Dubai has grown in popularity among Indian students as a place to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees. The city’s amenities that serve a broad and multinational student body as well as its close proximity to India—less than three hours by plane from major Indian cities—are factors contributing to this development.
Professor Yusra Mouzughi, provost of the University of Birmingham in Dubai, emphasises how the city’s pro-business legal environment makes it easier to apply for jobs and get student visas, which adds to its allure.
The demand for qualified graduates is rising as Dubai enjoys significant expansion in a number of industries, including artificial intelligence, sustainability, construction, and tourism. “This interdependence between academia and industry forms the foundation of Dubai and provides opportunities for growth and learning beyond the classroom,” says Professor Mouzughi.
Students may enjoy a wide range of adventures outside of their academics thanks to the vibrant city life. Many are able to obtain work while they are still in school or soon after they graduate thanks to an abundance of job options that provide for a successful career path.
The UAE government’s introduction of the Golden Visa, a long-term residence option, is one of the competitive advantages for international students. Students who excel in a variety of professions can apply for the Golden Visa, which is intended to draw talent and investment and give them the flexibility to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor. This visa can be renewed after the first five or 10 years of issuance.
The University of Birmingham, which has students from over 95 countries, with Indians making up the largest foreign cohort, is a prime example of Dubai’s rising appeal as a study-abroad location. Because of the large Indian diaspora, common language, customs, and culinary ties, they frequently find comfort within the local community.
International students can stay in the UAE after they finish their studies with a variety of visa alternatives, even though Dubai does not grant post-study job visas. These choices include work permits, visas for jobseekers (for new graduates actively seeking employment), visas for independent contractors, investor permits for individuals considering starting their own business, and residence through family sponsorship for individuals with relatives living in the United Arab Emirates.
Dubai’s educational institutions are becoming more adept at customising their curricula to fit the needs of the labour market. Undergraduate degrees in psychology, management, marketing, economics, and finance are popular, while postgraduate programs in health sciences, computer science with an AI emphasis, and engineering—especially in IT and technology—are highly sought after.
