Around one in three students enrolled in Dubai’s private universities is an international student, highlighting a new achievement for higher education in the emirate. New data from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) shows that about one-third of students at private colleges in Dubai come from different countries to study there. The numbers were revealed as the 2024–25 academic year brought record numbers of students, with 42,026 now attending 41 KHDA-regulated private schools — the most ever.
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Soaring Growth Driven by Global Appeal
The number of students at private schools increased by 20% and the number of foreign students jumped by 29% as compared to the year before. Through the ambitious E33 strategy, the ‘City of Students’ project is working towards having international students make up 50% of the student community by the year 2033.
Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, said, “The rise in private higher education in Dubai shows that people are trusting the quality, relevance and variety of learning available to them in our city.” These results are in line with Dubai’s bigger ambitions which aim to make the city’s education system world-class and encourage talented people from across the globe to come.
New Global Entrants Fuel Diversity
In 2024–25, new international universities from China, India, Russia and Italy added to the educational diversity in Dubai. From the 41 schools registered with KHDA, 37 are international campuses and together, they offer 706 courses.
Degree programs in business, information technology, engineering, media and design and humanities are still the most popular. Among these, IT, engineering and health and medicine have experienced the strongest annual increase in enrolment.
Rising Emirati Enrolment Reflects Local Confidence
As interest from other countries rises, local students are starting to see the benefits of Dubai’s expanding range of studies. People from the UAE want to study at private higher education institutions now more than ever; this year saw the highest enrolment percentage so far.
Building a Future-Ready Workforce
Dubai’s goals in higher education are strongly in line with its objectives for the national economy and innovation. According to KHDA, these schools are preparing their students to lead in upcoming industries and modern fields.
Miran explained that universities are giving students the tools and mental approach required for the careers of the future. Our education system aims to prepare Dubai for a future of leading in learning, creativity and making a difference.
Summary of KHDA 2025 Private Higher Education Statistics
- The student population for this year is 42,026
- There are 41 schools under KHDA regulation, with 37 international campuses included
- Proportionally, there has been an increase of 20% in student enrollment
- International students grew in numbers by 29% in the last three years
- A 22% rise in Emirati enrolment
- 706 different academic programmes are available
- The most popular fields are Business, IT, Engineering, Media & Design and Humanities
You can find more detailed information on the KHDA website.