Indian Students Choosing Dubai For Global Exposure, Says Symbiosis Director

Symbiosis International University has introduced new academic programs and expanded its industry partnerships at its Dubai campus. In an interaction with The Free Press Journal, Dr. Anita Patankar, Executive Director of the Dubai campus, spoke about the institution’s recent developments, the growing interest among Indian students in studying abroad, and the distinct features of the Dubai campus compared to its Indian counterparts.

FPJ: What’s new at Symbiosis International University? 

Dr. Anita: We're launching new programs like a B.Tech in Computer Engineering, a B.Sc. in Psychology, and a B.Com in collaboration with ASUS. We’re working on developing learning materials, assessments, and all the necessary groundwork. Outside the classroom, we’re also running community initiatives: hosting events, conducting workshops for school educators on tech and AI, and training our faculty. The idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—that the world is one family—really shapes our work. Whether it’s parents, school counsellors, or government officials, building strong, meaningful relationships is key for us.

FPJ: Can you walk us through the new programs in more detail?

Dr. Anita: We started with undergrad programs like BBA, BCA, and BA in Media and Communication. Over the past year, we’ve grown significantly, receiving full CAA accreditation for new offerings. We now have a B.Com integrated with ACCA prep, available in both three-year and four-year Honours formats—the latter includes a research component. Similarly, we’ve added a BBA Honours and a B.Sc. in Psychology, both offered in three- and four-year tracks with added specialisations.

On the tech front, we now offer a B.Tech in Computer Engineering with multiple concentrations, available at both undergrad and MBA levels. One of our most exciting additions is the dual BBA with Aston University—two years at Symbiosis Dubai, followed by two at Aston in the UK. We’ve also introduced a Global BBA in collaboration with our India campuses, where students study the first year in India, the second in Dubai, and complete the final phase with a partner university in the UK or Australia.

FPJ: What do you think is driving more & more Indian students to study abroad these days?

Dr. Anita: For decades, Indian families have associated Western education—especially in the UK or US—with quality, recognition, and better opportunities. It's not just about academics anymore; many students go abroad with hopes of working, settling, and building a secure future. There’s also the draw of global exposure. Even those who plan to return home see value in the critical thinking, problem-solving, and cultural adaptability they gain by studying overseas. It shapes their mindset and broadens their perspectives. And finally, the global networks matter. Many of my former students say working in international environments has equipped them with skills that boost their global career mobility.

FPJ: How does the Symbiosis Dubai campus differ from the ones in India?

Dr. Anita: At the core, there’s no difference. Our student-centric philosophy, course design, assessments, and focus on diversity and inclusion are consistent across both campuses. For instance, just like we offer scholarships to international students in India, in Dubai, we’ve introduced scholarships for women, including Emirati women, and even partnered with Dubai Police to support their women employees. The key difference lies in the setting. Indian campuses are typically larger and residential, while in Dubai, we’re in Knowledge Park—a global academic hub where our students engage daily with peers from countries like the US, UK, China, and more. That kind of international exposure is naturally embedded here.

Also, unlike in India, where disciplines are spread across campuses, in Dubai, all programs—B. Tech, Psychology, BBA, B.Com—operate under one roof, encouraging cross-disciplinary learning, more like a liberal arts setup. And then there’s the city itself. Dubai is fast-paced, diverse, and innovation-driven. It acts as a living classroom, giving students real-world learning and a globally immersive, industry-connected experience from day one.

FPJ: How do Symbiosis programs align with the global job market? Are Indian students being prepared for both international and domestic careers?

Dr. Anita: At Symbiosis Dubai, we’ve been very deliberate about making our programs future-ready. We stay closely aligned with industry trends—locally and globally—by connecting with industry leaders, think tanks, and our alumni in top roles across sectors.

We constantly track the “future of work” to ensure our students are prepared not just for today’s jobs but for what’s coming five or ten years from now. Whether they want to work, start a venture, or switch careers later, our programs are designed to give them the skills and mindset to adapt. We focus a lot on practical, transferable skills. Many of our students are trained in tools like Power BI and learn to work in cross-functional, cross-cultural teams. Technology is woven into everything—from classroom teaching to assessments. We even train students to use AI responsibly—not as a shortcut, but as a thinking aid.

FPJ: What kind of career pathways and industry networks does the Dubai campus offer students?

Dr. Anita: At Symbiosis, our alumni have played a huge role in this—opening doors, mentoring students, and keeping us informed on emerging trends. We’ve built two initiatives around that: Simbi Inspires, which brings alumni to campus to guide students, and Simbi Connects, which features professionals from various sectors.

We also engage industry partners like IDS, Cisco, Ednex, L&T, and the National HRD Network in Dubai. From day one, we’ve embedded short courses, micro-credentials, and internships into our programs. A student might study psychology but still engage with AI, design thinking, or startup projects. That’s the idea behind our Simba Yusuf Centre for Applied AI—it's open to all students, regardless of discipline.

FPJ: Would you say Dubai offers Indian students international exposure without a major cultural shift?

Dr. Anita: Yes, absolutely. Dubai has become that perfect middle ground. The belief that a quality foreign degree must come from the West is changing. Parents and students now recognise that top-tier education is available closer to home—in India, Singapore, Japan, and increasingly, the UAE. Global immigration shifts have made destinations like the U.S. and the U.K. less predictable. In contrast, Dubai offers safety, cultural familiarity, proximity to India, and strong global credentials. It’s ranked among the world’s safest cities, offers Indian food, festivals, and community—and that puts families at ease. From a practical angle, return on investment matters. Dubai provides students with access to multinationals, startups, and government initiatives in sectors like finance and AI.

FPJ: What advice would you give to Indian students who are considering studying abroad?

Dr. Anita: Every student should invest in themselves and be ambitious about their work. If you or your family can support it—be it a full degree or even a short program abroad—go for it. The world’s changing fast, and Indian students must be ready. Indian students grow up with discipline, resilience, and adaptability. That foundation helps us thrive anywhere, and you see proof of that in how many global leaders come from India. The universities here are strong—Symbiosis included—and the experience is globally relevant but less stressful. So my message is: aim high, work hard, make the most of any opportunity, and keep Dubai on your radar.