Dubai’s universities welcome a record 42,000+ students, with growing interest from local and international families
Dubai’s private higher education sector is thriving, with new figures from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) revealing a 20% increase in student enrolment for the 2024–25 academic year.
A total of 42,026 students are now studying at private universities in Dubai—the highest number ever recorded—highlighting the emirate’s growing appeal as a global destination for higher education.
The surge includes a 29% rise in international students, who now make up 35% of the student body, and a 22% increase in Emirati student enrolment.
Dubai is currently home to 41 KHDA-licensed higher education providers, 37 of which are international campuses.
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Adding to the momentum, four new international universities from China, India, Russia, and Italy opened in Dubai this year, enriching the city’s diverse and globally minded education landscape.
Student enrolment at higher education institutions licensed and regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai continued its record-breaking growth, rising by 20% in the 2024–25 academic year. pic.twitter.com/BRPZRPvypY
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 19, 2025
According to the KHDA, this growth supports the ambitious goals of Dubai Plan 33 and the E33 strategy, aimed at building a world-class education ecosystem that attracts global talent, nurtures local potential, and drives the knowledge economy.
For parents and educators alike, this rise signals Dubai’s continued investment in future-ready education and its growing reputation as a vibrant, forward-thinking hub for learning and innovation.
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