TNE in the UAEResearch Findings

UAE Country Partnership Meeting 5 June 2009

Alison Devine, Regional Manager Education UK, Middle East

Research undertaken to determine

i) The number of students studying at international (non-UAE) higher education institutions in the

UAE in which the medium of instruction is English – and the number of students studying at UAE

federal HEIs to draw a comparison between the two

ii) Students’ countries of origin

iii) The number/proportion of students who specifically entered the UAE to undertake international

(non-UAE) higher education in which the medium of instruction is English

iv) Type/level of qualification being taken

v) Subjects being taken

vi) Tuition fees charged by international institutions and source of tuition fees

vii) Why the students chose to study in the UAE rather than another country

viii) Why the student chose that particular institution

ix) What is THE factor that would influence students to study

i) in the UK

ii) at a UK institution in the UAE?

Secondary & primary research, using qualitative & quantitative research methodologies

Stage 1 – Higher education institutions in the UAE

Comprehensive analysis of the UAE higher education market, focus on international institutions

Stage 2 – Customer research study

14 focus group discussions among UAE-based and ‘external’ students studying at international

universities in the UAE

8 in-depth interviews among working graduates & parents of students in international HEIs

450 interviews among UAE-based and external students studying in international HEIs in the

UAE; 50 parent interviews

Research methodology

Analysis of the UAE higher education market

32% of higher education institutions in the UAE are international (i.e. non Emirati)

Only 13 are locally accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research www.caa.ae

Higher education institutions in the UAE

Type of HEIs Number of HEIs Number of Students % Total Students

Federal 3 36,672 40%

Private - International 49 28,717 32%

Private - Local 44 25,765 28%

Total – All HEIs 96 91,154 100%

38 (79%)

5 (10%)

2 (4%)

2 (4%)

1 (2%)

Dubai

Abu Dhabi

Sharjah

Ras Al Khaimah

Ajman

The largest concentration is in Dubai, accounting for 79% of all international HEIs in the UAE

Distribution of international HEIs by emirate

UK, USA and India are the top three source nations, accounting for 73% of all international HEIs in the UAE

1 (2%)1 (2%)1 (2%)1 (2%)1 (2%)1 (2%)

3 (6%)4 (8%)

10 (21%)13 (27%)12 (25%)UK

USAIndia

AustraliaFrance

CanadaBelgiumPakistan

IranRussia

Sri Lanka

Country of origin of international HEIs

1 Middlesex University Dubai (UK) 13 Szabist (Pakistan)

2 Heriot-Watt University (UK) 14 Islamic Azad University (Iran)

3 University of Bolton (UK) 15 Michigan State University (USA)

4 American University in the Emirates (USA) 16 Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (France)

5 Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani (India) 17 American University of Sharjah (USA)

6 Birla Institute of Technology Ranchi (India) 18 HULT International Business School (USA)

7 University of Wollongong (Australia) 19 New York Institute of Technology (USA)

8 School of Audio Engineering (Australia) 20 Preston University Ajman (USA)

9 Murdoch University (Australia) 21 Cambridge College International (Australia)

10 European University College, Brussels (Belgium) 22 JSS Academy, Dubai (India)

11 Manipal Academy of Higher Education (India) 23 Mahatma Gandhi University (India)

12 Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training (India) 24 Canadian University of Dubai (Canada)

International HEIs in the UAE

25 American University in Dubai (USA) 37 British University in Dubai (UK)

26 Sharjah College - Troy University Campus (USA) 38 ICFAI, Dubai (India)

27 St Petersburg State University (Russia) 39 Institute of Media and Communication (India)

28 IITM - London School of Economics (UK) 40 Institute of Management and Technology (India)

29 French Fashion ESMOD (France) 41 Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai (India)

30 London Business School (UK) 42 Boston University Institute for Dental Research (USA)

31 Manchester Business School Worldwide (UK) 43 SP Jain Center of Management, Dubai (India)

32 University of Strathclyde Business School (UK) 44 PIM International Center, Dubai (Sri Lanka)

33 CASS Business School (UK) 45 Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (USA)

34 School of Oriental and African Studies (UK) 46 Harvard Medical School Dubai Centre (USA)

35 University of Exeter (UK) 47 INSEAD (France)

36 Royal College of Surgeons (UK) 48 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (US)

Most popular HEIs: American University of Sharjah, American University in Dubai, University of Wollongong, Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, together accounting for 48% of the total student population in international HEIs in the UAE

