Indian students often carry the perception that education abroad is superior to that in India. However, not all countries live up to this belief.
Nations like the USA, UK, and Australia remain the most sought-after destinations for Indian students after completing professional courses.
The main reasons behind this trend are higher employability prospects and the potential to earn in dollars or euros.
However, the current scenario is not very encouraging. The UK has become saturated; while education is still accessible, job opportunities are limited.
The USA, too, has become less welcoming due to stricter immigration policies and fewer employment opportunities for international graduates.
Singapore stands out as a top education hub, offering nearly 100% employability through its prestigious National University.
Yet, gaining admission is extremely competitive, on par with entering top-tier institutions like MIT in the USA. Only the most meritorious students are able to make it.
Given these challenges, many Indian students now consider Dubai as a viable option. It’s surprising to learn that 42% of students in Dubai’s universities and colleges are Indian.
However, despite world class infrastructure and amenities, Dubai lacks internationally top 50 ranked institutions.
Concerns also exist about faculty standards, fee structures, and the actual employability of graduates keeping the international standards of education in point of view.
Still, with IIT Delhi — India’s highest-ranked institution at 123 globally, being extremely difficult to get into even with high fees, many affluent Indian students or those able to secure bank loans are opting for Dubai.
Overall, Dubai is increasingly attracting Indian students due to its proximity to India and emerging educational ecosystem.
It remains to be seen how this trend will shape the future of both Dubai’s education sector and India's student migration patterns.
