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Around 38% of UAE postgraduates choose accessible formats, says British Council’s latest report on the sustainability of transnational education partnerships
Dubai, Jan 20, 2025: Flexible learning is on the rise in the UAE, with 38% of postgraduate students opting for accessible education formats in 2022-23, reveals a recent report. Commissioned by the British Council and delivered by Times Higher Education, the report ‘Examining Sustainability of Transnational Education (TNE) Partnerships in Egypt, Qatar and the UAE’ highlights the UAE’s growing role in global higher education.
According to the report, the UAE continues to serve as a prominent destination for international education, driven by its thriving economy, strategic economic diversification, and its focus on Emirati employability. With a growing demand for postgraduate education, the country saw 10,380 postgraduate students in 2022-23. Notably, 38% of postgraduate students in the UAE opted for flexible learning formats, reflecting the increasing demand for accessible education options.
The report also highlights that the UAE hosted more than 237,000 international students in 2023. Dubai alone hosts nine UK international branch campuses, spanning both comprehensive and single-discipline offerings.
Commenting on the report, Martin Daltry, British Council Country Director UAE says, “The findings from this report underscore the UAE’s growing role as a regional leader in education and its expanding TNE enrolments. The British Council is committed to fostering sustainable TNE partnerships, ensuring that UAE continues to thrive as a hub for global education. The UAE’s strategic investment in education and its focus on diversifying its economy through education plays a crucial role in attracting international talent, driving innovation and boosting student employability.”
The report was launched at an event at Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai, which brought together speakers from universities such as Middlesex University Dubai, University of Birmingham Dubai, Heriot-Watt University, Strathclyde Business School, Ajman University and University of Bradford among others.