44% of the international HEIs in the UAE offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes17% offer only undergraduate programmes40% offer only postgraduate programmes of study

Country of Origin UG & PG Only UG Only PG Total

UK 3 14% 1 13% 8 42% 12 25%

USA 6 29% 2 25% 5 26% 13 27%

India 4 19% 2 25% 4 21% 10 21%

Australia 2 10% 2 25%     4 8%

France 1 5% 1 13% 1 5% 3 6%

Canada 1 5%         1 2%

Other 1 4 20%     1 5% 5 10%

All 21 44% 8 17% 19 40% 48 100%

1 Belgium, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Sri Lanka UG: Undergraduate; PG: Postgraduate

Country of origin and level of study offered

Of the estimated 91,154 students enrolled in 96 public and private colleges and universities in the UAE, 28,717 (32%) are enrolled in international institutions, of which 89% are pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in HEIs where the medium of instruction is English

ProgrammeStudents

Number %

Degree programme in international HEI – English 25,517 89

Degree programme in international HEI – Arabic / Other 200 1

Other programme in international HEI – Language, Foundation, Certificate 3,000 10

All 28,717 100

Students in international HEIs in the UAE

Asians (51%) constitute the largest student community in the UAEEmiratis (11%), other Arabs (28%) and other nationalities (10% - Europeans, Americans, nationals of CIS countries, Africans) account for the balance 49% of students enrolled in international universities in the UAEAmong Asians, Indians are the single largest nationality group, followed by Pakistanis

Other Arabs7,15128%

Asians13,093

51%

Emiratis2,75411%

Others 2,52410%

Nationalities of student population

Altogether, 6,125 students or 24% of the total student population in international institutions in the UAE are ‘external’ students (on a student visa in the UAE)The largest proportion of international students are Asians (51%), followed by GCC/Middle East nationals

GCC / ME1,80730%

Asia3,14851%

Other (Europe, US, CIS, Africa)

1,17019%

External student population

Programme status UG students PG students All Students

Full time 14,783 92% 3,399 36% 18,182 71%

Part time 1,255 8% 6,080 64% 7,335 29%

All 16,038 63% 9,479 37% 25,517 100%

63% of students in international universities are enrolled in undergraduate programmes37% are enrolled in postgraduate programmes

Students by level and mode of study

Subject UG students PG students All Students

Medicine & dentistry 17 0% 15 0% 32 0%

Subjects allied to medicine 140 1% 20 0% 160 1%

Biological sciences 79 0% 39 0% 117 0%

Physical sciences 236 1% 39 0% 274 1%

Mathematical sciences 157 1% 77 1% 234 1%

Computer science 1,022 6% 578 6% 1,600 6%

Engineering & technology 2,123 13% 694 7% 2,816 11%

Architecture, building & planning 393 2% 154 2% 547 2%

Social studies 393 2% 154 2% 547 2%

Law 79 0% 39 0% 117 0%

Business & administrative studies 9,434 59% 7,209 76% 16,643 65%

Mass communications & documentation 1,179 7% 39 0% 1,218 5%

Languages 314 2% 154 2% 469 2%

Historical & philosophical studies 79 0% 39 0% 117 0%

Creative arts & design 314 2% 116 1% 430 2%

Education 79 0% 116 1% 194 1%

Total 16,038 63% 9,479 37% 25,517 100%

Subjects studied

Undergraduate tuition fees vary from AED 12,000 to AED 73,220 per yearFee discounts ranging from 5% to 30% are offered to students based on meritFamily discounts are also offered by some universities

University Fee range (AED per year) [1]

