The pressure of planning and applying for college while in the final year of school may seem gruelling. If you’re unclear on where and how to start, here is some help for you to stay on track with your college admission process.
Research early
Start your search for college/university at Grade 10 or 11, suggests Mariam Shaikh, Vice-President of Student Recruitment and Admissions at Amity University Dubai. However, she adds that it is only in the senior year — Grade 12 or 13 — when students should start applying, which should be done as early as September of their final year in high school.
Prepare for the future
Students need to schedule visits to tour different campuses and narrow down their options. “Explore different websites, look at programme choices, write a creative essay and a strong personal statement and line up stellar recommendations from your teachers and supervisors. At the same time, maintain good grades and stay active in extracurricular activities as well as volunteer work,” suggests Shaikh.
Limit your applications
Apply to between six to eight institutions to guarantee a spot in a suitable college or university. “College applications are very time-consuming and can also be intimidating for students as well as quite pricey with fees up to $100 [Dh367] each, so it’s important that students shouldn’t apply to too many schools,” says Shaikh. “They should carefully apply only to schools where they can see themselves being well adjusted, able to follow their passion and be happy.
“Location, degree programmes and class size are some of the aspects. Also, research into academic opportunities, scholarships or financial aid availability, hands-on learning options, internships, extracurricular activities, student clubs, diverse nationalities, housing availability, faculty credentials, accreditation and campus facilities.”
Set the documents
Review the university’s website to study the application requirement and keep all documents ready to apply either in person or online. “The essential documents required while applying include high school reports/transcripts, test score reports [TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, AP, etc.],” says Sara Sleem, Assistant Director, Admissions, American University of Dubai (AUD).
“Evidence of school and community service, student work or employment records, and distinctive talents or abilities possessed by applicants, a copy of the passport and photos are needed. Student admission into degree programmes is based on an individual evaluation of each applicant’s capability or potential for successful completion of the programme.”
Know the fee
The average fee for undergraduate business degrees in the UAE is Dh40,000-63,000 a year. “UG degrees in engineering range from Dh45,000 to Dh67,000, and majors such as psychology, fashion, media, hospitality, interior design, tourism, commerce, tourism [are] Dh35,000-60,000,” says Shaikh. Average fees for postgraduate programmes range from Dh45,000 to Dh100,000.” Miscellaneous costs such as registration fees, caution deposits and exam fees could add Dh5,000 to Dh10,000, she adds.
Housing options
Several universities offer student housing in the UAE, so make inquiries with them before searching outside. For instance, AUD provides housing to more than 500 students in four non-smoking residence halls; two for men and two for women. The University of Wollongong Dubai (UOWD) offers self-catered student residences in Jebel Ali Gardens that are fully furnished, just 15 minutes away from campus. Amity University provides students homes on campus with single occupancy at Dh40,000 and double occupancy at Dh25,000.
“Other than university accommodation, students can rent an apartment close to their university at a price range between Dh38,000-60,000 a year based on location and if it’s a studio or one bedroom. Also, companies such as Uninest student residences offer private student accommodation – price ranging from Dh2,900 to Dh5,800 a month, based on how many students share the apartment,” says Shaikh.
Visa sponsorship
If an international, non-resident student plans to join university in the UAE, most institutions may assist students in obtaining a student visa. “UOWD provides a sponsored student visa to international students, enabling you to study and reside in the UAE,” says Mohammad Hettini, Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment, UOWD. “Even non-nationals who are resident in the UAE are eligible to apply for a student visa with us. Our visa sponsorship is available for students who enroll on a full-time basis.”
Job permits
In the UAE, students are allowed to work and are even encouraged to engage in internships and part-time employment.
“Students can find an internship or part-time work in several ways, including through university student services, career fairs, online job boards/career sites and leveraging their networks,” says Jean-Michel Gauthier, CEO at InternsME.
“Many universities are now promoting mandatory internships as part of their programmes. Governing authorities are also making it easy for companies. Mainland UAE and free zone [companies] have simple processes in place to encourage onboarding of interns and part-time students, involving just a few photocopies, sponsor NOC and small processing fees [Dh500–1,000].”
