The UAE Ministry of Education has published the academic criteria that foreign university graduates must meet to qualify for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa under the graduate category. According to the Ministry's official website, only bachelor's degree holders from universities outside the UAE are eligible for this visa pathway. Postgraduate qualifications, including master's degrees and PhDs, are not covered under this route for international graduates.
CGPA and University Ranking Requirements
Beyond the degree type, two additional conditions apply. The applicant's university must rank among the top 100 institutions globally, according to an international classification recognised and accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education. On academic performance, applicants must have graduated with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 3.5.
The Ministry's website states directly: "The university must be one of the top 100 international universities according to the international classification accredited by the Ministry of Education." It also notes, "GPA must not be less than 3.5 for bachelor graduates."
Who Qualifies for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa
These requirements narrow the field significantly. A graduate holding a bachelor's degree from a university ranked outside the global top 100, or one whose CGPA falls below 3.5, would not meet the threshold set for foreign graduates under this visa category.
For students from African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa who aspire to live and work in the UAE, the CGPA benchmark of 3.5 and the top 100 university requirement are the two central criteria to consider when exploring this residency pathway.
Related UAE Visa Updates
In a separate development, the UAE government has set a minimum monthly salary for workers across its nine professional job levels. The classification covers roles ranging from managers and professionals to skilled workers, machine operators, and those in simple professions, according to a recent Legit.ng report.
