Studying in the UAE. How to get a higher education

Ways to obtain education in the UAE

The education system in the UAE, like in many Western countries, is structured and consists of several stages. Secondary education is mandatory and is enshrined at the legislative level. It lasts 12 years and is absolutely free. In the UAE, there are two types of education — public schools and private institutions. The former are attended mainly by Arab children, but recently foreigners have also had the opportunity to attend public schools. However, such education is paid for them. Private institutions, on the other hand, are oriented towards national diasporas, where the entire curriculum corresponds to the school standards of the countries of individual ethnic groups. This also determines the difference in the languages of instruction. However, English and Arabic are still the most common.

Since the state pays great attention to the level and quality of education, all private educational institutions are subject to systematic ministerial inspections and, if they do not meet the required standards, they may be deprived of their license to operate. Notable features that distinguish UAE schools from Western ones are the separate form of education for boys and girls, as well as the mandatory study of the Arabic language and the basics of Islam. The process of obtaining education consists of certain stages and includes:

· Preschool education (kindergartens).

· Elementary school.

· Preparatory school.

· Middle or high school.

·Vocational and technical schools.

·Universities.

·

Preschool education (4-5 years)

Is a preparatory stage for primary education. It is created in the form of educational centers based on schools, which, in turn, brings the educational process closer to the school atmosphere.

Preschool education in the UAE is not mandatory and you have to pay for it. If there are places available in the kindergarten, enrollment is carried out throughout the academic year. Some centers also offer summer camps for children.

Primary school (6-12 years)

Acts as the first stage in the system of compulsory secondary education. It has both public and private forms. Accordingly, it can be free or paid. The entire period of study lasts six years. Upon admission, children undergo an interview and take exams in English and mathematics. In addition, at this level, education in the UAE remains gender-mixed until the 7th grade. After which it becomes separate.

Preparatory school (12-15 years)

The total period of study is three years. The program can be supplemented with new subjects depending on the profile of the educational institution. Schools operate mainly on a separate type. Among other academic disciplines, lessons in Arabic and the study of Islam are included in the category of compulsory subjects.

Secondary school (15-18 years)

Lasts three years and completes the twelve-year cycle of school education. Subjects are taught not only

Arab teachers, as well as highly qualified foreign teachers. Upon completing secondary school, students take final exams in language, mathematics, and subjects determined by the curriculum. If the exams are passed successfully, the graduate is awarded a document (diploma/certificate) of secondary education.

Technical School

Admission is possible only with a certificate of complete secondary education. The duration of study is 6 years, after which the student is awarded a certificate (diploma) of technical education. Professional technical education in the UAE is represented by:

· technical and industrial colleges;

· agricultural and commercial schools;

· teacher training institutes.

Universities

There are 116 higher educational institutions in the UAE, including 3 public institutes and about 30 international branches of universities from all over the world.

Higher education in the UAE fully complies with the international standardization system, which is why Emirati diplomas are recognized in all countries of the world and have a high accreditation rating. University education provides the opportunity to obtain academic degrees of bachelor's with a three-to-four-year period of study, master's with a two-to-three-year study, and doctorate. Admission to the university is based on the results of entrance exams/tests, the presence of a secondary education document, and the level of English language proficiency. The student admission scheme is non-standard and takes place on an individual basis.

Universities, in accordance with the qualifications of the institution, have their own requirements for applicants. Teaching is conducted in different languages depending on the university and The main languages remain Arabic and English. If an applicant has a language barrier, it is possible to complete special preparatory courses. The academic year in the UAE can last all year round, which allows reducing the period of study at the university.

There are two types of higher education institutions in the country — public and private. Only citizens of the UAE have the right to study in public universities, while private universities are open to everyone, including foreigners. In addition, there are numerous branches of leading world universities from the UK, the USA, France, Germany, etc. However, for international students, all education is paid. Moreover, in some universities, the tuition fee may be charged in full for all upcoming years at once. The cost of tuition varies widely in international universities, depending on the type of school and master's program, and ranges from approximately $10,000 to £24,000.

When applying for admission, an international student must provide the following documents:

·copies of the foreign and internal passports;

·confirmed certificate of existing education;

·confirmation letter of admission from the university;

·health insurance;

·receipt of payment for the entire course of study;

·a document confirming the applicant's financial solvency.

International students must obtain health insurance in their home country that will cover them while they study in the UAE.
Universities handle the issuance of student visas. It is issued for a period corresponding to the entire study period (1-3 years), but can be extended if necessary. Legalization of a diploma for the UAE involves a professional translation of the document into English or Arabic with legal certification in the country of its accreditation. International English language tests may also be conducted as part of the entrance examinations.

More detailed information on the website:

https://vseobr.com/sistemy-obrazovanija/oae/

http://www.masterstudies.ru/Objedinennye-Arabskie-Emiraty-OAE/

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