Big boost to higher studies in UAE

dubai — In a span of just 10 years, the number of accredited programmes in UAE universities has jumped from 206 to 862.

The number of international universities in Dubai has also grown from just one in 2002, to 26 today. In a country that is driven by innovation and knowledge, a thriving higher education sector is vital.

But as strides continue to be made in the sector, some parents remain firmly on the fence when it comes to university life here.

When Khaleej Times polled more than 100 expatriates to gauge their confidence in UAE universities, 72 per cent said they would “not en-

Traditionally there was a tendency for expatriates to send their children back to their home countries for schooling, but that sentiment has changed hugely now Liz Bamford, a British expat

courage their child to continue further studies here”. Cost and maturity of campuses proved to be the contributing factors.

But British expatriate Liz Bamford said there are some “really strong viable alternatives” to sending children back home for educa- tion now. “Traditionally there was a tendency for expatriates to send their children back to their home countries for schooling, but that sentiment has changed hugely now,” she said.

With her two children — in Year 1 and Year 4 — attending Repton School Dubai (International Baccalaureate curriculum), Bamford said educational courses here are “incredibly high powered now”, and they are only getting better.

“Parents don’t want to send kids away for studies. Before there was no choice, now we have a choice.” — Kelly Clarke

dubai — Huge strides are being made in the higher education field in the UAE, but it seems like parent sentiment is lagging.

When Khaleej Times polled more than 100 expatriates to figure out just how confident they were in UAE universities, 72 per cent of respondents said they would “not encourage their child to study at a university here”.

While 39 per cent said cost was a huge factor, claiming tuition fees were “too expensive”, a further 34 per cent said they did not feel that the university campuses were mature enough, yet.

And when it came to what they want to see more of here, the response was blatant. Additional branch campuses took the majority of the vote with 34 per cent in its favour.

However, the anonymity of the poll may have influenced some of these answers, because when Khaleej Times spoke to several parents, the responses were — in large part — very positive.

According to British expatriate Liz Bamford, mindsets are changing for the better when it comes to the higher education sector in the UAE.

“Traditionally there was a tendency for expatriates to send their children back to their home countries for schooling, but that sentiment has changed hugely now.”

With two children — in Year 1 and Year 4 — attending Repton School Dubai (International Baccalaureate curriculum), Bamford said educational courses here are “incredibly high powered now”, and they are only getting better.

“Parents don’t want to send kids away for studies. Before there was no choice, now we a have choice.”

She said there are some really strong viable alternatives to sending children back home for education.

And with more and more UAE students getting admission to Ivy League Schools today, there is no wonder parent-confidence is fast growing.

For mother-of-four, Saba Khan, the availability in terms of university programmes and services has been one of the biggest changes she has witnessed while living in the UAE.

“Graduates are getting so many career opportunities now, too.”

She said it speaks volumes to have such a bevy of options for students, including further study opportunities including Masters and PhDs.

And with UAE universities once boasting a predominantly business-tailored approach, we are now seeing more specialised courses like media and aviation attracting international students.

And these aren’t just words from Khan, as all four of her children have attended university here.

“It’s a fantastic system here. To have your kids become whatever they aspire to be due to their education is the pay off, and many of my friends agree with this statement. We have seen our kids become doctors, marketing professionals, bankers and creatives.”

kelly@khaleejtimes.com

Parents don’t want to send kids away for studies. Before there was no choice, now we have Liz Bamford, British expatriate

It’s a fantastic system here. To have your kids become whatever they aspire to be Saba Khan, mother of 4