Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai Strengthens Experiential Learning Through International Programmes and Summer Initiatives

More than 900 Grade 11 and 12 students registered for the university's free Summer Camp, while 25 MAHE Dubai students gained international academic and research exposure in Malaysia and Singapore

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – August 17, 2026: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai Campus has concluded a series of summer initiatives designed to extend learning beyond the classroom, provide university students with international academic exposure and enable school students to explore future study pathways through practical, university-style experiences.

The initiatives included a four-week Summer Immersion Programme at INTI International University in Malaysia, the participation of two MAHE Dubai students in the National University of Singapore Young Fellowship Programme 2026, and the MAHE Dubai Summer Camp 2026 for Grade 11 and 12 students.

A group of 23 MAHE Dubai students participated in the four-week Summer Immersion Programme at INTI International University, accompanied by faculty mentor Dr. Subburaj Alagarsamy. The programme combined academic workshops with cultural immersion, peer learning, industry-relevant sessions and site visits, offering students a broader understanding of learning and professional practice within an international environment.

Sessions explored areas including business, communication, sustainability, digital entrepreneurship, strategic management, cultural diversity and global collaboration. Working alongside peers in Malaysia and engaging with different academic and cultural perspectives enabled students to apply classroom learning in a new setting while strengthening their communication, teamwork and intercultural capabilities.

MAHE Dubai also participated in the National University of Singapore Young Fellowship Programme 2026, with two students representing the university in a research-intensive international academic environment. The fellowship exposed participants to lectures, workshops, research seminars, laboratory visits and collaborative activities focused on Artificial Intelligence, graduate research, emerging technologies and interdisciplinary innovation.

The experience gave students exposure to a research-intensive academic environment and introduced them to the expectations and possibilities associated with advanced research, helping them consider future academic and professional pathways.

Against a backdrop of the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research's growing emphasis on outcome-based evidence for university ratings, these experiences provide tangible examples of impact, demonstrating how experiential and international learning translates into measurable student outcomes. They also reinforce MAHE Dubai's commitment to internationalisation not only through its diverse student community, but through meaningful global partnerships and opportunities for students to gain international academic and cultural exposure.

Commenting on the importance of the summer initiatives, Dr. S. Sudhindra, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Dubai said: "Learning becomes more meaningful when students are able to experience different academic environments, apply their knowledge in practical settings and engage with perspectives beyond their immediate classroom. Through international immersion, research exposure and early university engagement, we aim to help learners build confidence, curiosity and a broader understanding of the opportunities available to them. These initiatives reflect our commitment to creating an education experience that is globally connected, academically rigorous and responsive to the skills students will need in the future."

Alongside its international programmes, MAHE Dubai organised its Summer Camp 2026 for Grade 11 and 12 students, giving participants an opportunity to experience university-style learning before making important higher education decisions. The initiative received more than 900 registrations, reflecting strong interest among school students in exploring potential subjects and gaining early exposure to university life.

Registration for the Summer Camp was free, reflecting MAHE Dubai's commitment to community engagement and making meaningful learning opportunities accessible to a wider group of students.

The camp featured practical workshops and faculty-led sessions across Engineering and IT; Business, Commerce and Management; Health and Life Sciences; Design and Architecture; and Media and Liberal Arts. Through hands-on activities, students explored their interests, experienced how different disciplines are taught at university level and gained greater clarity about potential academic pathways.

By engaging directly with faculty and academic activities rather than relying solely on conventional course information, students were able to gain a more informed understanding of higher education and the disciplines they may wish to pursue.

The three initiatives reflect different stages of MAHE Dubai's approach to student engagement from deepening international exposure for current students, to giving prospective students an early, hands-on introduction to university life.

Through continued investment in experiential education and international academic engagement, MAHE Dubai seeks to equip students with the knowledge, confidence and global awareness required to navigate an increasingly interconnected and rapidly evolving world.