British Council: “3220 UAE students studying in UK this year, a 5 per cent increase over 2012”
Dubai, UAE, 16th September 2013 – According to the latest data released by British Council, the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, there are 3220 UAE students studying in the UK for 2012-2013 academic year, which represents an increase of 5 per cent over 2011-2012 academic year.
This was revealed by British Council while announcing the 12th edition of the Education UK Exhibition ‘EDUKEX 2013’ which will be held from September 24 to 26 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
British Council’s target for UAE students completing their higher education studies in the UK during 2013-2014 academic year is 4000, which represents an increase of 20 per cent over previous year.
Marc Jessel, Country Director, British Council, United Arab Emirates, said: “This year, British Council has brought forward EDUKEX in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to create space for preliminary talks with UAE students keen to study in the UK. The preference for the UK higher education system has often been inherited by these students from their parents and elder siblings. We are thrilled by this phenomenon, as it is an endorsement of the British higher education system, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world.”
Jessel added: “More than 45 UK universities will be highlighting their latest academic programmes at the show. We anticipate significant insights will be provided to students and parents alike.”
Jessel pointed out: “The Education UK Exhibition (EDUKEX) serves as an ideal platform to promote the UK higher education programmes to students living in the UAE and increase their numbers through well-structured outreach.”
The UK education system enjoys a high reputation among UAE students as a gateway to acquiring skills that would enable them to compete effectively in the global job market. Jessel added that EDUKEX aims to raise awareness of the quality of UK higher education as well as showcase the wide range of courses and programmes on offer in the UK.
EDUKEX is a major activity conducted by the British Council to highlight opportunities presented by UK universities.
Jessel stressed that the show also seeks to build long-term institutional and individual links between higher education institutions in the UAE and the UK.
More than 45 UK universities and colleges will showcase a wide range of bachelors and masters courses, as well as foundation-year courses to visitors in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
EDUKEX 2013 will allow visitors to broaden their knowledge about English language courses, vocational courses and higher education courses offered by a number of UK universities.