The 21st edition of the International Education Show commenced at Expo Centre Sharjah on October 8, offering students and parents four days of academic engagement and networking opportunities. Organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, this year’s edition brings together more than 100 leading universities and academic institutions from over 16 countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Hungary, the United States, Georgia, Malaysia, and India.
Premier institutions from India, such as the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, BITS Pilani, Symbiosis, SRM University, the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, SP Jain, and Amity University, among others are participating in the show. The India Pavilion, mounted by EdCIL (India) Ltd., a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, features 16 institutions showcasing the flagship Study in India programme. The pavilion was inaugurated by Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai.
At the India Pavilion, K.K. Gautam, Deputy General Manager of EdCIL (India) Ltd., highlighted the growing appeal of Indian higher education through the Study in India initiative. “This marks almost eight years since we began implementing the Study in India programme, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Education aimed at encouraging international students to pursue higher education in India,” Gautam said. “This year, we have introduced several new features in the Study in India portal, including the integration of the e-Visa facility , e-Foreigners Regional Registration Office(e- FRRO) Module. It serves as a one-stop platform where students can register, explore universities, and seek assistance through a 24×7 AI chatbot and helpdesk.” The Study in India programme promotes India as a premier global education destination, highlighting a vast network of over 1,000 universities and 51,000 colleges offering more than 10,000 courses and over 200,000 seats across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes. As the world’s second-largest higher education system, the initiative emphasizes a holistic academic experience through a multicultural environment, globally recognised degrees, and institute-driven fee scholarships. Significant financial aid opportunities are available through initiatives such as the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships, covering 21 disciplines, and the Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) scheme. The initiative is further strengthened by India’s global academic standing, with 46 universities featured in the QS World University Rankings and top institutions such as IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur leading international research collaborations and joint degree programmes.
The International Education Show has established itself as one of the UAE’s leading academic fairs, featuring a diverse range of institutions spanning universities, technical institutes, high schools, and training centers. The 2025 edition provides visitors access to scholarship options, admission guidance, and emerging educational technologies.