In an exclusive interview with Ilia Melnichuk, CEO of Synergy University Dubai, we explore the significant strides made by Synergy University Dubai in 2024 and their ambitious plans for 2025. From launching innovative programs to expanding its physical presence and student portfolio, the institution continues to lead the way in higher education within the UAE

How did the industry and your company fare in 2024, and what were the key highlights?
In 2024, the education and edtech industries in the UAE experienced significant growth and innovation, focusing on digital transformation, leadership development and expanding international reach. Synergy University Dubai made notable strides in this dynamic environment.
We launched the Information Technology Programme and established key strategies to support the growth of our student portfolio, focusing on attracting and nurturing global talent across various industries. In addition to Information Technology, we offer diverse and globally relevant programmes, including Global Economy and Sustainability, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Innovative Entrepreneurship and EMBA: Strategy and Leadership.

These programmes equip students with the skills, knowledge and global perspective needed to thrive in an interconnected and rapidly changing world, preparing them for the demands of a wide range of sectors and international career opportunities. Our current enrollment has reached around 400 students, a testament to our growing impact with 27 accomplished graduates to date who have successfully transitioned into their careers. This milestone reflects not only the quality of education we provide but also the trust and confidence placed in us by our students, their families, and the industry. As we continue to expand, our focus remains on empowering students with the skills and opportunities necessary for their future success.

We expanded our physical presence with new offices to enhance student services and improve overall support. Additionally, we saw a rapid increase in enrollment for the September 2024 intake reflecting the growing demand for our academic offerings. In line with the UAE’s educational goals, we focused on regulatory compliance, conducted surveys on career counselling and launched a sustainable development plan. Our faculty’s research activities were also reviewed to enhance academic output.

Our Mega Campus event in 2024 was a poised game-changer offering state-of-the-art facilities and an enhanced learning environment that further elevated the educational experience. With this expansion, Synergy University Dubai strengthened its position as a leader in higher education providing students with unparalleled opportunities for growth and success. Overall, 2024 was a year of growth and innovation for Synergy University Dubai, contributing to the UAE’s evolving education landscape and setting the stage for continued success.

What opportunities do you foresee for 2025, and how do you plan to leverage them?
In 2025, Synergy University Dubai sees significant opportunities to expand and capitalize on the growing edtech industry in the UAE. With the increasing demand for innovative digital learning solutions, we are strategically positioned to benefit from this trend. Admissions are currently open and we are actively growing our applicant pool. We are targeting to stand with an overall 500 plus current enrollments by February intake and 1,000 students by September 2025.

Our goal is to increase the proportion of UAE-based students to 30% through targeted initiatives and competitive advantages. We have introduced new Information Technology programmes including the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technologies and Master of Science in Applied Informatics while also expanding into additional industry verticals to diversify and strengthen our academic offerings. Furthermore, we plan to open a new Training Centre to offer language and professional development courses further enhancing our academic offerings.

We plan to generate strong revenue by expanding our agent channels and establishing additional banking partnerships for educational loans. Our EduNetwork will facilitate collaboration with other universities and platforms driving recruitment. The Transfer Program will also be scaled to attract students from institutions globally. Efficiency improvements will be implemented through better management practices, while relationships with schools will be enhanced through events and targeted outreach. Optimizing partnerships with agents will further accelerate agency sales growth.

We offer new programmes like the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technologies and the Master of Science in Applied Informatics along with a wide range of specialised courses designed to meet the evolving educational needs of the UAE, as well as the demands of international students across various industries, including but not limited to Information Technology. Expanding loan programmes will help reduce financial barriers making education more accessible.

To boost engagement with students and parents we optimize client services, shorten response times and intensify marketing efforts through a variety of campaigns including social media, targeted digital advertising, email newsletters, content marketing, influencer partnerships, webinars, online and offline events and SEO optimization. These diverse strategies will help us connect with a wider audience, ensuring a more personalised experience and driving meaningful engagement across multiple touch points.

Additionally, the university is hosting Open Days every 3 weeks offering prospective students and their families a comprehensive overview of our programmes along with the opportunity to interact directly with our team and receive personalised guidance including additional discounts. During these events, we also provide future career consultations helping students plan their career paths and gain valuable insights into job opportunities. Strengthening in-person interactions will further contribute to higher student conversion rates and ensure our candidates are well-prepared for both their educational journey and future careers.

