Admissions to UAE higher education institutions rose 15 per cent in the 2025–2026 academic year, with more than 64,000 students entering universities and other higher education institutions, according to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
The increase comes as total higher education enrolment in the UAE exceeded 218,000 students. Emirati students accounted for about 124,000 of the total.
The figures point to continued demand for higher education across the UAE. They also highlight a wider range of study routes, including diploma and higher diploma programmes.
UAE higher education enrolment exceeds 218,000
The ministry said more than 64,000 students were admitted and enrolled in higher education during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Around 32,000 of these new students were Emiratis. Across all years of study, the total number of students exceeded 218,000.
Emirati students made up approximately 124,000 of the overall enrolment.
The data also shows stronger demand for diploma-level programmes. The number of students enrolled in diploma and higher diploma programmes rose from 3,995 in 2021–2022 to 10,926 in 2025–2026.
That represents a 173 per cent increase over the period.
UAE universities get greater flexibility on admissions
The ministry has also highlighted changes in how higher education institutions set admission requirements.
Universities can establish criteria that suit individual programmes and specialisations. As a result, there is no single minimum secondary-school grade that applies across every UAE higher education institution and course.
Ministerial Resolution No. 19 of 2024 requires institutions to set clear admission criteria. It also allows conditional admission in certain cases.
Under this approach, students can address academic gaps through preparatory or remedial courses before progressing with their studies.
Dr Ahmad Sultan Al Shoaibi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said the approach aims to widen education pathways while maintaining accountability for academic outcomes.
Ministry to track student outcomes and labour-market alignment
The ministry said greater admission flexibility does not mean unrestricted entry into higher education.
Instead, it continues to monitor institutions through accreditation renewals, inspections and assessments of admission practices and educational quality.
The ministry also plans to assess how the admissions approach affects student progression and completion.
This includes tracking whether students remain on their chosen courses and complete their qualifications.
In addition, the ministry will examine how well graduate skills match labour-market needs.
The focus therefore extends beyond admission numbers. Student retention, qualification completion and employment outcomes will also form part of the assessment.
Diploma programmes gain ground in UAE higher education
The sharp rise in diploma and higher diploma enrolment adds another dimension to the changing higher education landscape.
Student numbers in these programmes increased from 3,995 in 2021–2022 to 10,926 in 2025–2026.
The growth suggests that shorter and specialised higher education pathways are becoming a larger part of the UAE’s education system.
For employers, the wider range of qualifications may also expand the pool of graduates entering the labour market with different levels of specialised training.
The ministry’s focus on labour-market alignment places added emphasis on whether these programmes equip students with skills that employers need.
What the UAE higher education data means for employers
The latest figures connect education policy with the UAE’s wider workforce agenda.
More students entering higher education could expand the future graduate talent pool. At the same time, the ministry’s focus on completion and employment outcomes places greater attention on the quality and relevance of that talent.
For employers and HR leaders, the key issue will be how higher education pathways translate into workforce-ready skills.
The ministry’s planned assessment of labour-market alignment will provide a further measure of how effectively the system connects education with employment.
