MIDDLE EAST, UAE, Student enrolment at Dubai Universities increases by 11%

Student enrolment at Dubai universities has risen by 11% in the last year, according to the KHDA 2012 Higher Education Landscape report. The report, which also shows an 8% increase in academic programmes, is testament to Dubai’s position as a desirable destination for both international and Emirati university students.

With 53 higher education institutions now open in the emirate and a 12% rise in the number of students at private universities, Dubai offers more choice than ever before.
In addition to more than 160 business courses, there has also been an increase in media, law, humanities and natural and physical science programmes.

During the academic year of 2011/2012 a total of 9,139 students graduated from Dubai’s universities with Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral qualifications. Vital to Dubai’s economic growth, the private higher education sector is supported by Resolution 21, which entitles graduates from all private universities in Dubai to have their degrees certified by KHDA, and guarantees that their qualifications will be recognised by the public and private sector in Dubai for all purposes.

Dr Warren Fox, Executive Director of Higher Education, said, “The report shows very good results for Dubai. Student enrolment remains strong, including a rise in the number of Emirati students. There are now 48,058 students studying in the city, representing an 11% increase from the previous year.”

“In addition university programmes have expanded to serve the ever growing needs of the emirate. There are now more subjects and student places available than ever before, which is good news for the future of the Dubai,” he added.

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of KHDA said, “With the greatest number of international branch campuses in the world, the higher education sector continues to grow year on year, providing students with internationally recognised qualifications and preparing them for employment both in Dubai and around the world.

 Together with our partners in the higher education and corporate sectors, we look forward to advancing Dubai’s status as a destination that offers world-class higher education for students and dynamic career opportunities for graduates.”

In conjunction with the report release, KHDA held an event at Knowledge Village. Attended by 70 representatives from 31 schools and universities, the event included a series of video presentations from a selection of schools and universities, highlighting their current higher education development strategy.

The participating universities, which included Middlesex, SAE Institute, British University in Dubai, HULT International Business School, Manipal University and BITS Pilani, discussed key themes from the report, including enrolment growth, the development of doctoral programmes and innovation in programme development.

Representatives from Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Ittihad Private School, The Indian High School and Taaleem schools were in attendance, presenting short videos on how students can prepare for university. Four films ran simultaneously in each corner, giving visitors the chance to network and speak to the presenting institutions.