Indian Students Flock To Dubai’s Universities, Making Up 42% Of International Cohort

Dubai is stealthily but confidently chiseling its niche on the education map of the world, and Indian students are leading this change. According to the latest data from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Indian students now make up a staggering 42% of the international student population in Dubai’s higher education institutions for the 2024–25 academic year. It’s a telling figure that reflects how the Emirate is fast becoming a preferred destination for students seeking quality education closer to home.

What makes Dubai different?

Driven by a combination of astute government policies, robust academic infrastructure, and an expanding job market, Dubai is fast emerging as a genuine alternative to conventional study-abroad destinations such as the US, UK, and Australia.

"Dubai has emerged as a world-class destination for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies,” said Dr. Anita Patankar, Executive Director at Symbiosis International University, Dubai. “Its close proximity to India, global-standard amenities, and the strong presence of internationally expanding Indian as well as global institutions have positioned the UAE as a serious player in higher education.”

Business and beyond?

Data shows that a majority of international students are opting for business-related courses (54%), followed by information technology and engineering, each accounting for 11%. These areas align closely with the academic choices of Indian students, many of whom are seeking degrees that match today’s fast-evolving job market.

“This isn’t just about getting a degree—it’s about relevance, mobility, and real-world outcomes,” Dr. Patankar added. “In Dubai, students are finding all of that, along with a sense of familiarity—be it the language, culture, food, or the vibrant Indian community.”

Interestingly, the Indian presence isn’t just limited to student numbers. Nearly 29% of all faculty across Dubai’s licensed higher education institutions are of Indian origin, according to KHDA—a stat that adds to the comfort and trust Indian students feel when transitioning into the system.

Staying back after studies

And while Dubai doesn’t yet offer a traditional post-study work visa, it’s finding ways to keep international talent in the region. From work and jobseeker visas to freelancer and investor visas, the routes to remaining back in the UAE are increasingly open. For so many, the Golden Visa is still a highly desirable long-term solution.

Since 41 institutions of higher education now have operations in Dubai—37 of them international campuses such as those from the UK, US, France, and India—both the landscape of education and the competition are increasing. KHDA reports a 20% rise in student enrolments overall this year, pushing universities to introduce waitlists in highdemand fields like business, tech, and AI.

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