HOW HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR IS GAINING GROUND

For a country that is driven by an agenda of innovation and knowledge, a thriving higher education sector is vital. There is no doubt that this has increasingly become a focus in the UAE in the last few years, raising not only the quality but also the range of study opportunities available here. There are several reasons for this; to raise academic standards; to meet the demands of the rising numbers of students who are completing their secondary education in the UAE and also to attract students from other parts of the world. One of the results of this is that the UAE now has the highest number of branch campuses of anywhere in the world, with world class Universities from the US, the UK, Australia, France and India complementing the already established local universities. The range of degrees on offer currently leans towards the disciplines of business and finance, but we are now seeing universities diversifying their portfolios with some specifically including areas that are geared to meet the employment needs of the region with programmes covering areas such as aeronautical, hospitality and design.

Several of the universities in the UAE are now globally ranked which

The attractions of studying in the UAE are many; access to globally recognised and accredited qualifications; the opportunity to study in specialist institutions; chance to learn in smaller classes with an internationally diverse peer group

adds to their prestige and gives their alumni greater credibility when it comes to employment. The increase in masters programmes and research-based institutions is also enhancing the status of higher education in the region.

The attractions of studying in the UAE are many; access to globally recognised and accredited qualifications; the opportunity to study in specialist institutions; in many cases the chance to learn in smaller classes with an internationally diverse peer group; multiple entry points and, with some of the branch campus universities, the chance to split your degree programme between studying in the UAE and the home campus.

Plus the fee structure for the universities here is very competitive compared with the costs for international students in other parts of the world.

As educational consultants advising students on finding the best paths for study, Gabbitas are increasingly recommending the option of taking a degree here in the UAE.