Middlesex University (UK) 46,000 --

Heriot-Watt University (UK) 39,500 44,500

University of Bolton (UK) 23,000 27,000

Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (India) 34,500 --

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (India) 28,000 35,000

University of Wollongong (Australia) 43, 350 --

Michigan State University (USA) 57,800 58,200

Preston University Ajman (USA) 31,300 46,000

American University in Dubai (USA) 58,500 62,400

American University of Sharjah (USA) 73,220 --

Canadian University of Dubai (Canada) 45,000 --

[1] Currency conversion: AED 5.54 = £ 1, as on May 10, 2009

Tuition fees – undergraduate programmes

Postgraduate tuition fees vary from AED 16,000 to over AED 300,000 per year

[1] Currency conversion: AED 5.54 = £ 1, as on May 10, 2009

UniversityFull Fee range (AED) [1]

DescriptionMA / MSc MBA/EMBA

Middlesex University (UK) 110,000 132,000 Part-time; 2 years

London Business School (UK) -- 323,694 Dubai-London EMBA; 17-20 months

Manchester Business School (UK) -- 109,692 Blended learning; 18 months

SP Jain Centre of Management, Dubai (India) -- 49,200-119,400 Dubai-Singapore, full time; 1-2 years

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (India) 42,000-70,000 42,000 Full-time; 2 years

University of Wollongong (Australia) 54,800-68,500 82,200 Full-time; 2 years

American University in Dubai (USA) -- 90,000 Evening programme; 2 years

American University of Sharjah (USA) 117,000 117,000-190,000 Full-time; 2 years

Tuition fees – postgraduate programmes

Qualitative research – focus groups

Undergraduate students

Higher education

• An important part of ‘growing up’

• Become knowledgeable

• Develop one’s personality

• Pre-requirement for job; career aspirations

• Financial independence

• Enhance one’s position in society

Postgraduate students

Master’s degree

• Get better job; higher salary

• Gain ‘more’ specialised qualifications

• Stay competitively ahead

• Change career track

• Improve business

• Get promoted

• Grow into general management roles

Attitudes and aspirations of HEI students in the UAE

Undergraduate students

• Be home, stay close to family & friends

• Good education available in the country

• Affordable education

• Good lifestyle, home comforts

• Safety & security

• Work opportunities

• Family won’t permit study abroad

• No interest in study abroad

Postgraduate students

• Excellent quality of education

• Availability of international universities

• Varied subject choices

• Career opportunities

• Affordable cost of education

• Flexible delivery & timings

• Study while working

Motivations to study in the UAE

Motivations to study in the UAE

External students (from outside UAE)

• Opportunity to study in international university

• Affordable cost of education

• Easier admission

• Ease of getting student visa

• UAE safe country

• Islamic country

• Family & friends in UAE

• Close to home

• Good lifestyle

• Work opportunities

Undergraduate & postgraduate students

• Superior quality of education, high academic standards

• Local & global recognition of degree

• Prestige associated with studying in a international university

• Choice of subject options

• Quality of faculty; professionally qualified, international

• Better teaching methods; use of technology

• Improve English

• Internships; work opportunities while studying

• Career opportunities; better jobs, higher salaries

• Flexibility to transfer credits

• Intent to migrate abroad

• Peer pressure

Motivation to study in an international HEI in UAE

Motivation to study in an international HEI in UAE

Working students

Additional reasons

• Range of study programmes

• Specialised programmes

• Flexible timings

• Alternative delivery modes

• Affordable

• Ease of admission• Reputation of institution • Popularity of institution among peers• Reputation of faculty• Job placement record of institution• Campus environment & atmosphere• Student profile• Subject choices available• Level of fees• Location - proximity to home/workplace• Class timings & flexibility• Infrastructure & student facilities• Accreditation of institution in UAE• International recognition of degree• Recognition of degree in home country • Award of certification (local/main university)

Current HEIs

American University in Dubai (USA)

American University of Sharjah

Middlesex University (UK)

University of Wollongong (Australia)

S P Jain Centre for Management (India)

Institute of Management & Technology (India)

Preston University (USA)

British University in Dubai (UK)

Heriot-Watt University (UK)

Canadian University of Dubai (Canada)

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (India)

Birla Institute of Technology & Science (India)

London School of Economics (UK)

