Strong students will find opportunities anywhere, panelists highlight at Gulf News Edufair

Recent shifts in visa policies and stricter entry regulations in traditional study abroad destinations, such as the US, Canada, and Australia, are prompting students to explore alternative options. While these established hubs remain popular, countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe are gaining traction.

Experts at a panel discussion titled The future of global talent mobility: How visa policies are reshaping international education emphasised that academically strong candidates will find opportunities worldwide, advising students to align their interests and field of study with potential post-graduation pathways for long-term success. Gulf News Edufair is currently under way at H Hotel in Dubai.

Education consultants at the panel highlighted how crucial it is to match a student’s academic interests with realistic, long-term career outcomes.

Seema Krishna, Head Counsellor and Assistant Manager at Score Plus Education explained, “Students and parents are often apprehensive when it comes to choosing the right country or destination. That’s where we, as consultants, step in to help identify what’s the best fit based on the student’s major and the post-study opportunities available.”

She cited medicine and computer science as examples where the destination can significantly influence future success: “For instance, if a student is determined to study medicine, the UK and countries in Europe are ideal. But if it’s computer science, the US still stands out, despite recent visa changes. For many, being part of Silicon Valley is the ultimate goal.”

Despite global uncertainty around immigration policies, the panelists agreed that strong academic scores continue to open doors for students worldwide.

“At the end of the day, it’s about academic merit,” said Abheet Bharti, Founder and CEO, GuideMe Education. “If a student gets a 1550+ SAT score or excels in UCAT for medicine, they’ll still aim for top universities – Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, UCLA. Strong test scores matter no matter where you apply.”

Tejas Labhshetwar, Founder and CEO, Gyanberry reinforced the continued appeal of the US and other traditional study destinations like Canada, the UK and Australia, for high-performing students.

 “Academically driven students can still confidently pursue the US. Even with tighter visa rules, those who have strong academic records and proof of funds have no reason to worry. If the goal is to study seriously, the US remains an excellent destination.”

As visa hurdles push families to reconsider study destinations, Europe is emerging as a top choice for many students in the UAE.

Dr Muhammad Yousuf Qadri, Chief Executive Officer, Qadri International Educational Consultancy,  noted the growing appeal of countries like Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, and Malta for medical education.

“Some of the universities in Europe are hundreds of years old and highly competitive. Many are ranked among the world’s top 200. The trend is definitely changing – getting into medical programmes in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Ireland is extremely difficult and competitive. That’s why these countries are becoming top options. You can get a quality medical degree at an affordable price, and visas are generally not a problem. These destinations are really growing.”

Shivani Kumar, Director of University Guidance Counselling, UniHawk, echoed this sentiment, saying Europe is catching up fast in the higher education space.

“Europe is picking up because universities have started offering degrees in English, and the growing demand from international students, especially from Asia, is pushing this change. Europe’s diversity makes it more appreciative and tolerant of different cultures, and many countries have become more open and welcoming than ever before.”

Alongside Europe, Singapore is gaining attention among students interested in technology-focused careers.

Krishna from Score Plus Education highlighted the city-state’s growing appeal: “Singapore is definitely gaining traction as a study destination, especially for anything related to technology. Students are drawn to the stay-back opportunities, scholarships, and the availability of subsidised tuition fees. There are also a lot of grants available, which makes it an attractive option for those looking for quality education at a reasonable cost.”

Meanwhile, the UAE is rapidly rising as a competitive study destination in its own right. Labhshetwar from Gyanberry spoke about the appeal for students seeking both education and work experience.

“Asia and Middle East economies are growing rapidly, creating strong job markets and long-term career opportunities for students. In the Middle East, especially the UAE, we’re seeing strong momentum. Dubai now allows students to work part-time while studying, and initiatives like the Golden Visa provide long-term security for high-achieving graduates.”

Bharti from GuideMe Education added that Indian students, in particular, are showing increasing interest in the UAE-based universities.

“With changing visa policies in other countries, the UAE is becoming increasingly attractive, especially for Indian students. Dubai’s student work opportunities, active alumni networks from top schools like Oxford, Harvard, INSEAD, and HEC Paris, and its proximity to European countries make it a very compelling study destination.”

Panelists stressed the importance of personalising each student’s education journey, beginning with their interests and strengths rather than starting with a country or university ranking.

“Our approach is simple – we begin by understanding the student. Whether they’re interested in medicine, computer science, or psychology, we help them explore options that align with their strengths and interests. It’s about finding the right fit and guiding them towards opportunities where they can truly grow,” said Bharti.

Kumar from UniHawk closed the session with a reminder that students shouldn’t feel limited by geography.

 “The opportunity doesn’t lie in one specific place – you have to go out and seek it. It could be anywhere in the world. As long as you know what you like and you’re passionate about it, nothing can stop you from going where you need to be."

Gulf News Edufair Dubai is happening this weekend, May 9–11, at 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.

Register now: https://events.gulfnews.com/GulfNewsEdufair