The work permit system in the UK that allows students to work on campus gives its education system an edge over many other Western countries, said a senior official.

Marc Jessel, British Council country director, UAE, said that the UK offers a 12-month masters degree programme, which is welcomed by UAE students who prefer to complete their masters and take up a job in their home country, instead of having to study for a further year.

He pointed out that the system also offers taught PHD programmes that combine research with classroom activity.

Jessel added: “The UK is just six and half hours away from UAE, which keeps students in closer proximity with their home. In addition, tuition fees are very competitive and courses are condensed.”

British Council has organised Edukex, which was part of its initiatives to enhance cultural and educational relations between the UAE and UK. It main objective was to raise awareness of the quality of UK education and the extensive choice of courses and institutions on offer at every academic level.

“British Council's education initiatives have long been a part of the UAE education landscape, and Edukex is an important component of this. By providing UAE students opportunities to obtain UK qualifications, we are enabling them to return to the UAE and contribute to the economy with their entrepreneurial ideas,” said Jessel.

“Potential students and visitors were given the chance to learn about English language courses, vocational courses and higher education courses,” he said.

Representatives from a range of universities, including University of Aberdeen, University of Northampton, University of Hertfordshire, Manchester, Leeds and London Metropolitan University and The University of East Anglia expressed satisfaction over the response to their participation, he added. - TradeArabia News Service