57,000 new students in higher education institutions for the academic year 2024–2025

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced that the number of new students accepted into higher education institutions in the country for the academic year 2024-2025 reached 57,037 male and female students, both citizens and non-citizens, in 66 higher education institutions that shared data on new student enrollment with the Ministry, an increase of more than 13% compared to last year, which is the highest number of new students recorded by higher education institutions during the last decade.

The ministry’s data showed that the percentage of female students out of the total number of new students reached 54% compared to 46% of male students, which reflects the gender balance in opportunities to enroll in higher education institutions nationwide, as the number of female students enrolled during this year reached 30,756, an increase of 10% compared to last year, while the number of male students reached 26,281 students, an increase of 18% compared to last year.

The Ministry explained that this increase reflects the development of the efficiency and flexibility of the university admission system, as a result of procedures for zeroing out bureaucracy and the development of digital services, most notably the unified national registration system, which contributed to strengthening coordination between the Ministry and higher education institutions, and facilitating registration and admission procedures for students in various universities.

The Ministry indicated that the increase in acceptance rates for new students reflects the effectiveness of the ministerial decision to update admission standards for higher education institutions’ programs, which was issued in the year 2024, as well as efforts to modernize the system and develop its performance in attracting students and enabling them to enroll in specializations that are compatible with their future ambitions, which constitutes a qualitative leap towards expanding enrollment rates in the coming years.

Taif Mohammed Al Amiri, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Regulatory and Governance of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said: “The decision gives higher education institutions greater flexibility in designing their academic programs and determining admission criteria based on students’ competence and potential, and not just their test scores, which contributes to opening new horizons for continuing university education in specific specializations that support the requirements of the national economy and the future labor market.”

Taif Al Amiri added: “The Ministry continues to work on developing the university admission system within a comprehensive framework that achieves a balance between raising student enrollment rates and ensuring the quality of academic outcomes, while ensuring the strengthening of institutional coordination, through unified digital systems, and continuous feedback from universities, students and parents, to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and transparency in managing admission processes.”

The Ministry concluded by emphasizing its commitment to achieving the goals of the “We Are the Emirates 2031” vision by developing a comprehensive educational system, based on empowering young people and qualifying them with the skills and knowledge that enable them to lead a competitive and sustainable knowledge economy.