Students who attend an education fair in Dubai this week could be offered university places on the spot. Those who are looking to build a life in another country can seek education-linked migration advice. Others who have yet to decide on their career path can take advantage of special counselling sessions or ask for information on any of 2,500 featured education programmes from around the world.
The Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (Getex), the region’s largest and most comprehensive education event, is being held from today until Friday at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre. Almost 20,000 students are expected to attend to connect with more than 400 exhibitors from more than 35 countries.
Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions, organisers of Getex, says, “The UAE has one of the fastest-growing student populations heading towards higher education in the world and this appears to be directly proportionate to its robust economy, which is showing no signs of slowing down.”
Growing segment
“The country’s education sector is poised for growth. Through Getex, we want to reiterate our support to promote academic excellence in the country and the region by offering students a wide range of choices in academic programmes and campuses. In turn, we hope to address the broader educational requirements of students that will enable them to gain the necessary proficiency to make the right career move,” he says.
The UAE student population has reported a considerable increase. In 2011-12, private universities in Dubai alone recorded a 12 per cent increase in student enrolment. The total number of students at Dubai-based universities rose to 43,212 in 2012 from just 39,127 in 2011, according to Getex. The UAE’s private education sector is the biggest in the region with an estimated value of Dh10.2 million. The student population in the GCC has experienced a steady growth and is predicted to reach 11.3 million in 2020, up from the 9.5 million recorded in 2010. A whopping 24 per cent of total government expenditure is spent on the development of the UAE education sector, which has an estimated market size of $7.3 billion (about Dh26.8 billion). “We are seeing greater emphasis on key education issues such as the provision of world-class education, internationally recognised study programmes and certifications and the adaptation of newer technology to create a state-of-the-art learning experience for students on home ground,” says Godinho.
Spread across 14,000 square metres, Getex will focus on different areas of education including general and higher education, vocational training and professional development, says Godinho. “At the show, students will have access to detailed information about more than 2,500 educational programmes and specialised training options. The event is being held on a much larger format as we continue to receive a tremendous response from both regional as well as internationally based education providers who are increasingly eyeing the UAE as a key market,” he says.
Institutes representing some of the world’s top education destinations, including Australia, Canada, France, India, Lebanon, Malaysia, Switzerland, the UK and US will also be present at Getex.
This year’s show will have a stronger Malaysian university presence, says Godinho. In 2011-12, about 4,000 UAE-based Arab expatriates attended universities in Malaysia, which is currently ranked as the 11th destination for students by Unesco.
Easy admission
University admission has also become easier. “This year, we also host higher education programmes, which, through their streamlined application processes, will be in a position to offer spot admissions,” says Godinho. Among the universities offering spot admissions is Middlesex University Dubai, according to its website. All applicants that enrol during Getex will be eligible to receive the university’s Elite Starter Pack worth Dh20,000, which includes an iPad Air, Dh4,000 Early Enrolment Grant, a choice of five professional development courses and an offer letter on the spot.
Vocational guidance remains an area of significant interest at the show. Godinho says, “In many countries, including the UAE, vocational training is snowballing towards the making of a technically proficient workforce, now needed more than ever before, with Dubai close to hosting the World Expo 2020, which is expected to create a multitude of new jobs.
“Many mid-role specialised jobs are filled by expatriates rather than Emiratis, because of the previous lack of awareness of vocational training. Owing to the gap between high school graduates and university graduates, there is an impending shortfall in the UAE of skilled labour. Vocational training bridges this gap by encouraging learners to acquire skills in specific job profiles and empowering them to quickly enter the workforce, become financially viable and gain career independence.”
He adds that the region offers a conducive environment for private vocational training institutes based on its cutting-edge education infrastructure, accelerated business growth, robust economy and free zone ownership.
Getex also features course-specific guidance, information on financing options and scholarship opportunities, and migration consultancy.
