QUALIFICATION. Considered comparable on a subject for subject basis to GCSE (except for English Language) when a min score of 70% has been obtained.

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1 General Background Info Aston University United Arab Emirates (UAE) (This update: 7 th October 2008) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is situated in the east of the Arabian Peninsula. The UAE was formed in 1971 when the British withdrew from the Gulf region. It is a federation of the former Trucial states and consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi Ajman Dubai Fujairah Ras al-khaimah Sharjah Umm al-qawain The UAE government spends 19.6% of its budget on education. The Ministry of Education has the responsibility for all school and pre-degree education including private schools and institutes. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, founded in 1992, is responsible for all post-secondary education. It is also responsible for the regulation of private institutions in higher education. The total population is estimated to be three million. Only an estimated 24% of the total population are Arab nationals / citizens of the UAE, the reminder are expatriate workers of which the vast majority are Asian nationals. QUALIFICATION Secondary education The market for HE in the UAE can be broadly segmented into: Nationals who have access to local scholarships Non nationals from other Arab nations and from the Indian subcontinent whose parents are relatively affluent European expatriate families working in the UAE The many expatriate students follow various foreign education systems e.g. IGCSE, GCSE, A Level, IB, Indian CBSE and ISC, Pakistani High School, French, American and local private High School Diplomas ( tawjihiyya ). There are 18 different education systems in the UAE. The UAE has more than 12 schools systems operating with most students following either Tawjihiyya, the local high school leaving certificate or CBSE (Indian standard XII board). UAE school system education follows a system, covering primary, preparatory / intermediate and secondary education. Male and female are generally taught in separate schools, although some schools in private sector teach pupils in separate classrooms or in split shifts. The school year lasts from September to May with a two-week mid-year break. Average class sizes are 27; with teacher pupil ratios of 1:13 The secondary cycle is three years in duration for students between the ages of 15 and 18. The system offers three-year courses in three streams: General Religious Vocational These lead to the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Tawjihiyya). General secondary schools - In the first year students follow a common curriculum. Subsequently, students are sub-divided into arts and science streams (brigher student usually choose Science). On completion of the twelfth year, students sit for the national Tawjihiyya (Secondary School Certificate) examinations. Religious institutes - There are four religious institutes offering secondary education. The curriculum is the same as that used in general secondary schools, except that additional periods of Islamic studies are taught. Courses lead to the Tawjihiyya. Vocational schools - There are currently nine institutions offering six-year technical or vocational courses at the preparatory and secondary levels. There are three types of training: Agricultural, Commerce and Technical. The curriculum is similar to that used in general secondary schools. However, technical schools have longer hours and study vocational subjects instead of humanities. On completion of the course, the Technical Secondary Diploma is awarded. Students who obtain an average of 70 per cent or better may proceed to foundation courses at the United Arab Emirates University. Tawjihiyya (Secondary School Certificate) Considered comparable on a subject for subject basis to GCSE (except for English Language) when a min score of 70% has been obtained. Recommend Foundation programme for students with very good results eg a minimum of 80%. English Language Indian Standard XII Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) Diplomas Abu Dhabi Men s Abu Dhabi Women s Al Ain Men s Al Ain Women s Dubai Men s Dubai Women s Fujeira Women s As there is a diverse mix of nationalities in the UAE, special attention needs to be drawn to their language ability. Many students will have been instructed in English depending upon their educational background. Arab national students will very often need to demonstrate their English language ability. Standard IELTS / TOEFL requirements will apply. NOTE: See the India Qualifications sheet for more information about Standard XII exemptions in English language. See Indian qualifications The HCT offer 3 year career programmes leading to the award of the Higher Diploma in various engineering technologies and business disciplines. Programmes range from the 1 year certificate, the 2 year diploma and the 3 years Higher Diploma in 4 major fields. Faculties include Business, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Communication Technology, Teacher Education and Design Arts. The colleges follow a Canadian curriculum and the medium of instruction is English. Grading systems for recognised universities and colleges are as follows: Percentage Grade Grade Point Average (GPA) % A % B % B % C+ 2.5

2 Ras Al Khaimah Men s Ras Al Khaimah Women s Sharjah Men s Sharjah Women s 70-74% C % D % D % E 0 The minimum pass grade is D (60% - 69%). Locally, the Higher Diploma is considered equivalent to the UAE University s Bachelor degree for the purposes of employment. Applicants holding the Diploma can be considered for direct admission to Bachelors degree. Applicants holding the Higher Diploma may be considered for Year 2 entry of relevant programmes. Students cannot graduate from these colleges without attaining IELTS 6.5. Bachelor Degree Institutions offering degrees include: Al Ain University Ajman University of Science &Technology American University in Dubai American University of Sharjah United Arab Emirates University University of Sharjah World Lootah University Zayed University Graduates of four year degrees can be considered for taught masters courses. Graduates of three year degrees cannot be considered for masters programmes as these qualifications are the equivalent of ordinary degrees (not honours). Grading systems for recognised universities and colleges are as follows: Percentage Grade Grade Point Average (GPA) % A % B % B % C % C % D % D % E 0 The minimum pass grade is D (60% - 69%) MANY OF THE PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN THE UAE ONLY HAVE ACCREDITATION FOR SOME OF THEIR PROGRAMMES AN EXTENSIVE LIST OF THE INSTITUTIONS AND WHICH DEGREES ARE ACCREDITED CAN BE FOUND BELOW. Please contact the International Office if you have an application with a non-accredited degree from a private institution. Masters & Research degrees Institutions offering these include: British University in Dubai (BUiD) EDAAD (Government Scholarships) Of comparable standing The EDAAD programme sponsors students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and strong leadership skills at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Students must be UAE nationals, and for UG study have at least 80% in the High School Certificate as well as a high TOEFL score. For PG study EDAAD requests that prospective scholars have a Bachelor of Arts or Sciences from an accredited university with a GPA of 3.0 or above. The scholarship covers all aspects of the student s expenditure from tuition fees to accommodation and personal expenses. There are no restrictions as to the programme of study, although EDAAD gives preference to those students with programme interests in line with the strategic aims of the UAE. Foreign Institutions in the UAE These institutions often do not have accreditation from the authorities of the UAE. They are accredited by foreign governments and accreditation bodies. Three models operate in the UAE for delivering foreign courses: partnerships with state institutions; partnerships with private organisations; branch campuses. Dubai s strategy to become the region s hub includes establishing centres of excellence in media, IT and education. These centres have been set up alongside each other in a series of villages. The education centre is known as Knowledge Village and opened in Occupants include established universities, training centres, and e-learning development companies. It should be noted that qualifications gained by distance leaning are not recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education, though it is not illegal to offer them. Below is a range of the major foreign institutions in Dubai: Australia University of Wollongong Offering Bachelors and Masters degrees in IT and Business Not offering the 4 year honours programme (need to go to Australia to complete, which most students do not) Canada Universitiy of New Brunswick School of Audio Engineering Offering Bachelors and Masters courses in Audio Engineering, Animation, Recording, Film and Multimedia

3 - offering a bachelors degree in Information Science Ireland Royal College of Surgeons - Offering Masters degrees in Information Science Belgium European University College, Brussels - Offering Bachelors and Masters degrees in Business, and Language and Communication Skills India Manipal Academy of Higher Education - Offering Bachelors and Masters degrees in Business, and Health Sciences - Same requirements as for India Mahatma Ghandi University - Offering Bachelors and Masters degrees in IT, Tourism, Fashion Technology, and Commerce - Same requirements as for India Birla Instiute of Technology and Science - Offering Bachelors and Masters degrees in IT and Engineering - One of best Indian institutes - IELTS not required Institute of Management and Technology - Offering MBA Pakistan Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology - Offering a Bachelors degree in IT and Masters degree in Media Studies and Business - Same requirements as for Pakistan Iran Islamic Azad University - Offering a Bachelors degree in Business, IT and Engineering Russia St Petersburg State University of Engineering and Economics UK Herriot Watt University - offering a range of Bachelors and Masters degrees in areas of management and business, oil and gas technology, food science and mathematics Middlesex University - Offering Bachelors degrees in IT, Hospitality and Tourism, Media, and Bachelors and Masters in Management British University in Dubai - Consortium of the universities of Birmingham (Education), Cardiff (Built Environment), City (Finance and Banking), Edinburgh (Informatics), and Manchester (Engineering) - Offers Masters and PhDs and short courses for continuing professional development - BUID awards its own degrees, which are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education but awarded in association with the lead British university for that subject Additional Information about the main Higher Education Institutions in the UAE Dubai Polytechnic University of the UAE Opened in 1997 and it used to offer predominantly HND related programmes. It is now developing its own locally accredited degrees. It operates in a split campus in the city centre. It is being renamed as the Dubai University College for Applied Sciences. The University has over 16,500 students in 9 faculties including: Administrative and Political Science Agriculture Arts Education, Sharia and Law Engineering (including Architecture) Health & Medical Science Science The language of instruction is Arabic in all faculties except Engineering, Science and Health & Medical Science where the medium is English. There is also a Department of Higher Education, a Department of Student Affairs and a Faculty of External Tutorial Studies which offers tuition to external students by means of centres in each emirate. To enter the University, students are required to achieve specific marks in the Tawjihiyya, depending on the specialism. The University offers a foundation programme aimed at developing basic skills in Arabic, English, scientific research methodology and maths. There is strong emphasis on the use of computers and modern educational concepts. (American) University of Sharjah Postgraduate works centers on a Masters degree in environmental sciences, offered by the College of Science, and a postgraduate diploma offered by the College of Education. Opened in 1997 on an impressive campus (known as University City) which includes the 2 Sharjah HCT Colleges.

