Dubai Knowledge Village admissions guide

Reema Saffarini reports on how the details of the 15 universities that currently form the campus can be obtained from one source

So you are officially a high school graduate now and you are hunting for a reputed university for your higher education. There are so many issues on your mind … you don't even know where to start.

Do you want to study abroad or in the UAE? Are any of the programmes you are interested in available where you want to go? What about tuition fees, scholarships, transportation, accommodation … the list is endless.

Fortunately, you have an opportunity to choose between more than 15 international universities in the UAE without wasting money and too much time.

Located on one campus, the universities at the Dubai Knowledge Village (KV) can be the answer to your dilemma. So, of you are interested in becoming a KV student read on.

"If you want to apply to any of the universities here, you have to visit the official KV website," said Wessan Rawazik, student services coordinator at KV.

"You can either check the list of universities and what they offer, or go to the programme search engine where you just type in the subject you are interested in and get a list of universities offering it. You can contact the university after that," she said.

When applying, students have to keep a few issues in mind. "You have to think of the tuition and how much you are willing to spend, accommodation, which differs from one university to another, programmes and majors, and facilities and university administration," she said.

"I encourage you to visit the campus to get acquainted with its location," Wessan advised.

Before the academic year begins, KV organises an open day for international students, and a week of welcome for new students. Activities include an international students bazaar, safari trip and a movie night.

What about scholarships?

"Students can check the KV website to get an idea about the types of scholarships the universities offer. They can also apply online," Wessan said.

The location of KV, with neighbours such as Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, is often considered a plus for students.

KV's Department of Student Services and Programmes has formalised internship opportunities in companies at the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone. They include Siemens, MasterCard, HSBC and Hewlett-Packard.

"KV is a unique place to study. It gathers many educational institutes, students from various cultures and backgrounds and unlimited educational opportunities in one place," said Wessan.

She added: "Be respectful to your friends regardless of background, culture or religion. Friendships can go a long way and only through respect will you be able to enjoy yourself."

For more information on how to apply to KV universities log on to: (www.kv.ae).

How to qualify for a scholarship?
Universities at the Dubai Knowledge Village will be funding 96 scholarships. To apply, students must submit their resume, two letters of reference, evidence of community-related activities and proof of residency and an official grade report or academic transcripts that indicate a minimum GPA of 3.3.

For more information log on to www.kv.ae or contact the university in question.

Are you an international student?
The Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority sponsors foreign students enrolling at the Dubai Knowledge Village (KV). All student visa requests from the KV campus pass through its Department of Student Services and Programmes (DSSP for submission to the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD).

All DNRD and Free Zone immigration regulations and procedures apply to foreign students while they are physically present in the UAE.

Residency visas are required for all international students and men over the age of 18 who currently reside in Dubai.

DSSP will process the visa under certain conditions. A student must be enrolled to take approved courses with a Dubai Knowledge Village academic institute.

Some of the institutes in Dubai Knowledge Village

Birla Institute of Technology and Science (Bits-Pilani)
Degrees offered:

BE (Hons.) Computer Science
BE (Hons.) Electrical and Electronics Engineering
BE (Hons.) Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering
BE (Hons.) Mechanical Engineering
BE (Hons.) in Civil Engineering
and Chemical Engineering (It will be offered
if there is adequate response from the applicants.)

Scholarships cover full tuition, cost of books, housing, and transportation. They cover three male and female UAE national students.
Website: www.bitsdubai.com

Europese Hogeschool Brussels (EHSAL), Dubai
Degrees offered:

Executive international MBA
Postgraduate professional diplomas in general strategic management, human resources planning and management, and project planning and management
Bachelor degree in Business Administration
Bachelor degree in Business Engineering
Postgraduate professional certificates in human resources management, project planning and management and business plan development

Website: www.hsal-dubai.net

Herriot Watt University, Dubai
Degrees offered: