UAE varsity is big draw for international students

The UAE is fast turning into a centre for international education, going by numbers released by Zayed University.

Students from 19 countries have enrolled at its Abu Dhabi and Dubai ampuses for the new academic year 2010 -2011, the academic institution said on Sunday.

“Student enrollment has continued to grow and its diversity increased through admission of international students.  By welcoming competent students from across the world we can continue to raise standards of excellence at Zayed University – enhancing our reputation at home, across the region and around the world,” said Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and President of Zayed University.

For this year’s intake, Zayed University has attracted male and female students from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America onto graduate and post-graduate courses, with chosen subjects ranging from arts and sciences, international studies, general education and the University’s Academic Bridge Program which focuses on learning the English language. This is the second year in which students from outside of the UAE have been able to enrol at the university, and is the first time that the intake has included students from outside of the GCC. 

Dr Sulaiman Al Jassim, Vice President of Zayed University said: “It is our goal to become ‘The Great University’ in the great cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Meeting that goal means opening our doors to the very best students from every nation, who in turn will help spread news around the globe about the strength of our programs, teaching and facilities. The fact that we have already reached so many new audiences in such a short time is a clear sign of our success.”

The institute has now established partnerships with leading institutions across the globe, including China’s Confucius Institute, Korea’s King Sejong Institute; and top US colleges the University of Connecticut, Georgetown University, University of North Carolina, University of Florida and the University of Washington.

This academic year sees the further expansion of courses at Zayed University, with the addition of Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Studies at the College of Arts and Sciences; Bachelor of Arts in Emirati Studies at the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Communications and Media Sciences; and Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Design at the College of Information Technology, College of Communications and Media Sciences and College of Arts and Sciences.

The university has also recently opened the doors of its International College as part of a concerted effort to build the university’s scientific and cultural relations with international organizations, and broaden research strengths in history, culture and international affairs.