UAE College Students Contributed $66m To US Economy In 2013

Around 2,256 UAE-based students studying in universities across the US contributed $66 million to the American economy in 2013, an educational consultancy said quoting a report by the Institute of International Education.

“The number of UAE students studying in the US rose to 2,256 in 2012/2013, according to figures released by the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi,” said Peter Davos, managing director, Carian College Advisors.

The number of international students studying in the US also touched a record high last year reaching 819,644 students, the consultancy said. These students supported 313,000 jobs and contributed around $24 billion to the economy.

“This represents a 6.2 per cent increase in job support and creation, and nearly 10 per cent increase in US dollars contributed to the economy from international students overall in 2013 compared with 2012,” Davos said.

“Over the years, there has been a steady rise in the number of UAE and international students joining US universities, as the US education system enjoys high reputation among UAE students.”

The UAE also has the highest net flow ratio of inbound and outbound students compared to other Arab countries, according to data released by UNESCO Institute of Statistics (UIS).

The country has around 34,122 inbound students against 7,719 outbound students, the data showed. Inbound students are overseas students studying in the country while outbound students are those from the UAE studying abroad.

The Gulf country is also a favoured destinations for students to pursue their education.

According to a survey by Dubai International Academic City and Deloitte last year, the UAE was ranked the fourth most attractive education destination in the world for students looking to pursue their studies abroad.

It found that the country is also the favoured education destination among emerging market economies – beating China, Singapore and Australia.

The study, which surveyed 2,400 students and a set of companies across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, stated that the UAE is “recognised for its strength in science, finance, economics and management.”

Within the UAE, the majority of the students identified Dubai as their most likely study destination.