GCC student enrolment growth and what it means for 2026
As the old saying goes, “the sands of Arabia are always shifting,” and this sentiment is reflected in the growth experienced in 2025 through enrolments from GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) * students, many of whom were supported by valued agent channel partners on their journeys to Navitas pathway colleges overseas.
Navitas MENA Regional team during an agent event in Kuwait (November 2025)
Entering the 2026 recruitment cycle, close attention continues to be paid to changes and emerging opportunities within the Gulf-sponsored student landscape. Navitas remains firmly committed to providing comprehensive support to agent partners as they assist sponsored students in identifying their preferred majors across a wide range of government-approved centres and programs within the Navitas network.
With GCC government approval lists increasingly favouring highly ranked universities, Navitas offers pathway programs leading to institutions such as the University of Sydney, Adelaide University, and Western University, among others. A broad selection of options is also available across the UK and other destinations, aligned with government-supported work placement programs in key fields including healthcare and medical sciences, IT-related disciplines, engineering, and beyond.