Sharjah Institute of Technology to accept expat students

A Sharjah-based public institution has opened its doors to expatriate and stateless students who may not have been able to afford tuition in the past.

The Sharjah Institute of Technology – a public funded institute – is now allowing students from these groups to enrol for the academic year 2009 -2010.

The move follows a similar announcement by Zayed University that opened its doors to international students.
The institute, created in 2003, was initially restricted to Emiratis with elementary and secondary certificates and limited only five per cent of the total seats to expatriate students. It is now granting a number of scholarships to students who graduate from the institute with scores above 90 per cent.

Sayyed Mohammad Sayyed, Deputy Director of the institute, said around 80 applicants have been interviewed. The process will continue until the start of the first semester in September.

The final number of scholarships has not yet been decided but those who graduate from the institute with excellent marks will be granted scholarships to pursue their education abroad. The institute offers two-year diplomas and can accommodate up to 300 students every year. Majors studied include electronic and electrical engineering which, along with others, is taught in English.

The new policy aims to boost the institution's efforts in developing human resources in technology education and produce qualified graduates to add to the workforce, Sayyed said and added that the institute – affiliated to the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry – is working to keep pace with the latest technological developments. “We are keen to open the door to talented students from all classes to make use of their potential.''

Hanadi Al Suwaid, Assistant Director of the Girls Section at the institute, said girls have to pass high school to be accepted.

They may enrol in subjects like media designing, jewellery designing, fashion designing, hair styling and information technology.

Female students can also take advantage of education and training schemes offered by public authorities like the Sharjah Human Resources Department which work with the institute.