Education
Universities
About 124,000 of the 218,000 students were Emirati, and about 32,000 of the 64,000 new admissions. The 103 institutions have more than 10,600 faculty members and graduated 31,061 students in 2024-25.1,2
In Dubai, 42,026 students were enrolled at 41 private higher education institutions regulated by KHDA in 2024-25, up 20%.3
Universities are licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; branch campuses in Dubai's free zones are regulated by KHDA. Schools are regulated by each emirate's education authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many university students are in the UAE?
More than 218,000 in 2025-26, at 103 higher education institutions offering about 2,500 programmes.
Sources
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): Higher education enrolment passes 218,000 (27 September 2026)
- ARN News Centre: UAE university enrolment hits 218,000 (2026)
- KHDA: Dubai's private higher education sector continues record growth (2025)
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.