Fair chance to explore university options

Education exhibitions, fairs, open days and road shows are all opportunities for institutions to showcase their myriad higher education options. They provide students with a dizzying array of specialisations available in a range of subjects varying from Actuarial Sciences to zoology in countries as diverse as America to New Zealand.

Such events are a starting point for prospective students to learn about new and upcoming fields. Entry requirements and deadlines for applications for specific courses in different destinations can vary greatly.

For example, to secure a place in some UK universities that offer Law (LLB) one needs an LNAT (National Admission Test for Law).

Demonstrating proficiency

Similarly, for many US and Singaporean universities, SAT I or at times SAT II may be mandatory, while TOEFL/IELTS to demonstrate proficiency in English may also be required.

By becoming aware of the entry requirements sufficiently early, potential applicants get adequate time to plan their road map to college.

As fees increase and stringent visa regulations come into effect in some study destinations, students search for newer options. Some fairs like the IDP's Open Day or Int'l Student Network's US Fair not only offer on the spot admissions but also scholarships, despite the recession.

Given the current financial scenario, cost-effective options are becoming increasingly sought after. Countries like Malaysia and New Zealand have therefore seen an increase in applications.

Some students who are "rank-conscious" complain that Ivy League institutions or highly ranked institutions rarely visit the region during such events.

Some post graduate aspirants also bemoan the fact that most of the fairs cater to high school students and there is limited or no information on postgraduate programmes. As more and more recent graduates from thr UAE find it challenging to secure suitable job openings, the demand for postgraduate programmes increases.

"For 15 years, US Educational Group (USEG) has been bringing US universities to Dubai and other emirates; the numbers of students attending the fairs have increased steadily during that time.

Students can be sure to speak with a director of admission from the university itself and not a local representative — this has also helped increase the number of visitors to the fair," said Joseph Humadi, President USEG.

Important issues

Kate Owen, Director of the British Council in the UAE said, "At EDUKEX, visitors will also be able to learn more about important issues such as applying for your visa or taking your IELTS exam as well as attend subject-specific presentations such as studying engineering or medicine in the UK."

Some fairs promote only one study destination while at others like GETEX, NAJAH and the Sharjah Educational Fair, there is an array of exhibitors and courses from various countries on offer, making it overwhelming for some.

A new addition for NAJAH 2011 is the dedicated career workshops, where industry professionals will provide visitors with information and inspiration to help them make better decisions on their chosen educational or career paths.

Go to a university fair near you:

The writer is the director of Counselling Point Educational & Social Services.