Dubai Attracts More International Students, Enrollment Up by Nearly a Third

Dubai's transformation into a global education hub is marked by a 29% increase in international student enrolments, bolstered by new campuses and strategic infrastructure.

With the establishment of new universities, a remarkable rise in foreign students, and world-class infrastructure, Dubai is redefining global higher education.

Dubai has been making significant strides not just in finance or real estate but is now emerging as a formidable player in the education sector.

According to Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), there has been a 29% increase in international student enrolments, with more than 42,000 students currently studying across 41 licensed institutions. Four international campuses were inaugurated this year alone.

Dubai Student Growth

Insights from a briefing by L.E.K. Consulting’s Global Education Practice in Dubai, which gathered senior stakeholders, policymakers, and higher education leaders, highlighted the city’s rapid transformation into a leading higher education destination.

L.E.K. Consulting’s research portrays Dubai as “one of the most compelling growth markets globally for higher education,” driven by factors such as a growing high school student population, rising demand for transnational education, the presence of globally recognized universities, student-friendly infrastructure, and strong post-study employment prospects.

KHDA statistics underscore the robust growth in the sector, with over 42,000 students enrolled across 41 private higher education institutions in the emirate, marking a 20% overall increase for the 2024-25 academic year.

International student numbers have risen by 29% compared to the previous year, now making up 35% of total enrolments in the city’s KHDA-licensed higher education institutes.

Moreover, Emirati participation in global universities has increased by 22%, reflecting Dubai's appeal to both local and international students. Four new international institutions have opened this academic year.

This growth supports KHDA’s Education 33 strategy and its City of Students initiative, aiming for 50% international student enrolment by 2033, positioning Dubai as a premier global education center.

Dr. Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at KHDA, remarked, "Dubai’s ongoing rise as a global education hub reflects our leadership’s vision aligned with the Dubai Plan 33 and its socio-economic agendas, driven by our Education 33 strategy."

He continued, "We are fostering opportunities for transnational education, reinforcing Dubai's status as a city where learners, educators, and institutions worldwide can connect and thrive. Through E33, we are crafting a future where Dubai is more than just a destination for quality education but also a center of knowledge, innovation, and opportunity."

As the demand for transnational education and skills development grows, Dubai's strategic policies, global connectivity, and education quality position the emirate as a leading alternative to traditional education destinations.

Ashwin Assomull, Partner and Head of Global Education Practice at L.E.K. Consulting, stated, "With a burgeoning number of graduates from our diverse international schools, Dubai represents a significant opportunity for global universities to address the changing needs of both local and international students."

He added, "Amid increasing regulatory challenges in traditional anglophone countries, Dubai’s world-class education infrastructure, global connectivity, competitive cost structure, and reputation for safety offer unparalleled opportunities for students, operators, and investors to leverage this transformative growth."