Here’s why these universities in UAE saw huge surge in admissions despite the pandemic

Dubai: Quite a few universities in Dubai saw admissions rise by 50 per cent this tutorial 12 months as many college students opted to check in the UAE, attracted by particular admission gives and campus security measures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities mentioned.

BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, witnessed a 50 per cent surge in admissions in comparison with final 12 months, mentioned its director Dr R.N. Saha. “Students are opting to study in UAE [based] universities to avoid lockdowns or getting stranded abroad. The pandemic has played a significant role in changing people’s mindset. The priorities and outlook have changed, wherein parents are now focusing more on ensuring stability and security of their wards while also making sure they stay close to home.”

The COVID-19 scenario in India has additionally contributed to the next consumption right here, he added. It additionally means extra college students from the Gulf nations are coming or staying right here slightly than travelling to India, or different in style examine overseas locations equivalent to the United Kingdom, United States, Canada or Australia, based on Dr Saha.

“On the contrary, higher numbers of students from India are now choosing Dubai over other destinations. The availability of a plethora of well-known institutions, affordable tuition fees, lower cost of living, great quality of life, international exposure, safety as well as Dubai’s prominent location, are amongst the significant factors working in Dubai’s favour, making it an attractive higher education destination for UAE-based students along with students coming from Asian and other Gulf countries.”

Dr Saha mentioned decrease tuition charges right here, as in comparison with the West, have been additionally a motive. Moreover, the UAE’s profitable vaccination programme “also enhances its appeal as a safer place compared to other countries”. At BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, for instance, all workers are vaccinated.

Even after their research, nearly all BITS Pilani Dubai graduates determine to work in the UAE. BITS Pilani gives a 7.5-month ‘Practice School’ (trade internship) programme. The institute has a collaboration with almost 300 firms to supply internship to its college students.

“In fact, 98 per cent of all our students who secure campus job placements end up working in the UAE itself. The salary levels are much higher than what they may get in India or even in the western world. Essentially, the return on investment is much more when you study in Dubai – a degree from a well-reputed engineering institute, international exposure and access to a global job market,” Dr Saha mentioned.

Heriot-Watt University Dubai is at present slated for a 48 per cent admission spike for the September consumption – and the determine is more likely to climb greater earlier than the new tutorial 12 months begins, mentioned Gary Fernandes, the college’s Head of Prospect Experience.

For the present tutorial 12 months, which has almost ended, universities made admissions extra versatile by extending utility deadlines and internet hosting hybrid admissions occasions, Fernandes mentioned. “Enrolment decisions are being made based on predicted grades and historical evidence of academic achievements. For example, at Heriot-Watt, for the recent cancellation of the [Indian] CBSE board exams, we admitted students on the basis of their school assessed grades,” he added.

The college this 12 months additionally launched ‘COVID-19 Relief Scholarships’ that provide all Indian college students enrolling from India a payment discount of Dh8,000 (round INR160,000) for the September 2021 consumption, ensuing in a higher variety of functions from India, Fernandes mentioned.

Another pull issue of the UAE, he added, has been the long-term ‘Golden Visa’ for high-scoring college students and their households. “They can therefore plan a long-term future here in the UAE and one that goes beyond just the duration of their study programme, which makes the UAE a very attractive study destination.”

Heriot-Watt Dubai additionally launched a ‘Go Global’ programme that provides inter-campus transfers from Dubai to the UK campus. On the flip aspect, it saw an curiosity from college students from accomplice universities overseas who've opted to do a semester at the Dubai campus. Almost a 3rd (30 per cent) of scholars at the Dubai campus are worldwide college students from abroad; the relaxation are primarily based in the UAE.

Middlesex University Dubai is anticipating double the variety of worldwide college students and not less than 50 per cent extra UAE-based college students, mentioned Dr Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai.

“This is result of a combination of macro factors relating to Dubai and the UAE and those relating specifically to Middlesex University Dubai. The UAE has one of the world’s most successful vaccine rollouts and today is the highest vaccinated country in the world. The UAE has demonstrated excellence in ensuring the health and safety of its residents and visitors. Dubai is open and is way ahead of many countries who are still under lockdown,” Dr Fernandes mentioned.

“The economic recovery in the UAE is ongoing, and the opening up of tourism and Expo 2020 Dubai will boost the economy and create more employment opportunities. Dubai, which hosts a large number of world-class universities, is thus among the first choices for international students.”

What’s extra, the “ongoing travel restrictions” to typical locations for UAE-based college students — UK, USA, Australia and Canada – has meant that many college students listed below are rethinking plans to check overseas, he added.

“The fact that we can offer a world-class UK degree in the heart of Dubai, a city that is open and recovering while being incredibly safe, is one of the reasons why our student enrolment increased. Students have a choice of many universities in the UAE and we are delighted that we have one of the highest intakes of new students amongst international universities.”

The college is opening its second campus in Dubai International Academic City this September.