CUC Ulster University (City University College)

• Location: Doha, Qatar,
• Number of students: about 5000,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of study: blended.

CUC Ulster University is a leading educational institution in Qatar, offering a wide range of undergraduate, master's, and short-term BTEC courses based on the esteemed UK education system. It has received the necessary accreditations to ensure the quality of its programs.

In 2019, CUC established a significant partnership with the University of Ulster, solidifying its commitment to providing world-class education to local students. The first cohort of students enrolled in February 2020, earning HND degrees before progressing to bachelor's programs in their chosen fields of study.

CUC has ambitious plans to become a prominent private higher education provider in Qatar. By the end of 2023, the college is set to inaugurate a new university campus in Lusail, designed to accommodate approximately 5,000 new students. Currently, academic classes are conducted in Doha.

The University of Ulster, which oversees the academic programs at CUC and awards diplomas to its graduates, boasts an outstanding reputation nationally and internationally. It is renowned for its achievements, innovation, and contributions to the economic, social, and cultural development of Northern Ireland. The university ranks among the top 25% of UK universities for global studies and is recognized for the impact of its research on the world. Through a broad network of international partnerships, students have access to various internship and career opportunities.

All faculty members at CUC are endorsed by Ulster University in the UK, and their teaching and learning strategies emphasize the development of critical thinking, reflective skills, research capabilities, and self-assessment techniques. Despite competitive tuition fees, the college maintains an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality education, ensuring that students have the best possible opportunities to excel academically and develop their individual talents.

The educational process at CUC has several features:

• Students are provided with a personalized experience with a designated learning advisor. Each CUC Ulster student is assigned a personal advisor who supports and guides them throughout their studies. Counselors meet regularly with mentees to ensure that they are on track academically and achieving their goals. 
• Language Support for International Students – Short-term courses aimed at improving reading, speaking, listening and writing skills, increasing the overall level of English language skills. A team of experienced native experts from the UK is committed to providing high-quality language education through group/one-to-one lessons.
• A comprehensive career orientation based on the student's interests and needs. Career planning sessions, resume workshops, mock interviews, and other methods will prepare the student for the real-world challenges that await them after graduation.

CUC is a subsidiary institution of Ulster University and has several educational departments:

• Undergraduate Preparation Courses for International Students,
• BTEC National Higher Diploma,
• Bachelor
• Master.

Students in CUC's undergraduate programs have the opportunity to go straight to a master's program at a special price if they continue their academic journey without delay. A student's immediate family members can also take advantage of rates and benefits if they enroll in CUC courses.

Currently, CUC does not have on-campus residential facilities, but it provides support in locating suitable accommodation in proximity to the campus. Through partnerships with local landlords, students have access to various housing options, including:

1. Mirage Student Residential Complex: This option offers single and double rooms, shared kitchens and dining areas, complimentary WiFi, and laundry service.

2. Single occupancy in Artan Residence and Suites: These accommodations provide single rooms with kitchen facilities and shared laundry amenities, along with WiFi access.

3. Private Apartments: There is a wide range of residential complexes available to suit different budgetary preferences.

Additionally, CUC features an on-campus cafeteria that serves a selection of beverages, snacks, and affordable hot lunches for the convenience of students.

Qatar is a warm and welcoming country of contrasts, dynamic and exciting cultural life, tranquility and tradition. Qatar combines Old World hospitality with cosmopolitan sophistication, the opportunity to enjoy a rich cultural heritage, new experiences and adventures. Football stadiums, museums, shopping malls, international restaurants, bazaars, high-tech public transport, sand dunes and green parks make the country a great place for personal development and obtaining qualifications, recreation. 

Extracurricular social activities conducted by the College's Student Body are organized both on-campus and off-campus. Sports competitions, charity work, music concerts and theatrical performances, visual arts exhibitions and many other areas are supported by CUC.  

One of the important areas of extracurricular activities is science: seminars, business conferences, debates and meetings with invited specialists, researchers and teachers. Such events are aimed at broadening the student's horizons and helping him to gain in-depth knowledge in the field of interest. Students have the opportunity to represent CUC at national, international presentations, e.g. Uni-Expo.