What major challenges did you encounter in 2024, and how did you address them?
In 2024, Synergy University Dubai faced several challenges, particularly in positioning our curriculum within the UAE’s highly competitive and diverse education and industrial market. One of the main obstacles was overcoming stereotypes about the quality of our Russian-based curriculum. To address this we focused on demonstrating that our programmes adhere to international standards offering Bachelor’s, Master’s and EMBA degrees accredited through a structured system to ensure global quality.

A significant challenge we faced was establishing trust in the value of our offerings. The education landscape in the UAE is highly competitive and many students are concerned not only about the cost but also the quality of their education. To address these concerns, we have committed to delivering high-quality globally relevant education that equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. By ensuring our programmes combine academic rigor with practical experience we’ve been able to build confidence and showcase the true value of our offerings. We addressed these concerns by emphasizing quality and affordability.

For example, while many British bachelor’s degrees require 140-180 credit hours, our bachelor’s programmes offer 280 credit hours providing students with more comprehensive knowledge at a lower cost. Our tuition fees, averaging around $5,000 per semester, make a globally recognised education more accessible to a wider range of students.

One of our key strengths is the Career Center which plays a crucial role in helping students gain practical experience throughout their education. This hands-on approach ensures that our graduates not only complete their academic journey but also leave with valuable work experience giving them a competitive edge in the job market. Another challenge we addressed was navigating cultural differences and regulatory complexities. To ensure our curriculum meets the needs of the local market we maintain strong partnerships with the UAE government and local businesses. These collaborations enable us to align our programmes with regional requirements ensuring our students are fully prepared to thrive in the job market upon graduation.

By focusing on key areas such as excellence, quality, local relevance and affordability Synergy University Dubai has established a strong reputation for delivering high-quality education that meets both regional and global needs. Our emphasis on entrepreneurship and lifelong learning supported by initiatives like the Startup Booster programme has fostered a unique ecosystem that equips students with practical skills and opportunities for future success. As a result of overcoming challenges and implementing these strategies, we have achieved an 84% graduate employability rate and a 57% internship rate, demonstrating that the Russian curriculum is highly regarded by the industry and that our students are widely accepted.

Which emerging technologies do you believe will be in high demand in 2025, and why?
In 2025 one of the key emerging technologies in education will be the continued growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in learning platforms. AI has the potential to revolutionize education by providing personalised learning experiences tailored to the individual needs of students. Through AI-powered tools educators can better understand student progress, adapt content and offer real-time support, enhancing the overall learning experience.

Another technology that will be in high demand is advanced Learning Management Systems (LMS). These platforms continue to evolve integrating features like real-time analytics, automated administrative tasks and interactive learning resources. By improving accessibility and flexibility, LMS technology plays a critical role in expanding online education and supporting the growing demand for remote learning.

At Synergy University Dubai, we are committed to embracing these EdTech advancements to provide flexible, high-quality education for students globally. Our existing use of an advanced LMS reflects this commitment and we plan to continue expanding our offerings to meet the evolving needs of learners in the future.

What will be your primary focus areas and strategic priorities for 2025? Are there plans to explore new markets or introduce new products/applications to your portfolio in 2025?
In 2025, Synergy University Dubai is well-positioned to leverage emerging opportunities, continuing our commitment to providing industry-relevant education and supporting our diverse student body. We aim to broaden our offerings in high-demand sectors such as IT, law and marketing, leveraging Dubai’s strategic position in these industries. As technology continues to transform global industries we intend to launch more specialised IT programmes including cybersecurity, data science and artificial intelligence to address the increasing demand for expertise in these vital fields.

Supporting our international students remains a key priority. Our dedicated student care department is central to helping students adjust to life in Dubai providing academic guidance, career opportunities and resources to ensure their success both academically and personally. We also collaborate with trusted student housing providers to offer affordable, safe and convenient accommodation for our international students ensuring they feel comfortable, safe and supported during their studies.

The Synergy University Dubai Career Centre plays a vital role in connecting students with industry partners. With over 260+ current industry relationships, our goal is to expand this network to 1,000 by 2025 providing students with valuable internship opportunities, career advice and real-world experience. By fostering strong links with local and global employers, we ensure our students are equipped with the skills and connections needed to succeed in their careers.

Furthermore, Synergy’s unique ecosystem combining our business school, startup accelerator and other subsidiaries provides students with a holistic learning environment. programmes like the Startup Booster allow students to turn academic projects into real-world ventures, supported by investment opportunities for the most promising ideas. This practical approach to education ensures that our graduates are prepared to either launch their businesses or step into high-paying, leadership roles.