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Flocking to Business and Tech Courses
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Dubai emerges as top study destination for Indian students seeking quality, proximity, and career prospects
In a striking shift in global education trends, Indian students now represent 42% of Dubai’s international higher education intake, according to new data from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) for the 2024–25 academic year.
The majority are enrolling in business, information technology, and engineering programmes, signalling a major reorientation from traditional Western study-abroad destinations, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
The rise of Indian enrolments underscores Dubai’s growing appeal as a globally connected yet regionally accessible education hub. With five Indian universities—including BITS Pilani, Manipal Academy, and Amity University—operating branch campuses in the emirate, Indian students now have the option to pursue globally recognised qualifications in a culturally familiar setting.
Why Dubai is winning over Indian students
Beyond geographic proximity, Indian students are drawn by Dubai’s English-medium instruction, pragmatic curricula, and thriving job markets, particularly in fintech, digital technology, and global business. The city’s safety, connectivity, and lifestyle advantages further boost its status as a preferred academic destination.
Dubai’s Indian student population is booming, driven by cost-effective degrees, job-ready courses, and a rising number of Indian university campuses in the city
According to the KHDA report, 54% of international enrolments are in business programmes, while 11% each go to IT and engineering. These figures mirror the academic priorities of Indian students, who are focused on high-demand, career-aligned degrees.
Academic ecosystem with an Indian imprint
Notably, 29% of all faculty in Dubai’s higher education institutions are of Indian origin—the highest among all nationalities. This reinforces both academic quality and a smoother cultural transition for Indian students coming from domestic schooling systems.
How Dubai stacks up against the West
While the US, UK, and Australia continue to attract Indian students, Dubai offers unique advantages:
- Lower cost of living and tuition
- Faster visa processing
- Legal work opportunities during and after studies
- High standard of living with regional proximity
As Indian families increasingly prioritise return on education investment, Dubai’s model—offering relevant degrees, cultural continuity, and strong career outcomes—resonates powerfully.
A new global campus in the making
Dubai’s steady transformation into a regional education powerhouse reflects a broader rebalancing in global higher education. With its rising Indian student population, industry-relevant programmes, and expanding institutional footprint, Dubai is no longer just a transit hub—it’s becoming a destination in its own right.
