Interest in studying in the Gulf falls 30% since start of regional conflict, Studyportals data shows
EINDHOVEN, Netherlands — Students around the world are turning away from the Gulf as a place to study. New data from Studyportals shows that interest in studying in GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) has dropped 43% since the pre-conflict peak in late December 2025, and 30% compared to the first week of February . This interrupts years of growth in the region’s ambitions to become a major international education hub.
Studyportals tracks study interest through pageviews from over 40 million prospective students each year. The drop is clear, and it’s getting steeper.
What the data shows
Before the conflict, GCC countries had been growing steadily as study destinations, particularly for students from Asia and Africa looking for quality international degrees closer to home. That momentum is no accident; GCC governments have poured money into building up their education systems. This has attracted foreign universities to open campuses there, starting with US, British and Australian institutions, and now increasingly European ones, plus universities like Peking University and IIT.
The Gulf has astonishing momentum as a study destination. Most recently, even students that would have traditionally looked at studying in the ‘Big 4’ destinations were starting to consider it seriously and our enrolments from these segments were growing steeply. What we’re seeing now is that conflict changes the calculation.
“The investments and commitment in the region are very fundamental. We will be watching the data closely to see how the situation unfolds. Our thoughts are with the many talented students, families, and university staff in the region who are facing uncertainty, disruption, and harm.
-Edwin van Rest, CEO Studyportals
A note on Iran
Student searches from Iran meanwhile, have been heavily impacted by the government’s internet shutdowns. Following strikes in late February 2026, internet connectivity there fell to around 1–4% of normal levels. Options for Iranian students to study globally have been restricted in some key destinations, however the interest in pursuing a foreign education is still high.
Students in Iran are largely cut off from the internet entirely, so any drop in their search activity reflects that. After the last major internet shutdown during the Twelve-Day War in 2025, student interest for degree programmes on Studyportals returned once internet was restored.
About Studyportals
Studyportals is the leading global study choice platform, connecting over 40 million prospective students annually with universities worldwide. Through its data and insights , Studyportals helps institutions and policymakers understand shifting trends in international student demand.
Media contact
Cara Skikne | Studyportals | caraskikne@studyportals.com
