Eastern European University Association

6 May 2025

Growing Interest in Russian Education in the UAE ► EEUA at GETEX 2025

The Eastern European Universities Association (EEUA) represented universities from Russia and Belarus at the international student recruitment exhibition GETEX 2025, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from April 30 to May 2. This year marked the 41st edition of the event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. The exhibition attracted over 19,000 attendees.

Participating Universities

Russia was represented by three exhibitors:

Bashkir State Medical University
Private University "Synergy" (Dubai campus)
Eastern European Universities Association

Other CIS countries were represented by universities from Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Georgia.

A significant presence came from Indian universities, occupying all central exhibition spaces — featuring both local campuses and head institutions from India. Large delegations also represented Pakistan and Malaysia. UAE-based universities and local branches of foreign institutions each had separate booths. The USA, UK, and Western Europe were mainly represented by their UAE campuses. From Eastern Europe (excluding CIS countries), participants included universities from Slovakia, Albania, Lithuania, Romania, and Hungary.

Prospective Students: Trends and Interests

The main visitors were 10th-grade students planning to enroll in universities in 2027.

60% were interested in medical fields
30% explored engineering programs
The rest considered other disciplines

Most applicants (95%) sought bachelor’s degree options, while 5% inquired about master’s and postgraduate programs. Only 10% of attendees exclusively considered local university campuses. The primary reason for UAE students’ interest in studying abroad was the search for more affordable tuition fees.

Key Takeaways

The exhibition was dominated by universities from Asia, Eastern Europe, and the CIS, with a strong emphasis on medical education.
This year’s participating institutions and their offerings were highly relevant to student interests.
Most applicants prioritized medicine and technical fields, seeking more affordable bachelor’s programs compared to UAE universities.
Previously, students only considered prestigious US/European universities and were unaware of options in Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, or Kazakhstan. Now, they actively explore CIS countries for education.
Interest in Russia has surged, partly due to the growing number of Russians relocating, frequently visiting, or establishing businesses in the UAE.

Conclusions

GETEX 2025 demonstrated rising interest among UAE students in Russian and CIS higher education.
The UAE’s large expat population strengthens the position of Russian and CIS universities in the recruitment market.
Medical programs (in English) are in particularly high demand.
Despite their young age and two years until enrollment, many students approach career choices consciously, already knowing their preferred field or comparing two options.