Dubai Sees 20% Growth in Higher Education Enrolment

Post by : Layla Badr

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office 

Student enrolment at universities in Dubai has reached a new all-time high. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the number of students joining private higher education institutions in Dubai went up by 20% in the 2024–25 academic year.

This year, a total of 42,026 students are studying in 41 private universities and colleges across Dubai. That’s the highest number ever recorded. Out of these 41 institutions, 37 are international campuses. These universities offer many different study programmes that match the needs of students who want to learn skills for future jobs. This is part of Dubai’s big education plan, called the Education 33 (E33) strategy.

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One major highlight is the big rise in international students—these are students who moved to Dubai just to study. Their numbers went up by 29% compared to last year. Now, 35% of all students at Dubai’s private universities are from other countries. As part of the City of Students project under the E33 strategy, Dubai wants 50% of students to be international by the year 2033. This goal shows that Dubai wants to become a world leader in education.

At the same time, more Emirati students—students from the UAE—are also choosing to study at private universities in Dubai. Their enrolment increased by 22%, showing that more UAE nationals are interested in the many study options offered by these universities.

Her Excellency Aisha Miran, the Director General of KHDA, said that the strong growth in student numbers shows that students and parents trust the education system in Dubai. She said the universities are helping students gain skills and ways of thinking that will help them find jobs in new industries in the future. She also said that this progress supports the big goals of Dubai Plan 33, which focuses on growing the economy and giving more learning chances to everyone. Dubai’s education system is helping to create a future where the city becomes a top place for learning and innovation.

This academic year, four new international universities opened in Dubai. These universities come from China, India, Russia, and Italy.

Today, Dubai’s private universities offer 706 different programmes. The most popular courses are in business, IT (information technology), engineering, media and design, and humanities. However, the biggest growth in student interest was seen in information technology, engineering, and health and medicine programmes.

For more information about Dubai’s private higher education sector, students and parents can visit the KHDA website.

Quick Facts:

• 42,026 students are now studying at private universities in Dubai

• 41 private institutions are regulated by KHDA

• 20% overall growth in student enrolment

• 29% more international students than last year

• 22% more Emirati students than last year

• 4 new international universities from China, India, Russia, and Italy

Dubai is working hard to become a global education city, and this year’s student numbers show that many young people from around the world want to be part of this journey.

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