With air travel demand rebounding post-Covid, aviation university courses in the UAE are experiencing a 15-20 percent increase in applicants this year, amid a global labor shortage in the sector. Emirates Aviation University (EAU), a member of Dubai’s Emirates Group, received 3,000 applications for its undergraduate and postgraduate programs for the 2024-2025 academic year. This surge in interest exceeds pre-pandemic levels, with the Vice Chancellor Ahmad Al Ali noting a projected 15-20 percent rise in applicants compared to the usual 10 percent per year.
Al Ali emphasized that the future of aviation employment will be shaped by advanced technology, leading to the introduction of new programs in fields like artificial intelligence (AI). The university is responding to this demand by offering sought-after courses such as B.Sc in Data Science and AI, as well as a new PhD program in emerging fields like data science and aviation management. These skills are increasingly essential across all industries, not just aviation.
Emirates Aviation University boasts a diverse student body, with 91 nationalities represented among its student population. The university offers online programs and maintains help centers available to students year-round. With 40 percent of international students, EAU’s biggest markets for international students are Asia, Europe, and America, followed by the Middle East and Africa. The university also provides opportunities for scholarships to support students’ academic pursuits.
Ali highlighted the high employability rate of EAU graduates, with almost 100 percent of students in particular disciplines being recruited by leading airlines globally. The university has an overall graduate employment rate of 81 percent, with almost all engineering students securing placements immediately after graduation. With a growing demand for aircraft engineers and technicians in the Middle East, EAU is well-positioned to address the industry’s shortage by producing skilled graduates.
The aviation management curriculum at EAU is designed in collaboration with Emirates Airlines, ensuring that the programs meet industry standards and requirements. The university works closely with industry partners to tailor programs according to their needs and expectations of graduates. EAU’s aviation programs are highly regarded, with a focus on practical training and hands-on experiences to prepare students for successful careers in the aviation industry.
Introducing new programs like the PhD and BA in AI and Data Science, EAU continues to innovate and offer specialized courses in collaboration with industry partners. The university also offers tailored programs in aviation safety and security, developed in partnership with Dubai Airport Police. Internships are emphasized as a crucial component of the students’ learning experience, providing them with real-world applications of their classroom knowledge and preparing them for future careers in the aviation industry.
