Options, options, and more options...

For those still on the lookout for study opportunities, the season of education fairs is not over yet. The Education Show, which began last Wednesday and closes today, is hosting more than 70 educational institutions in Sharjah. They include universities in the UAE, and international universities from the UK, Malaysia, India and Germany among other countries.

The show is a joint initiative of the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Expo Centre Sharjah. It is supported by the National Human Resource Development and Employment Authority (Tanmia) and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). Ahmad Mohammad Al Midfaa', Chairman of the SCCI, and Saif Mohammad Al Midfaa', Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah, toured the exhibition, alongside other guests and university representatives.

Universities present

Facing the entrance is the University of Dubai, where Sara Morteza, business management student, received visitors and spoke to them about the university and what it offers.

"I like the university because it is located in a convenient area in Dubai, the tuition fee is not expensive, there are day-time and evening courses," Sara told Notes.

Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Village are both represented by higher education providers. The newly-opened Michigan State University is there, with two representatives ready to answer student questions. The University of Wollongong in Dubai also has a booth.

Skyline University College, based in Sharjah, invited students to explore its business administration and travel and tourism programmes. Anil Gangta, brand supervisor of the college, said students are usually very interested in this field because it is interesting and lucrative. The college offers bachelor degrees in the former subject and diplomas after the completion of short courses in the latter.

New university in town

The latest addition to the list of higher education providers is Khalifa University based in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

The university, which opened in October, has around 250 students registered in its Sharjah branch and 100 in Abu Dhabi, which is to become the university headquarters, according to Dr Arif Al Hammadi, manager of the university.

The university offers graduate and postgraduate courses in three major disciplines: telecom, electronics and computer engineering.

"The university's branch in Abu Dhabi is co-educational; we're open to all nationalities… . We are accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and internationally by the Institute of Engineering and Technology," Al Hammadi said. Students interesting in learning more about the university can visit their website, www.kustar.ac.ae. Applications are closed for this year but will reopen for the September 2009 academic year.

Sahar Mahini from Ajman University (AU) was at the fair to get more information on educational opportunities for her relatives.