emirates7 - Student enrolment at Dubai’s higher education institutions, overseen by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), has seen unprecedented growth, increasing by 20% for the 2024–25 academic year.
A record 42,026 students are now attending 41 private higher education institutions in the city. Of these, 37 are international branch campuses offering an expanding selection of academic programmes designed to prepare students for the future, aligning with the objectives of the Education 33 (E33) strategy.
The number of international students—those who relocated to Dubai specifically for their studies—rose by 29% from the previous year. These students now represent 35% of the total enrolment in private higher education. This growth supports the City of Students ‘Game Changer’ initiative under the E33 strategy, which aims to increase the proportion of international students to 50% by 2033, underscoring Dubai’s goal of becoming a leading destination for quality global education.
Emirati student enrolment also achieved a milestone, growing by 22%—the highest recorded to date—highlighting the increasing attractiveness of Dubai’s private higher education offerings to UAE nationals.
Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, remarked: “The steady rise in student numbers highlights the confidence that learners and their families have in the calibre, relevance, and variety of academic opportunities in Dubai. Our institutions are preparing graduates not just for employment but for the evolving demands of future industries.”
She added that these milestones advance the goals of Dubai Plan 33 and the E33 strategy, both of which aim to cultivate a world-class education ecosystem that attracts global talent, empowers Emiratis, and drives a knowledge-based economy. “Through education, we are shaping a future where Dubai leads in innovation, learning, and global impact,” she said.
In the 2024–25 academic year, four new international universities from China, India, Russia, and Italy launched campuses in Dubai.
Currently, private higher education institutions in the emirate offer 706 academic programmes, with business, information technology, engineering, media and design, and humanities being the most in demand. Among these, information technology, engineering, and health and medicine saw the sharpest increase in student enrolment compared to the previous year.
A record 42,026 students are now attending 41 private higher education institutions in the city. Of these, 37 are international branch campuses offering an expanding selection of academic programmes designed to prepare students for the future, aligning with the objectives of the Education 33 (E33) strategy.
The number of international students—those who relocated to Dubai specifically for their studies—rose by 29% from the previous year. These students now represent 35% of the total enrolment in private higher education. This growth supports the City of Students ‘Game Changer’ initiative under the E33 strategy, which aims to increase the proportion of international students to 50% by 2033, underscoring Dubai’s goal of becoming a leading destination for quality global education.
Emirati student enrolment also achieved a milestone, growing by 22%—the highest recorded to date—highlighting the increasing attractiveness of Dubai’s private higher education offerings to UAE nationals.
Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, remarked: “The steady rise in student numbers highlights the confidence that learners and their families have in the calibre, relevance, and variety of academic opportunities in Dubai. Our institutions are preparing graduates not just for employment but for the evolving demands of future industries.”
She added that these milestones advance the goals of Dubai Plan 33 and the E33 strategy, both of which aim to cultivate a world-class education ecosystem that attracts global talent, empowers Emiratis, and drives a knowledge-based economy. “Through education, we are shaping a future where Dubai leads in innovation, learning, and global impact,” she said.
In the 2024–25 academic year, four new international universities from China, India, Russia, and Italy launched campuses in Dubai.
Currently, private higher education institutions in the emirate offer 706 academic programmes, with business, information technology, engineering, media and design, and humanities being the most in demand. Among these, information technology, engineering, and health and medicine saw the sharpest increase in student enrolment compared to the previous year.