For ambitious families in the UAE, competition for places at Oxbridge, top UK boarding schools, and leading IB programmes continues to intensify. As demand for expert educational guidance grows across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Bonas MacFarlane is supporting more families than ever to secure outstanding outcomes.
Here is what the latest admissions and IB performance data reveals and how the right preparation can transform results.
Oxbridge Admissions: Strong Interest, Limited Offers. Expert Preparation Matters
Newly released data shows that 14 UAE-domiciled students secured places at Oxford or Cambridge in the 2024/25 cycle. While this demonstrates strong potential within the region, acceptance rates remain low:
- Oxford acceptance rates for UAE-domiciled applicants ranged from 5.0% to 4.3% over the last four years.
- Cambridge acceptance rates declined from 14.9% to 5.3% in the same period.
For UAE nationals, the picture is even more challenging: Oxford has admitted only one UAE national in four years.
With global competition rising, Oxbridge success increasingly depends on early planning, specialist admissions test preparation, and expert interview coaching, areas where Bonas MacFarlane’s Oxbridge team leads the field.
IB Performance in Dubai: Strong Schools, Global Competition
Dubai continues to perform well in the IB, but international competition remains intense. According to 2020–25 data:
- Dubai averages 4.2 schools in the global IB Top 100, compared to 22.2 in the UK.
- In 2025, only NLCS Dubai ranked in the Top 100 globally (Rank 48).
- Over six years, 10 Dubai schools have appeared at least once in the Top 100 but none appear every year.
With IB scores determining access to competitive UK universities, families are increasingly turning to expert support for Extended Essays, TOK, Higher Level subjects, and university preparation.
How Bonas MacFarlane Supports UAE Families
Bonas MacFarlane has a strong and growing presence in the region, offering:
✔ Oxbridge Preparation
Admissions tests, super-curricular development, and interview coaching from former tutors and academics.
✔ IB & A-Level Academic Support
Targeted tutoring and grade-boosting programmes led by subject specialists.
✔ UK School & University Placement
Strategic guidance for leading UK boarding schools and Russell Group universities.
✔ Long-Term Educational Planning
Multi-year academic pathways tailored for ambitious UAE families.
Getting Top-Tier Results for UAE Students
The data shows what many UAE families already know: students in the Emirates have enormous potential, but strategic preparation and expert guidance make a measurable difference in outcomes.
Bonas MacFarlane is proud to support families across the region as they aim for Oxbridge, leading UK independent schools, and exceptional IB results.
Speak to Our Higher Education Team
To discuss how we can support your child’s pathway, contact the Bonas MacFarlane team for a confidential consultation.