Reasons for selecting specific HEI

Undergraduate students• Mainly business, computer science, IT• Some male students engineering disciplines• Some female students media studies,

graphic design & fashion designing• Asian students greater interest in commerce

& finance

Postgraduate students• Mainly business / management courses• Different areas of specialisation• Quality Management, Human Resources• Project Management, Information Systems • Construction Management• Finance & Banking

Subject selection led by•Personal interest & goals•Parental advice, parents’ decision•Guidance from family & friends network•Popularity; peer group conformance•Versatility – varied job options•Corporate / market demand •Current job / functional area•Career change plans – new area/function

Subject of study

• Undergraduate students - yes, but would ideally like to gain some work experience prior to

studying further

• Postgraduate students - no; with one exception, all will look for job or join family business

or look for job change (working students)

• For some, further study would depend upon availability of financial aid / scholarship

• One-third likely to consider study abroad: in UK, USA, Canada, Australia or India

• Key factors in destination selection for study abroad - situation for work abroad / career

opportunities at time of admission application & overall cost of education (tuition fee, living

expenses etc)

Intent to study further

• High quality of education

• Strong curricula, ‘hard’ studies

• International recognition of degree/qualification

• Better appreciation in local/regional context

• Professional, qualified faculty

• Reputed universities

• Expensive

• Prestigious

“Better stronger curriculum, study programme”

‘”In any Arab country, British education is considered stronger than American”

“British qualifications are recognised all over the world. Some of the best universities in the

world are UK universities”

Perception of UK universities

In the UAE

• Lower tuition fees

• Increased opportunity to get financial aid

• Easier admission criteria

• Easier ‘work load’

• ‘New’ subjects or specialised courses

• ‘Top-class’ UK universities in UAE

• Local accreditation

• Large, ‘impressive’ campus

• Extensive student facilities

• Transportation & accessible location

In the UK

• Lower tuition fees

• Increased opportunity to get financial aid

• Easier admission criteria

• Easier ‘work load’

• Guaranteed student accommodation

• Guaranteed visa

• Internships & career opportunities

• Work-study options in the UK

• Admission in university of choice

Motivations to study in a UK HEI

Computer Engineering, Information Technology Business, Hotel Management, Tourism Medicine, Nutrition Hospital Management Architecture Archaeology Law Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology Aviation Media Studies Introductory Courses to Languages Arts, Arts & Décor, Photography Photojournalism, Theatre Arts Fashion Designing, Cosmetology

Subject suggestions for new UK HEIs in UAE

Quantitative research – 450 students

2812

36

74

82

144

31

36

34

2732

3430

1821

1116

11111

139

46

3

Family / friends are hereCurrently working in UAE

Foreign universities available in UAEHome country / close to home country

Affordability of educationUAE is a safe country

Do not wish to go abroadGood quality of education

Easy to get admissionNot allowed to go abroad / to other countries

Good lifestyle in UAEStudy in foreign university in Islamic country

Easy to get student visaCareer opportunities in UAE

Cosmopolitan cultureGood climate in the UAE Main reason Other Reasons

Figures in %Motivations to study in the UAE – all students

5441

34

33

24

21

17

16

15

14

13

14

6

11

2

6

41

32

24

26

16

24

16

11

11

14

9

7

22

4

256

Family / friends are here

Foreign universities available in UAE

Good lifestyle in UAE

UAE is a safe country

Affordability of education

Good quality of education

Home country / close to home country

Cosmopolitan culture

Currently working in UAE

Easy to get admission

Study in foreign university in Islamic country

Good climate in the UAE

Easy to get student visa

Do not wish to go abroad

Career opportunities in UAE

Not allowed to go abroad / to other countries Local Student Foreign Student

Figures in %

*Local students: Emiratis & resident expatriates. External students: on student visa in UAE

