University preparation in United Arab Emirates for international students

University Preparation Courses in the UAE

For international students aspiring to enroll in UAE universities, several educational programs are available to prepare them for the journey. One of the most sought-after options in the Emirates is the Foundation course. This two-year program combines academic and language study, ideal for foreign students seeking to pursue their undergraduate degrees both abroad and in the Emirates. The course is tailored to students who may lack the prerequisite knowledge to secure successful university admission.

Within the Foundation educational program, students will acquire essential skills such as:

• Conducting academic research.

• Skillful presentation of research findings.

• Effective independent learning.

• Executing subject-specific projects.

To enroll in the Foundation preparation course in the UAE, foreign students are typically required to meet these criteria:

• Be at least 17 years old.

• Hold a secondary education certificate.

• Possess English language proficiency (typically IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent).

Qualified instructors, often including professors from the UK, collaborate with students during the course, offering guidance and expertise on various subjects. In addition to rigorous language study, students also receive support in other crucial aspects of their educational journey:

• Adapting to the local lifestyle and customs.

• Immersion in the national culture and traditions.

• Opportunities to acquaint themselves with the university and future peers.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

University preparation for foreign students is typically conducted within the premises of private schools or universities. One such institution, located in Dubai, is a branch of the renowned British university, Middlesex University. This branch in Dubai, established in 2005, currently hosts approximately 3,000 students representing over 90 countries worldwide.

Middlesex University Dubai offers both the Foundation pre-university program and higher education stages, including bachelor's and master's degrees. The university's career center assists students in finding employment opportunities upon completing their studies in the Emirates.

The cost of pursuing higher education in the UAE depends on several factors. On average, taking a bachelor's program will cost from 45,000 to 60,000 AED. Accommodation options are also available for foreign students, with features that include:

• Central city location.

• Segregation of male and female accommodations.

• Seven types of rooms, accommodating 1 to 4 individuals.

• Comfortable amenities, including furniture, bathrooms, and equipped kitchens.

• Laundry facilities.

• Accessible infrastructure, including a gym, swimming pool, basketball and volleyball courts.

The UAE boasts around 100 higher education institutions, consisting of three public universities, approximately 30 branches of international universities, and numerous private educational establishments. Foreign students usually obtain education for a fee. University programs in the UAE resemble the British education model. Students can enter bachelor's, master's, or either doctoral degrees. Among foreign students, popular fields of study include hospitality management, tourism, architecture, and petroleum engineering.

Admission requirements can vary significantly from one university to another. Some institutions may require entrance examinations, while others may primarily focus on a one-time payment for the entire course of study. Similar to British universities, foreign students may need to complete a specialized Foundation educational course or spend a year at a university in their home country due to differences in educational standards.

Regarding the language of instruction, while many universities teach in Arabic, international branches typically offer programs in English. Applicants are usually required to provide evidence of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.

The cost of education can also vary. Studying at a public university may cost approximately $5,000 to $11,000, whereas enrollment in branches of British universities could be twice as expensive, around $20,000. Kent College Dubai, for instance, offers British GSCE and A-Level programs at a cost of $26,700 per year.

To have their diplomas recognized, students may need to undertake professional translation into English or Arabic, followed by legal certification in their country of accreditation. Universities often assist with visa processing, usually issuing visas for the intended duration of study and extending them if necessary. Applicants typically need to provide a document package, including copies of their domestic and foreign passports, a secondary education certificate, medical insurance, proof of course payment (if required), and a financial viability certificate.