Symbiosis International University Expands To Dubai, Enhancing Global Educational Aspirations

The establishment of Symbiosis International University (SIU) campus located at Dubai Knowledge Village represents a significant stride towards fulfilling its global aspirations, signifying its commitment to the principle 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' — that the world is a single family.

This initiative places emphasis on the city's cosmopolitan nature and burgeoning status as a center of learning, reflecting the university's inclusive ethos and its track record of embracing diversity. This strategic move is further bolstered by the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to propel the city's development by attracting skilled talent, a domain where the university's extensive international student community, hailing from 85 different nations, gives it a competitive edge.

In an engaging interview, Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, the Principal Director of Symbiosis Society and Pro-Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, shared her insights on Symbiosis' decision to expand into Dubai, the role of education in shaping global talent, and how the university aligns with both India's and Dubai's evolving educational landscapes.

Dubai as Strategic Choice for Expansion

Dr. Vidya began by explaining the inherent international character of Symbiosis, emphasizing that internationalization has always been part of the institution's DNA. "Symbiosis has always been an international university," she noted. "Our founder, Prof (Dr.) S. B. Mujumdar, established the university with a vision to cater to foreign students, guided by the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,' meaning the world is one family." For Symbiosis, she said, expanding internationally was not a new concept but rather a natural evolution after years of successful growth in India.

This means Dubai was a strategic choice for this expansion. According to Dr. Vidya, Dubai's diversity and its emerging status as a Knowledge Hub made it the perfect location when the university looked at expanding outwards. "Dubai is incredibly diverse and has positioned itself as a student city, much like Pune in India. With its rich academic ecosystem and international population, it provides the ideal environment to foster global citizenship among students," she said, adding that Symbiosis seeks to replicate the sense of inclusivity and global community in Dubai that it has nurtured back home in India.

When asked about the influence of Dubai Economic Agenda 2033 (D33), Dr. Vidya emphasized the central role of education in supporting a nation's economic growth. "For any country's economic agenda, human capital is critical. Symbiosis has been producing highly capable professionals for over 53 years, not just for India but for the world," she explained. "We have students from 85 different countries studying at Symbiosis in Dubai, and the talent we nurture is key to supporting Dubai's own ambitions for economic growth."

She added that Symbiosis' presence in Dubai will attract talented students from across the globe, providing them with a world-class education that will equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the UAE's knowledge-driven economy.

Dr. Vidya also pointed out that this diversity extends not only to the student body but to the faculty, which brings together professionals from various parts of India and abroad. "The diversity of faculty and the academic rigour at Symbiosis ensures that, regardless of a student's background, they receive a quality education," she said.

Beyond academics, Dr. Vidya emphasized that Symbiosis places great importance on holistic student development, which includes extracurricular activities, internships, and cultural programs. "It's these experiences beyond the classroom that shape young adults and make them well-rounded individuals."

Aligning with the UAE's Vision for Global Education

Dr. Yeravdekar emphasizes the importance of maintaining high educational standards and aligning with the UAE's regulatory frameworks to contribute to the country's vision of becoming a leading global education hub. Symbiosis's plans for the Dubai campus include a focus on offering high-quality education across various disciplines, starting with courses in business management, media and communication, and technology.

This multidisciplinary approach is part of the university's broader objective to prepare students for a globalized workforce, fostering inclusivity and diversity in the process. Dr. Yeravdekar emphasizes the importance of maintaining high educational standards and aligning with the UAE's regulatory frameworks to contribute to the country's vision of becoming a leading global education hub.

One of the most exciting aspects of Symbiosis' Dubai campus is the array of unique courses it will offer. "In India, Symbiosis is known for being a multidisciplinary university with programs in liberal arts, media, engineering, health sciences, law, and management," Dr. Vidya explained.

After conducting thorough market research and consulting with Symbiosis alumni in Dubai, the university identified three key disciplines that are in high demand in the region — business management, media and communication, and technology.

"Our MBA program is our flagship offering, and business management is one of the most popular courses. Media and communication is another strong area for Symbiosis; we are ranked number one in the country in this field. And of course, technology programs like artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and cloud computing are crucial in today's job market."

Boasting a Strong Alumni Network in the UAE

Symbiosis places a strong emphasis on employability and ensuring that its students are job-ready when they graduate. "Parents invest in their children's education with the hope that they will be employable in a competitive market, and Symbiosis has always focused on placements and ensuring our students are prepared for the workforce," she said, adding: "Symbiosis has been recognized globally for its strong employer reputation, ranked 31st in the world for employer reputation by QS World University Rankings, and first in India."

