A five-fold path to choosing right

There are more than 100 higher education providers in the UAE alone, and with thousands of students looking to secure a place at the best university, how can you ensure you make the right choice? There is a great deal of good advice available and you should talk over your options with teachers, career advisers, friends and family as well as universities. However, before you narrow down your options, you may want to work your way through a simple five-star model.

If you are interested in a specialist subject, for instance, Oceanography, then your choice will naturally be limited compared to a more general subject such as engineering or law. You’ll be far happier and more motivated studying the subject that interests you the most, rather than feeling pressurised to take a course you don’t enjoy. Of course, you need to think through what course you want to study for your preferred career, but studying dentistry, when your passion is for history and a role in a museum, is unlikely to work.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choice, you need to explore where the courses are being offered relative to your home and family. Many UAE students will remain at home, but will still need to consider daily travel plans and costs. Students planning to live away from home will also have the cost of accommodation and meals to consider. Try and visit the university campus not only to meet staff and see facilities but also to gauge what local amenities and transport links are available.

There are a number of different higher education providers to consider including government funded (Higher Colleges of Technology and Zayed University); branch campuses (Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, University of Wollongong in Dubai and American University in Dubai); and private institutions (Knowledge Horizon and Emirates Aviation College). Each institution will differ in terms of size, facilities and support services, student composition and focus on academic, research or vocational teaching. If you need to work to support yourself during your studies, then look for a flexible course delivery option such as online teaching. If you plan to continue your studies outside the UAE, you may want to consider the international accreditation of your course as well as the progression routes available. You  should also consider the language of instruction, as this too will influence how you learn and support materials available.

While you will want to be reassured that the universities you are considering provide an excellent overall  experience, you should also find out how well your chosen course is viewed. You may be able to review league table rankings, but you will also be able to gauge quality by comparing entry standards, fee levels, research records and employability rates for graduates. A great way of finding out what really goes on in lectures is to review student survey results or better still, talk to current students or family friends who attend one of your preferred  providers.

Consider not just the course fee but also any additional teaching costs. You may need to factor in living and transportation expenses as well. If costs are an issue, you should investigate if there are bursaries or sponsorship opportunities available.

If you follow this simple five-star model, you will have a shortlist of courses and  niversities to investigate in further detail, perhaps at Getex. Everyone deserves a five-star university education and making the right choice now will put you firmly on track for future success.

— The writer is an education expert at PA Consulting Group, a management and IT consulting and technology firm.