tne in the uae research findings uae country partnership meeting 5 june 2009 alison devine, regional...
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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