Rising visa hurdles in the West push students to Dubai

As global education dynamics shift, Tanzanian students are increasingly looking beyond traditional destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada and are instead turning to Dubai.

Rising visa restrictions, deportation threats, security concerns, and evolving policies in the West have made Dubai an attractive alternative.

Dubai’s affordability, safety, and world-class education system are attracting students and parents who seek quality education without the barriers faced elsewhere.

The appeal of Dubai as an education hub has grown steadily over the years. A combination of strategic government initiatives, relaxed visa policies, and increasing international university branches has made the city a top choice for students worldwide.

"Tanzanian students are now shifting to Dubai due to challenges they face in the West," says the Managing Director and Co-founder of EduKwanza Consultants Limited, Mr Sarfraz Kassam. EduKwanza is an education consultancy organisation helping Tanzanian students secure university placements abroad.

“In countries like the US and the UK, visa restrictions have made it harder for African students to get study permits. Some European nations have also increased tuition fees for non-citizens, making education more expensive than before," he tells Smart World.

This sentiment is echoed by Dr Josephine Onyia, a senior student recruiter and admissions advisor at the University of Wollongong in Dubai. She notes that Wollongong now has up to 70 Tanzanian students, with more applying, a stark contrast to five years ago when there were none.

"We are seeing a growing number of Tanzanian students applying. Many parents feel Dubai offers a more secure and culturally suitable environment, especially given recent political changes in Western nations."

One of Dubai’s major attractions is its reputation as one of the safest cities in the world. "Parents want their children to study in a country where they don’t have to worry about gun violence, racial discrimination, or political instability," says Kassam. “Dubai provides that safety.”

Beyond safety, affordability is a key factor. Compared to Western countries, Dubai offers competitive tuition fees and lower living costs.

"Many people think Dubai is expensive, but that’s a misconception," Kassam explains. "For example, a degree at Heriot-Watt University in the UK costs around £30,000 (Sh98.4 million) per year, while the same degree at its Dubai campus costs about $15,000 (Sh38.9 million)."

Mr Kassam notes that a student can live in Dubai for as little as $6,000 (Sh15.5 million) per year, significantly less than the cost of studying and living in Western countries. Tuition fees range from $8,000 (Sh20.7 million) to $10,000 (Sh25.9 million) annually, making it a more affordable option for many Tanzanian families.

US President Donald Trump signed executive orders in January targeting foreigners who espoused hateful ideology and antisemitism, specifically international students involved in university pro-Palestinian protests, among others.

“A situation like that naturally leads parents and students from other continents to seek a safer place for education. Dubai is currently the best destination for international students,” says Dr Simiyu Mbani, an expert in international relations.

A shift in preference

Neema Masanja, a Tanzanian student who initially enrolled in a US university but later transferred to Dubai, says the decision was life-changing.

"In the US, I struggled with visa issues and racial discrimination," she explains. "I felt unsafe at times. Moving to Dubai was the best decision I made. The environment is secure, and I don’t have to worry about cultural clashes."

Another student, Amos Ndunguru, tells Smart World that he originally planned to study in the UK but faced difficulties securing a visa.

"It was a stressful process. I applied twice but got rejected both times," he says. "Dubai offered me an easier entry, and I am now pursuing my degree without the anxiety I experienced before."

Through EduKwanza, some students have planned to secure spots at universities in Dubai this year to pursue their dreams.

Prisca Juma, a Form Six student at John the Baptist High School, dreams of studying technology, specialising in artificial intelligence.

"I came here with my mother to speak with representatives from Dubai universities because it is my dream to study there for its safety. I also believe my parents can afford it," she explained during the recent Study in Dubai Fair, organised by EduKwanza in Tanzania. The event attracted more than 1000 students and parents.

Government policies driving the shift

Dubai has strategically positioned itself as a global education hub. In January 2021, the UAE government introduced long-term residence visas for international students, allowing them to bring their families if they meet financial requirements.

The Education 33 (E33) strategy, announced in November 2024, aims to increase international student enrolment to 50 percent by 2033. The initiative also seeks to boost educational tourism tenfold and position Dubai among the top 10 student cities globally.

Dubai hosts 38 higher education providers licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), with five new international universities opening in the 2023-2024 academic year.

Education agencies like EduKwanza are playing a crucial role in connecting Tanzanian students with Dubai universities. "When we started our ‘Study in Dubai’ fair in 2023, we had nine universities participate. In 2025, we hosted over 13 universities," says Kassam.

EduKwanza helps students navigate the application process, secure scholarships, and arrange accommodation.

"Unlike the UK or US, where students need extensive financial documentation, Dubai’s student visa process is simpler," Kassam explains. "As long as you have tuition fees, you don’t need a bank statement."

Group CEO of Transnational Academic Group, which manages Curtin University Dubai, Daniel Adkins, highlights the advantages of studying in Dubai. “Dubai offers a variety of universities at different price points. Parents can trust the quality assurance from the UAE and Dubai governments, ensuring that students receive a world-class education.”

Dr Mbani points to Dubai’s strategic location and employment prospects. "Dubai is a global business hub with thriving industries in finance, technology, tourism, and healthcare. Students have access to internships and job opportunities they might not get elsewhere," he notes.

Despite its advantages, Dubai is still relatively new as an education destination for Tanzanians. "There’s still a lack of awareness among parents and students," says an education consultant, Dr Thomas Jabir.

"Many assume it’s too expensive or that it lacks top-tier universities. Agencies must work to change this perception."

Education experts also suggest that Tanzanian high schools should provide more career guidance on alternative study destinations.

"Schools should introduce sessions where students learn about education opportunities beyond the traditional Western routes," suggests Dr Felista Mmbaga, an education policy expert in Tanzania.

Dubai is rapidly positioning itself as a top destination for higher education, offering safety, affordability, and globally recognised degrees.

With rising visa restrictions, security concerns, and costly tuition fees in Western countries, Tanzanian students have a unique opportunity to explore Dubai as a viable alternative.

As agencies like EduKwanza continue to bridge the gap and as more Tanzanian students share their positive experiences, Dubai is set to become an increasingly popular choice for higher education among East African students.