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Gulf Insider
09-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Dubai's Higher Education Sector Sees Nearly 20% Rise In Enrollment
Dubai is emerging as one of the world's fastest-growing higher education hubs, with total student enrollment at private institutions rising by around 20 per cent in the 2024–25 academic year, and international student numbers jumping 29 per cent, according to figures released by Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and global consultancy L.E.K. Consulting. More than 42,000 students are now enrolled across 41 private higher education institutions licensed by the KHDA, with international students making up 35 per cent of the total — a figure expected to rise under the emirate's Education 33 strategy. Four new international universities opened in the current academic year alone, signalling strong investor confidence in Dubai's education sector. The data was released at an exclusive high-level briefing hosted by L.E.K. Consulting's Global Education Practice recently in Dubai. The event brought together policymakers, investors, and higher education leaders to discuss Dubai's ambitions to become a world-class destination for transnational education. 'Dubai's continued growth as a global hub for higher education is testament to our leadership's vision and the ambitious goals of the Dubai Plan 33,' saidDr Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at KHDA. 'Through E33, we are building a future where Dubai is not only a destination for quality education, but a centre of knowledge, innovation, and opportunity.' The KHDA's City of Students initiative, part of its broader Education 33 strategy, aims to increase international student enrollment to 50 per cent by 2033, bolstering the emirate's reputation as a top-tier study destination. Ashwin Assomull, partner and head of the Global Education Practice at L.E.K. Consulting, said Dubai's higher education sector represents 'one of the most compelling growth markets globally,' citing its student-friendly infrastructure, global university presence, and favourable cost and regulatory environment. 'Dubai presents a significant opportunity for international universities to meet the evolving needs of both local and international students,' he said, noting that increasing regulatory restrictions in traditional anglophone markets are pushing institutions and students to seek new education hubs. The briefing also highlighted increasing participation from Emirati students, with enrollment in international universities up 22 per cent year-on-year — underlining Dubai's dual appeal to both domestic and overseas learners.
Hi Dubai
19-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Higher Education Enrolment Surges as International Student Numbers Rise
Student enrolment at Dubai's private higher education institutions has reached an all-time high, growing by 20% in the 2024–25 academic year and bringing the total student body to over 42,000. The surge reflects Dubai's rising status as a global education hub. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), 41 private institutions are currently operating in Dubai, including 37 international campuses. The growth supports the emirate's Education 33 (E33) strategy, which aims to position Dubai as a top destination for future-focused learners. International student enrolment climbed by 29% compared to the previous year, with foreign students now comprising 35% of the total. Dubai is targeting 50% international representation by 2033 under the E33's City of Students initiative. Emirati enrolment also rose significantly, growing by 22%, as more UAE nationals choose local private universities for their academic paths. 'The continued growth of Dubai's private higher education sector reflects the trust that students and their families place in the quality, relevance, and diversity of learning opportunities available in our cities,' said Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA. Four new international universities opened in Dubai this academic year, representing China, India, Russia, and Italy. The city's institutions now offer 706 programmes, with the highest enrolment growth seen in information technology, engineering, and health and medicine. The upward trend in student numbers aligns with Dubai Plan 33, which seeks to build a world-class education ecosystem that fuels the emirate's social and economic development. News Source: Dubai Media Office
