Gulf News Edufair 2025: Make education a right, not a luxury

What good is potential if it can’t afford the price tag? That was the powerful question at the heart of a compelling session titled Affordable Access to Quality Education, held on Day 2 of the Gulf News Edufair 2025, currently underway at the H Dubai Hotel. Addressing the crowd, Jay Karpe, Country Manager at Med Educare Marketing Management, unpacked what affordable access to quality education truly means, and why it remains out of reach for many.

“Ask ten people what affordable education is, and you’ll get ten different answers,” Karpe said. “But to me, it means that no matter where a student lives, they should have the opportunity to learn.” And, he added, affordability isn’t just about tuition fees, it’s about the whole ecosystem: accommodation, internet, transport, learning materials, and, crucially, support systems.

In an era where education is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of social and economic mobility, Karpe argued that affordability shouldn’t be a barrier between a bright mind and a bright future. “We can’t talk about quality education without talking about how it’s delivered, how students are empowered, and whether they’re being prepared for real-world challenges,” he noted.

As the Middle East and North Africa region contends with limited public education infrastructure, the burden often shifts to private institutions, which aren’t subsidised. “In many countries I represent, most students attend private institutions, and the associated costs are high. This deepens the divide, putting education out of reach for many families,” Karpe explained.

The problem is further complicated for students in countries under international sanctions. “These students face extraordinary challenges, access to online platforms is restricted, international exams are often unaffordable due to banking restrictions, and sponsorships can be denied based on nationality,” Karpe said. “But these are the very students who could return home and rebuild their nations.”

Karpe also shared the inspirational story of Dr Phani Bhushan, founder of the International School of Medicine and the visionary behind Med Educare’s mission. Born in India, Dr Phani faced limited opportunities and systemic barriers in his home country. He ultimately pursued a medical degree in Kazakhstan and, upon returning to India, helped others follow the same path. What began with four students has now grown to over 14,000 graduates from CIS countries and Georgia.

“Dr Phani didn’t just set up a school, he built a support system. From English-language curriculums to Indian chefs on campus, his efforts focused on making international education feel like home,” Karpe said.

Under the Med Educare brand today, that legacy continues in Dubai. The organisation now operates three accredited MD programmes in Georgia and a medical university in Barbados, offering pathways to the United States. They’ve also launched a unique nursing programme in Georgia in partnership with the German government, designed to address Europe’s healthcare labour shortage.

“Students train in Georgia while learning German, and finish their degree in Germany, where they’re eligible to work and live,” Karpe explained. “It’s a sustainable model that benefits both students and the countries in need of qualified professionals.”

Karpe urged students and families not to buckle under the pressure of brand-name universities abroad. “Studying in the US or Australia doesn’t automatically make you a better doctor or engineer. What matters is sustainability, for both the student and the family,” he emphasised.

With economic uncertainty, rising costs of living, and global events like Covid-19 still casting long shadows, Karpe stressed the importance of factoring in currency risks and financial buffers before committing to expensive overseas degrees.

“There are affordable paths to success,” he said. “We’re here to ensure students have access to them.”

Today is the final day of the Gulf News Edufair Dubai, May edition, so be sure to visit. The event is being hosted by The H Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road — just steps from the World Trade Center Metro Station.

Enjoy free valet parking and exclusive gift bags for all attendees. Explore 1,000+ programmes from over 40 top universities and educational institutions, discover global study opportunities, meet career experts, attend seminars by 30+ thought leaders, and unlock exclusive offers and spot admissions — only at Edufair.