Edukex: UK tops higher education destination

The UK remains the top higher education destination for UAE-domiciled students, despite the variety of higher education options available locally and internationally, according to the annual Education UK Exhibition ‘Edukex 2012’, organised by the British Council. The show organisers said the tuition fees have remained unchanged this year for international students and the UAE belongs to the top 20 countries in the world in terms of the number of students enrolled in UK universities. Lara Khouri, Education UK Marketing Manager, British Council UAE, described this status as remarkable considering the small population size of the UAE, compared to other counties like India and China. The show attracted a large number of parents and students who visited the three-day event to learn more about the wide range of Foundation Year, Bachelors and Masters courses from representatives of the over 50 UK education providers that participated at the show in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Dominic Jermey, UK Ambassador to the UAE, inaugurated the exhibition in Abu Dhabi, while Edward Hobart, British Consul General in Dubai, opened the show in Dubai. “This show reaffirmed UK’s traditionally leading position as a great place to continue university studies,” said Hobart. “The UAE students are warmly welcomed in the UK as an important part of the community. The UK education system remains highly appealing to parents and students from across the world. This is where shows like Edukex play a central part in sustaining this understanding and advocacy.” “The UK has four out of the top six global universities as per a recent study. Another reputable study shows that for the top 10 universities worldwide, there are two from the UK. We actually have the best and the largest variety of institutions in the world, not to mention the multicultural education ambience offered in the UK.” Khouri noted: “Visitors to the exhibition were introduced to a wide range of courses. The professionalism and outstanding presentation skills of the university executives at the booths were impressive, as reflected in the manner of assessing students’ needs and shortlisting programmes.” A five per cent increase in the UAE students going to the UK is expected over the next year. A growth rate of 45 per cent is projected until 2020 in numbers. By providing prospective students across the UAE with opportunities to achieve UK qualifications, the British Council is enabling them to return to the UAE and develop both society and economy through their entrepreneurial plans and ideas. “The British Council’s education initiatives played a key role in promoting the UK education offerings to the students in the UAE, and Edukex is no different to this direction,” said Khouri. “The show raises awareness of the quality of life and study options across the UK education spectrum. It also works on creating mutual understanding between education providers and students to create a professional bond between both.” Aston University, University of Brighton, University of Surrey, City University London and the University of Bristol were some of the universities represented at the show. From : Khalij