• Accreditation by Qatari Ministry of Education, UK Ministry of Higher Education,
• BTEC programs have been awarded by Pearson Education, one of the world's largest education companies,
• All undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are awarded by the University of Ulster,
• Flexible learning formats: face-to-face, online classes or a combination of both will allow working students to combine their studies with practical experience,
• Opportunity to complete the program in the UK, on the campus of the University of Ulster,
• Ulster University differs in many aspects: 81% in student satisfaction, 74% in graduate prospects, No. 13 in research excellence and impact on the world among UK universities.

The campus of CUC Ulster University is located in Doha, Qatar. By the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, the college plans to move to a new learning area in Lusail, which will be a hub for outstanding technical, creative innovation and research. The current location of the college is not much inferior to the future campus: classrooms, laboratories, computer rooms and recreation areas allow students to realize their academic and personal potential and achieve success.

The new university campus, located in the heart of Qatar's Lusail Smart City, promises to be a vibrant intellectual hub spread over an area of 11,500 square meters and capable of accommodating up to 5,000 students. Just a stone's throw from the famous Lusail Stadium, the area has a nearby network of road and rail tracks, ensuring proximity to all city amenities.

Upon entering the campus, students will be greeted by a large central atrium, each corner of which is flooded with natural light. Amenities such as a rooftop swimming pool, walking and jogging track, and full-size sports and gyms are in line with the commitment to holistic well-being of the inmates. Spacious recreation areas, thematic club rooms, halls for festive events — everything contributes to the technological, effective development of students.

Thanks to digital and social connections, there is a modern, creative atmosphere on campus. The equipment of lecture classes and laboratories includes artificial intelligence, computer equipment, models for the implementation of business ideas, and much more.

Restaurants and cafes, beauty salons, grocery stores, shopping centers, cinemas and many other entertainment venues are adjacent to the study area. This area is not only luxurious, but also lively, which makes it a great place to socialize, meet, meet people of different cultures.

Some programs start in September, others in September and January. The school year lasts until the end of June, followed by a long summer break. Each of the programs is divided into two semesters and has exam periods: intermediate and annual. Rest for students is provided on weekends and holidays.

An approximate list of additional costs:

• Registration fee upon admission,
• Accommodation and meals,
• Health insurance,
• Personal spending.

The admission process at CUC involves several stages:

1. Completing an online application form and submitting the required documents.
2. Paying the registration fee.
3. Receiving a response from the Admissions Committee with official confirmation that the application is under consideration.
4. Taking entrance exams, which may include tests and interviews. These exams can be conducted either online or on-campus.
5. Receiving the exam results, followed by making a deposit to secure a spot in the course and applying for a visa if necessary.
6. Arriving at the campus, which involves booking accommodation, participating in orientation activities, and commencing the educational program.

Admission to CUC is based on previous academic excellence and entrance test scores. CUC admits students to study in accordance with the queue lists, in which applicants with a full package of required documents and excellent indicators lead.

Thanks to the high-quality education provided by CUC and Ulster University, about 92% of graduates find a job or enroll in further stages of study within 6 months after graduation.

For admission, international applicants must provide:

• Official certificates/transcripts attesting to academic success in the last three years of high school/bachelor's degree,
• IELTS certificate or equivalent. The required scores may vary depending on the chosen program, but an IELTS level of 5.0-6.0 is generally required,
• Personal documents: passport, QID data, health insurance, visa or residence permit,
• Two passport-size photographs,
• A sponsorship letter from the Ministry of Administrative Development or a company if the student is sponsored,
• Letter of recommendation from a teacher/counselor/employer,
• Resume: individual achievements, certificates, diplomas, scientific papers or other distinctive features of the future student.

All documents must be translated into English and certified.

CUC offers several forms of funding for its pupils:

• Academic Achievement Scholarship – awarded to a student who maintains academic success throughout the year,
• Unleashing Potential Scholarship – Rewards students who have the potential to pursue higher education but have faced financial challenges,
• City University College Progress Scholarship – awarded to applicants who have completed a BTEC HND qualification or a University of Ulster Bachelor's degree and wish to progress to a Bachelor's or Master's degree,
• Financial aid is based on need and academic performance, and is available to all.

In addition to the scholarships available, students can apply for a tuition split to make it more affordable, i.e., pay tuition in equal installments.

A 10% discount is provided when paying the annual tuition fee before the start of the first semester.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision