Some Dubai universities see waiting lists amid up to 120% rise in student enrolments

Khaleej Times

21-05-2025

Dubai's higher education sector is booming, with private universities across the emirate reporting an unprecedented 20 per cent surge in student enrolment for the 2024–25 academic year. Several institutions are adapting waitlists to manage demand, especially for high-interest programmes in business, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI).
While some waiting lists work based on academic criteria and interviews, others operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.
'We've seen a remarkable 120 per cent increase in student enrolments this year,' said Dr Anita Patankar, executive director of Symbiosis International University Dubai. 'This reflects not just growth in numbers, but in the trust placed in our globally relevant and CAA-accredited programmes.'
Symbiosis Dubai attributes its soaring popularity to future-ready specialisations, particularly in B.Tech and BCA programs with advanced AI concentrations.
'Our BBA and MBA programs are also in high demand, driven by Dubai's dynamic economy and the strong appetite for leadership roles,' added Dr Patankar. 'We've introduced waitlists for some undergraduate and postgraduate programs to ensure we maintain academic integrity while meeting demand.'
The university evaluates waitlisted students based on specific academic and interview criteria, depending on the programme. For instance, B.Tech applicants must meet a minimum of 65 per cent in PCM subjects, while MBA hopefuls undergo interviews following a preliminary eligibility screening.
The latest figures reveal that 42,026 students are now enrolled across 41 private institutions, the highest number on record, with Emirati enrollment also growing by a record 22 per cent. International students, too, are flocking to the city, now making up 35 per cent of the student body, a 29 per cent increase over the previous year.
The broader trend reflects an increasingly competitive admissions landscape. University of Europe for Applied Sciences Dubai (UE Dubai) has also recorded a 25–30 per cent increase in enrollment.
'Our Business, Data Science, and MBA programmes are leading the way,' said a UE Dubai spokesperson. 'When application volumes are high, we do implement waiting lists. Seats are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, and early applications significantly improve a student's chances.'
In line with Dubai's rise as an international education hub, universities are also seeing more students from across the GCC, Africa, and Southeast Asia seeking quality, accredited, and globally connected academic pathways.
Meanwhile, some organisations are sidestepping waitlists entirely by taking a different approach to scaling. The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF), which focuses on empowering Emirati and Arab youth through education, has witnessed close to 14,000 new enrollments across its programmes between January and May 2025.
'We don't believe in waitlists, we scale what works,' said Dr Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO of AGF. 'Our aim is to remove barriers, not reinforce them. Whether it's through digital literacy, cybersecurity, or gaming, our programmes meet youth where they are, and expand to meet demand.'
AGF's Massar Al Ghurair platform, powered by AI, helps students identify personalised learning paths aligned with UAE's job market trends. The focus, Dr Jaafar said, is less on traditional performance metrics and more on mindset and potential.
'When learning is relevant and certified, youth show up, ready to lead,' she added.
The current wave of student interest is being driven by a convergence of factors: Dubai's positioning as a multicultural, innovation-driven city; strategic bilateral education initiatives; and student demand for programmes that align with emerging industries like AI, digital media, and data science.
To support this momentum, universities are urging prospective students to act early.
'Early application is key,' advised the UE Dubai spokesperson. 'Not only does it speed up admissions, but it also opens access to scholarships and reduces stress around relocation and finances.'