha
Events are often announced via social media; missing the sign-up window is common.

RAK Public Library Membership

مكتبة رأس الخيمة العامة

state · RAK Department of Antiquities and Museums

Who qualifies
All students and residents in RAK.
What you get
Free access to study spaces, research databases, and academic journals.
What it actually costs you
Emirates ID and a small refundable deposit for borrowing books.
Common gotcha
Digital resources require a specific library card number distinct from the physical card.
Sharjahالشارقة

Sharjah is the cultural capital of the UAE, offering unique educational grants, student housing support, and cultural discounts that make living here as a student significantly more affordable than in neighboring emirates.

Money for my studies

University of Sharjah Financial Aid

برنامج المساعدات المالية بجامعة الشارقة

university · University of Sharjah

Who qualifies
Full-time undergraduate students facing genuine financial hardship.
What you get
Partial to full tuition fee waivers based on financial assessment.
What it actually costs you
Requires salary certificates of parents, bank statements, and a detailed hardship letter.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply every semester; it is not a guaranteed four-year grant.

Sharjah Excellence Scholarship

منحة الشارقة للتميز

state · Sharjah Education Academy

Who qualifies
High-achieving students with a GPA above 3.8/4.0.
What you get
100% tuition coverage for the duration of the degree.
What it actually costs you
High academic maintenance requirements; if your GPA drops, you lose the funding.
Common gotcha
Competition is extremely high; focus on extracurriculars as much as grades.

Living on a student budget

Sharjah Museums Student Access

بطاقة متاحف الشارقة للطلاب

state · Sharjah Museums Authority

Who qualifies
Any student with a valid university ID card.
What you get
Free or heavily discounted entry to all state-run museums and cultural sites.
What it actually costs you
Zero cost; just show your student ID at the ticket counter.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to special temporary exhibitions; check the website before going.

Sharjah Youth Center Membership

عضوية مراكز ناشئة الشارقة

state · Rubu' Qarn Foundation

Who qualifies
Students aged 13-18 (with some programs extending to 24).
What you get
Access to workshops, sports facilities, and technology labs.
What it actually costs you
Minimal annual registration fee; requires Emirates ID.
Common gotcha
Programs fill up fast; register at the start of each season.
Umm Al Quwainأم القيوين

As a student in UAQ, I rely on local community support and regional transport initiatives that make commuting to neighboring emirates for specialized university courses affordable.

Getting to class and staying afloat

UAQ Public Transport Student Discount

خصم الطلاب للنقل العام في أم القيوين

municipal · Umm Al Quwain Department of Public Works

Who qualifies
Full-time students enrolled in accredited UAE universities residing in UAQ.
What you get
50% discount on monthly bus passes for inter-emirate travel.
What it actually costs you
Requires a valid student ID, passport copy, and a nominal processing fee of 20 AED.
Common gotcha
The pass must be renewed every semester and is not valid during summer breaks.

UAQ Youth Council Academic Excellence Award

جائزة مجلس شباب أم القيوين للتفوق الأكاديمي

state · Umm Al Quwain Youth Council

Who qualifies
Students with a GPA above 3.75 residing in the emirate.
What you get
One-time cash grant of 5,000 AED for educational materials.
What it actually costs you
Application via the local council portal, requires official transcripts and a personal statement.
Common gotcha
The application window is very short, usually only open for two weeks in September.

Keeping healthy and connected

UAQ Community Health Student Initiative

مبادرة صحة الطالب في أم القيوين

state · Umm Al Quwain Health Authority

Who qualifies
All registered students under 25 living in UAQ.
What you get
Free annual health screenings and dental checkups at local government clinics.
What it actually costs you
Emirates ID and student proof; no fee.
Common gotcha
You must book appointments through the local health portal rather than walking in.

UAQ Public Library Student Membership

عضوية مكتبة أم القيوين العامة للطلاب

state · Umm Al Quwain Department of Tourism and Antiquities

Who qualifies
Any student with a local residential address.
What you get
Free access to private study rooms and high-speed internet hubs.
What it actually costs you
Registration form and a copy of your student ID.
Common gotcha
Study rooms must be booked 24 hours in advance during exam periods.