Local Studies Over Abroad: UAE's Rising Trend

Why More Parents Are Keeping Kids Locally for Studies – Insights from KT UniExpo

The education scene in the United Arab Emirates has seen significant development in recent years, and this is now starting to truly make an impact. At the KT UniExpo held in Dubai, several universities observed that parents are showing decreasing interest in sending their children abroad for further studies and prefer to provide higher education locally. According to university representatives at the two-day event, only 20-30 percent of visitors showed genuine interest in studying abroad.

Safety and Proximity More Important Than Ever

The first question that came up at most stalls was: "Do you have a campus in Dubai?" This clearly shows the priorities of local parents – they prefer to keep their children nearby, in a city they consider safe and reliable. Uncertainties around obtaining study visas, international political and economic instability, and the future of the job market are all factors influencing these decisions.

International Universities Adapt to New Trend

More and more foreign higher education institutions recognize that presence in the UAE can be a strategic step. For example, a renowned German business school, which previously had no campus in the region, is now planning to establish a branch in Dubai. This targets not only students from the Indian subcontinent but also families seeking Western European-level education without their children having to move far away.

Similarly, an American university, currently based in New Jersey, is searching for local partners in Dubai to expand its activities in the region. The aim is to be accessible to those who are reluctant to leave their families but desire world-class education.

Parents' Concerns Are Not Unfounded

For many parents, political and economic uncertainties are significant factors. Before applying to overseas universities, questions often arise: "What if my child doesn't get a visa? What if they don't find a job after graduation?" Fear of economic recessions and challenges in the job market, particularly in parts of Europe or North America, indeed make foreign studies a serious consideration.

In contrast, Dubai hosts international universities that offer the same quality of education as in their home countries – all within a dynamic, multicultural, and safe city. Parents are often surprised to see how many options are available locally.

Changing Student Goals

According to a representative from a Canadian university in Dubai, the number of students wishing to transfer to Canada has significantly decreased since the pandemic. While there are still students who desire to move abroad for work opportunities, the trend is clear that more would prefer to stay within the UAE.

Nevertheless, certain programs, such as medical studies, remain popular at some foreign institutions. A Georgian university, for example, experienced significant interest in medical studies and dual-degree programs offered on-site, which allow students to relocate to the United States or the United Kingdom during their studies.

Summary: On the Threshold of a New Era

The UAE's educational sector is rapidly evolving, offering an increasingly attractive alternative to foreign studies. Parents' safety concerns, visa issues, and regional instability all contribute to more students choosing local or regional higher education institutions.

International universities are not standing still: they are adapting, expanding, and doing everything they can to make quality education available in Dubai. It seems that in the coming years, obtaining a "foreign degree" might not necessarily involve moving abroad – just a short car ride within the city might suffice.

(The article is based on a KT UniExpo presentation.)