Motivations to study in the UAE – local v external* students

65

46

40

23

25

17

13

12

8

6

6

4

53

45

39

37

31

27

26

10

19

11

3

6

High standard & quality of education

Better recognition of foreign degree

Prestige of foreign university

Wider choice of subjects

Better teachers and teaching methods

Improve career prospects

Improve prospects for international career

Better education than in local universities

Learn / improve knowledge of English

Develop personality/confidence

Build networks & friendships

Pursue further studies abroadMale Female

Figures in %

Motivations to study at an international HEI in UAE - Emiratis

23

28

18

1114

33

41

21

25 24 23

Total Male Female Emirati Ar.Expat

As.Expat

Oth.Expat

UG PG W N-W

Figures in %

Ar. Ex : Arab Expatriate As. Ex: Asian Expatriate Oth. Ex: Other Expatriate

UG: Undergraduate PG: Postgraduate W: Working NW: Not working

Considered study abroad – all students

26

20

12

11

9

6

5

3

2

2

2

3

Objection from family members

No specific reason, just changed my mind

Lack of work opportunities abroad

Financial reasons

Did not get visa

Was not offered subject/course of choice

Did not get admission

Cultural constraints

University needed work experience

Have business/working in UAE

Foreign universities available in UAE

Other reasons

Figures in %

Reasons for not studying abroad – all students who considered it

American University of Dubai 17%

American University of Sharjah 17%

Manipal University 10%

University of Wollongong 9%

Canadian University of Dubai 8%

Middlesex University 7%

Sharjah University of Troy 4%

Heriot-Watt University 3%

Michigan State University 3%

IITM / London School of Economics 3%

Preston University 2%

New York Institute of Technology 2%

Sorbonne Paris 2%

Other HEIs 13%

American University of Dubai 18%

American University of Sharjah 16%

University of Wollongong 15%

Manipal University 7%

Heriot-Watt University 7%

Preston University 6%

S P Jain Centre for Management 4%

Canadian University of Dubai 3%

New York Institute of Technology 3%

Institute of Management & Technology 3%

Middlesex University 2%

Sorbonne Paris 2%

British University in Dubai 2%

Other HEIs 12%

Undergraduates (n=204) Postgraduates (n=246)

Research sample

23

19

8

8

8

6

5

5

3

2

2

2

2

2

1

25

36

25

13

16

23

18

20

23

22

19

10

23

15

11

Good brand name

Good reputation for quality of education

Offers study programme of my choice

Country it represents

Recognition of degree in home country

Good quality of academic staff

Affordable fees

Good teaching methods, use of technologyPopularity & recommendation

Good career opportunities

Recognition of degree abroad

Applied for and was accepted for admission

Nice campus

Location of university

Convenient timings / schedule of classesMain reason Other reasons

Figures in %

Reasons for studying at current university – all students

44

16

13

6

1

8

3

2

2

1

1

50

14

7

6

12

2

2

2

1

1

1

Business Studies

Finance & Accounting

Engineering

IT & Computer Science

Construction & Project Management

Media Studies

Architecture & Interior Design

Economics & Social Studies

Language Studies

Medicine

Fine Arts

Sciences & Mathematics

Education

Undergraduate Postgraduate

Figures in %

Subject of study – undergraduate & postgraduate students

Figures in %

Important / Most Important 61% Somewhat Important 27% Not Important 12%

Importance of pricing in university selection (n=450)

Received fee waiver or discount (%)

78 75 81 8971 72

8568

86 9275

13 1412

6

1019

15

14

12 8

14

9 12 7 519

818

2 11

Male Female Emirati Ar. Expat As . Expat Oth.Expat

UG PG W N-W

Total Gender National i ty Student s tatus Working s tatus

Yes, fee waiverYes, fee discountNo fee discount or waiver

Importance of fees and financial aid

Figures in %

72

89

59

14

1

24

8

4

10

2

4

2

1

2

3

4

2

3

3

All

UG

PG

Family funded Self funded Family & self funded Bank loan

Company funded Scholarship or grant Government funded

UG: Undergraduate PG: Postgraduate

Funding sources

UG : Undergraduate PG: Postgraduate

Reasons for Satisfaction All (n=450) UG (n=204) PG (n=246)

Quality of education 49% 56% 43%

Professional & experienced faculty 16% 15% 17%

Good atmosphere & environment 10% 10% 11%

Recognition of degree 13% 13% 14%

Brand name 9% 8% 9%

Good campus 6% 4% 8%

Different nationalities/ good crowd 6% 4% 7%

Good course programme 5% 1% 8%

Dealing with the students is good 5% 4% 6%

Flexible & convenient timings 4% 2% 5%

Good Infrastructure 4% 4% 4%

Location of the university 4% 5% 2%

Lots of activities in the university 3% 3% 3%

Job/ Internship opportunities 3% 2% 4%

Other reasons 12% 8% 11%

Satisfaction with current HEI

UG : Undergraduate PG: Postgraduate

Reasons for Dissatisfaction All (n=450) UG (n=204) PG (n=246)

