The United Arab Emirates has officially released a list of 100 universities whose graduates are eligible to apply for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa under its University Graduates pathway. According to the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, an applicant must hold a degree from a university that the ministry has ranked among the world's top 100 to qualify for this residency route. This move aims to attract highly skilled and educated individuals to the UAE.

The list of eligible universities covers institutions across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. Several universities popular among Ghanaian and African students appear on the list, including Oxford, Cambridge, and top US Ivy League schools. These institutions have a strong reputation for academic excellence and are well-recognized globally. The inclusion of these universities on the list is expected to benefit many Ghanaian and African graduates who have studied or are currently enrolled at these institutions.

The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research published the list of eligible universities on September 28, 2026. The list includes Brown University, California Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, and City University of Hong Kong, among others. The full list comprises 100 universities, providing a range of options for graduates who wish to apply for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa.

For Ghanaians who have studied or are currently enrolled at any of these institutions, the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa presents a potential long-term residency opportunity in the UAE. The UAE has become an increasingly popular destination for African professionals and graduates seeking opportunities abroad. The Golden Visa program offers a range of benefits, including residency, work permits, and potential citizenship.

The Abu Dhabi Golden Visa is a significant initiative by the UAE government to attract top talent from around the world. The program aims to provide a streamlined residency process for highly skilled and educated individuals who can contribute to the country's economic growth and development. By including a range of universities from different regions, the UAE is opening up new opportunities for international graduates.

Among the institutions on the list are several that attract a significant number of Ghanaian and African students, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Toronto, and prominent American Ivy League universities. These universities have a strong track record of producing highly skilled and employable graduates, making them a great fit for the Golden Visa program.

The release of the list of eligible universities is expected to have a positive impact on Ghanaian and African graduates who are seeking long-term residency opportunities in the UAE. The UAE government has taken a significant step in providing clarity and transparency on the eligibility criteria for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa, making it easier for graduates to plan their future.

Key points

  • The UAE has released a list of 100 universities whose graduates are eligible to apply for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa.
  • Several popular universities among Ghanaian and African students, including Oxford and Cambridge, appear on the list.
  • The Abu Dhabi Golden Visa offers a range of benefits, including residency, work permits, and potential citizenship.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.