Compared to previous years, universities and higher education institutes including the BITS Pilani Dubai Campus have witnessed an increase in the number of students opting to pursue higher education in Dubai. Industry experts claim that the numbers have increased three-fold in the last five-year period from 5-6% to almost 15% now, while courses in engineering and business are amongst the popular undergraduate programs luring the potential pupils.
Dubai has certainly caught the imagination of Indian parents seeking affordable education for their wards abroad, and there are various factors going in its favor. The foremost being the affordable tuition fee and lower cost of living despite the high quality of education and international exposure that the city offers with 200+ nationalities living in Dubai. UAE University fees are one-third compared to the popular study destinations such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, European countries and Australia.
For instance, in contrast to a fee of Rs.22 lacs – 40 Lacs ($30,000-$55,000) in universities in the US and other Western countries, the fees in UAE universities are much more reasonable – within the Rs. 8 Lacs -18 Lacs ($12-$25,000) bracket. Besides there are attractive scholarships being offered for meritorious Indian candidates.
“We are receiving 15% higher enquiries this year from students in India seeking admission to our Dubai Campus. The pandemic has also played a role in this as parents are now increasingly looking at safer and closer-to-home study abroad options. UAE is also leading the world in its vaccination roll-out program, wherein 85% of the eligible population is already vaccinated, thus creating a safer environment for residents as well as tourists. At our institute, we too have ensured 100% vaccination for our staff, students and their families. All these combined with very promising internship and job-placement opportunities with leading global organizations make Dubai a very appealing value proposition for higher study”, commented Dr R.N. Saha, Director, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus.
“To ease the financial burden of parents, we have also announced Rs 10 crores worth of scholarships for deserving students under various categories. The scholarships are designed to benefit the maximum number of students, applicable to tuition fees as well as concession on hostel fees etc.” Besides, we have an arrangement for facilitation of Education Loans with leading banks of India such as SBI, ICICI and HDFC-Credila” said Dr.Saha.
Furthermore, Universities in Dubai have modern infrastructure, and Dubai is crime free which ensures the safety of students. According to the global crime index 2020, UAE grabs the 3rd spot amongst the safest countries and actually earns the rare distinction of being the only country with three of its cities; Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah ranked among the world’s top ten safest cities.
Not to forget that Indian students undeniably feel at home here with the availability of a variety of cuisine, presence of a large Indian diaspora, multiple flights (3-4 hours away) to almost all the cities in India, ease of admission and the overall quality of life which makes Dubai a destination of choice. Moreover, Dubai is a great place to work and live post study, and opportunities to work are easy to find.
“In fact, 98% of all our students who secure campus job placements end up working in the UAE itself. The salary levels are much higher than what they may get in India or even in the western world. Essentially, the return on investment is much more when you study in Dubai – a degree from a well-reputed engineering institute, international exposure and access to a global job market”, added Dr. Saha.
Talking about an incredible feat, Saha stated, “We achieved a tremendous record of obtaining 100% internship placements for our students last year, despite the challenges presented due to the COVID situation. What more, the institute has collaborated with over 300 reputed companies comprising of Fortune 500 Companies, MNC’s such as PWC, Reckitt Benckiser, L&T, HP, Schindler, Noon, Schneider Electric, Landmark Group and more, as well as sought-after upcoming startups to offer placements and internships”.
