Prime Highlights
- Students are increasingly choosing to study within the MENA region as costs and visa barriers rise in Western countries.
- Technology- and business-focused programs are driving demand, reflecting the region’s digital and economic reforms.
Key Facts
- Engagement with MENA-based education programs has increased for three straight years, according to Studyportals and the British Council.
- The UAE is the top study destination in the region, supported by Dubai’s strong network of international branch campuses.
Background
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is fast becoming one of the world’s most dynamic education hubs, as more students choose to study closer to home, a new report by Studyportals and the British Council has found.
The report shows that student engagement with MENA-based programs has increased for three consecutive years. It tracks demand through search and interaction activity on the Studyportals platform. The findings suggest a shift in student behaviour as rising fees, strict visa rules, and limited seats in Western universities push learners to explore regional options.
Computer science, business and management have emerged as the most popular subjects. The report links this trend to the region’s focus on digital growth, artificial intelligence, and economic reforms that aim to create jobs in technology and private enterprise.
People find the United Arab Emirates the most attractive destination in the MENA region. Dubai’s strong network of international branch campuses, English-language teaching and long-term education strategy have driven higher student engagement. Officials say the city has invested in stable education policies and knowledge hubs for more than two decades.
Saudi Arabia is also gaining ground after boosting spending on universities, scholarships and online learning. Other countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar and Lebanon are improving their visibility and attracting regional learners.
While interest in local study grows, outbound demand remains strong. Turkey leads as the biggest source market for bachelor’s students, followed by Iran. However, Iran recorded the sharpest drop in demand, while Egypt saw a small rise. At the master’s level, Turkey and Iran together account for over half of the region’s outbound demand.
The report notes that the MENA region now hosts one of the highest concentrations of foreign branch campuses outside Asia. This gives students access to global degrees without leaving the region.
Experts say the trend of “studying closer to home” is likely to continue, placing MENA as a serious alternative to traditional Western study destinations.
