UAE Drives MENA’s 90% Surge in Global Study Interest

Abu Dhabi, UAE — The United Arab Emirates is at the forefront of a major shift in global education trends, with search interest for studying in the country soaring by nearly 90% in June 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to Keystone data. This surge comes as MENA destinations attract growing attention from international students seeking high-quality, accessible alternatives to traditional “Big Four” study destinations, the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia.

While the region as a whole is seeing gains, the UAE’s rise is especially striking, drawing students from an increasingly diverse range of locations, including South Asia (notably India and Pakistan), Southeast Asia (Singapore and Indonesia), East Asia (Hong Kong, China), and Europe (France and Germany). Even U.S. students are showing a modest uptick in interest.

India remains the UAE’s largest source of international interest, while the fastest-growing audiences in 2025 include Singapore, France, the U.S., and Germany. Keystone highlights three main drivers behind the UAE’s growing appeal:

• Global Access & Proximity – For many students, especially from India, the UAE offers world-class education within a few hours’ flight, combined with cultural familiarity and easy family access.
• Policy & Affordability Advantages – Simplified admissions processes and competitive tuition make studying in Dubai and other Emirates more attainable.
• Career-Focused Education – Programs in AI, sustainability, logistics, and fintech are directly tied to the UAE’s economic vision, boosting graduate employability.

Suneet Singh Kochar, CEO of education consultancy Fateh Education, told The PIE that global study trends are undergoing a major shift. Traditional destinations such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, he noted, are “facing increasing pressure from visa constraints, immigration policy tightening, and affordability concerns.” As a result, Kochar said, Indian and South Asian students are “actively exploring alternative destinations that offer both quality and pragmatism,” with Dubai emerging as a frontrunner. Families, he added, are increasingly considering Dubai for undergraduate as well as master’s programs, drawn by its safety, quality healthcare, and multicultural environment.

The UAE’s appeal to international students continues to strengthen year after year. With high-quality programs, affordable tuition, and clear career pathways, the country is attracting a diverse international student body and challenging traditional Western education hubs. Streamlined admissions and strong industry links are turning the UAE into more than just a study destination, it’s fast becoming a key launchpad for global careers.

Source: The PIE News