UAE To Bypass US, UK To Become Biggest Destination for International Students?

Will the UAE become a hub for international students bypassing countries like the US and UK? For now, India is set to bypass China as the source destination the most international students in the next three years – with the UAE expected to become a major global educational hub. The findings were published in a research study by the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and BMI Media.

The report covers 104 universities in 41 nations, with most institutions based in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the UAE. While China at present leads the list of source-destination for International students, the research concluded that India will topple China to become the fastest-growing student market in the world.

Universities across the world said over the next year they would target student recruitment efforts in India, China, Brazil, Colombia and South Korea. Experts said UAE universities can gain insights from the Transnational Student Mobility and University Trends in 2018 report to augment their student recruitment strategies.

Experts believe the UAE offers a cost-effective world-class education for students looking for flexible visas and the opportunity to find work after graduation. Most universities surveyed cited government policy as the main barrier to growth. This is true for the US with tough visa regulations and UK’s Brexit dilemma. UAE universities were in a strong position to increase enrolment due to supportive government policies, according to experts.

“Students earlier needed to leave after the fourth year when they finished their studies but now the five-year visa will give students the opportunity to interact with employers during their project work and internship. “A work opportunity is definitely an added value for students given that the two major markets are India and China.”

The country will benefit from strong bilateral economic and commercial ties between the UAE and India across areas various sectors including trade, investment, energy, artificial intelligence and space.

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