The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) hosted an orientation and enrolment day to introduce new undergraduate students and their parents to the various aspects of university life.

The event provided an opportunity for students and parents to get acquainted with the university in an informal setting ahead of the autumn semester that begins next week.

Questions ranged from academic and curriculum issues and scholarships to student accommodation and transportation services, especially when the Dubai Metro begins operations on September 9.

UOWD is one of the few universities in the UAE that have not increased its tuition fees for the academic year 2009/2010. It is also offering an increased number of scholarships ranging from 20 to 100 per cent off on tuition fees for academically meritorious students.

“As a university with a strong social commitment, both measures will come as a welcome relief to many parents who have been adversely affected by the economic down turn,” said Raymi van der Spek, vice-president (Administration), UOWD.

Whilst undergraduate students will commence classes on August 30, the postgraduate intake has been postponed until September 28.

UOWD, which is one of the oldest foreign universities accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, currently has a total 3,568 students from 108 countries studying in its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. – TradeArabia News Service