Want to study in Dubai? Universities see 20% rise in student enrolments in 2024-25 academic year

The Emirate of Dubai is reportedly turning into a hot destination for students, with universities witnessing a surge in student enrolments, according to a report. This comes as Dubai plans to become a major destination for higher education by 2033 by starting new universities, scholarships and courses to attract international and local students. 

 

The data published by Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the government authority responsible for the growth and quality of private education in Dubai, reveals that the number of students enrolled for the 2024-25 academic year increased by 20% from the previous year, bringing the total to 42,026.   

 

There are 41 higher education providers in Dubai, of which 37 are international campuses of renowned universities from around the world. They include campuses of UK’s University of Birmingham and Middlesex University, France’s Esmod, Georgetown from the US, and India’s BITS Pilani. Four new HEPs opened in 2025, from China, Russia, India and France.

 

Students from India remain the majority, at 42 per cent. While 9 per cent are local students, over 7 per cent are from Pakistan. 

 

There is a 30 per cent increase in the number of international students who came to Dubai just for studies. In this category too, Indian students top the list at 42 per cent, while Russia comes next at six per cent. There is an increase in the number of Emirati students enrolling in Dubai universities by 22%.

 

As these higher education institutes plan to welcome the next batch, several universities are witnessing an increased number of applicants, forcing them to resort to waitlists to manage demand, especially in business, technology, and artificial intelligence, according to Khaleej Times.

 

 Dr Anita Patankar, executive director of Symbiosis International University Dubai, told Khaleej Times that there is a remarkable 120 per cent increase in student enrolments this year.  She added that the institute has introduced waitlists for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

 

The University of Europe for Applied Sciences Dubai (UE Dubai) has also recorded a 25 to 30 per cent increase in enrollment. "Our Business, Data Science, and MBA programmes are leading the way," a UE Dubai spokesperson told Khaleej Times. "When application volumes are high, we do implement waiting lists. Seats are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and early applications significantly improve a student’s chances," he added. 

Middle East