Admissions to Sharjah university approved

The University of Sharjah has admitted 1065 students, all UAE nationals, for the new academic year starting September, taking the total number to 4,500.

Dr Issam Zabalawi, Chancellor of University of Sharjah (UOS), said: "There has been a great demand from national students this year as we received over 1800 applications."

He said the UOS will be able to admit only around 1000 students following the decision of the Board of Trustees.

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, approved the admission of the first batch of students for the year 2002-2003 following the acceptance of applications by the University's Admission and Registration Department.

"We have admitted nationals only in the first batch and will consider admitting students from GCC countries in the second and third batch of students within the next couple of weeks, Dr Zabalawi said.

He added that normally 80 per cent of the students admitted in the first batch join the university, whereas the vacant positions are filled during the second and third phase of admissions.

He said the international scenario after the September 11 incidents might be the reason for the overwhelming response, but the university has seen a gradual increase in the number of students, especially nationals, over the last five years since the inception of the institution.

"We aim to touch our maximum figure of 5,000 students within the next two years," he said.
He said some five to 10 per cent students drop out for various reasons.

The admitted students comprise 285 males and 780 females in eight different colleges of the university.

A further breakup of students showed that 74 students were admitted to the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies; 114 to the College of Law; 206 to the College of Arts and Sciences, 161 to the College of Engineering, 297 to the College of Business and Management; 113 to the College of Health Sciences, 85 to the College of Communication and only 15 students to the newly established College of Fine Arts.

Students admitted to colleges of Engineering, Business and Management, Arts and Sciences, Health Science, Fine Arts and the Department of English will have to appear for the TOEFL to determine their abilities of writing, reading, speaking and listening in English.

The test will be held on August 25, 26 at the university. Students who fail will have to join the intensive English programme at the university before starting their studies.

The university has also increased fees by 15 per cent for the new students and five per cent for those already studying at the university.

"The increase is not much as the students are paying an average of Dh 22,000 to Dh 25,000 per year, whereas the university is spending around Dh 50,000 on each student per year.

"Studies at the university are highly subsidised by the government of Sharjah as it is contributing at least Dh 25,000 to Dh 27,000 every year," he explained.

The UOS Chancellor said the university had introduced new degree courses in the Colleges of Fine Arts and Communications. "Various programmes being offered have been designed in line with the current and future job market demands in the region," he said.

Dr Zabalawi said the university does not offer scholarships. Students had to apply to various institutions to get scholarships.

"We however have student assistance programmes. We provide financial help to needy but brilliant students in addition to supporting distinguished students," he said, adding that the University also provided part time work opportunities to students so that they can meet expenses.

Some 10 to 15 per cent students take this programme every year.