Diplomas Expire: Rethinking Student Learning Strategies
Diplomas Expire in 3 Years: Why Students Need a New Approach to Learning?
The world is changing rapidly, and industries are continually evolving. This change affects not only the job market but also educational systems. Increasingly, experts assert that traditional degrees no longer guarantee a long-term career. At the AGF Summit 2025: Innovation and Transformation in Higher Education held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), internationally recognized education experts, policymakers, and industry professionals discussed how technology and artificial intelligence (AI) might shape the future of education.
The Value of a Degree in a Changing World
The President of the UAE Ministerial Council and leader of the World Governments Summit Organisation questioned the future relevance of traditional educational systems. He called on governments to adopt AI-driven, personalized learning models that can better prepare students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
An advisor from the American University highlighted that the value of degrees has dramatically diminished in recent years. "In the past, university education was sufficient for a 40-year career. Today, however, our degree expires after 2-3 years, and we have to re-learn. So it's about lifelong learning, and we need to reassess the teaching-learning model," he said.
The Needs of the New Generation
He emphasized that schools and universities need to assess their curricula to truly prepare students for industry demands. The Alpha generation (born after 2010) and the following Beta generation have completely different needs. These young people get bored quickly and desire educational methods that are closer to real life.
"Children do not respond to traditional methods. The Alpha generation and the following Beta generation are entirely different. They want something else... and get bored quickly. Adults need to understand that the model needs to be revolutionized, and this model is relatively new," he added.
The Importance of Real Skills
Experts argue that the current educational system focuses too much on exam results, putting enormous pressure on both students and parents. Many parents understandably push their children towards high scores, seeing it as the only way to higher education. However, change is inevitable: "A disruptive change is needed in university admission systems and the role of exams. Parents are not wrong, as they know that scores are the only path to further education. The entire assessment system needs to be reformed to focus on skill measurement."
The Need for Lifelong Learning
Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are revolutionizing the world of learning and work. The CEO of Al Ghurair Foundation emphasized that without strategic foresight, the educational gap will only deepen. "Students are bored because much of the curriculum isn't connected to real-life applications. This new generation is much more impatient and can afford less to wait. Many young people already have to work to support themselves. This is the reality, especially in this region," he said.
Predicting future jobs is extremely challenging, and we must continually adapt to new challenges. "It's not enough to simply earn a degree and stop learning. We must constantly learn, read, and adapt as the world changes."
Conclusion
Traditional educational models are no longer able to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. A degree no longer guarantees long-term career success, and students need real skills and lifelong learning. Educational systems need to be more flexible and innovative to prepare young people for the challenges of the future. In Dubai and throughout the region, it is increasingly felt that change is not only necessary but also inevitable.
The future of education, therefore, lies not in diplomas but in continuous development and adaptability.
