The cost of studying in the UAE amounts to an average of $27,375 per year including university fees and living expenses, while for tertiary heavyweights like Australia it is $42,093, the US $36,564, the UK $35,045, and Canada $29,947, a study said.

“The UAE is now a formidable player in the field of higher education, thanks to the unlimited support from the country’s leaders,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah, commenting on the study conducted by HSBC.

“The country today is one of the most attractive education destinations in the world. It is also the least expensive to pursue a university education compared to some of the hot destinations across the world.”

Midfa was speaking on the occasion of the opening of the International Education Show. The event got under way at Expo Centre Sharjah today (February 11).

The country is home to close to 40 branch campuses of leading international universities, delivering the same quality of education as the institution from which it was spawned at a much affordable cost.

Opened by Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah and UAE Supreme Council Member, the three-day International Education Show is featuring some of the best foreign and local educational institutions, with a special focus on India.

According to UNESCO Institute of Statistics, the UAE also has around 34,122 inbound students against 7,719 outbound students, reinforcing the country’s status as one of most sought-after education destinations. Inbound students are overseas students studying in the country while outbound students are those from the UAE studying abroad.

At $5,642, India is the least expensive foreign destination for university undergraduate students among the list of 15 countries in the HSBC study and the Great India Education Fair being held alongside the International Education Show is helping students connect with Indian educational institutions directly.

“We have tied up with Afairs Exhibitions & Media of India for the third year running to host the Great India Education Fair, which is featuring nearly 60 educational institutions from India,” added Midfa.

The Great India Education Fair is showcasing some of the premier Indian universities, colleges and higher education institutions, offering varied academic, professional and vocational programmes.

“Indian B-Schools offer an unrivalled opportunity for those looking to learn within an emerging economy. Engineering, medical, biotech, agricultural/veterinary and fashion & design technology are also popular courses of study in India,” said Sanjeev Bolia, founder & managing director of Afairs Exhibitions & Media.

Expo Centre Sharjah has also partnered with Al Haitham Exhibitions & Conferences Organizers aimed at boosting international participation at the show. National Qualifications Authority is the gold sponsor. – TradeArabia News Service