

Dubai — the “New London”? Why More Students Are Choosing Dubai’s Universities
Dubai is a relatively new but strong player in the global higher education market. In just a couple of decades, it has transformed into a major innovation and educational hub and, despite its “youth” — or perhaps because of it — has become a worthy competitor to the UK, the US, and other traditional study destinations.
In this article, we compare two global education centers — Dubai and London — across key parameters: tuition costs, quality of education, and career prospects for graduates.
Contents:
- Why Dubai is the new capital of higher education?
- Dubai vs. London: where is it better to study?
- Tuition and living costs
- Quality of education
- Career opportunities
Why Is Dubai the New Capital of Higher Education?
Over the past two decades, Dubai has become a major educational hub, attracting tens of thousands of young people every year who dream of receiving a high-quality education.
The fastest growth began in the mid-2000s, when foreign universities started actively opening branches in the Middle East. In the 2010s, Dubai’s infrastructure and legislation improved significantly, making it even more attractive to international students.
Interesting Facts:
- In 2025, international students accounted for 35% of all students in Dubai’s private universities (42,026) — more than 14,700 people. This is nearly 30% higher than the previous year.
- Today, Dubai is home to 41 private higher education institutions licensed by KHDA, 37 of which are branches of international universities.
- Dubai is implementing the strategic initiative Education 33 (E33), aimed at modernizing the education system, improving quality, increasing the share of international students, and developing educational tourism.
- Private universities in Dubai offer more than 700 programs across various fields. The most popular areas of study include IT, engineering, healthcare, and medicine.
Dubai vs. London: Where Is It Better to Study?
London has always been a popular destination for talented students. And it continues to be so — but at the same time, new international education hubs are emerging worldwide, attracting an increasing number of applicants.
Below, we compare Dubai and London across the most important parameters: tuition and living costs, quality of educational programs, and career opportunities for graduates.
Tuition and Living Costs
* Tuition fees for international students may vary significantly. Studying at prestigious universities or in high-demand fields (such as medicine or engineering) can be considerably more expensive.
Thus, the total cost of tuition and living in Dubai ranges from AED 70,000 to AED 120,000 ($19,040 — $32,640) per year.
Studying and living in London will cost approximately £25,000 — £60,000 ($33,250 — $80,000) per year.
Note: The figures above are approximate and can vary significantly depending on the specific university and program.
Quality of Education
When it comes to the quality of education, both Dubai and London offer high academic standards — but they approach it differently.
Dubai:
- Actively developing its education sector by attracting foreign universities and opening new campuses.
- In 2024, four new international universities opened in the city, reflecting growing interest in studying in the region.
- In the 2024–25 academic year, Dubai recorded a record number of students — 42,026 (private universities only).
- Programs in IT, engineering, and medicine are growing particularly fast in popularity.
- Many Dubai universities hold international accreditation and offer flexible learning formats: on-campus, online, or blended.
Examples of internationally accredited universities in Dubai include MIBD Dubai and GBS Dubai (Global Business Studies).
London:
- Remains one of the world’s leading education hubs.
- Top London universities — such as UCL, LSE, Imperial College London — consistently rank among the top 50 globally.
- High-quality teaching, strong research facilities, and access to international internships make London especially attractive for students pursuing academic or research-oriented careers.
Brief comparison:
- Programs and specializations: Dubai is rapidly expanding its technology and medical programs, whereas most London universities offer a more “classic” academic selection.
- Innovation and practical focus: In Dubai, students often engage in project-based and hands-on work, while in London the emphasis is more on academic research and theory.
Career Opportunities
Both Dubai and London offer broad career prospects for graduates. Let’s compare starting salaries, in-demand professions, and working conditions in both cities.
Average graduate salaries in Dubai:
- According to Indeed, the average salary for a graduate in Dubai is AED 4,632 per month (~$1,260), which is about 8% above the national average.
- Average salaries for participants in a Graduate Program* range from AED 19,000 to AED 25,000 per month ($5,200 – $6,800).
- It’s important to note that starting salaries depend on the specific position, company, and professional field — for example, in IT, finance, and consulting, they can be significantly higher.
*A Graduate Program is a corporate program offered by large international companies for university graduates. Typically lasting 1–2 years, it combines paid work with on-the-job training. Participants rotate through different departments, receive mentorship, and often secure permanent positions after completing the program.
Average graduate salaries in London:
- According to Glassdoor, the average income for university graduates in London ranges from £20,000 to £44,000 per year, or £1,667 – £3,667 per month ($2,200 – $4,900).
- For Graduate Programs, salaries range from £26,000 to £35,000 per year, or £2,167 – £2,917 per month ($2,900 – $3,900).
- The highest-paying entry-level positions include trainee solicitors at commercial law firms (starting salaries from £40,000 to £60,000 per year) and qualified lawyers (with salaries reaching up to £85,000 per year).
Most in-demand professions in Dubai
Most in-demand professions in London
Working conditions and benefits
Assistance with Studying Abroad
Not sure which university or program to choose? We’re here to help make your dream of studying abroad a reality. A personal consultation with an ED-EX expert offers:
- Profile assessment — evaluation of your academic achievements, language skills, and more to understand your chances of admission.
- Overview of the education system in the countries you are considering.
- Answers to your questions about admission, studying, and living abroad.
- Individual action plan — which exams to take, which documents are needed, and how we will support you at every step.
Don’t gamble with your future. Book your consultation today.
You can submit a request through your personal account, on the page of your chosen university, or simply email us at support@ed-ex.com.
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Dubai — the “New London”? Why More Students Are Choosing Dubai’s Universities