No dissatisfaction 49% 46% 54%

Expensive 10% 9% 9%

Location is very far 6% 9% 8%

Less facilities / Infrastructure is limited 4% 9% 5%

Poor discipline 4% 6% 4%

Unhappy with timings/inflexible schedule 4% 0% 4%

Less extra-curricular activities 4% 2% 2%

Studies very difficult/too much to study 3% 2% 3%

Campus too small / could be better 3% 4% 3%

Too many students/too much crowd 3% 0% 2%

Administration not managed properly 3% 4% 2%

Failure to provide employment opportunities 1% 0% 1%

No parking space / transport system 1% 0% 1%

Other reasons 11% 12% 6%

Dissatisfaction with current HEI

Yes 33% Maybe 11% No 56%

Of those who will study further

Will consider study in UK 21%

23%

18%

13%

13%

11%

8%

8%

8%

5%

3%

Good quality of education

Get international degree in specialized field

Family/friends live/study in UK

Wish to study in recognized UK universities

Am in UK university in UAE, want to go to UK

Work opportunities

Safety & security / better for Muslims

Want to study outside the country, like UK

Good culture and language

Home country / affordable lifestyle

Motivation to study further in UK (n=40)

Intention to study further – all students

Base: All Respondents Overseas Destinations

Perception of Education (unprompted responses) UK USA Australia Canada

Education quality is high & excellent 73% 69% 65% 62%

Prestigious, ‘high class’ 10% 9% 5% 4%

Studies are difficult / hard work 10% 5% 5% 4%

World-class universities; renowned brand names 8% 9% 1% 3%

Expensive; cost of education is high 7% 6% 3% 3%

International recognition of degree; valued everywhere 6% 6% 3% 4%

Strong education standards 6% 5% 3% 2%

Leaders in education 6% 6% 0% 0%

Good style of teaching / professional 4% 2% 0% 0%

Difficult to get admission 4% 3% 0% 0%

Average / not very good 2% 4% 5% 6%

Practical 1% 3% 1% 1%

Affordable 0% 0% 1% 2%

Not many well known universities 0% 0% 5% 4%

Don't know / Can't say 11% 19% 19% 20%

Perception of overseas education destinations – all students

17%

16%

12%

11%

9%

8%

7%

7%

6%

5%

Same standard of education as UK university

Affordable fees

Reputed & recognized universities

Large, replica of UK university, historical

Internships & job opportunities

Nice campus, good location

Scholarships and other grants

Local accreditation of degree

Easy to get admission

Easy work load, flexible timings

Key motivation to study at a UK HEI in UAE – all students currently in a non-UK HEI

