World-class degree in Dubai
The UAE Ministry of Education is responsible for public schools in Dubai. Currently, more than 90% of school education in Dubai takes place in the private sector, served by 194 private schools offering 17 different curricula to more than 280,000 students from 182 nationalities. Dubai has 26 international branch campuses of universities from 12 different countries – including the UK, Australia and India. More than 30,000 students attend these universities, with the majority studying business, engineering and media & design. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) was founded in 2006 to develop education and human resource sectors in Dubai, and license educational institutes.
Non University Level
Higher technical and vocational studies are offered by Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah and Fujairah. Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research operates these colleges. They only accept UAE nationals, although in some cases exceptions may be granted. The Colleges aim to produce skilled para-professionals in the fields of Engineering, Business, Health and Communication Technology, etc. The language of instruction is English. For admission, students must have obtained at least 60% at the Shahadat Al-Thanawiya Al-Amma. Many students are required to take a foundation year. The colleges offer a two-year programme leading to a Diploma and a three-year programme leading to a Higher Diploma. In recent years, programmes have been organized leading to the four-year Bachelor’s Degree in some fields including education, business, IT, health sciences, communications and engineering. There is also a medical college for girls, a banking training institute, a college of engineering and an aviation college, as well as schools of nursing and private colleges.
University Level Studies
University Level First Stage: Bachelor’s Degree
Studies leading to the Bachelor’s Degree at the national universities last for four years. The primary language of instruction is English, with the exception of studies in Sharia law which is taught in Arabic.
University Level Second Stage: Master’s Degree
A Master’s Degree is awarded after one year’s further study beyond the Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Engineering and Environmental Sciences and a Postgraduate Diploma is offered by the College of Education of the University.
Higher Colleges of Technology
A system of UAE colleges offering a more technically oriented education was devised in 1988. The four founding Higher Colleges of Technology (HCTs) began the new experiment with an enrolment of 239 students. Today, 12 colleges for men and women in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Madinat Zayed, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Fujairah, provide a range of programmes to over 15,000 students in technologically equipped campuses. The Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT), is now the largest private education provider in the region, has also been at the forefront of providing specialized customized training, promoting entrepreneurship and creativity, and facilitating technological advance through its technology park.