4 World Lootah University Zayed University This internet university offers higher studies and Bachelor degrees in the 5 faculties of Economics and Commerce Islamic Banking Management and Leadership Accounting Computer Science Information Systems This is a relatively new university with its headquarters in Dubai. It currently has 2 campuses for women based in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The curriculum is based on US principles. The University has a strong commitment to new technology with all students buying laptops and these being a compulsory part of the learning. It is also committed to providing an outcomes-based learning environment where students learn through a constructive process that encourages them to develop understanding, not just to accept information. Students must meet proficiency standards in English, Arabic, basic maths and IT. Students follow a foundation programme in the social & behavioural sciences, humanities & fine arts, science & technology, language & communication and mathematics. Six colleges offer majors/specialisms to students beginning their 3 rd year of university study: Arts & Sciences Business Sciences Communication & Media Sciences Education Family Sciences Information Systems The University has links with several US universities and has set up the Executive MBA in managing e-business this is the first such programme in the Gulf region. The EMBA in Managing e-business is based in Dubai Media City. The programme consists of 12 courses grouped into 4 terms over a 24-month period. EXTENSIVE LIST OF THE PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS AND WHICH OF THEIR DEGREES ARE ACCREDITED CAN BE FOUND BELOW: (Source UK Naric) Recognised private Institutions & Programmes Abu Dhabi University Bachelor of Business Administration (Management) Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing) Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance) Bachelor of Arts (English) Bachelor of Education (Class Teacher) Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) Master of Arts (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Master of Arts (Translation) Master of Business Administration (Business Administration) Ajman University of Science and Technology Diploma in Business Administration Diploma in Information Technology Bachelor in Education Methods & Techniques- Teacher Training (Arabic Language & Islamic Studies) Bachelor in Education Methods & Techniques-Teacher Training (Math & Science) Bachelor in Educational Technology Bachelor in Electrical Engineering (Communication Engineering)Instrumentation and Control) Bachelor in Electrical Engineering (Electronic Engineering) Bachelor in Law Bachelor in Management Bachelor in Pharmacy Bachelor of Education in Teaching English as a Foreign Language Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Translation

5 Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Translation Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication & Public Relations Bachelor of Business Administration (Business Administration) Bachelor of Science in Accounting Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Bachelor of Science in Finance Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Bachelor of Science in Interior Design Bachelor of Science in Marketing Doctor of Dental Surgery Master of Business Administration (Business Administration) Master of Science in Ground Water Engineering and Management Al Ain University of Science and Technology Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting) Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance and Banking) Bachelor of Business Administration (Management Information Systems) Bachelor of Education in English Language Teaching Education Bachelor of Education in Information Technology Teaching Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering Al Ghurair University Bachelor of Business Administration (Business Administration) Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Al Hosn University Bachelor in Management Information Systems Bachelor of Business Administration (Business Administration) Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education in Teaching English Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning Master of Business Administration (Business Administration) Al Khawarizmi International College Associate in Business Administration Diploma in Computer Studies Foundation Certificate in Computer Studies

6 American College of Dubai Associate of Arts Associate of Science in Business Associate of Science in Information Technology American University of Dubai Bachelor in Business Administration Bachelor in Interior Design Bachelor in Visual Communication Bachelor in Civil Engineering Bachelor in Electrical Engineering Bachelor in Computer Engineering Bachelor in Information Technology Master of Business Administration American University of Sharjah Bachelor in Architecture Bachelor in Heritage Management Bachelor in Interior Design Bachelor in Translation Bachelor of Arts in Economics Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature Bachelor of Arts in International Studies Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems Bachelor Science in Business Administration Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Design Management Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science Bachelor of Science in Finance Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Multi Media Design Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication Executive MBA (Business Administration) Master of Arts English/Arabic/English Translation and Interpreting Master in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Master of Business Administration (Business Administration) Master of Science in Engineering Systems Management Master of Science in Mechatronic Engineering

7 Master of Science in Urban Planning British University in Dubai Master of Education in Education (in association with University of Birmingham) Master of Science in Environmental Design of Buildings (in association with University of Cardiff) Master of Science in Finance and Banking (in association with CASS Business School, City University) Master of Science in Information Technology (in association with University of Edinburgh) Master of Science in Information Technology Management (in association with University of Edinburgh) Master of Science in Project Management (in association with University of Manchester) Computer College Associate in Business Administration Diploma in Computer Studies Foundation Certificate in Computer Studies Dubai Medical College for Girls Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery Dubai Pharmacy College Bachelor of Pharmacy Dubai Police Academy License in Law & Police Sciences License in Law Diploma in Police Special Diploma in Law General Diploma in Law Diploma in Residence and Naturalisation Higher Diploma in Criminal Sciences Master of Arts in Law Master of Law in International Investments and Commerical Law Master of Police Sciences in Criminal Investigation Master of Police Sciences in Security Crisis Management Dubai University College for Applied Studies Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Banking Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Systems Bachelor of Science in Internet Computing Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management Associate of Arts in Business and Tourism Bachelor of Science (Hons) in International Hospitality Management Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Tourism Management Associate of Science in International Hospitality Operations

8 Emirates Aviation College Bachelor of Air Transport Management Bachelor of Tourisn Management Bachelor of Business Administration Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering Emirates College for Management and Information Technology Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Emirates College of Technology Diploma of Business Administration and Computer Information Systems Emirates Institute for Banking & Financial Studies Diploma in Banking Diploma in Islamic Banking Higher Diploma in Banking Etisalat University College Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Communication Engineering Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Computer Engineering Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronic Engineering Masters by Research in Engineering Gulf Medical College Bachelor in Physiotherapy Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Islamic and Arabic Studies College, Dubai Bachelor in Arabic Language and Literature Bachelor in Islamic Studies Master of Arts in Arabic Language and Literature Master of Arts in Islamic Fiqh Ph.D in Fiqh and its Fundementals Ittihad University Bachelor of Arts in English Language Teaching Bachelor of Arts English Language and Translation Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Naval College Bachelor in Naval Studies Petroleum Institute Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geosciences Engineering Skyline College Bachelor of Business Administration

9 Syscoms College Associate of Science in Information Technology University of Sharjah Bachelor in Architectural Engineering Bachelor in Law Bachelor in Pharmacy Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Language and Literature Bachelor of Arts in Communication Visual Media Track Bachelor of Arts in Communication Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature Bachelor of Arts in History and Islamic Civilisation Bachelor of Arts in Shariah Bachelor of Arts in Sociology Bachelor of Fine Arts Bachelor of Science in Accounting Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Management/Marketing and Finance) Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health Sciences Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology Bachelor of Science in Nursing Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy Bachelor of Science in Public Administration Executive Master of Business Administration Master of Arts in Arabic Language and Literature Master of Arts in Communication Master of Arts in History and Islamic Civilisation Master of Arts in translation Masters in Jurisprudence and its Fundementals Masters in Private Law Masters in Public Law Masters in Tafseer and Hadith Master of Science in Civil Engineering Master of Science in Computer Engineering Master of Science in Computer Science Master of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering University of Wollongong in Dubai Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting

10 Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources Management Bachelor of Commerce in Management/Marketing/Finance Bachelor in Business Administration Bachelor in Computer Science Bachelor in Internet Science and Technology Masters in Business Administration Masters in International Business Masters in Quality Management Masters in Strategic Human Resources Management Master of Strategic Marketing