Dubai: Global Scholarship & Jobs for 90% of Students by 2033

\Dubai is rolling out a major upgrade to its education sector, with new policies designed to attract more international students, provide better career support, and help 90% of its student population land jobs in their field after graduation. The strategy, approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, was announced following a meeting of the Executive Council.

Global Talent, Local Growth

One of the key goals: make international students account for 50% of university enrolments in Dubai by 2033. Currently home to 37 international universities, the emirate plans to nearly double that number to over 70, including top-ranked institutions from around the world. To support this, Dubai will introduce enhanced student visas, international scholarships, and graduate work permits.

The higher education sector is expected to pump AED 5.6 billion into the economy once these changes are fully in place.

Jobs for 90% of Students

A new Academic and Career Guidance Policy, led by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), is designed to make career planning more effective from school to university. The aim? Ensure 90% of students find employment in their field, and that Emirati graduates are hired within six months of finishing their studies.

The policy also sets targets for:

• 80% of education providers to offer effective career guidance

• 70% of graduates to be accepted into one of their top three university or job choices

Initiatives include life skills camps, entrepreneurship programs, and stronger school-to-job transition pathways.

Big Plans Backed by Big Names

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and KHDA are working together to boost the city's position as a global education hub. Existing institutions like the University of Birmingham Dubai, University of Manchester Dubai, and University of Wollongong Dubai—already ranked in the QS top lists—are examples of Dubai’s success in attracting prestigious names.

The plan also includes:

• A Higher Education Investment Fund

• The Dubai Scientific Research Network

• Quality-focused regulatory frameworks

• Support for university clusters and strategic partnerships