Latest news with #studentenrolment
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai's Higher Education Sector sees ~20% enrolment growth, international student numbers surge by 29% at KHDA-Licensed Institutions
Dubai, UAE — Dubai is rapidly solidifying its position as a premier global hub for higher education, underpinned by strong growth in student enrolment and a significant increase in the inflow of international students. These insights were highlighted during an exclusive, high-level briefing, hosted by L.E.K. Consulting's Global Education Practice in Dubai, which convened senior stakeholders, policymakers, and higher education leaders to discuss Dubai's accelerating transformation into a world-class higher education destination. The event featured key perspectives from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). According to L.E.K. Consulting's research and analysis, Dubai presents 'one of the most compelling growth markets globally for higher education,' driven by key factors, including a growing high school student base, increasing demand for transnational education, the presence of globally recognised university brands, student-friendly infrastructure, and strong post-study employment pathways. Latest figures from the KHDA highlight this strong growth momentum across the sector. More than 42,000 students are now enrolled across 41 private higher education institutions in the emirate that are licensed and regulated by the KHDA — with a ~20% increase in overall student enrolment in the 2024-25 academic year. International student enrolment has surged by 29% compared to the previous year, now representing 35% of total enrolments in Dubai's higher education institutions, which are licensed by the KHDA. Meanwhile, Emirati participation in international universities has also grown by 22%, underscoring Dubai's dual appeal to both domestic and global learners. Four new international institutions opened in the current academic year alone. The strong growth supports KHDA's Education 33 strategy, and specifically its City of Students initiative, which aims to raise international student enrolment to 50% by 2033, transforming Dubai into a world-leading destination for quality higher 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 and its social and economic agendas and driven by our Education 33 strategy,' said Dr. Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. 'We are creating new opportunities for transnational education, strengthening Dubai's position as a city where learners, educators, and institutions from around the world can connect, collaborate, and thrive. 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.' As the demand for transnational education, upskilling, and reskilling intensifies, Dubai's blend of strategic policy, global connectivity, and education quality continues to position it as a top-tier alternative to traditional study destinations. 'With a growing pool of graduates from our wonderful array of international schools in the city, Dubai presents a significant opportunity for international universities to meet the evolving needs of both local and international students,' said Ashwin Assomull, Partner and Head of the Global Education Practice at L.E.K. Consulting. 'Amid increasing regulatory restrictions in traditional anglophone markets, Dubai's world-class higher education infrastructure, global connectivity, favourable cost structure, and reputation for safety present unparalleled opportunities for students, operators, and investors to capitalise on this transformative growth.' About L.E.K. Consulting We're L.E.K. Consulting, a global strategy consultancy working with business leaders to seize competitive advantage and amplify growth. Our insights are catalysts that reshape the trajectory of our clients' businesses, uncovering opportunities and empowering them to master their moments of truth. Since 1983, our worldwide practice — spanning the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia-Pacific — has guided leaders across all industries, from global corporations to emerging entrepreneurial businesses and private equity investors.
Khaleej Times
02-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai schools see surge in waiting lists as new families flock to UAE
An increasing number of expatriate families relocating to the UAE, particularly from the UK, is driving a sharp uptick in student enrolments. Some leading schools have reached capacity, reporting up to a 25 per cent increase in applications compared to last year, forcing them to implement full waiting lists across several year groups. Major operator Taaleem has stated that enrolment in its premium schools has climbed nine per cent compared to last year, with nearly 17,000 students now enrolled across the group. 'We've seen an exceptional rise in enrolment, reflecting both the strength of our educational offering and the UAE's dynamic growth,' said Sam Truman, Chief Operations Officer at Taaleem. 'Demand remains strong among both local and expatriate communities.' "Waitlist times can vary depending on movement within the school community, particularly in Term 3 when relocation trends peak,' Truman added. 'While some families may wait more than a year, we work closely with them to keep the process transparent and supportive.' Opened in August last year with classes up to Year 6, Dubai British School Jumeira quickly filled the available places and now has waiting lists across every year group. Its sister school, DBS Mira, set to open in August 2025, has already adopted a waitlist model due to overwhelming early interest. Greenfield International School and Jumeira Baccalaureate School are also nearing full capacity, while Dubai British School Emirates Hills has seen application numbers double this year, driven in part by the launch of its new Islands Campus opening next year. New families moving to the UAE 'We have seen a significant increase in enrolments across our network, largely driven by new families moving to the UAE, notably from the UK,' said Victoria Lumby, Senior Vice President, Growth at GEMS Education. 'Demand is high, so we strongly advise parents to inquire and apply as early as possible.' GEMS Education, one of the country's largest private school operators, confirmed a year-on-year enrolment increase of approximately 5 per cent. The group attributes the surge to the steady influx of new residents seeking high-quality education, especially within the British curriculum. Lumby noted, 'We're seeing the strongest demand for schools offering the National Curriculum for England, which aligns with the rise in British expats moving here. As our Exodus and Education report earlier this year highlights, this trend is set to continue.' Some of the most in-demand GEMS schools, such as Jumeirah Primary School, Jumeirah College, and GEMS Wellington International School, are currently waitlisted across all year groups. With the rising pressure on school admissions, some parents are turning to alternative solutions while they wait for placements. Amina S., a private tutor in Dubai, said she has seen a sharp increase in demand for home tutoring among families caught in the waiting list limbo. 'Many parents are now opting for private tutoring or temporary homeschooling arrangements to bridge the gap while they wait for a spot in their preferred schools,' Amina said. 'It helps maintain academic continuity and eases the anxiety parents face during this uncertain period.' Both GEMS and Taaleem stress that early application is crucial. Priority typically goes to siblings of enrolled students, children of staff, and UAE nationals. Families are advised to submit all documentation on time, pay application fees, and stay in regular contact with their chosen schools to improve their chances.
Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
GCC: Number of students to grow by 1.5 million over next 5 years, says new report
Student enrolment across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is set to rise by 1.5 million over the next five years, with total numbers projected to reach 15.5 million by 2029, according to Alpen Capital 's latest GCC Education Industry Report. The report also highlights a steady expansion across all education segments, driven by sustained economic growth, government-led reforms, and rising private sector involvement with the UAE being a case in point. The K-12 segment, which dominates the region's education landscape, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1 per cent between 2024 and 2029, reaching 12.9 million students. K–12 refers to the educational system that covers kindergarten through 12th grade. UAE's strong private education sector Private K-12 institutions are forecast to expand slightly faster at a CAGR of 2.3 per cent, compared to public schools, which are projected to grow at 2.0 per cent over the same period. Public schools are expected to continue dominating the K–12 segment, accounting for around 70.8 per cent of total enrolments by 2029—with the UAE being a notable exception due to its strong private education sector. Pre-primary education is expected to register the highest growth, with enrolments increasing at a CAGR of 2.7 per cent, followed by steady growth in the tertiary segment (2.1 per cent), and primary and secondary levels (2.0 per cent and 2.1 per cent, respectively). 'The GCC education sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by government-led reforms, increased private sector participation, and accelerating digital innovation,' said Sameena Ahmad, Managing Director of Alpen Capital. 'Demand for private education continues to rise, supported by sustained economic growth, a growing population, rising affluence, and a strong preference for globally recognised curricula. However, institutions are facing pressure from rising operational costs and a shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in an increasingly competitive and quality-conscious market. GCC governments' continued focus on modernising education—through the integration of digital skills and innovative teaching methodologies—is expected to enhance education quality and support long-term outcomes.'
Khaleej Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Some Dubai universities see waiting lists amid up to 120% rise in student enrolments
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 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, 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.'
Arabian Business
19-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai now has more than 42,000 students enrolled at 41 private higher education institutions
Dubai continues to establish itself as a hub for higher education, with record-breaking student numbers, according to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Student enrolment at Dubai higher education institutions licensed and regulated by the KHDA continued its record-breaking growth, rising by 20 per cent in the 2024–25 academic year. A total of 42,026 students are now enrolled at 41 private higher education institutions in Dubai – the highest number to date. Higher education in Dubai Of these institutions, 37 are international campuses, offering a growing and diverse range of academic programmes to meet the needs of future-focused learners, in line with the goals of the Education 33 (E33) strategy. The number of international students, those who have come to Dubai specifically to study, continued to rise, with a 29 per cent increase in enrolment compared to the previous year. International students now make up 35 per cent of the total student body at private higher education institutions in Dubai. Under E33's City of Students 'Game Changer' project, Dubai aims for international students to make up 50 per cent of the total student body by 2033. The target that reflects the emirate's commitment to becoming a global hub for quality higher education. Emirati student enrolment also grew by a record 22 per cent during the academic year, reflecting the growing appeal of Dubai's private higher education sector and its diverse programme offerings for UAE nationals. Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA said: '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. 'Our universities are equipping students with the skills and mindset needed for emerging industries and the jobs of tomorrow, ensuring that graduates are not only employable, but future ready. 'These achievements support the ambitious goals of Dubai Plan 33 and its social and economic agendas, and the E33 strategy, to build a world-class education ecosystem that attracts global talent, nurtures local potential, and powers the knowledge economy. 'Through our education system, we are shaping a future where Dubai leads in learning, innovation, and impact.' Four new international universities opened in Dubai during the 2024-25 academic year, from countries across the world including: China India Russia Italy Private higher education institutions in the Emirate offer 706 programmes, with degrees in business, information technology, engineering, media and design, and humanities being the most popular among students. Information technology, engineering, and health and medicine degree programmes saw the highest increase in student enrolment since the last academic year. Key findings of the KHDA report, include:
