Why study in uae

Why the UAE is Your Ideal Study Abroad Destination - and You Didn’t Even Know It

Students do not often think of the Middle East as a primary destination for their time studying abroad - to many, it seems complicated, overwhelming, and even dangerous. But the rich history of the region and the cultures that intertwine therein set the stage for an incredible opportunity of personal growth, intercultural learning, and academic advancement.

Chief among study abroad destinations in the region is the United Arab Emirates. Like the students who flock to the UAE in pursuit of a unique academic experience, the country is young, inspired, and growing at an incredible rate in virtually every sense.

If it’s not already at the top of students’ “study abroad destinations” lists, here are 5 reasons to add it there:

1. The UAE is home to one of the most rapidly growing education systems

When we think of quality education, our minds likely wander to Europe or the United States. But the UAE is making strides toward becoming one of the premier academic hubs of the world. In fact, last year (2016), the government allotted nearly a quarter (21.2%) of its budget to the education sector. Compare that to the U.S. and U.K., which spent barely 4% and 11% of their budgets on education, respectively. By 2020, the growth of students in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, alone, is projected to hit 283,000 and 400,000, respectively. If there’s a place and time to invest in one’s education, the place is the UAE, and the time is now.

2. Health and safety are top priorities - and strengths

It’s admittedly difficult to look past the narrative of middle eastern violence and instability fed to western consumers by the media on a daily basis. While it is true that students should exercise caution in any foreign environment, there is little reason for safety concern in many areas of the Middle East. The UAE, with its strict police force and high population of expats, is home to some the safest global cities of comparable size. In fact, the U.S. Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) has classified crime danger in the UAE as “low,” and though visitors are encouraged to continue to be cautious and aware, the country’s law enforcement has a proven capacity to detect, deter, and prevent acts of terrorism. Additionally, should students face any issues with their health, the UAE boasts some of the most advanced medical facilities in the world, including Dubai’s “Healthcare City,” which has attracted the world’s leading healthcare providers.

3. Western universities have a thriving presence in the UAE

Many colleges and universities familiar to those from western backgrounds and known globally for their academic rigor have an active presence in UAE. Hailing from a wide variety of countries, including U.S.A., U.K., France, Australia, and Canada, these institutions not only serve as potential places of study for students abroad, but also represent the growing academic interest in the region. The UAE has a number of its own well-respected higher education institutions; however, top-tier schools like New York University, Paris-Sorbonne University, and Waterloo University accompany them, along with a wealth of world-renowned universities that have campuses in the country.

4. Scholarship opportunities abound

The universities in the UAE offer a plethora of scholarship opportunities for potential students looking to study abroad there, in degree levels ranging from Bachelor’s to PhD. The UAE is certainly not the least expensive country in the Middle East (let alone the world), but the wide range of scholarship opportunities can act as a supplement for many of the costs students of might face on a regular basis. Some of these take the form of research grants, others reward innovation, and still more are needs-based. With any of these scholarships, students should be prepared well in advance of their departure in order to make the most of their applications.

5. The UAE is a cradle for potential job opportunities

The significance of studying abroad in the UAE should not be limited to the time spent in the classroom or even to the time before students receive their diplomas. Universities are designed to prepare students to contribute to a workforce, though in many places, recent graduates have struggled to find jobs right out of school. The UAE, however, is a hub for expats, young professionals, and postgraduate students. UAE citizens, in fact, are far outnumbered by the country’s expatriate community, which makes up approximately 87% of its population. Furthermore, the expat experience is viewed highly by those working there, a majority of whom claim it is easy to find friends, settle in, and feel at home in the culture there.