How to apply for higher education

A government campaign was conducted recently across the country to inform UAE national high school students about the procedure. Reema Saffarini reports.

UAE nationals follow certain special procedures when applying for admission at UAE's government universities or for education abroad.

Recently the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research held a two-week orientation campaign where representatives from the National Admissions and Placement Office (Napo) visited government schools in all seven emirates.

The Napo office acts as the link between students and government higher education institutions in the UAE.

The campaign began on September 10 and ended on September 21.

Notes spoke with Osama Al Huraibi, a Napo representative, about the steps UAE nationals should follow when applying for higher education. Al Huraibi was present during an orientation session at Dubai Men's College.

"This is an annual meeting that provides students with an idea of how to register in UAE University and the Higher Colleges of Technology and Zayed University if applicants are female students," he said.

"We usually gather students from different universities and explain to them the application process, what to do and how to do it. We do this at the beginning of the academic year so that grade 12 students can meet all the deadlines the Napo office sets."

Representatives from the three universities are usually present at these meetings to give an idea of the programmes, facilities and opportunities available on campus.

For admission in UAE universities, students must be:

- UAE nationals

- Holder of the General High School Certificate with a minimum average of 70 per cent.

- Student must sit for the CEPA - English and mathematics tests. The student is required to score 150 or above to pass the English test and be considered for admission. Students will be informed about the exam's date during the academic year.

Additional information:
- Students interested in applying abroad must fill the designated space on the application form. Do not fill the space provided for those seeking higher education in the UAE.

- For UAE national students interested in studying in the private universities in the country, they are required to check the accreditation of the institutions.

-To check, student can call: 02-6428520

- For more information, log on to: www.napo.ae

INFO PACK

Napo provides students with a package consisting of:

- An application form

- A booklet of information covering higher education in government universities, private institutions, institutes abroad and Tanmia.

How to apply:

- The Napo office provides the education zones in the seven emirates with the necessary application forms to distribute in government schools.

- The application form provides students with two options; either study in one of the country's government universities or study abroad.

- Students are required to complete the form and provide updated contacts and information.

- Students then return the application form along with the following documents to the social worker at the school:
- Passport copy
- Nationality family book
- Six passport pictures
- Birth certificate

- Students can also apply online: www.napo.ae/apply

- Required documents for those applying online should be mailed through Emirates Post, which will ensure the arrival of the package.

Deadline for application: April 7, 2007