Dubai is now making its special identity in terms of global education sector. Dubai is emerging as the first choice of Indian students where he wants to pursue his high level of education. According to the latest data of Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), 42% of international students in higher education institutions in Dubai in 2024–25 academic year are of 42% of Indian students.
Why is Dubai special
Clarity of government policies,
Strong academic infrastructure, and
Rapidly developed job market – these three factors have raised Dubai as a strong alternative to traditional foreign education destinations such as America, Britain and Australia.
Dr. Anita Patankar, Executive Director, Dubai Symbiosis International University, said that “Dubai has now become the center of world -class education at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. India has made UAE a serious player in the field of higher education.”
The main attraction for Indian students
Less distance and travel facilities
Golden visa and post-standing opportunity
Cultural and linguistic compatibility like India
Global degree, regional placement
Studying in Dubai not limited to degree only
According to the latest data released by KHDA, international students from Dubai are mainly selecting business courses (54%). This is followed by 11% of students in both information technology (IT) and engineering.
These areas match the choice of Indian students who are looking for relevant and vocational education in today’s rapidly changing job markets. Dr. Anita Patankar said that “It is not just a matter of obtaining a degree – this relevance, flexibility and results in real life, students are getting all this in Dubai – with familiar things like language, culture, food, and vibrant Indian community.”
Big participation of Indian teachers ahead of students
Indian presence is not limited to students only. According to KHDA, about 29% of the total faculty working in authorized higher education institutions in Dubai are of Indian origin. This figure is a sign of trust and cultural familiarity for Indian students, which helps them to make them comfortable in the new system.
Options to stay after studies
Although Dubai does not offer the traditional “post-study work visa”, the options to maintain foreign talent are continuously opening:
Work Visa and Job Sikar Visa
Freelancer and investor visa
Long -term solution: UAE Golden Visa, which remains the most attractive option for many students and professionals.
Increased expansion of higher education
Today Dubai has 41 higher education institutions operating, out of which 37 are campuses of international universities – such as the iconic institutions of UK, US, France and India. According to KHDA, this year student enrollment has registered a 20% increase, which has led to many universities in hot-demand courses like business, technology and AI.