12%

8%

7%

7%

7%

6%

5%

5%

5%

2%

9%

24%

Better quality of education & teaching

Affordable fees

Global exposure, international experience

Foreign degree from main campus

Admission in reputed university

Scholarship & grants

Experience of study abroad

Career opportunities

Family & friends in UK

Guaranteed visa

Not interested in studying abroad / in UK

Don't know / can't say

Key motivation to study at a UK HEI in the UK – all students

33

38

24

26

25

20

19

18

16

14

17

17

15

17

16

11

8

8

28

21

27

24

22

20

20

20

22

22

16

16

17

14

9

11

10

8

Computer scienceEngineering & technology

Medicine & dentistryLaw

Architecture, building & planningMathematical sciences

Business & administrative studiesMass communications & documentation

Subjects allied to medicineSocial studies

Agriculture & related subjectsBiological sciences

Creative arts & designPhysical sciences

Veterinary scienceLanguages

Historical & philosophical studiesEducation Male Female

Figures in %

Suggestions - UG subjects for new UK HEIs in the UAE

41

29

32

28

28

29

21

22

20

21

16

20

13

16

10

11

9

7

23

34

26

25

23

18

22

21

20

16

21

14

16

11

15

14

7

7

Engineering & technologyLaw

Business & administrative studiesArchitecture, building & planning

Medicine & dentistryComputer scienceBiological sciences

Subjects allied to medicineMass communications & documentation

Mathematical sciencesSocial studies

Physical sciencesLanguages

Veterinary scienceCreative arts & design

Agriculture & related subjectsHistorical & philosophical studies

Education Male Female

Figures in %Suggestions - PG subjects for new UK HEIs in the UAE

51

38

28

32

14

13

17

20

9

13

12

48

36

40

27

37

25

15

5

15

7

2

Travel & tourism

Interior designing

Fashion designing

Sports & fitness

Beauty & cosmetology

Floral design

Counselling

Motor & vehicle repair

Nursing

Appliance repair

CarpentryMale Female

Figures in %Suggestions - vocational subjects for new UK HEIs in the UAE

Quantitative research – 50 parents

26

14

12

10

10

10

6

4

4

2

2

33

11

31

16

47

31

2

9

7

9

13

36

16

Family/friends are here

Child does not wish to go abroad

Many foreign universities in UAE

Study in foreign university in Islamic country

Affordability

UAE is a safe country

Not confident child can cope abroad

Career opportunities in UAE

UAE home country, close to home country

Did not wish to send abroad (not allowed)

Good climate in the UAE

Good quality of education in UAE

Good,comfortable lifestyle in UAEMain reason Other reasons

Figures in %Motivations to study in the UAE – all parents

90

80

70

50

40

40

30

30

30

30

20

20

Better recognition of foreign degree

Prestige of studying in foreign university

Higher standard & quality of education

Better education than in local universities

Learn / improve knowledge of English

Improve international career prospects

Pursue further studies abroad

Build networks & friendships

Improve career prospects in UAE

Wider choice of subjects

Develop personality/confidence

Better teachers & teaching methods

Figures in %

Motivations to study at international HEI in UAE - Emirati parents

30

20

8

6

6

4

4

2

6

2

2

2

2

20

50

18

26

16

10

26

18

32

28

20

12

24

26

Good brand name

Good reputation for quality of education

Offered study programme of choice

Recognition of degree in home country

Country it represents

Family decision to choose this university

Recognition of degree abroad

Good career opportunities

Option to transfer abroad

Affordable fees

Popular university

Location of university

Good teaching methods, use of technology

Good quality of academic staff

Main reason Other reasons

Figures in %

Reasons for selecting specific HEI - parents

Important / Most Important 66% Somewhat Important 16% Not Important 18%

Importance of pricing in HEI selection (n=50)

Fee waiver or discount 14%

Received fee waiver or discount (n=50)

Family Funds 84%

Company Funded 10%

Family + Student Funds 10%

University Scholarship or Grant 2%

Student Personal Funds 2%

Funding of education (n=50)

