UAE university enrolment hits 218,000

More than 218,000 students are now enrolled at universities across the UAE, as new registrations reached their highest level in five years.

Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said 64,859 new students enrolled during the past academic year.

The UAE's higher education system now includes 103 institutions offering around 2,500 academic programmes, supported by more than 10,600 faculty members.

Universities also graduated 31,061 students during the 2024–2025 academic year.

Al Awar said higher education institutions must continue to adapt to developments in technology, artificial intelligence and the digital economy, while ensuring students gain practical skills that meet labour market requirements.

The ministry is also supporting technical and vocational education, research and innovation, while 2,900 students of determination are studying within inclusive educational environments.

The figures were announced at the start of the 2026–2027 academic year.