Private higher education institutions licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai recorded an unprecedented increase in student enrolment during 2025, reaching 20%.
KHDA data also showed continued growth in the number of international students who chose Dubai as a destination to continue their educational journey. The number of international students increased by 29% in 2025 compared with 2024.
International students accounted for 35% of the total number of students enrolled in Dubai’s private higher education institutions in 2025. This growth supports the goals of the Education 2033 Strategy and its initiatives, which aim to make Dubai a world-class education destination for all students.
Among these initiatives is the “Student City” initiative, which aims for international students to make up 50% of the total number of students enrolled in private higher education institutions by 2033. This reflects Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global hub for high-quality higher education.
Aisha Abdullah Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai, confirmed the authority’s keenness to maintain direct communication with all students, listen to them, and respond to their needs.
Her remarks came during a virtual listening session held with a number of international students studying at international higher education institutions in Dubai.
Miran expressed her appreciation for international students choosing Dubai among many other cities around the world. She stressed that Dubai’s identity and position as a global city are built on the diversity of its population and its ability to meet their needs at different times.
She also emphasized that international students are welcomed and valued, as they form an essential part of Dubai’s university education landscape.
Miran expressed confidence that this stage will contribute to strengthening the education system, adding that everyone will come out of it stronger and more resilient.
The increase in international student enrolment highlights Dubai’s growing appeal in the higher education sector and its continued progress toward achieving the objectives of its Education 2033 Strategy.