Importance and sources of funding – all parents

Yes 36% Maybe 12% No 52%

Of those who will study further

Will consider study in UK 25%

33%

17%

33%

17%

Good quality of education

Study in recognized UKuniversities

In UK university in UAE,wants to go to UK

Home country

Motivation to study in UK

Student intention to study further - parents

18%

18%

10%

6%

6%

6%

6%

4%

4%

4%

4%

4%

2%

2%

2%

More UK universities in UAE

Same standard as UK university

Nice campus, good location

Affordable fees

Son's/daughter's Interest

Internships & job opportunities

Family approval

Reputed & recognized universities

Foreign degree

Easy to get admission

Transfer of credits

Good student profile, multicultural

Flexible timings

Qualified faculty

Extra curricular activities

Key motivation to study at a UK HEI in UAE – parents

12%

10%

10%

8%

6%

6%

6%

6%

6%

4%

4%

4%

4%

16%

14%

Admission in reputed university

Better quality of education & teaching

Safety & security

Foreign degree from study in main campus

Affordable fees

Global exposure, international experience

Experience of study abroad

Depends on son's/daughter's interest

Family approval

Scholarship & grants

Career opportunities

Family & friends in UK

Guaranteed visa

Not interested in sending abroad

Don't know / can't say

Key motivation to study in UK - parents

Medicine & dentistry 38%

Law 30%

Computer science 28%

Business & administrative studies 24%

Engineering & technology 22%

Mass communications & documentation 22%

Agriculture & related subjects 20%

Creative arts & design 16%

Architecture, building & planning 16%

Subjects allied to medicine 16%

Medicine & dentistry 44%

Business & administrative studies 42%

Law 32%

Computer science 26%

Engineering & technology 24%

Architecture, building & planning 24%

Mass communications & documentation 22%

Subjects allied to medicine 18%

Mathematical sciences 18%

Languages 16%

Top 10 subjects – undergraduate level Top 10 subjects – postgraduate level

Interior design 59% Beauty & cosmetology 25%

Travel & tourism 52% Floral design 23%

Fashion design 41%

Top 5 vocational programmes

Suggestions for new subjects - parents

Summary

The UAE has attracted at least 49 international HEIs which currently account for 51% of the total

number of HEIs in the country

Employing diverse models of education delivery, they have a 32% share of the total student

population enrolled in higher education in the UAE

Several more international universities are in the process of setting up branch campuses or

collaborative ventures in the country

The UAE is increasing in popularity as an education destination among ‘external’ (non UAE based)

students, especially from Asian and Middle Eastern countries

Cannibalisation?

While local delivery of international education will naturally lead to a degree of cannibalisation of

courses delivered in the UK, it is likely to be minimal as the majority of students who choose to study

in the UAE do not wish to or are not able to study overseas

However, competitively priced packages of UAE study programmes may well attract more students

from neighbouring countries, who may otherwise have studied in the UK

The recent global economic crisis and resulting lack of disposable income may force some students

to study closer to home

Current demand for subjects, as measured by subject-wise enrolment statistics and gathered from

the student survey, indicates the high popularity of subject offerings in the area of business and

administrative studies, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level

However, given that almost every HEI offers a range of business programmes as part of its subject

portfolio, there appears to be an adequate supply of such programmes

Customer research points to latent demand for subjects such as computer science, engineering &

technology, medicine & dentistry, law and architecture, building & planning

It is possible that the worldwide interest in Dubai could lead to a market situation of too many generic

academic programmes and too few takers

Subjects

Demand for higher and further education in the UAE and region will continue to grow

Current programme/discipline offerings and institutions do not fully cater for projected human resource

requirements

Niche markets, as compared to generic programme offerings, for higher and further education exist and

will continue to expand

The various emirates take pride in shifting gears and like to develop programmes to meet evolving needs

Institutions should have the capability to develop courses customised to the region and sectors and have

the internal systems and processes in place to respond to requirements efficiently

Opportunities

It is important for UK institutions entering the market to gear their product offering and market strategy in line

with the nation’s development goals and introduce ‘unique’, futuristic programmes geared to serving the

needs of the ‘new’ UAE

e.g. road & rail systems/maintenance, real estate maintenance, ports and ship chandling, environmental

engineering, renewable energy, manufacturing and manufacturing-related, logistics related to supply chain

management, aviation, architecture, events management, financial securities, reinsurance, social research,

research methods, statistical analysis, special needs education, comparative study of western law with

sharia, languages, arts

Refer to individual emirate strategic plans e.g. Dubai strategic plan

These opportunities will see institutions operate within a ‘global’ environment and be subject to fierce

competition to attract the right students

Institutions entering the market should invest in building relationships with key decision makers and

emirate-based higher education governing bodies and possess quality market intelligence

 

Public-private partnerships and privatisation of the higher and further education sector is supported by

federal and individual emirate initiatives

In Abu Dhabi, funding is made available based on value proposition, track record, brand standing and

evidence of longer term commitment on the part of the institution

Elements of the value proposition should highlight exposure to relevant corporate and international

experiences to enhance learning (e.g. work placements)

Partnerships with federal government funded institutions and their commercial arms and existing privately

owned licensed-accredited institutions should be explored

Recommendations

In order to attract students, ensure student fees are fixed in UAE currency and budget

proposals to take account of exchange rate fluctuations

 

Brand building of UK education is critical

Be creative and innovative

Education UK Country Partner website

www.britishcouncil.org/eumd-uae.htm