UAE University Enrolment Rises as Nursing and AI Programmes Grow

What happened

Student enrolment at universities in the UAE reached 218,000 in the 2025/26 academic year, representing a 15 per cent annual increase [1]. This growth occurs as student visa applications from the UAE to the UK fell from 638 in 2022 to 257 in 2025, according to Home Office statistics [1].

Several institutions have announced expansion plans and reported high intake numbers:

• Abu Dhabi University plans to launch eight new undergraduate programmes at its Dubai campus next year, covering artificial intelligence, engineering, international relations, law, and psychology [1].
• The University of Sharjah welcomed more than 5,000 new students at the start of this academic year [1].
• Liwa University reported significant growth across its Abu Dhabi and Al Ain campuses, particularly in medical, health sciences, and AI programmes [1].
• Emirates Aviation University reported a high intake this year, specifically from international applicants [1].
• Dr. Selva Titus Chacko of Gulf Medical University stated there has been a 200 per cent increase in nursing admissions over the last three years [2].

In terms of global rankings, Khalifa University of Science and Technology reached 147th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, making it the first UAE institution in the top 150 [1]. Abu Dhabi University was ranked 81st for business and economic studies in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 [1].

Additionally, the UAE launched the UAE Higher Award for Education in July to recognize university achievements. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed described the award as a way to support initiatives that create sustainable impact [1].

Who is affected

• UAE nationals and residents are increasingly enrolling in nursing professions [2].
• International students are being targeted by universities like Emirates Aviation University and Abu Dhabi University [1].
• High-school pupils attending the 20th annual Najah event in Abu Dhabi are preparing for academic transitions [1].
• The nursing workforce is being supported by the ‘UAE National Strategy for Nursing / Midwifery: A Road map to 2026’ and a new competency framework for undergraduate programs [2].