Hi, I am a high school student in France in my second year of school until I graduate. I am interested in getting a job in Dubai in a consulting firm. Which universities I should attend to have high chances of getting a job there ?

Hi there,

That’s great you’re thinking about this early. My personal recommendation is although you have a goal, try not to limit yourself too much by exploring other fields as well so you can better understand what you enjoy. This is the time when exploration costs little to nothing, whereas when you are older, there are more opportunity costs.

That being said, if you want to work in consulting in Dubai, top European or UK universities (like LSE, Oxford, Cambridge, HEC, Bocconi, or ESADE) are well-recognized there. Some UAE universities like NYU Abu Dhabi or American University of Sharjah also have strong reputations locally.

What matters most is getting solid grades, relevant internships, and showing international exposure as consulting firms in Dubai really value that mix.

Good luck!

Hi there,

Realistically, Dubai consulting recruiting is ultra-competitive in 2025. They prioritize top-tier universities with proven international exposure. From France, that means HEC, ESSEC, ESCP, or top engineering schools.

 In the UK, think LSE, Oxford, Cambridge, or Imperial. In the UAE, INSEAD’s Abu Dhabi campus and top regional universities like NYU Abu Dhabi can open doors too. 

But do not kid yourself...getting into a good university is just the start. You still need to ace networking, applications, and case interviews. At the end of the day, the firm will not care where you studied if you cannot perform in interviews. Start early with Applications to learn how to position yourself and Ace the Case Interview to actually pass the interview once you get it.

Hi,

both Jenny and Ian make great points and starting early gives you a real advantage. I’d add that Dubai offices value international profiles above all: strong academics, global exposure,...

Top schools in Europe (HEC, ESSEC, LSE, Oxford, Cambridge, Bocconi) or selective programs in the UAE (NYU Abu Dhabi, INSEAD) can all open doors. But what will matter most later is how you use those years: building leadership experiences, doing internships, and developing problem-solving skills.

Best,
Lukas

Wow, you're really starting early. That's a good thing. 

If you're targeting consulting and Dubai specifically, at this point, I would aim for some of the major business studies schools in Europe. Most of them have a career center that has a strong relationship also with Middle Eastern offices of consulting firms. 

But more important than the school is the experience you accumulate until you apply for these firms. So start getting consulting experience, even through pro bono engagements, to learn more about the job but also to signal that you're serious about it. 

You might find the following guides useful:

• Expert Guide: What Do Management Consultants Do?
• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy
  And feel free to reach directly if you have any questions I could help with. 

Best,
Cristian

Hi! It’s great that you’re already planning your career path. 

If you want to maximize your chances, aim for top French schools such as HEC Paris, ESSEC, ESCP, Sciences Po or INSEAD. Top engineering schools like École Polytechnique or CentraleSupélec are also great options.

Your best strategy is to focus first on getting into one of these top programs, then target consulting internships during your studies and express your interest in the Dubai office when you apply.

Best of luck!