Gulf News Edufair Dubai: EU nations gain ground as global study destinations

With stricter visa rules, policy changes on foreign student enrolment and cutbacks in international student admissions in traditional destinations like the US, Canada, and Australia, Europe has emerged as the big winner in global student mobility. Offering affordable, skills-based degrees and more accessible post-study work and residency options, several European countries are seeing a marked rise in interest from students looking for stable and structured academic pathways.

“Europe is clearly becoming the preferred destination for students who are rethinking their options,” Clint Khan, Director at Y-Axis, told Gulf News on the sidelines of the Gulf News Edufair, currently under way at the H Dubai Hotel. Y-Axis is the Platinum Sponsor of Edufair.

“It’s not just about affordability; mobility within the EU, access to industry-relevant programmes, and long-term career options are real advantages,” he said.

Countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands offer world-class education, often at a fraction of the cost compared to other destinations – and many programmes are now taught entirely in English, Khan pointed out.

“Several European countries allow students to stay back and work after graduation, creating a seamless path from education to career. At Y-Axis, we’ve seen a sharp rise in interest, especially for tuition-free or low-cost public universities in countries like Germany and Finland. For UAE-based students looking for quality, affordability, and a multicultural experience, Europe ticks all the right boxes,” Khan said.

Students who secure permanent residency in one EU country can eventually access opportunities across the European Union, a significant draw for those thinking beyond graduation.

“A student who’s 21 or 22 when they move to Europe can build a career, gain residency, and by the time they’re 27, have access to 27 countries in the European Union,” Khan explained.

Germany, in particular, is seeing strong demand due to its affordable tuition, accessible post-study pathways, and strong employment prospects.

The Opportunity Card, the Chancenkarte, has further enhanced the country’s appeal by allowing skilled individuals from non-EU countries to enter and search for a job without a prior offer or employer sponsorship.

“The eligibility for the Opportunity Card is simple – if you hold a recognised bachelor’s degree, you’re in,” said Khan. “It’s one of the most flexible visas currently available for skilled applicants from non-EU countries.”

According to Khan, the UK has reemerged as a preferred destination for international students, especially after the return of the post-study work visa.

“Graduates can now stay back and work for up to two years, post the two year open work visa to secure a long-term job. However, they must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer. The encouraging part is that the number of companies eligible to sponsor has grown to over 110,000 – a strong signal that UK employers are actively looking for global talent,” Khan explained.

He noted that the UAE-based students stand out for their clarity and focus when choosing study destinations.

 “Unlike some other markets where students often follow peers, UAE students know exactly what they want, whether it’s a particular course or a specific country. If they pick the Netherlands or France, it’s usually for a targeted programme or university,” Khan said.

“As someone who advises thousands of students every year, I can clearly see the trend – students today are choosing destinations where they are valued, and where there is a real pathway from study to skilled employment.”

Meanwhile, Y-Axis has ramped up efforts to promote the UAE as a top study destination. “We’ve partnered with universities across the UAE to create more local pathways. With growing uncertainty elsewhere, families are starting to see the UAE as a solid alternative,” Khan said.

Y-Axis has also introduced a post-landing service for Europe, particularly for Germany-bound students.

“We help them with accommodation, airport pick-up, and orientation. Germany isn’t an English-speaking country, so students need extra support settling in. These services make a real difference,” said Khan.