A vital aspect in Symbiosis' presence in Dubai is the involvement of its alumni. With over 900 alumni already working in top positions in the UAE, the Symbiosis community is well-represented in the region. "Our alumni have been incredibly supportive," Dr. Vidya said. "They are offering to mentor students, provide internships, and help with placements."

Furthermore, this international venture is in sync with the goals laid out in India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, encourages the internationalization of education and the mutual establishment of campuses by Indian and overseas universities. Dr. Vidya, who has been a vital part in shaping the internationalisation efforts in education, aligning with India's NEP 2020 and the UAE's educational vision, said that this policy places a strong emphasis on internationalization, a move that aligns with the visions of the country's leaders.

"Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has expressed a keen interest in seeing top Indian universities expand their presence overseas, as well as welcoming foreign universities to establish campuses in India. This initiative marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to higher education, aiming for a more global perspective. The NEP's focus on internationalization is part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of India's higher education system."

She also underscores that pivotal role of India's University Grants Commission in drafting the internationalization component of the NEP 2020, with specific objectives to increase the influx of foreign students to India and to foster academic mobility across borders. Currently, India hosts a relatively small number of international students, with figures around 50,000. The policy aims to boost these numbers significantly by encouraging collaborations, exchange programs, and mobility of faculty and students between Indian and foreign institutions. This includes a strong push for Indian faculty to gain international experience and for foreign faculty to contribute to the academic environment in India.

Symbiosis's expansion into Dubai is a concrete step towards realizing the NEP's vision, further reinforced by the institution's active participation in initiatives like The Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) Grants, an initiative of Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, aimed at fostering international research collaborations.

Launching 40% Scholarships For Emirati Women

An important pillar of Symbiosis's expansion is its dedication to promoting women's empowerment, illustrated by its commitment to offering scholarships to Emirati women. In a candid reflection on women's empowerment, Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar shared her deep commitment to supporting women through education, both in India and in the Middle East.

Extending this focus to the UAE, Dr. Vidya announced that Symbiosis will offer 40% scholarships to women students "forever." This initiative is driven by her personal connection to the region, having lived in Oman and witnessed the evolution of women's roles in the Middle East.

"Empowering women in the Middle East region is our new focus," she said, emphasizing Symbiosis' longstanding efforts in India, where they have established a free medical school exclusively for girls. This initiative reflects the institution's dedication to creating opportunities for women to thrive academically and professionally.

"I have stayed here in Oman, and I've seen the evolution of women here. It's so beautiful. They're very talented, and I just hope they get the opportunities," she expressed. While acknowledging Dubai's cosmopolitan nature, she noted the potential among Emirati women, particularly those from more traditional backgrounds, to excel in fields like nursing. "They were so sincere, and just the freedom of coming out of their homes and doing something and working and earning money was so empowering for them," Dr. Vidya added.

Symbiosis' commitment to empowering women in the UAE extends beyond scholarships. Dr. Vidya has actively worked to make these scholarships accessible through programs like the Esaad card, a government initiative offering discounts and privileges to residents.

Although final approval was still pending at the time of the interview, she expressed optimism about being able to contribute to the educational journey of Emirati women. "We should be a part of this journey for Emirati women if it's possible," she said, highlighting the institution's vision of fostering empowerment through education in the region.

A Long-Term Vision for Symbiosis in Dubai

The Dubai campus is expected to enhance Symbiosis's global footprint by aligning its operations with the local educational framework and adhering to local laws and regulations. This strategic alignment underscores the university's commitment to delivering quality education, maintaining a diverse faculty, and integrating into the UAE's educational landscape, thereby contributing to the nation's vision of becoming a pivotal education hub on the global stage.

Looking ahead, Dr. Vidya shared her long-term vision for the Dubai campus. "Our goal is to replicate what we have achieved in India here in Dubai. We want to offer a transformative educational experience, one that goes beyond academics and shapes students into global citizens," she said. "Dubai is a dynamic, vibrant city that attracts talent from all over the world, and we are thrilled to be a part of its vision for the future. With our strong focus on quality education and holistic student development, Symbiosis is well-positioned to contribute to the UAE's transformation into a global education hub."

Symbiosis also plans to expand its course offerings to include more disciplines, such as law and health sciences, as it continues to grow. "We hope to create a center of excellence here in Dubai, just as we have in India."