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Abu Dhabi Outlines GPA Thresholds for 10-Year University Graduate Golden Visas

The Abu Dhabi Residents Office has published the academic criteria required for university graduates to qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa. Foreign applicants must have obtained a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.5 GPA from a global top 100 university within the last two years. Graduates from UAE universities require a minimum GPA of 3.5 for Class A institutions or 3.8 for Class B institutions across bachelor's, master's, or doctoral levels.

Published Source: Yen News
Issuing authority
Abu Dhabi Residents Office
Jurisdiction
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Publication date
October 16, 2026
Stage
Final rule
Official source
news.google.com
Illustration: Editorial photograph of contemporary university campus buildings in Abu Dhabi, featuring bright glass architecture, stone courtyards lin
Illustration

The Abu Dhabi Residents Office has officially published academic benchmarks on its website for university graduates seeking 10-year Golden Visas, outlining specific requirements for both overseas and domestic graduates, Yen News reported.

For applicants who completed their degrees outside the UAE, the Golden Visa pathway is open exclusively to bachelor's degree holders. Candidates must have graduated within the past two years from a global top 100 institution recognised by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.

Graduates from UAE-based institutions may apply holding a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The minimum GPA requirement is set at 3.5 for institutions categorized as "A" under the ministry's ranking framework, rising to 3.8 for those with a "B" classification.

Domestic applicants must also present qualifications awarded within the two years preceding their application, supported by ministry-attested degree certificates and official transcripts showing final grades.

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