More than half of UAE nationals prefer to pursue higher education in private universities, according to a new study.

The survey asked 200 UAE national high school leavers and under-graduates whether they were seeking higher education honours in government universities or private and global universities with campuses in the UAE and the results showed that 51.5 per cent preferred internationally accredited institutions.

The results of the study, which was answered by 92 men and 108 women, have been released by Informa Exhibitions, organisers of Al Ain Education and Career Fair, which takes place from April 30 to May 2 at the Al Khabisi Wedding Celebration Hall.

Supported by the Emirates National Development Programme, the exhibition focuses on career, training and education opportunities in the UAE for young Emiratis contemplating their future educational aspirations and career direction.

There are currently 37 international universities with campuses in the UAE, making the country the leading global education hub with the most international universities out of a total of 200 campuses worldwide.
This combined with an estimated Emirati student population in Al Ain of more than 18,000 secondary school students, according to the Abu Dhabi Education Council, presents an enormous opportunity for private universities and educational institutions to reach out to prospective students at the fair.

Universities taking part in the exhibition include the Australia-based University of Wollongong in Dubai, and the American technical training institute RIT Dubai, along with local private universities University of Jazeera, Al Hosn University, University of Sharjah, and Al Ghurair University.

Khurram Saeed, exhibition director of Al Ain Education and Career Fair, said: “The private education sector continues to play an important role in UAE higher education by diversifying their educational offerings and providing new programmes that fit a broad number of students with different cultural backgrounds and career aspirations.

 “Their programmes, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, are both more diverse and adaptable, offering multiple study options that cater to full and part-time students, enabling them to pursue their higher education aspirations while at the same time working.

“What is interesting in these survey results, however, is that Emirati school leavers are very split when choosing to study in public or private higher education institutions.  It is reassuring, therefore, that the UAE is able to offer them excellent choices in both.” – TradeArabia News Service