It’s the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and visited by millions of tourists every year. This Persian Gulf city is also home to hundreds of thousands of workers from every corner of the globe. And tens of thousands of foreign students study for degrees and other qualifications at the dozens of first-rate UAE universities and colleges located in the city and across the country as a whole. And the name of the city? Yes, you’ve probably guessed it, dynamic and forward-looking Dubai, a global metropolis, economic and cultural hub and jewel in the UAE crown. No wonder universities and colleges in Dubai attract so much attention from both local and international students.
Is it easy for foreign students to get accepted into the higher education system within the UAE? There certainly are a large number of colleges and universities to choose from, and not only in Dubai. There are many others in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi and in the city of Sharjah and elsewhere. But the answer to the question is yes and no. Each institution sets its own entry requirements, which is what you’d expect. However, at some universities, particularly state universities, students are expected to speak and converse in the Arabic language. Otherwise the language of choice is usually English. Either way, taking class and learning from an Arabic language tutor is the way to go – it’s always better for you to be able to communicate in both Arabic and English.
The website, topuniversities.com, says, “To enter the country, you’ll need a sponsor from within the UAE. If you have no relatives or contacts based there, the university offering you a place will usually do this for you. Usually a student residence visa will only be issued for one year at a time, and can then be renewed.”
“You should also expect to be asked to undergo a medical examination at an authorised UAE centre, which will include testing for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, leprosy and syphilis. Anyone testing positive for any of these, with the exception of syphilis, will be deported.”
The largest higher educational establishment in the UAE is the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) which serves more than 18,000 students in 17 campuses spread all across the country. A wide range of degree subjects is taught – and delivered in English – which include business, engineering technology, computer and information science, health sciences and education. All programs, says HCT, are designed in consultation with business and industry leaders to ensure the student skills are job-relevant and to the highest standards.
Another educational institution of note, and climbing the world university rankings, is the United Arab Emirates University. The university, which currently offers the most comprehensive choice of bachelors degree programs in the UAE, with over 65 degree courses available, is based in the city of Al Ain in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
If you’ve ever wondered what a genuine international American university experience might feel like, but baulked at the thought of moving to the United States, then why not consider enrolling in the American University of Sharjah (AUS)? For the university, which offers a string of bachelor degree courses ranging from architecture and economics to computer science and industrial engineering, is firmly based on the American model of higher education.
For more information about study opportunities in the UAE, go to the topuniversities.com website here.
About the Author: Article provided by AUS