In pictures: The six day Study in Dubai Fair highlights UAE's attraction for foreign students
A substantial 40 per cent growth in student applications from Pakistan to the Dubai market has been observed from 2023 to 2024.
Dubai: The Six-day "Study in Dubai" fair ended on Saturday in Lahore. The event showed an increasing attraction among Pakistani students to pursue higher studies in academic institutions located in Dubai.
University representatives reported a 40% growth in student applications from Pakistan to the Dubai market between 2023 and 2024.
The fair marked the culmination of a tour that traversed various cities in Pakistan, shedding light on Dubai's escalating competitiveness against traditional education hubs like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.
The UAE authorities reported a 25 per cent increase in international enrollments since the 2022-23 academic year, with a seven per cent rise specifically among Pakistani students. The trend is attributed to policy shifts in conventional destinations and establishing satellite campuses by renowned universities from the US, UK, and Australia in Dubai.
Dubai presently hosts 45 private universities offering over 650 programs, with degrees in business, engineering, information technology, and media ranking among the most sought-after by students. In recent years, esteemed institutions such as New York University, the University of Birmingham, and Australia's Curtin University have established campuses.
Wali-Ur-Rehman, the country manager for Curtin University's Dubai campus in Pakistan, attributed the surge in international enrollment to increased postgraduate funding and expanded job opportunities in Dubai for higher education graduates.
Prospective student Daniyal Ahmed, 19, views the UAE as an attractive option due to its proximity to Pakistan and the presence of reputable universities like New York University and Khalifa University. He pointed out Pakistani students' challenges in securing visas for European universities, emphasising Dubai's appeal.
The UAE has been gaining recognition as a leading destination for higher education thanks to the UAE National Strategy for Higher Education 2030. This strategy was launched more than six years ago to develop a world-class higher education sector in the country as part of the plan to establish the UAE as a knowledge-based economy.
Dubai's education strategy has also impressed students like Ahmed. Initiatives like expanded professional experience programs offer career training opportunities such as on-campus work, job shadowing, joint ventures, and vocational training.
The education sector continues to grow; it offers a bright prospect for students seeking high-quality education and bright career prospects.