Sharjah, UAE: The International Education Show, which has got under way at Expo Centre Sharjah on Wednesday is set to cement the standing of the UAE as one of the fastest growing higher education markets in the world.
The country is home to close to 40 branch campuses of leading international universities, delivering the same quality of education as the institution from which it was spawned at a much affordable cost.
His Highness Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah and UAE Supreme Council Member, opened the three-day International Education Show featuring some of the best foreign and local educational institutions, with a special focus on India.
“The UAE is now a formidable player in the field of higher education, thanks to the unlimited support from the country’s leaders. The country today is one of the most attractive education destinations in the world. It is also the least expensive to pursue a university education compared to some of the hot destinations across the world,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.
A study by HSBC has revealed that the cost of studying in the UAE amounts to an average of $27,375 per year including university fees and living expenses, while for tertiary heavyweights like Australia it is $42,093, the USA $36,564; the UK $35,045; and Canada US$29,947. According to Unesco Institute of Statistics, the UAE also has around 34,122 inbound students against 7,719 outbound students, reinforcing the country’s status as one of most sought-after education destinations. Inbound students are overseas students studying in the country while outbound students are those from the UAE studying abroad.
At $5,642, India is the least expensive foreign destination for university undergraduate students among the list of 15 countries in the HSBC study and the Great India Education Fair being held alongside the International Education Show is helping students connect with Indian educational institutions directly.
“We have tied up with AFAIRS Exhibitions & Media of India for the third year running to host the Great India Education Fair, which is featuring nearly 60 educational institutions from India,” added Midfa.
The Great India Education Fair is showcasing some of the premier Indian universities, colleges and higher education institutions, offering varied academic, professional and vocational programmes.
“Indian B-Schools offer an unrivalled opportunity for those looking to learn within an emerging economy. Engineering, medical, biotech, agricultural/veterinary and fashion and design technology are also popular courses of study in India,” said Sanjeev Bolia, Founder and Managing Director of Afairs Exhibitions and Media Pvt. Ltd.
The Expo Centre, Sharjah, has partnered with Al Haitham Exhibitions and Conferences Organisers aimed at boosting international participation at the show. National Qualifications Authority is the gold sponsor. The exhibition is open until February 13 at Expo Centre, Sharjah. Timing are from 9am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm on February 12 and 4pm to 9pm on February 13. Girls had a special timing on Wednesday while it’s boys only timing from 9am to 2pm today. dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
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