The International Education Show (IES) 2016 in Sharjah, UAE, a premier higher education event, will feature more than 100 institutions offering a wide range of courses when it opens on Wednesday.

The 12th edition of the show, which brings students and their parents face to face with representatives of top educational institutions from across the region and world, will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from February 10 to 12.

“The upcoming International Education Show is looking to build on the remarkable growth in visitor turnout it has achieved during the past two editions. We expect a better performance given that underlying fundamentals are strong and exhibitor enquiries are still coming in despite the show dates getting closer,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

The International Education Show recorded a 31 per cent rise in visitor turnout (20,662) for its 10th edition in 2014, and a nearly 28 per cent surge in 2015 (23,476), reflecting the growing appeal of the show as well as the rising demand for higher education in the region.

Experts point out that demand for higher education is on the rise due to increasing population, rising numbers of inbound expatriates, and the increased importance being placed on high quality education and career-oriented programmes.

Besides, youngsters are looking at higher education to help them better prepare for the workforce, which is beset with fierce competition, inadequate professional skills and lack of real-world work experience.

“Youngsters are also seeking an internationally recognised higher education qualification or a professional certificate to position themselves better in an increasingly competitive job market. The International Education Show provides them with direct information about higher education, various programmes, scholarships, admissions and life as a student at different institutions,” added Midfa.

IES 2016 will feature more than 100 institutions, offering the widest range of under-graduate, post-graduate, professional and vocational courses in disciplines from medicine to engineering and management to new-age study programmes, he noted.

For the third consecutive time, under the aegis of AFAIRS Exhibitions & Media, the concurrent Great India Education Fair will host more than 60 exhibitors from India. It will showcase some of the premier Indian universities, colleges and higher education institutions, offering varied academic, professional and vocational programmes. – TradeArabia News Service